This week romance readers are in for a treat as the ARRA signings take place around Australia. First stop was Brisbane where there were panel discussions, lunch with the authors and book signings. I went along to the signings in the afternoon to catch up with writing friends and add to my romance library.
I first chatted with my friend Jordan Clayden – Lewis who has published two queer romance books -When Things Happen Together and Such a Small World. He’s busy working on his third. Looking forward to reading that one.
T. M. Clark writes African suspense with a touch of romance. Her action/ adventures include Cry of the Firebird and Tears of a Cheetah. She weaves her fascination with diverse cultures, wildlife and superb storytelling through her books. I had some books signed and purchased Tina’s latest children’s picture book – Quickly, Quickly for my granddaughter.
It was good to meet author, Elaelah Harley. I couldn’t resist buying a copy of her book, Wish You Were French to add to my French themed fiction shelf. I spied Kat from Shelf Lovers and grabbed gifts for friends, before chatting to Rachel Sweasey whose historical dual time line novel – The Last Boat Home caught my eye.
Louisa Duval writes rural romance and witchy fiction under the pen name of Sabrina. I was taken by her title, Worth the Risk. Clarissa Morgan was nearby with her anthologies and next door was prolific romantasy writer, H.M. Hodgson.
My Sunshine Coast writing friends, Catherine Bilson and emerging author, E. C. Helliwell were doing a roaring trade with readers lapping up Catherine’s Pride and Prejudice based series and historical romances. A copy of The Meddling Matlocks found its way onto my shelf.
Rural romance writing friend, Fiona Marsden was there and heading on to the Sydney signings the next day. Her book – Hard Road Home was my last purchase of the day and we had a great chat. Other authors I spied were Sapphic novelist Sam L. Val, Tanya Bird and special overseas guests, Nalini Singh and Julie Ann Walker.
It’s so great for readers to get up close and personal with their favourite authors and there was a happy buzz in the air. Some readers even had trolleys to take their book hauls home. Australian Romance Readers Association provides great opportunities for readers and writers to connect via events, newsletters and a vibrant social media community. There are still events in Melbourne and Perth next weekend so look out for where these writers will be popping up next.
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