ARRC09

The Australian Romance Readers’ Convention was fantastic! A very enjoyable weekend, well-organised, with a wonderful atmosphere throughout of enthusiasm and friendliness.

I think there were about 250 attendees, and it was great to catch up with some writing friends from the Romance Writers of Australia, and especially wonderful to meet so many readers, and the guest authors from North America.

I’m not sure I can come up with highlights, because it was a buzz the whole way through, but I really enjoyed the two panelsI was on – Romantuc Suspense, with Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, Luke Devenish, and Sandy Curtis, and The Future of Romance, with Cristina Lee from Harlequin Australia, and Glen Thomas from Queensland University of Technology.  I also attended the panels on the Academic views of romance, and a great one on The Aussie Voice.

The Welcome Reception on Friday night was fun, metting new people and saying hello to friends, and I particularly enjoyed the dinner on Saturday night.

Would you believe it, though, I only once took my camera out all weekend, so this is my only photo of the event:

Dinner at ARRC09

Kudos go to the organisers, who did a fantastic job getting it all happening and running smoothly. And many thanks to al the wondeful readers who came along – from all over the country. Your enthusiasm and love of the genre was a delight to be part of. The authors and sponsors also contributed to a great event. And the silent auction in aid of the bushfire relief appeal raised a staggering $7,500!!

I’m definitely looking forward to the next ARRC!