The Elizabeth Jolley Conference 2013
Reading and Writing Romance in the 21st Century
Friday, August 16th, 2013
Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia
A conference hosted by Curtin University in association with the Romance Writers of Australia (RWA)
….there is no one representative romance novel. (Bly, 2010 p61)
About the conference
The meaning of ‘romance fiction’ in the twenty first century has become complex, diverse and wide-ranging. At a time when the future of books, reading and fiction are hotly debated topics, the many sub-genres of romance (and romance-driven general fiction) continue to be bestsellers. In light of its continued popularity, as well as increasing academic and critical attention, it is timely to consider how our understandings of romance fiction have changed. So too, we might consider the way in which the constitution, demands and desires of its audience have shifted. For, just as there is more than one type of romance, it is becoming clear that there is more than one type of romance reader.
The Elizabeth Jolley Conference is an annual conference focusing on various aspects of literature, books and reading. It celebrates the special connection between Curtin University and the author Elizabeth Jolley.
In 2013, Curtin University, in association with Romance Writers of Australia presents the inaugural Elizabeth Jolley Conference, Reading and Writing Romance in the 21st Century, a one-day academic conference on romance writing. The conference is presented as part of the Romance Writers of Australia 22nd Annual Conference to be held on August 16-18, 2013.
Of interest to academics, students and scholars of romance writing, as well as romance writers and readers, the conference will explore critical understandings of romance writing and the cultural significance of romance writing and its audiences.
Key Note Speaker
We are delighted to announce our speaker:
Professor Imelda Whelehan
Professor Whelehan is an internationally recognised expert on popular women’s writing. Her books include The Feminist Bestseller: From Sex and the City to Sex and the Single Girl.
Call for Papers - now closed
The call for papers closed on 31st January.
Successful submissions will be invited to submit full papers for consideration for publication in a special issue of POPCAANZ journal, The Australasian Journal of Popular Culture (presenters not wishing to submit their papers for consideration for the journal issue do not need to submit full papers prior to the conference).
Further information on how to submit your paper can be found at the Curtin University - Elizabeth Jolley Call for Papers site.
Not an academic? Don't worry, you can still submit a proposal. Please see our Guide for those new to academic conferences.