Tag: reading

BLUSSH Romance Festival 2026

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.

Brisbane Writers Festival has a New Home

Jumping on the City Cat on a balmy Brisbane day I received a free blow dry as we breezed along the brown snake. Soon the majestic Powerhouse Museum was in my sights – the new home of the Brisbane Writers Festival. Would it live up to previous events I’d attended at the State Library of Queensland? The answer was a resounding “YES”.

There could be no prettier place than New Farm park with the jacarandas in bloom and no cooler and hip home than the Powerhouse by the river to greet our visiting authors, guests and locals alike. Food trucks were dotted around outside and as I walked up the hill an appreciative crowd were listening to an author talk in an open marquee.

I was heading straight for the bookstore manned by the friendly staff at Avid Reader and I spent a leisurely half hour browsing the titles, many from attending authors. I bought the new Fiona McIntosh – The Soldier’s Daughter, which I hoped to have signed after her talk. I spied Michael Robotham’s latest book to gift to my husband and I simply couldn’t resist a copy of Clare Stephen’s debut – The Worst Year of My Life.

I laughed as I spied my bookworm friend, Chris also strolling through the book display, marvelling at the musical instrument sculpture above us. It was a beautiful setting and very conducive to buying more books than one could carry. I’m sure we’d both developed new arm muscles by the end of our day out.

Our first stop was Mary Mae’s for a spot of lunch to sustain us through the talks to come. I really enjoyed my Asian chicken skewers paired with a cold glass of Pinot Gris. As we chatted authors walked by chatting with their publishers, PR and peers.

Our first stop was a panel discussion ‘So Funny It Hurts’. Moderated by Siang Lu we heard about a bodice – busting romance homage, a wickedly funny modern rom – com, a riotous big – hearted memoir and a dazzling short fiction collection. The main event for us was a talk by one of our favourite authors, Fiona McIntosh. Fiona shared stories of her research trips around the world, her popular masterclass and the many books she’d written in different genres.

Fiona is always such an engaging speaker whose own love for writing shines through. Her mentor was the icon Bryce Courtenay who encouraged her to write in different genres before attempting her now wildly popular historical fiction stories and crime novels. In exciting news, Fiona told us her book – The Pearl Thief was being made into a movie. Can’t wait for that one!

In the evening we ventured over to Brisbane Square Library to hear from Clare Stephens whose debut ‘The Worst Year of My Life’ has just come out. An appreciative crowd listened on as she was interviewed by her twin sister, Jessie. I’m sure many in the audience were Mamamia fans. The line for the book signing was so long we decided to head over to the W instead for a roadie. Sinking into the sumptuous lounges in the bar we reflected on a fabulous day of books, authors and our beautiful Brisbane. Till next year!

The Dictionary of Lost Words – A Play

Words can be powerful. As a lover of words and a feminist I was very keen to see – The Dictionary of Lost Words based on the bestselling book by Pip Williams. It’s on now at The Playhouse, QPAC and adapted by Verity Laughton. I wondered. Would it retain all the magic and originality of the story?

It does. This production shared the story of Esme Nicholls, a sheltered girl whose life revolves around her father’s work at the Scriptorium. It is here in the ‘ Scrippy’ where a group of dedicated men are compiling words and quotes for the very first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. For many this is their life’s work.

Esme sits under the table and collects the scraps of words that no – one wants or the double ups and begins her own collection of words which she secretes upstairs to hide in a travelling chest. This chest becomes her ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’. In time Esme begins collecting her own words- women’s words, some words which are not deemed suitable for the regular dictionary. Later they become a book of their own.

Esme’s life is not straightforward. She is an innocent and sheltered girl who experiences her own trials and hardships as she makes her way in the world. This sweeping historical tale tells of the suffragette movement, the role of women in pre – war time and the beginnings of the First World War, but it’s also a story about love, learning and life.

Esme does find romantic love along the way but she also experiences loss and grief. Words are always her comfort. The gift of words enables her to always find her way back into the world. This play is funny, emotional and heartwarming and had this writer wiping away tears by the end.

The set and projections were a bonus giving life to the story. An added shout out to the wonderful Lucy Hayes who stepped into the role of Esme after the illness of the lead actor.

‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ – A Play is only on here in Brisbane until May 10 and I believe it is almost sold out. Nab a ticket if you can. It’s a beautiful story written by a lovely Australian author who also knows the power of words.

It’s a beautiful reflection on the love between a father and a daughter, a time in history (1880’s), the rights of women and the evolution of words. A wonderful matinee performance to attend which was enjoyed by the full house audience. Bravo to the cast and crew!