I mentioned last week that I’d won a ticket to the Australian Romance Readers’ Convention. Which was ironic as I don’t read romance.
Nevertheless…. I decided it was most certainly a ‘sign’ and – though it wasn’t in my budget – I headed down to Melbourne to join romance readers and writers, hoping we’d have ‘something’ in common, and #spoileralert, we did. Namely… our love of reading and writing!
And as I’m writing this Sunday Post / weekly check-in ‘from’ the convention, I figured I’d offer up something a little different.
What I read
I managed to only read a couple of books: finishing The Mother’s Promise by Sally Hepworth; Bad Little Girl by Frances Vick and starting Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. I also started listening to an audiobook on a lengthy work trip, and suspect I’ll finish it on another long drive this coming week. I’m enjoying James Phelan’s Dark Heart, though it’s weird hearing a very posh voice talk about blood, guts and violence. I’m reminded of hearing Benedict Cumberbatch read erotic prose or similar on the Graham Norton show once.
What I wrote
I reviewed a few books on the blog including Ragdoll by Daniel Cole and The House of New Beginnings by Lucy Diamond, and I reviewed Bad Little Girl in Goodreads.
I talked about my childhood pet, named after a 1973 movie, Digby the Biggest Dog in the World. And I wrote about the Romance Readers Convention (ARRC) and the fact that I wasn’t going to know anyone and had no idea what to wear!
Australian Romance Readers Convention 2017
The convention kicked off on Friday afternoon with registration and welcome drinks. Never one to turn down free booze, I bought my ticket to the welcome drinks (thereby making it not-free I realise) and nervously ventured into the lion’s romance readers den. I thought for sure my romance-disliking ways would be obvious and I’d be tackled to the ground and ejected on entry.
But of course I wasn’t and everyone was very lovely. I met gazillions of people… happily walking up to groups of complete strangers to discuss my dislike of romantic fiction. (No, not really!)
Saturday kicked off with a keynote address by US author Courtney Milan and she was great. She debunked a few myths about romance: the formulaic-like structure; and the oh-too-perfect hero. But mostly she talked about empowerment and the fact we all deserve our ‘happily ever afters’.
I attended a showing of the documentary, Love Between the Covers – which I LOVED, while others speed-dated (readers and authors, that is), and then sessions about using romance to shine a light on social issues; and with an agent and publishers (Escape/Harlequin and Hachette) about what we readers want.
I was a tad nervous about the Awards dinner. I had a once-worn dress I decided would be suitable for the night but when I finally tried it on – the night before I left home – it was horrendous. Several outfit changes later I decided on a something far more comfortable.
The lovely Amy Andrews had ensured I had a seat at her table at dinner (and was very welcoming all weekend). We’ve been virtual friends for years and she’s someone I knew I’d really like and connect with in person.
Today’s been another enjoyable day. We had a keynote address from popular Aussie author Kylie Scott who talked about her writing journey and then a skype session with US paranormal romance writer Thea Harrison. It was interesting then to hear from a panel of authors talk about character development and how they plot / plan (or otherwise) their books. And finally a session on feminism vs romance fiction that involved no bitter arguments or fisticuffs. 😉
Sadly I’m leaving a tad early as flight connection options to my hometown are limited and I need to get home tonight as I have a commitment on Monday. As a result I’m missing a panel session and the final keynote by Kristen Callihan.
I, for one, am glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to attend. I met some lovely people, confirming my long-held percepion that readers and writers are all AMAZING!
Next week
I have some exciting news I’ll share tomorrow so you’ll have to tune in then.
Have you had an enjoyable week? Any interesting plans for the next one?
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberly from The Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Kathryn from The Book Date.
February 26, 2017
I admit I would have been nervous attending the Romance Readers event too, but you make it sound so interesting and fun! I am glad you ended up having a good time. My husband sent me an article earlier today (which I haven’t yet read) about how the modern romance genre has evolved over the past several decades. I am anxious to read it.
I hope you have a great week, Debbie!
February 26, 2017
Oh yes, so many sub-genres and categories etc… I realise I know little about the genre. I found many writers stuck to reading certain sub-genres and so forth, so they didn’t necessarily know other romance authors.
February 26, 2017
So pleased your ‘gamble’ paid off; it sounds like you really did have a great time after all.
I look forward to your big announcement when you make it 🙂
February 26, 2017
Ha, it’t not necessarily that exciting… I think I was being my usual tongue-in-check self! 😉
February 26, 2017
I am glad you enjoyed the event, as it could have gone another way. Thanks for sharing your experiences…and perhaps you will even read romance soon. (No, probably not, lol).
But it’s good to know that all readers can connect with one another over the love of books.
I checked out your Ragdoll review, and have decided to pass on that one. I am sad, though, as the title made me think it would be awesome.
Enjoy your week! Hope you delve into some awesome books.
February 26, 2017
I really should write something about ‘Between the Covers’ documentary as I loved the discussion about authors paying it forward. Such camaraderie.
February 26, 2017
Deb, it was so nice to meet you and put a face to the name. As I am an only child I have had to step outside my comfort zone my whole life, and always attended things on my own! I agree with you they are the nicest and most friendly group of people around, and I met some lovely ladies which didn’t mind me hanging with them for part of the day yesterday. I still am selective about which romance genres I read though, there are so many out there
February 27, 2017
Very true. Everyone was very lovely and very welcoming!
February 26, 2017
Behind Her Eyes seems to get a lot of attention, I’ve seen a few really positive reviews and then one blog review last week that HATED it (the twist, mainly). So I don’t know! I’m pretty curious though. 🙂
Hope you’re having a fab time at the convention!
February 27, 2017
I actually haven’t gotten back to it for about 5 nights but seem to be the last person in the world to read it. Most publishers I request books months in advance from but Harper Collins (here) tend to send out info the month something’s released and I was about a month behind in replying to publisher’s emails. So, decided to request it as everyone was raving about it. Fingers crossed.
February 26, 2017
Looks like you had a blast! Have a great week! 🙂
February 27, 2017
Thanks Maree!
February 26, 2017
Sounds like, despite your initial apprehension, you had a great time in Melbourne! (and we even managed some nice weather for you).
February 27, 2017
Oh yes it was nice and cool… very exciting for this overheated Queenslander! 😉
February 26, 2017
So happy to hear you enjoyed it. And liked Love Between the Covers. I have been looking out for it since it was first talked about but Amazon and Itunes seem to have rights limited so still can’t even view it which does annoy. I am definitely going to try Lucy Diamond was going to buy book while in shop but then decided to watch for it at the library!
February 27, 2017
Oh yes… I hadn’t realised Diamond had so many other books out as I hadn’t heard of her before this.
February 26, 2017
Romance readers are so nice, aren’t they *grins*. I’m glad you had such a good time, and that the panels were interesting.
Your new books look good this week, and I hope you’ll enjoy them. And of course, I’m really curious about your news now 😉
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
February 27, 2017
Ha, and I loved your ‘why I read romance’ post Lexxie!!! I was nervous about the conference but also curious to meet others who love reading as much as I do.
February 26, 2017
I’m glad you decided to go to the convention, despite not being a big romance reader! It sounds like it was something fun just for book lovers in general. The keynotes and sessions all sound like they were really interesting!
February 27, 2017
Hi Kristen, and yes it was definitely interesting no matter what genre you read. And I think equally interesting for writers AND readers!
February 26, 2017
The convention sounds like a lot of fun – I would love to go to one. It is true about books being a common bond. I don’t think it matters what genre you read as long as you love to read.
February 27, 2017
That is so true Emma. I remember meeting other book bloggers in 2014 or so and it was the first time I’d met a group of people as passionate (dare I say obsessive?) about reading as myself!
February 26, 2017
It’s wonderful you ended up having a fab time amongst the romancers, and getting to meet up with your virtual buddy! Have an excellent new week. 🙂
February 27, 2017
Oh yes, wonderful to meet Amy (and others) in person after seeing them as tiny avatars on my computer screens for so long!
February 26, 2017
I’m so glad that you went to the convention, and I’m glad that you had such a fabulous time! It is pretty funny though that you won tickets to a romance convention, and you don’t even like romance. Have a good week, and happy reading! 🙂
February 27, 2017
I know! I wasn’t sure initially if my budget could cope with it but decided it was a sign and I should make the effort!
February 26, 2017
I am glad you enjoyed the convention. Thank you for sharing this great report about it and the picture with you. You look happy and relaxed. Happy reading and have a great new week ahead.
My haul
Best wishes
Vi @ Gone With The Books
February 27, 2017
Oh thanks Vi… and I wasn’t even drunk in that photo! 😉
It was a lovely weekend.
February 27, 2017
A writer is a writer is a writer is a writer, I think. Just like learning another language or being able to do math does something to your brain, writing and reading do something to your brain (or so I like to tell myself.) I’m happy you had a love-ly time.
February 27, 2017
Oh yes and the same of readers Deb – there are readers and there are non-readers. (And I love-d the pun thingy!)
February 27, 2017
Thank you for sharing your convention experience, and I hope you had a blast. Cannot wait to hear your news Deborah 🙂
February 27, 2017
Oh… it’s not really that exciting Kimberly. I ummmmm, might have overplayed that a little. Exciting but weird and scary for me I think.
February 27, 2017
That sounded like fun, I wanted to attend the Romance con this year in Atlanta but it’s just not in the budget so I am hoping to secure some funds for 2018 that is going to be in Reno, there is never anything close by me…lol. I love historical and paranormal romances and a select few contemporary, there are a lot of different types. So even us crime readers can enjoy them on occasion. 🙂
Have a great week!
Stormi
Week in Review
February 27, 2017
I hope you do get to one Stormi. I would still perhaps like to go to a writers’ festival at some time this year, but that will depend on the budget and so forth! x
February 27, 2017
Deb! I’m glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed the Melbourne trip! That’s AWESOME!
So… there’s no formulaic-like structure to romance?????? I have to admit I haven’t read a pure romance in a while but I don’t mind them at all – I love the HEAs and mostly those women are pretty amazing – owning their own futures and in mostly sex positive relationships.
Hope you have/had a good trip home!
February 27, 2017
I think the HEA is probably a given Di… but (someone mentioned this at the conference) just as ‘catching the baddie’ is a given in crime fiction. So, expected but perhaps not formulaic. If that makes sense. (And I’m home happily and safely now!) x
February 27, 2017
I was watching your instagram over the weekend with interest…& look forward to the surprise 🙂
February 27, 2017
You already know the surprise Jo. Which I feel more mixed about now. And isn’t really a surprise. It will mostly be weird I think…
February 27, 2017
SO glad you enjoyed the conference!!
February 27, 2017
Thanks Charlie. Me too!
February 27, 2017
So glad you enjoyed it. Pity we didn’t manage to chat more than in passing. xx
February 28, 2017
True Rachael, it was a busy weekend… I’ll see you online in the interim!
February 28, 2017
Hi Deborah! Your blog has been just about the only one I’ve read over the passed couple of months. Thanks to Facebook. I’ve been very quiet, will try to be back a bit more. But thanks for all the lovely posts all the time! I do enjoy them so much.
Hope you have a great week ahead.
http://marelithalkink.blogspot.co.za/2017/02/its-monday-day-one.html
February 28, 2017
Oh thanks Mareli. I’ll still share my book reviews there while I’m doing them AND I’ll continue to share stuff on my FB page. I suspect it’ll take some willpower NOT to overshare there in the absence of my blog. (I’ve already had to stop myself from posting a lengthy rant about something there!)
February 28, 2017
It was really great meeting you, Deb! You are exactly like I thought you would be and I hope we get to meet again 🙂
February 28, 2017
Absolutely. I think I’ll try to attend something else in Brissy this year – Writers’ Festival or GenreCon or something.
March 1, 2017
Hey Deb, Fabulous to meet you this weekend. And hey – come to RWA Conference on 11 – 13th August. You will meet a heap of the same authors from ARRA ( and we are no longer strangers so it will be reunion of friends) and a heap of new ones too – and of course – there are always heaps of books there!!!! LOL.
March 1, 2017
I might do that actually Tina – as (from memory) it’s in Brissy and I might drag a writing friend with me!
February 28, 2017
Glad you had a good time and stepped out of your comfort zone! Interesting picks this week. Enjoy!
February 28, 2017
Yes, I was glad I stepped out of that comfort zone as well and I had a great time. It felt very surreal being back home. Afterwards!
February 28, 2017
I am so glad that you had a wonderful time at the convention and applaud your stepping out of your comfort zone to do so! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Looking forward to reading Behind Her Eyes. Understand the need for a break to figure out the direction you want to pursue.
February 28, 2017
I might try to finish Behind Her Eyes tonight Nise’ as I haven’t gotten back to it for about a week and I can’t remember anything about it! (Hopefully that will change when I open the book tonight!)
March 8, 2017
It was great to meet you at the conference Deb. You shouldn’t feel hesitant next time about that ol’ comfort zone – you are fun and interesting to talk to! Plus, I enjoyed giving you a bit of ribbing about your not being in love with romance. Hope to see you again at something in the future 🙂
March 10, 2017
Thanks Tracey and I had a great time. Everyone was so very welcoming! x