Although some very special Lovecats couldn't make it this conference season, quite a few of us caught up in Sydney at both the Romance Writers of Australia national conference and the Australian Romance Readers book signing also in Sydney. A week later a few of us got together again at the Romance Writers of New Zealand national conference in Auckland.
The first night was the Harlequin dinner where I hear there was much merriment and the odd topless waiter..... Always ready to do their bit to help half nekkid men feel comfortable, these Lovecats had a great night.
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| Lovecats know how to party: L to R: Rachel Bailey, Helen Lacey, Sue Mackay, Louisa George, Annie West. Front (and always centre) Michelle Douglas. |
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| L to R: Louisa George, Michelle Douglas, Sue Mackay, Lovecat fan Elizabeth King, yours truly |
Apparently the point of conference is to advance your industry and craft knowledge but the Lovecats make plenty of opportunities to drink tea, sip champagne and eat corn chips. Wouldn't you like to do that with this lovely group?
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| L to R: Michelle Douglas, Rachel Bailey, Jennifer St George, Annie West |
Saturday afternoon was the wonderful Australian Romance Readers book signing event at the Pullman Hotel and all of us were enormously grateful to be participating in this fabulous event. We met wonderful readers and I really enjoyed myself.
At the awards dinner on Saturday night we all had our fingers firmly crossed for Amy Andrews and Yvonne Lindsay who were nominated for Romantic Book of the Year. Although they didn't win we all had a wonderful time celebrating their achievements.
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| L to R: Louisa George and Sue Mackay at the awards dinner |
I can't tell you how much I enjoy getting together with my writing friends. From my fabulous roomie, Rachel Bailey, to the Lovecats panel we participated in during the conference, I'll have wonderful memories of conference season 2014.
Barbara
ReplyDeleteI must say I had a ball at the book signing in Sydney and it was so good catching up with the LoveCats and meeting some of you that I had not met before these get togethers are always so much fun :)
Have Fun
Helen
All the thanks has to go to you for the organisation, Helen. It was my first signing and I couldn't believe how much fun it was.
DeleteBarbara, great post. The conferences were awesome. I love catching up with my writing friends face to face. There's nothing better.
ReplyDeleteBut one growl - you weren't lucky enough to get the nod for the Koru Award in the Short Sweet category. You won it hands down. You are a very talented author, and deserved that award fair and square.
Okay, off to write some words and dream of next year's conferences.
And of course my roomie and pal, Louisa, is just as talented. Two Koru's in our writing group. How cool is that?
DeleteSue, you were obviously my most favourite subject for the photos :) Yes, that's the only problem with conference. We have to wait a whole year 'til the next one :(
DeleteWell said, Sue!!!
ReplyDeleteLove these pics, Barb. We be glam Cats!
Amy, the only problems with these photos is that you're not in them! You must have been glam catting so much I didn't manage to catch you in a pic. That will be my mission next year.
DeleteI enjoyed partying vicariously with the LoveCats. Thanks, Barb.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations to Louisa and Barb on your wonderful wins!
We missed you, Claire but know you were having a much more important celebration. Hope you'll be there next year!
DeleteWhat a fab time was had by all the conference cats! :-) But I'm with Sue on this one. Luck had nothing to do with your win, Ms De Leo. That was all down to hard work and talent. A big super-duper congrats again to both you and Louisa!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and P.S. It was a Year 10 formal dress. ;-)
Oh, it WAS the Year 10 formal—as if I wasn't impressed enough already that you a) had the dress b) it still looked like it was up to the minute fashion and c) you still fit it! I could probably wear my year 10 dress on one arm...
DeleteSounds like a lovely time was had by all. Regardless of if that dress was from Year 10 or 12, it's still good that it still fits.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Lyn! Some of us have been getting together for a decade and beyond and as you can tell it's one of my most favourite times of the year.
DeleteGreat pics, Barbara! So lovely to get a peek at you Conferencing LoveCats! You look like you had a ball! And I love the pics of you and Louisa with your gorgeous Koru Awards! Congratulations again!
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