Thursday 20 August 2009

Romance Writers of Australia conference in Brisbane and a chance meeting with Valerie Parv


Last weekend over 250 like-minded women (nary a man in sight) gathered to discuss their passion for writing at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Brisbane.

It was full-on. After two days holed up in the SebelCitigate Hotel, frantically trying to absorb the wisdom of the guest speakers, catch up with my Bootcamp mates, and attend a cocktail party and awards dinner, I was buggered!

Overall, it was a huge learning experience.
One of the highlights (and there were many) for me was meeting romance writer and educator extraordinaire Valerie Parv.

Deadset, the poor woman thought I was stalking her (and she did ask: "Are you stalking ,me?). After I got her to autograph my copy of her new book Heart & Craft, she said: "Where's the camera? I know you want to have your photo taken with me."
She's such a generous person. I mean, who on earth would let a bona fide stalker such as myself be photographed with them?

I am now on a mission to become a Valerie Parv mignon - I'm giving myself 12 months!

But for now, it's back to reality while romance moves to the backburner for a little while.

As my youngest daughter says, "Life goes on..."
(Photo: Bootcampers 109)

4 comments:

AJ Blythe said...

Shayne, what a fabulous (exhausting) weekend!!

Race you to the VP flag. Sigh. Just imagine...

Mon Wood said...

It was wonderful to meet you, Shayne. Who are those hotties in the picture?! It's like Charlie's Angels, but with an extra member *vbg*

Carol said...

Can't wait to have a coffee and hear more about it. And believe it or not, Valerie used to write for us in the late 70s - she may even remember - I'll tell you which magazine when I see you.

Carol said...
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