It’s a big call, but I think Fiona McArthur’s new novel – The Bush Telegraph – might just be my favourite romance novel of 2020. The outback Queensland setting, the strong leads, the perfect storm of conflicts and the all-round beautiful small-town vibe had me grinning (and also sobbing) my way through the pages. As a writer, I loved the shades of grey and moral dilemmas Fiona wove through the story and the excitement of a birth in the middle of the story. As a reader I was cheering for the down-at-heel community and adored the lovely nature of Maddy …
Kiss and Tell | Fiona Palmer
Fiona Palmer’s new novel Tiny White Lies was released by Hachette on July 28, tackling tough issues in a beautiful Western Australian setting with a dash of humour and Fiona’s trademark country style. Set mostly in Bremner Bay, WA (which also happens to by Fiona’s favourite holiday destination), the story centres on two best friends Nikki and Ash, and a month away that changes their lives. For Nikki, it’s a chance to reconnect with her social media-obsessed daughter, her video-game addicted son, and her poster-boy husband, who’s hiding a devastating secret. Ash is grieving her late husband, and when she …
Conference News | 10 Top Tips for A Kick-Ass Virtual Conference with Daniel de Lorne
RWA’s annual conference is looking a little different this year—thank you, Miss Rona—as it moves from its usual three days of workshops to five, all on a virtual platform. Every conference comes with opportunities for networking and learning, and the virtual conference is no different. Running from 12 to 16 August, with over 41 hours of content available, here are our top ten tips for getting the most of the conference.
Kiss and Tell | Mandy Magro
I had a great time racing through the pages of Mandy Magro’s newest release – The Stockman’s Secret. The story follows Juliette and Joel, two childhood sweethearts whose future is ripped away from them by a nasty incident in their teenage years. Joel is determined to set things right, but dark secrets and small town dynamics conspire to keep them apart. There were characters I loved to hate, plenty of tension and of course some of the steamy scenes Mandy is renowned for. Mandy’s strong writing and particular attention to horse-related details hit all the right notes for me. The …
Conference News | Virtual Conference Announced!
Love in Isolation 2020 – Registrations Open! Registrations for RWA’s 2020 Virtual Conference – Love in Isolation are now open! Taking place over five days from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 August, the online conference includes 31 sessions and over 40 hours of content. Tickets cost $150 (plus GST) for members and $250 (plus GST) for non-members. Covid-19 travel restrictions and border closures meant that the in-person conference, due to be held in Fremantle this year, was unlikely to go ahead so RWA made the decision to move as much of the conference online as possible. Despite restrictions, many of …
Kiss and Tell | Jayne Kingsley
Award-winning author, Jayne Kingsley, writes contemporary romance that’ll make you smile. The beautiful gowns and designer couture that weave their way between the pages are almost as strong as the royal characters and the charming settings, showcasing the author’s love of fashion and textiles.
Kiss and Tell | JC Harroway
As well as a medical degree and pathology training, Welsh-born Kiwi author, JC Harroway, writes novels that’ll quickly warm up your winter. A dedicated bookworm, Jo ensures she reads every day, and her Instagram account is always overflowing with creative projects that make me want to pick up an embroidery hoop, buy a set of crochet hooks and dust off my rolling pin (though the latter never needs much encouragement). Jo also works part time for the Breast Cancer Foundation, is an Autism mum of an eighteen-year-old son, and has a soft spot for reality TV dating shows.
Kiss and Tell | Lisa Ireland
Lisa Ireland’s sixth novel – The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan – will be released by Penguin Random House on April 28. The story opens with Shirley Sullivan plotting to ‘rescue’ her husband Frank from an old folk’s home. A dual narrative comes into play, giving readers an insight into the enduring relationship between Shirley and Frank, and the many challenges and heart-aches they faced together, both in the past and in the present.
Kiss and Tell | Sandie Docker
Sandie Docker’s third novel, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack hits the shelves this week with a rich cast of characters paying homage to endearing friendships, family loyalty, and multi-generational secrets.
Conference News | Secrets of a Successful Pitch
Registration for Fremantle 2020 is coming up, and choosing a pitch appointment will be part of the registration process. Pitch registration will close at the end of the Early Bird registration offer this year. For those who want to pitch, remember that a short, simple, but most of all interesting description of the essence of your book isn’t enough. You need to be able to follow through, with a book ready to send out if the editor or agent requests the full. In creating your pitch, think about the premise of your story, the themes and the hook. Write them …