GIVEAWAYS: Twenty Weeks, Twenty Prizes

In the twenty weeks leading up to our 20th anniversary conference, we’re giving away a prize a week. All members registered at the date of each draw are eligible. Prizes will include vouchers for use at the conference bookstall and books by our featured speakers. Bob Mayer has donated an eBook pack, including his thrillers and writing non-fiction, for every winner. Special bonus prizes for the draws at the end of the Early Bird period (week 7) and after the close of registrations (week 20) are:

WK 7: JANE PORTER READ & MEET. Meet Jane for coffee at conference to discuss your writing and career plans. Jane will pre-read a chapter of your WIP beforehand.
WK 20: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION. The final winner will have their conference (Sat/Sun) registration refunded.

• Winner week 1: Michelle de Rooy
• Winner week 2: Jess Tarn
• Winner week 3: Elizabeth Beckett
• Winner week 4: Joan Gillham
• Winner week 5: Louise Cusack
• Winner week 6: Leonie Knight
• Winner week 7: Emmie Dark
• Winner week 8: Jennifer Tomasetti
• Winner week 9: Nicola Marsh
• Winner week 10: Kathy Smart
• Winner week 11: Kay Dobie
• Winner week 12: Heather Rogers
• Winner week 13: Helena Morrison
• Winner week 14: Sasha Cottman
• Winner week 15: Sandra Robotis
• Winner week 16: Wendy Mahfoud
• Winner week 17: Raewyn McGill
• Winner week 18: Michelle Skidmore
• Winner week 19: Bernice Greenhan
• Winner week 20: Jo Irvine

 

PRE-CONFERENCE TOUR: The Johnston Collection

This tour is now full.

This fabulous historic home is located just streets from our conference hotel and has become a destination for all lovers of Regency, Georgian and Empire furniture, design and decorative arts. http://www.johnstoncollection.org/

Join us for a 90 minute guided tour of the house and special exhibition from 2.15pm Thursday 11th August.
Pick up and drop off at the Hilton.
Cost: $18 per head.

Numbers are limited so please book early at: Conf2011@romanceaustralia.com

 

PRE-CONFERENCE TOUR: Chocolate Lovers Serendipity Walk

Our second pre-conference tour takes in the historic arcades and laneways of Melbourne in a superb chocolate tasting tour designed especially for RWA.
Starting at Haighs in the Block Arcade and finishing with afternoon tea in the Bruges Room at Koko Black two hours later, this is your opportunity to indulge in the finest chocolate delights from Lindt, Cacao, Haighs and Koko Black.

Date: Thursday 11th August
Time 2.30pm
Cost: $37 p.p.

Please note this tour has a minimum number requirement and will not go ahead if numbers aren’t met.

Book through: conf2011@romanceaustralia.com

PRE-CONFERENCE TOUR: Vienna: Art & Design

If you're not workshopping on Friday, why not join author and artist Philippa Fioretti on an afternoon tour of the Vienna: Art & Design exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria? Billed as "stylish, provocative, rebellious and unforgettable -- the world has seen nothing like Vienna in 1900" this is part of NGV's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2011. For further information visit the NGV website.

Bookings: conf2011@romanceaustralia.com

SUNDAY FUNDRAISER

The Sunday fundraiser for charity has become a feature of RWA Conferences and this year we are delighted to have the support of the Firefighters Charity Fund Melbourne in raising money for the Otis Foundation, an organisation providing retreats for people suffering from Breast Cancer. The Otis Foundation retreats offer time out to relax, reconnect and regroup for those struggling with the challenges that come alongside serious illness. Each has been hand chosen for its location, in a beautiful environment which allows guests to draw on nature for strength and comfort.

The firefighters will be in attendance on Sunday selling raffle tickets. A silent auction will also be held on Sunday, so come prepared to be tempted by signed books, gift packs and other goodies. To donate items for the raffle or silent auction, contact Alison Brideson: alison@oportetvivere.com

 

CONFERENCE BOOKSTORE
Dymocks will provide an on-site bookstore, open on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of conference. Stock will include writing and reference books, plus fiction by guest speakers and local authors. For further information contact the Bookstore Liaison.

Book Order Guide
Book Order Form

COVER CONTEST

This year's Cover Contest is a special ode to RWA's 20th Anniversary. To showcase the publishing success of RWA members over two decades, we'll be featuring 20 Years of Romance covers on the RWAus blog during July. Members will vote for their favourites with the most popular displayed at conference. For details on entering your cover, click here.

 

FIRST TIMERS
RWA members who are first-time conference registrants are invited to join the First Timers Forum for assistance, information and to meet other writers prior to conference. Join the forum here.

SATURDAY RAFFLE
Tickets will be sold on Saturday in a raffle supporting the FireFighters Charity Fund. The major prize is a 2012 Conference Starter Pack valued at approximately $900. This pack includes registration and accommodation and is transferrable (i.e. if the winner is unable to attend.)