One of my favourite times of the year is Valentine’s Day. This year we attended the Opening Night of the BLUSSH Romance Festival. It was a special black carpet screening of Wuthering Heights. Guests were asked to dress in a touch of red and within the Wuthering Heights theme. It was wonderful entering the foyer of Dendy Coorparoo and seeing a sea of red, gothic outfits and a beautifully decorated scene.
On arrival we received our generous swag bags, Asian dinner box and beverages from the Boonah Brewing Co. I chose a hard lemonade. Then it was into the cinema to watch the most anticipated film of 2026. The crowd was comprised of many romance writers, romance readers and lovers of love.
Needless to say you could not hear a pin drop throughout the movie, which as a long time Wuthering Heights tragic, I absolutely loved. The costumes, setting and chemistry only enhanced this tragic story. Tissues were needed. I also felt amazingly proud to see two Queenslanders playing these classic roles. Even my husband enjoyed it!
Day Two was Valentine’s Day and I headed back to visit the Morning After Markets, catch up with my publisher Sarah Williams and buy some books and merchandise before the LUSSH literary Lunch.
On this panel, moderated by popular romance writer, Ally Blake we were treated to a talk about writing collaboratively. Guests heard from collaborative co -authors Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, who have been friends since they were five.
Louisa Duval talked about her inclusion and editing of the ‘Hot and Frosty’ and ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ anthologies. Dr Melanie Saward and Dr Kate Cuthbert spoke about the First Nations Romance anthology they are editing for Magabala Books.
Having my own stories in the anthologies ‘Destination Romance’ and ‘ Short & Sweet’ were a wonderful experience and I can attest to the value of working together in anthologies. I have another romance set in South Africa which has been accepted into a further anthology which is yet to be released. Writing short stories was a necessary stepping stone for me before tackling my novels. It gives you confidence and the safety net of working with others.
After lunch I attended a panel called Algorithms, Aisles and Accidents. Moderated by Louisa Duval, speakers-included my lovely publisher, Sarah Williams, podcaster Ky Garvey, Lauren Jackson – author and bookshop owner from – Books Ever After now bestselling author Kat T. Masen. This panel explored finding our next great read in the age of algorithms, the importance of book tok, covers and trends. It was great to hear and I now want to visit Kat’s beautiful romance book store in Bowral.
As I left I nearly bumped into The Bachelor, Tim Robards and his lovely wife, Anna Heinrich who were there for a special screening of his film ‘ From Italy with Love’. With so many films, books, panels and events this lovely, warm festival is going from strength to strength. Thanks to Sue -Anne Chapman and her wonderful team for their hard work in putting this together.
I am so proud to have been a part of the festival for three years. In the very first year I spoke on a panel with historical fiction author, Anna Campbell and queer romance writer, Jordan Clayden Lewis. Last year I was excited to catch up with Australia’s Queen of Romance, Rachael Johns and catching a screening of Kylie Scott’s -Lick. I look forward to seeing what’s in store for 2027 where love is in the air.
michellebeesley.com 