This past weekend several LoveCats attended Romance Writers of Australia's annual conference at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney where they were busy teaching and learning, catching up with writing friends, and celebrating some amazing accomplishments.
We are delighted to share a few highlights from the weekend:
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| Rachel Bailey presented a stellar Friday workshop for aspiring and emerging writers. |
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| Conference presenters Clare Connelly and Rachel Bailey with Amy Andrews. |
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| Shannon Curtis co-compered the Awards Night ceremony with her customary charm and wit. |
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| Michelle Douglas received her 25-book pin at the Harlequin cocktail party. |
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| Toasting Annie West's recent addition to the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll with double-RITA finalist Amy Andrews and 2018 Ruby finalist Rachel Bailey. |
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| Kandy Shepherd mid-speech after accepting the Ruby Award for Best Short Romance. |
The LoveCats are an extremely proud pride and we are thrilled to congratulate our fellow Cats on their recent achievements, with a special shout out to Kandy Shepherd on winning the Ruby Award -- that is shorthand for Romantic Book of the Year -- for Best Short Romance with Conveniently Wed to the Greek. Well done, Kandy!
Woohoo lovely photos of what obviously was a fabulous weekend, you all work so hard to get to where you are today :)
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats Kandy on your win I did love this book and congrats to all of the nominees :)
Have Fun
Helen
Helen, it was lovely to spend time celebrating instead of working, though there was work too. I'm so proud of my fellow Cats!
DeleteCandy writes such beautiful books, doesn't she Helen?
DeleteAnnie, there was much work done but we don't have photographic evidence of that, only the fun parts! :-)
DeleteHah, hah I didn't do any work - just had fun. Though of course attending workshops and taking notes does count as work I guess!
DeleteOf course that is classified as work, Kandy. As is the thinking generated by workshops!
DeleteWasn't it the greatest weekend? So wonderful to see recognition for so much hard work by the Love Cat authors! And for me, the highlight was catching up with writing friends. What an absolute treat. I thought we all brushed up well for the celebrations too! :) Already looking forward to Melbourne next year.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I am the same. As inspiring and motivating as I find the conference sessions, and no matter what new light-bulbs go off during workshops, my highlight is always catching up with writing friends.
DeleteYES! So thrilled for Kandy. And so nice to catch up with everyone!
ReplyDeleteI loved catching up with everyone and the Awards Dinner with the LoveCats was SO MUCH FUN.
DeleteIt was so great to see you Amy and the other LoveCats. xx
DeleteYes, wasn't it fun Bron. We all laughed so much.
DeleteBron, I love your comment that the LoveCats is an an extremely proud pride! Yes we are!
ReplyDeleteThe conference was such fun. So great to be able to catch up with so many of our "pride" and chat and congratulate each other on our achievements.
Winning the Ruby with Conveniently Wed to the Greek was the icing on the cake. I sat stunned and unable to get out of my chair when my name was read out! (I wish I could cut the award in half and share it with lovely Rachel who was a fellow finalist.)
Another thing I enjoyed was dressing up and partying. Since working from home as a writer, that doesn't happen as often! The night of the Awards led to a very late night indeed and I loved every moment of it.
Next year, Melbourne!
Kandy, I so relate to the fun of dressing up at conference, after so much time spent in our trackie dacks and pjs, no makeup, hair going months beyond its need for professional care. All part of conference fun.
DeleteIt was so lovely to catch up and to share your joy with the Ruby win.
Wow! What a bunch of talented achievers we all are -- go us! :-D
ReplyDeleteSuper-duper congrats on your Ruby win, Kandy. And, Annie, making the honour roll is huge -- many congratulations. :-)
The conference is one of the highlights of my year. It was wonderful to catch up with the pride and to chat and party face-to-face. Already looking forward to Melbourne next year.
We are clever cats, this is true! :-)
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