In conjunction with its 20th Annual Conference
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA INC.
presents a professional development day for authors published in novel length fiction
"STAYING PUBLISHED IN A CHANGING WORLD"
Thursday, August 11
10am-5pm
Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

Featured Speakers:

Stephanie Laurens originally began writing as an escape from the dry world of professional science. Her hobby quickly became a career when her novels about the masterful Cynster cousins captivated readers, making her one of the romance world's most beloved and popular authors. She subsequently introduced the equally unforgettable members of the Bastion Club. Currently living outside Melbourne with her husband and two cats, she has been writing historical romance novels for more than 20 years and is a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and USA-Today bestseller. Stephanie will present the keynote address, "Keeping the Faith."

 

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the #1 NYT bestselling author of the "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series, "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, and the Nadia Stafford crime series. Kelley will present a breakout session on Marketing and Promotion.

 

Angela James is the Executive Editor of Carina Press, Harlequin's digital-first press, and a well-known advocate for digital publishing. James has enjoyed a long and varied publishing career that has included ownership of an independent editorial services business, work as a copy editor for electronic book and small press publisher, Ellora's Cave, and executive editor for Samhain Publishing. James frequently travels to regional, national and international writing conferences to present workshops on digital publishing for both authors and readers of all genres of fiction. Angela will present a breakout session on Social Media.

 

Valerie Parv has sold more than twenty-six million copies of her books internationally, with translations in over twenty languages from Russian to Japanese & Icelandic. With a master of arts from Queensland University of Technology and a diploma in professional counselling, Valerie is a popular speaker on creativity and the writer's craft. Her book The Art of Romance Writing was voted the most useful writing guide in a poll of members of Romance Writers of Australia. Valerie is contributing editor of Heart & Craft, an insider's guide to romance writing, and How Do I Love Thee? Valerie will present a breakout session on Creativity and Feeding the Muse.

 

Jennifer St George has 20 years marketing and management consulting experience. She held senior roles at Burson-Marsteller (London), Guinness (London), McKinsey and Ford Australia. She completed an MBA and was awarded the Rupert Murdoch Fellowship. In 2000 Jennifer launched an online business and started a marketing company. She won a clutch of awards including Outstanding Sunshine Coast Business Women of the Year and the Public Relations Institute of Australia Golden Target Award. Jennifer now lives in Byron Bay where she writes romance and freelances. Jennifer will lead a small-group Media Training session.

 

Also: Susan Wiggs, Marion Lennox, Bob Mayer, Dr Mark Williams, Kristin Nelson, Lucy Gilmour, Ali Watts and Belinda Byrne.

SORRY, SOLD OUT Media Training for Authors: Jennifer St George
Publicity is a valuable tool in your marketing arsenal, but many fear the media. This practical session reviews the essentials of dealing with the media and will hone your interview skills. Each participant will take part in two interviews (one soft, one a little trickier!) to practice their newly acquired skills in a small group with lots of feedback. Suitable for media virgins and as a refresher for those already experienced in media relations. Participation essential.

This two-hour session is one of three breakout options between lunch and afternoon tea. It is the only session which requires pre-booking. To book, check the box during registration. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-in basis.

Creativity and Feeding the Muse: Valerie Parv
How many tons of chocolate does it take to keep your muse happy? There are better ways. This session shows how UFOs can help you push your creative boundaries so you become a literary lightning rod for ideas. Learn the fastest way to kill an idea, explore 5 simple steps to take you beyond writer's block, plus calorie-free ways to deal with tomorrowitis, interruptions and other muse menaces.

This is one of three breakout options following lunch. Pre-booking for this session is not required.

Eligibility:
A-Day is for authors published in fiction of 40,000 words or more, with a commercial publisher. All members of the RWA Authors loop and PAL Newsletter List are eligible. Self-published and vanity published authors are not eligible to attend. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email PAL@romanceaustralia.com. Registrations from ineligible writers will be cancelled and fees refunded.