"I don't remember how we happened to meet each other.
I don't remember who got along with whom first. All I can remember is all of us together...always."
~ Unknown
I don't remember who got along with whom first. All I can remember is all of us together...always."
~ Unknown
Thursday 11th August - 2011
It all started with me madly racing through the Sydney traffic, hoping against hope that I didn’t miss the train and in turn miss my flight. But everything was good and I was soon winging my way to Melbourne.
My introduction to the RWA Conference was kicked off with a Chocolate tour in Collins Street. Starting at Lindt we then walked to Ganachè, Haig’s and Koko Black. Stopping at each to try samples and make purchases. I didn’t know that chocolate could taste so lush and creamy or that I could tire of it!
A quick tram ride back to the Hilton on the Park and had time to register for conference before finally making it to my room for the first time. Half an hour to catchup with my room mate Anna before going off to dinner at The Grill, in Federation Square with the ROMAus ladies. The food was great and I was introduced to another group of ladies. I’m sure we sounded like a group of Magpies since we filled over half of the upstairs dining area. After dinner we walked back to the Hilton and I crept into my darkened room and quietly slipped into bed to get a good nights sleep.
My introduction to the RWA Conference was kicked off with a Chocolate tour in Collins Street. Starting at Lindt we then walked to Ganachè, Haig’s and Koko Black. Stopping at each to try samples and make purchases. I didn’t know that chocolate could taste so lush and creamy or that I could tire of it!
A quick tram ride back to the Hilton on the Park and had time to register for conference before finally making it to my room for the first time. Half an hour to catchup with my room mate Anna before going off to dinner at The Grill, in Federation Square with the ROMAus ladies. The food was great and I was introduced to another group of ladies. I’m sure we sounded like a group of Magpies since we filled over half of the upstairs dining area. After dinner we walked back to the Hilton and I crept into my darkened room and quietly slipped into bed to get a good nights sleep.
Friday 12th August - 2011
Flinging the curtains back the day started off less than desirable. Damn you Melbourne weather.
After a quick breakfast I made my way towards the Museum to see the King Tut Exhibition. After getting lost and walking around the streets aimlessly for about an hour I managed to stumble across the Museum.
I’m so glad I went. The artefacts and information were laid out beautifully and the intricate details on the various exhibits left me inspired.
It was a much shorter trip back to the hotel as I know knew where I was going. Walking back through a park I came across two most glorious fountains. Once the school children finally got out of the way I happily snapped away (as you can see from the photos).
The afternoon saw the start of conference for me and a sit down with author Anne Gracie to discuss all things Historical. Love you Anne! I did my best to contain my excitement, not sure how that went.
A quick dash to the room to get ready for the 1920’s Cocktail Party. What a blast! I wasn’t sure how far everyone went in dressing up, but I think the photos speak for themselves. It was a great chance to meet more fantastic ladies (and the occasional man).
Finally made it back to the room and managed to have a chat with my roomy before lights out.
After a quick breakfast I made my way towards the Museum to see the King Tut Exhibition. After getting lost and walking around the streets aimlessly for about an hour I managed to stumble across the Museum.
I’m so glad I went. The artefacts and information were laid out beautifully and the intricate details on the various exhibits left me inspired.
It was a much shorter trip back to the hotel as I know knew where I was going. Walking back through a park I came across two most glorious fountains. Once the school children finally got out of the way I happily snapped away (as you can see from the photos).
The afternoon saw the start of conference for me and a sit down with author Anne Gracie to discuss all things Historical. Love you Anne! I did my best to contain my excitement, not sure how that went.
A quick dash to the room to get ready for the 1920’s Cocktail Party. What a blast! I wasn’t sure how far everyone went in dressing up, but I think the photos speak for themselves. It was a great chance to meet more fantastic ladies (and the occasional man).
Finally made it back to the room and managed to have a chat with my roomy before lights out.
Saturday 13th August - 2011
After not eating much for two days I introduced myself to the Hilton breakfast room. They had ANYTHING you could have wanted on offer. What a great start to the day. Anna was amused with the stack of bacon on my plate.
It proved essential as the day started. 350 ladies packed into the grand ballroom for the opening Plenary Session – “Once Upon a Time”. I was very excited when the launch of the Little Gems competition for 2012 saw my winning design from last year displayed on the wall.
Following this was my three breakout sessions for the day. Amazingly Anna my roomy had chosen all the same sessions. First Chapters – Paula Roe, The Life of a Trade Fiction Book – Bernadette Foley and Louise Sherwin-Stark, The Writer’s Compass – Denise Rossetti. Somewhere in there I managed to catch up with the Historical Writers for lunch before finishing the day with another Plenary Session – “Why we love romance”.
Another quick dash up to our room to get ready for the Awards Dinner. I must say how professional everything was and the food was gorgeous. I was thrilled when I collected my Award for the winning design of the Little Gems Garnet Cover. Anna and I snuck out after desert so we could get enough sleep before Sunday.
It proved essential as the day started. 350 ladies packed into the grand ballroom for the opening Plenary Session – “Once Upon a Time”. I was very excited when the launch of the Little Gems competition for 2012 saw my winning design from last year displayed on the wall.
Following this was my three breakout sessions for the day. Amazingly Anna my roomy had chosen all the same sessions. First Chapters – Paula Roe, The Life of a Trade Fiction Book – Bernadette Foley and Louise Sherwin-Stark, The Writer’s Compass – Denise Rossetti. Somewhere in there I managed to catch up with the Historical Writers for lunch before finishing the day with another Plenary Session – “Why we love romance”.
Another quick dash up to our room to get ready for the Awards Dinner. I must say how professional everything was and the food was gorgeous. I was thrilled when I collected my Award for the winning design of the Little Gems Garnet Cover. Anna and I snuck out after desert so we could get enough sleep before Sunday.
Sunday 14th August - 2011
Another stack of bacon and I was good to go.
The first Plenary session of the day – “From Here to Eternity”. The keynote address was “Your Writer’s Staffroom, with Steamy Bits” by Marion Lennox. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
RWA had a Sunday fundraiser to help the Otis Foundation through the Melbourne Fire Fighters Charity Fund. The poor firemen were a touch intimidated by all the ladies and I managed to procure my tickets from a nice young fire fighter named Adam before heading off to my breakout sessions.
Writing the Male Point of View – Fiona Lowe, The Regency: Creating a World Georgette Heyer Would Love and It Isn’t All About the Hero – Panel. Before attending the Closing Plenary Session – “And They All Lived Happily Ever After”.
I managed to win one of the Silent Auction prizes, nine Stephanie Laurens books and I also won first prize in the Raffle. A wonderful pack put together by SARA – South Australian Romance Authors. The pack included: iPad2, Protective Case, Limited Edition Mills & Boon ‘Wills and Kate’ mug, Giant Chocolate Frog from Haig’s, Pink Ribbon Notepad, Three ebooks from Lillian Grant and a Parisian styled tote bag. $15,000 was raised for the Otis Foundation.
What a way to end the day!
After ordering room service for dinner, Anna and I headed to the Hilton Lobby to wind down in the bar with a coffee and dissect the weekend.
The first Plenary session of the day – “From Here to Eternity”. The keynote address was “Your Writer’s Staffroom, with Steamy Bits” by Marion Lennox. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
RWA had a Sunday fundraiser to help the Otis Foundation through the Melbourne Fire Fighters Charity Fund. The poor firemen were a touch intimidated by all the ladies and I managed to procure my tickets from a nice young fire fighter named Adam before heading off to my breakout sessions.
Writing the Male Point of View – Fiona Lowe, The Regency: Creating a World Georgette Heyer Would Love and It Isn’t All About the Hero – Panel. Before attending the Closing Plenary Session – “And They All Lived Happily Ever After”.
I managed to win one of the Silent Auction prizes, nine Stephanie Laurens books and I also won first prize in the Raffle. A wonderful pack put together by SARA – South Australian Romance Authors. The pack included: iPad2, Protective Case, Limited Edition Mills & Boon ‘Wills and Kate’ mug, Giant Chocolate Frog from Haig’s, Pink Ribbon Notepad, Three ebooks from Lillian Grant and a Parisian styled tote bag. $15,000 was raised for the Otis Foundation.
What a way to end the day!
After ordering room service for dinner, Anna and I headed to the Hilton Lobby to wind down in the bar with a coffee and dissect the weekend.
Monday 15th August - 2011
Monday was sad. I couldn’t believe it was all over and I would be returning to reality. It was so nice to be surrounded by like-minded people and not the odd one out for a change. Anna and I are going to try and catch up a few times this year for feedback and inspiration before the next conference.
Look out Brisbane 2012!
Look out Brisbane 2012!
