1. Visit the RWAustralia website to find out how they can help you as a writer - we’re a friendly lot, don’t be shy!
   

RWAustralia Conference 2010

13th-15th August

Crowne Plaza, Coogee (in Sydney)

Australia

Keynote Speakers:

Debra Dixon &

Vicki Lewis Thompson

Visiting Agents/Editors:

Jennifer Schober from Spencerhill Associates in New York

Bernadette Foley from Hachette Australia

Workshop speakers:

Nalini Singh, Valerie Parv & Alexandra Nahlous, Erica Hayes, Tracey O’Hara & Vanessa Barneveld, Kate Forsyth, Denise Rossetti, Amanda Ashby & Sara Hantz, Alison Stuart, Melanie Milburne, Jessica Hart, Kate Cuthbert, Dr.Ella Sugo & Terri Green.

1. Considering cross-membership? Then visit the RWNZ website.
   

RWNZ Conference 2010

20th-22nd August

Rydges Hotel, Auckland

New Zealand

Keynote Speakers:

Christopher Vogler

Stephanie Laurens

Visiting Agents/Editors:

Laura Bradford from Bradford Literary Agency

Diane Moggy, VP Overseas Editorial Strategy & Development for Harlequin

Alex Logan, editor for Grand Central Publishing

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE?

Then the SRF Brigade might interest you. It’s a website and blog site dedicated to writers and readers of SFR. Check it out!

UPCOMING CONTESTS

RWNZ “Strictly Single”

Deadline: 17th Sept.2010

Final Judge: TBA

Open to all sub-genres within the single title/mainstream market.

Minimum total word count for an ST ms is 70,000 words (young adult minimum is 40,000 words).

See RWNZ Contest page for entry form and more details.

RWOz “High Five” contest

Deadline: midnight Sydney-time 24th Sept.2010

Final Judge: Sally Williamson, editor HM&B

For category manuscripts only.

See RWOz Contest page for entry form & more details.

RWOz “Single Title & Loving It!”

Deadline: midnight Sydney-time 24th Sept.2010

Final Judge: Dianne Moggy, HM&B (VP Overseas Editorial & Strategy)

First 10,000 max.

See RWOz STALI Contest page for entry form & more details.

RWOz “Selling Synopsis”

Deadline: 8th Oct.2010

Final Judge: Jennifer Schober (Spencerhill Assoc.Lit.Agency)

Synopsis only, electronic entry only.

See RWOz Contest page for entry form & more details.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS

Yee-haw! Conference season is now truly underway. Pack your bags, shine your bling, and be prepared for fun overload!

By the time this is posted I’ll have already been to the RWA® National conference in Orlando, Florida, and done many writer-ly like things such as networking, talking about characters, plots, GMC, POV, pitching, scmooshing and so on. Heaps of fun stuff!

PS - If you haven’t already heard on an e-loop, via a Tweet, Facebook or other social form of media - my manuscript BLOODBORN - Bk 1 of the Light Blade series, won a Golden Heart® for the paranormal romance section at the RWA® National Awards dinner!

The Romance Writers of Australia conference is mid-August in Coogee, Sydney, closely followed the weekend after by the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference at Rydges in Auckland. More of the same mentioned above. :-)

Expect some blog posts later in the month showcasing the highlights, with photos, of course!

Sadly, I say farewell to my wonderful mentor, Valerie Parv. My twelve months with her has gone so fast. She’s been a font of knowledge and has generously given of her time to help me. I’ve learned so much. Thank you, Valerie!

With my trek to NZ, I also hand back the lovely Golden Chunk of Wood aka the Clendon Award, to Barbara & Peter Clendon, who in turn will hand it on to this year’s winner.

All in all, probably THE most busy month for any romance writer or reader.

BLOG NEWS

Lots of great posts coming up this month or so - interviews, guest authors, interesting topics and a giveaway.

1. •1st August - ARTICLE “Calling All Conference Virgins”. A few pointers, tips and hints on what to expect if your attending your first conference this month.
   

2. •5th August - RWA GOLDEN HEART® update
   

3. •7th August - INTERVIEW with ... Sherrilyn Kenyon, NYTimes best-selling paranormal author.
   

4. •10th August - RWA® Conference Highlights 1
   

5. •13th August - RWA® Conference Highlights 2
   

6. •14th August - INTERVIEW with ... Keri Arthur, Aussie NYTimes best-selling pararnormal author.
   

7. •17th August - RWA® Conference Highlights 3
   

8. •19th August - RWA® Conference Highlights 4
   

9. •21st August - INTERVIEW with ... Anna Jacobs, who celebrates the release of her 50th book this month. What a milestone!
   

10. •25th August - PROMO for guest author Christina Phillips.
    

11. •28th August - GUEST AUTHOR Christina Phillips, ancient historical romance author for Berkley Heat. Leave a comment and be in the running for FORBIDDEN, her debut release.
    

1. LATEST CONTEST NEWS - Shout it from the roof-tops! BLOODBORN - Bk 1 of the Light Blade series took out a Golden Heart for the paranormal romance section at the RWA National Awards dinner!
   

1. OTHER NEWS
   

2. •My friend & fellow writer, Michelle de Rooy, is a finalist in the RWOz Emerald:ST Award, RWOz Valerie Parv Award, RWNZ Clendon Award and will find out her results at the conferences. Go, ‘Chelle!
   

1. •The RWOz Paranormal e-loop is discussing starting up their own blog. How exciting!