The Australian Romance Readers Association (ARRA) is hosting a series of events so that readers can get up close and personal with their favourite romance authors. The first one kicked off here in Brisbane over the weekend at the Broncos Leagues Club. It is always amazing for me to see the different types of romance novels available and gaze on the beautiful book covers, as well as gleaning tips from some of the best in the business. Special guests included Celeste Bradley and Keri Arthur. Next stop for the Romantic Rendezvous authors is Sydney followed by next weekend’s events in Melbourne and Perth.
Brisbane Romance Authors
In Brisbane there were more than 30 romance authors signing their books and chatting to readers. Local authors included T. M. Clark who writes thrilling African novels which contain romance elements. Her latest novel is – The Nature of the Lion.
SheSociety spoke to the lovely Charlotte Nash, author of The Paris Wedding and The Horseman, who gave us her insights into writing. Her latest novel – Saving You has been garnering rave reviews and is a modern , contemporary fiction novel. You know I can’t resist anything with Paris in the title, so a copy of The Paris Wedding is at the top of my to be read pile. Tania Joyce, Kendall Talbot, Fiona Marsden, Noelle Clark and my fellow Destination Romance author – Melanie Page were also part of the local Brisbane contingent. Melanie kindly gifted me a copy of her historical romance- An Affair of Honour. She has penned a large selection of historical fiction titles.
Australian Romance Authors
Others authors had journeyed to Brisbane from all over Australia, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne. Alyssa James was showing off her new historical titles and enjoying the day catching up with her two Brisbane sisters. Her passion for historical detail was clear to see and it was lovely to hear that her sisters are her beta readers. She also writes contemporary romances under the name of Alyssa J. Montgomery.
Bestselling author Keri Arthur was showing off some new titles. Keri has published 38 traditional romances and has 7 titles in her latest paranormal and urban fantasy series. What an inspiration to all writers! There were erotic romance writers, historical romance authors, writers who concentrate exclusively on the sports romance arena, others produce rockstar stories. Many more were contemporary romance authors, like myself. There were those who enjoy writing paranormal romance and others who write rural romance, so there is something to suit almost every romance readers preference. You might even find a new favourite author!
If you are a lover of romance fiction and want to learn more about the amazing authors who pen these books, the Romantic Rendezvous meet and greets are great events to attend. You can feel the love in the room as romance authors are a caring , kind and welcoming tribe. I came away feeling so inspired.
Head to ARRA for a full list of authors coming to a city near you. Love is in the Air!!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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