Thursday, September 13, 2012

BBAW Day 4: Romance by the Sea


Today's BBAW prompt:


One of the best parts about book blogging is the exposure to books and authors you might never have heard of before. Pimp the book you think needs more recognition on this day. Get creative! Maybe share snippets from other bloggers who have reviewed it or make some fun art to get your message across.

I am, however, going to be a bit naughty creative and instead of spotlighting a book, I am going to spotlight a group of authors! 

Last weekend I attended an event called Romance by the Sea. It was held in Queenscliff which is a town about an hour and a half away from me, and it was a fund raiser for a charity called A Cottage by the Sea which is a not for profit organisation which provides disadvantaged kids with opportunities they might otherwise might not have had.

The event was held at the gorgeous Queenscliff Hotel - amazing inside and out!





There were approximately 40 people all up at the event and it lasted all day, including lunch (amazing, amazing food at the lunch!) and a dinner if you wanted to stay, which means that there was lots of opportunities to get to chat to the authors who are around.

Among the authors in attendance there were bestselling authors like Stephanie Laurens and Keri Arthur, favourite authors like Sarah Mayberry, authors who I have read and enjoyed and wanted to read more of like Anne Gracie, Marion Lennox, Fiona Lowe and Jennifer Kloester plus some other authors who I either own books which I need to read still or who I need to discover like MJ Scott, Lilian Darcy and Carol Marinelli.

For me, one of the definite thrills was getting to have a chat with Sarah Mayberry, who writes fantastic contemporary category romance. As soon as there is a new book out by her, I grab it and inhale it and then have to wait for the next one!

The program was really interesting with Stephanie Laurens kicking off talking about the Books We Love to Read and why we should read the book we love to read - basically a discussion of literary fiction vs general fiction vs genre fiction and why it is okay to love reading genre fiction!

Other topics include Anne Gracie talking about the universal romance hero, Jennifer Kloester talking about the ongoing appeal of Georgette Heyer and more. There were panels talking about how Mills and Boon is anything but the same old story and formula written to order, asking the question what makes a great romance.

We were given a short time to wander around the town when there were readings that were held in the local bookstore which is in a converted church and the local art gallery, where there was some amazing art, and back at the hotel

Anne Gracie about to read


Inside the Barwon Bookseller store which has been converted from an old church.

Stephanie Laurens

Keri Arthur having just finished her reading

M J Scott reading


Sarah Mayberry - I managed not to squee too much when I chatted to her!

Fiona Lowe and Marion Lennox
The final sessions were asking the eternal question - where do you get your ideas from and then closing with what makes a good sex scene. I did take notes for all the sessions, but this post would be humongous if I actually included all of those as well!

Over all, this was such a fabulous day and special kudos should go to the organisers. I will definitely be buying a ticket if they have this event again next year, especially seeing as we were able to raise quite a large sum for this good cause.

So you may wonder how I am going to link this to the post topic today? Me too.. actually, no, I do know how.

All of these fabulous authors devoted their time and energy to a fantastic day at a gorgeous venue. So if you happen to be thinking about reading any one of their books, or if you fancy taking a chance on some fabulous Australian romance authors, then please do take some time to choose and enjoy one or more of their books! No matter whether you love contemporary romance, paranormal romance or historical romance there is an author here for you!

28 comments:

  1. Hey, whatever works for you, Marg!

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    1. Which is exactly why I ended up posting it!

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  2. Love this "So you may wonder how I am going to link this to the post topic today? Me too.. actually, no, I do know how"!!!

    What a fantastic time you had. The venue looks beautiful and what a list of authors! They're not all familiar to me but sounds like well-run and interesting event.

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    1. It was the first time they ran the event, but really it was very well done! Can't wait next year.

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  3. The entire day sounds like it was fantastic - fabulous venue, great authors & interesting topics!

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  4. Now that is a hotel! Lol to Chris's comment. I agree, this is a good post and considering it's linked to charity, quite poignant. One day I might get round to reading Sarah Mayberry's work, it's on my list.

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    1. Please do, Charlie! She writes really, really good contemporary romance.

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  5. Oh man, that sounds like an awesome event. The location was certainly gorgeous!

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    1. I hadn't spent any time in the town before, but I will go back because there were a number of lovely buildings to explore.

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  6. I like your approach to today's topic. Nice way to introduce us to the authors.

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  7. Replies
    1. Thanks Gautami. I wasn't sure if I should post it as a daily topic or not, but I am glad that I did.

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  8. Ooo! New-to-me authors to try! Thanks for the recommendations. It sounds like you all had a wonderful time.

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    1. Certainly did!

      I would highly recommend starting with Sarah Mayberry.

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  9. !!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful post -- I love this! Thanks for sharing the pictures and authors -- love it!

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  10. What a wonderful day. Sounds like the perfect sized group - small enough that you really got to have a chance to get to know the authors. Plus what a great setting!

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  11. Well done, Marg, you've not only done what bloggers do best of all, i.e. dance to your own tune not to anyone else's, you've also promoted a worthwhile charity. (And I've made a donation.)

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    1. Thank you, Lisa, for your encouragement and your support of a worthwhile cause too.

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  12. Such a fabulous hotel and a great-looking bookstore! I'm just a teensy bit jealous. ;)

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    1. It was a great day! Looking forward to next year.

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  13. wow! would have loved to be you or at least a fly on the wall this weekend.. Stephanie Laurens is one of my favorite authors.. :)

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    1. One of these days I will try Stephanie Laurens. I have heard her speak a few times now and she is so interesting to listen to.

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  14. Oh! Is that the hotel from the Phryne Fisher book? *Lovely*.

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  15. What an amazing experience Marg! Beautiful location, talented authors and plenty of opportunities to chat with them- it sounds like a perfect day for a reader and book blogger!

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