The first ‘romance’ novel I ever read was Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, when I was a bored young teenager at a loose end one cold weekend. The edition had a plain mustard coloured hard cover, without a dust jacket, and inside was a black and white illustration of a tall, slightly sneering gentleman (who reminded me of Basil Rathbone) holding a letter out to a young lady, and the caption, “Will you do me the honour of reading that letter?” Intrigued, I began reading that most famous of quotes, “It is a truth universally acknowledged…” It didn’t take me …
Things I do when I’m not writing or volunteering by Shelagh Merlin
Hi, I’m Shelagh Merlin and I love being a volunteer. I firmly believe that you get back tenfold what you put in. Through my volunteering roles I’ve made wonderful friends and learned many things. I’m retired but my various volunteer roles keep my mind and body active. I’ve been a member of RWA since 2016 but before I joined I volunteered as a judge of the RuBY competition for several years. As a member, my focus changed slightly. I was the member services coordinator from August 2016 to August 2018 and what a fabulous opportunity that role provided for learning …
An Ode to Obsession by Samantha Marshall
“Writing isn’t something you can do by half. If you want to make it work, you have to become obsessed with it.” This advice was given to me ten years ago, as I sat at a cafe with a successful journalist friend, lamenting the fact that my newborn baby left me with no time to write. Prior to pregnancy, I had completed three novels and was canvassing for publishers/agents whilst researching the new-fangled self-publishing thang that seemed to be on the rise. I had thought to keep that momentum going but once Orion was born, I realised very quickly it …
Falling in Love with Christmas by Tanya Nellestein
Is it any wonder romance and Christmas go together so well? The colour red is synonymous with love, passion and romance, and it’s all around us at this time of year. All the shopping centres, streets and houses are decorated with Christmas lighting and all the glittering trimming, making everything look gorgeously romantic. For book lovers, the knowledge that Santa will be sliding down our chimney bringing a sackful of shiny new Christmas romance novels every year is what gets our hearts racing. “I love to get into the spirit of Christmas by reading Christmas romance books and watching Hallmark …
Spring Reads | October
Welcome two our new blog for Spring – featuring the first of our seasonal authors – Ida Brady and Jim Shomos. Ida and Jim talk to us about their favourite springtime reading place and what they love most about the season. Welcome Ida and Jim!
February OWL | The Rhythm Method by Abigail Nathan
The RWA OWL: ‘The Rhythm Method’ will guide you through different techniques to tighten your text, improve your pacing and find the rhythm in your writing.
Cover Crush | October
The warm weather is finally here, and there is no better way to celebrate than with our Member’s New Releases.
Kiss and Tell | Emily Madden
Sydney-sider Emily Madden’s newest release, Heart of the Cross, is stealing hearts across Australia, with rich, relatable characters and well-woven plots. The dual timeline tale opens in Ireland before moving to the bustling Kings Cross district in Sydney, where lead character Rosie Hart finds herself in strife. Neither her husband or her new life in Australia match her expectations, and she soon discovers her flamboyant neighbours care for her more than the man she married.
Life in the Indie Lane | Faster, Better, Smarter!
Guest blog by Anna Hackett Most indie authors know that regular releases help with visibility, finding readers and building your author career. There can be a lot of pressure to write faster and you need to find what works for you and your life.
Kiss and Tell | Karly Lane
Bestselling author, Karly Lane is a front runner in the rural romance genre, with her latest novel Mr Right Now bringing readers another much-anticipated serve of country living. Picking up where the first book left off, Mr Right Now focusses on Griff Callahan and Olivia Dawson as they navigate the city/country divide and deal with the romantic flame that keeps flickering to life when they least expect it.