Writing romance novels is mostly a woman’s thing. And there are a lot more local women doing it than you possibly realise.
Why romance? It’s an escape a guaranteed happy ending and a gigantic market. More than half of the paperbacks sold every week in the USA are romances. And at least five of the ten top-sellers every week as well. Consistently popular romance authors have very nice pay-days!
The Kāpiti/Wellington chapter of Romance Writers of New Zealand arranged several events recently to celebrate the work of Kiwi romance writers. Silhouette Desire author Yvonne Lindsay from Auckland and Harlequin Superromance author Zana Bell from Whangarei took part in a book-signing at Whitcoulls of Coastlands.
A pot-luck dinner for local members of RWNZ was well-attended, and it was a great chance to talk socially with our visiting authors.
The highlight was the all-day seminar held for published and aspiring writers of romance at the Kāpiti Community Centre. Zana and Yvonne were joined by Mills & Boon Historicals author Victoria Aldridge from Wellington and e-published Ann Patrick from Carterton. The workshops, lectures, and chance to network with other like-minded women were enjoyed by all.
The next big event will be the national conference in Auckland in August. It’s a chance to hear international speakers, and to pitch completed novels to overseas editors and agents. For more details visit www.romancewriters.co.nz If you like what you read, download an enrolment form and join Romance Writers of New Zealand. There are local meetings held every month on the Kāpiti Coast, and new members are warmly welcomed.