Sean Willliams Instore Signing

Sean Williams will be at Angus & Robertson Edwardstown on 6th November at 2pm!!

Sean will be promoting his new junior series 'The Fixers' 

So come on into the store and get your books signed!!

Great Christmas Ideas

Janelle Bloom 'Family Food & Weekend Feasts'

 Here is an amazing recipe from Janelle Bloom's latest cookbook 'Family Food & Weekend Feasts'

Ice-cream with chocolate sauce or canned fruit and custard is more often than not what’s on offer midweek. While there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if the chocolate sauce and custard are homemade, sometimes a little more effort is called for. Whether it’s a family birthday, a note from school about an upcoming fundraiser, friends dropping in for a casual get-together, or just time to spoil the ones you love for no reason at all, something sweet that requires little effort with maximum results is what you want. 

 

Strawberry & cream tart
This amazing tart is one of the easiest you will ever make. You can have it on the table within 30 minutes.



Serves 6
You’ll Need:
500g strawberries, hulled, halved
2 tablespoons pure icing sugar
1 tablespoon liqueur (such as Kahlúa or
Grand Marnier), optional
2 sheets frozen ready-rolled
puff pastry **
1 tablespoon white sugar
250g mascarpone

1. Place the strawberries in a bowl, sprinkle over the icing sugar, then drizzle over the liqueur, if using. Toss gently to combine, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven and a large fl at tray to 200°C fan-forced. Place 1 pastry sheet on a piece of baking paper. Top with the second sheet, then sprinkle the top sheet with the white sugar.
3. Being careful not to cut all the way through, use a small sharp knife to cut a 2cm-thick border around all four of the pastry edges. Place a 19cm square piece of baking paper in the centre of the pastry (inside the border), then place a 19cm square (base) cake pan on top. *Half fill the pan with rice. Using the paper, quickly lift the pastry onto the hot tray and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden. Remove the cake pan and the piece of baking paper under it and bake for a further 8–10 minutes, until crisp and cooked through. Set aside to cool on the tray.
4. Keeping within the border, spoon the mascarpone evenly over the pastry base. Spoon over the strawberries and any syrup in the bowl. Serve.

*The pan helps to press down and condense the centre of the tart, which makes the base crisp and also allows the borders to rise higher.
**If you are like me and have discovered Carême frozen pastry, replace the 2 sheets with 1 × 450g packet, rolled out to a 23cm square.

Random House Australia 

Winners

Can Melissa @Suger Coat It, Caitlyn Nicholas and Suzanne Brandyn please email me at arbooks@hotmail.co.uk so I can post out their prizes!

 

 

Guest Blog Post - Fiona Palmer + New Giveaway comp

Wow we are so lucky in Australia!! We have so many awesome writers and I am happy to present our next Guest Blog of the week! Fiona Palmer- author of 'The Family Farm' has written a post about life on the farm and how that interacts with her writing. To celebrate this our weekly giveaway is a signed copy of her book 'The Family Farm' So comment to your hearts content to be in it to win it!!! I will draw it on Thursday 4th Nov.

I was born and raised in the country, in a tiny five house town called Pingaring, 350km south east of Perth…so it’s not surprising that I’m a die hard country girl. (But that doesn’t mean I listen to country music and wear cowboy boots.  I like all music and love my Blundstone boots)

I had the whole world to choose from after school and I decided to come back to my roots.  There is something about living in a small community, where you know everyone and it feels safe. The way a community can rally together as they battle Mother Nature. She can be devastating in a flood or a drought and there is nothing you can do to stop her. 

I love that my kids can drive their buggy and play in the bush…yes they do run wild and free but they are happy.  I love being amongst the land, feeling and seeing each season as it changes. The smells: rain on dry dirt, soil freshly turned at seeding, wildflowers and eucalyptus in the air in spring…yes I could go on.  It is this passion I have for where I live which started my writing.  I was never a writer wanting to write words, I was a girl with a passion for the land who wanted to share it through stories. 

I have this active mind, which is always making up little stories and I can remember doing this at school.  Writing wonderful stories…well I thought they were good but my teacher thought otherwise.  You see I only scrapped through English as my spelling, grammar and punctuation was bad… and that’s putting it mildly.  I was never marked on my ability to create a story, so therefore I never thought I was any good.  But the urge to keep creating never died and when The Family Farm story started to form in my mind I took the plunge and typed it out. 

Izzy was based on my friend Rachael who works on her family’s farm.  She was much smarter than I was and could have gone on to uni but she came back to the land.  Her abilities on the farm inspired Izzy, there isn’t anything she can’t do.  And that appeals to me, women who can take care of themselves.  I was brought up that way and can change a tyre (even off the rim to fix a tube).   

There are so many funny quirky things that can happen out here and they’re the yarns I love to fit into my books.  I had to cut out quite a few shearing stories in my second book Heart of Gold.  Because I have city and international readers a lot of what I write about has to be explained really well.  My editors will have heaps of little comments on my manuscripts asking what this saying means or what is that?  

 Until then I thought everyone knew what a pair of moccasins were and what flyblown meant.  So it’s been quite a learning curve for me and my editors.  But I’m always ready for emails (via www.fionapalmer.com) if anyone has any questions about something they didn’t understand. 

I didn’t really think I’d ever get my first story published until a friend gave me one of Rachael Treasures books.  After reading Jillaroo I was like ‘yes, I can do this, there is a market for country books’ and that’s what spurred me on. So the first publisher I wrote an enquiry letter to was Penguin, who publishes Rachael. Low and behold, they must have been thinking the same thing and now I’m a published author. (I still can’t believe it)  Farm lit has really taken off, I know of three new authors with ‘rural’ books coming out next year and I’m totally excited.  I will be supporting them and putting details up on my website when I can.  It’s a great genre to be involved with.

So if you need an escape from the city then keep your eyes out for the farm lit books. 

Definatly check this lady out!! Her blog address is included in the post!

Giveaway Winners!!! Anh Do - Happiest Refugee

Haha this is going to be hard, no ones wants Minding Frankie. Well I have spoken to the boss and she has said that it is okay to give you three ladies
Melissa @Suger Coat It
Caitlyn Nicholas
Suzanne Brandyn

a copy of Anh Do's Happiest Refugee each. So email me your addresses at:

arbooks@hotmail.co.uk

and I will send your prizes out to you!!

Thank you for entering!

Tarran

John Howard - Lazarus Rising

John Howard spent decades under media scrutiny, and while his credentials as a political leader, devoted family man and sports tragic are beyond dispute, in this autobiography he reveals much more about himself. In Lazarus Rising, Howard traces his personal and political journey, from childhood in the post-World War II era through to the present day, painting a fascinating picture of a changing Australia.

We see the youngster who had to overcome serious deafness and who latched onto the family passion for current affairs and politics. From school debating, to a legal career, to the Liberal Party and life with Janette, it all seemed such a natural progression. Yet no one would say that Howard had it easy; not when his own colleagues sidelined him . . . twice. An economic radical and social conservative, John Howard's ideology united many Australians and divided just as many others.

Long before he attained the role of prime minister, he first had to convince his fellow Liberals that he was the man they needed. To do that, he had to tough it out; it took several attempts and many years biding his time. When he finally got his turn to take on the ALP, he proved wrong all his doubters, and showed a whole nation that it had been a mistake ever to underestimate John Howard. He led the Liberal Party to victory in four elections and became the second-longest-serving PM in the nation's history.

Lazarus Rising is history seen through the eyes of the ultimate insider; an account of a 30-year political career. No prime minister of modern times has reshaped Australia and its place in the world as forcefully as John Howard. As part of his reform agenda he privatized Telstra, dismantled excessive union power and compulsory trade union membership, instituted the unpopular Goods and Services Tax, and established the ‘work for the dole' scheme. 

Then there are the insights into political leadership and character, the stuff that drives history. Without his deep reserves of resilience - and the support of a strong wife and loving family - there would have been no Prime Minister John Howard walking the world stage. He tells us how he responded on issues vital to Australia, such as gun control, the aftermath of 9/11, Iraq and the rising tide of asylum-seekers. He also shares his thoughts on his former Treasurer and leadership aspirant, Peter Costello, and the Rudd-Gillard debate.

Lazarus Rising takes us through the life and motivations of John Howard and through the forces which have changed and shaped both him and the country he led for 11 years.

Guest Blog Post - Anna Jacobs

Today we have Anna Jacobs - author of 50 novels telling us how it feels to be so well published!

ANNA JACOBS AT 50 (NOVELS PUBLISHED, THAT IS)

In 1991, my first novel was accepted after a few years of trying, and published the following year. Thrilled to pieces, and basing my calculations on how long this had taken, I figured I could probably get 10 or 12 novels published before I died. Oh, boy, was I wrong!

In July 2010 my 50th novel ‘Beyond the Sunset’ was published, followed in September by No 51. I’m now writing 3+ novels a year so I plan to write a lot more before I’m through.

In the beginning I was like a child in a toyshop, writing in several genres. I started with historical romance, moved on to write historical sagas, and also fantasy novels as Shannah Jay. (The latter stories are only available as ebooks now.) I then went on to write modern novels. Oh, and there are short stories too, for magazines. What fun it all is!

Currently I write in two genres, for different publishers, historical sagas and modern novels. I used to say I wrote ‘women’s fiction’ but so many men have contacted me to say they love my books that I’ve stopped saying that. It clearly isn’t true.

People ask me how I keep thinking up new ideas. Even my editors ask me that. Ideas are no trouble to me. I have a long list of them in my ideas file that I’m itching to write. It’s choosing which one to work on next for my publisher that is a bit of a problem. I want to write them all!

Perhaps my brain is hard wired to tell stories. I’ve been doing it since I was two. I’m certainly happiest when I can get on with my latest during the day and enjoy my family’s company in the evenings. If something prevents me from writing for more than a day or two, however, I become very twitchy and (shh, don’t tell anyone) grumpy even.

Some of my books are set in the UK, where I was born, and some in Australia, where I’ve lived for over 30 years. It’s great having a two-country background as a resource, and although we’re based mainly in Australia, my husband and I spend time in the UK each year as well.

MY LATEST NOVELS

My 50th novel, ‘Beyond the Sunset’, is part of the Swan River Saga, which began with ‘Farewell to Lancashire’. In the 1860s the American Civil War cut off supplies of cotton to Lancashire, the mills closed and people went hungry.

When I was doing some research I found that they sent 60 starving cotton lasses from Lancashire to Western Australia in 1863 to become maids. I added four more to the group - the Blake sisters, who are the heroines of these tales.

It’s been so interesting to do the research. In 1863, Britain was criss-crossed by railways and everyone used them, locally and nationally. Western Australia didn’t have any passenger railways at all, and no road across Australia west to east. What a change that must have been for emigrants.

And then there was the cart crash in ‘Beyond the Sunset’. I wrote it how I imagined it would be, but found a cart club in the US and they checked it out. Goodness, I was so wrong! It took 3 days of to-ing and fro-ing by email to get it right. I’m very proud of that cart crash now.

Book 3, ‘Destiny’s Path’ comes out in March 2011 in the UK, and was supposed to be the last in the series. But I found myself writing a spin-off novel about a minor character who was too good to banish to oblivion after that story ended. So his tale is the start of a new series. ‘The Trader’s Wife’ comes out in September 2011. I’m not telling anyone the details yet, but it’s something a bit different from my usual historical stories.

My 49th novel was ‘Licence to Dream’ a modern novel set in York, Western Australia and my 51st novel was ‘Cherry Tree Lane’, the first story set in Wiltshire, in the south-west of England. I love the variety.

If you feel like trying one of my books, you can find the first chapter of each on my website.

http://www.annajacobs.com

Your local bookshop keeps my latest books in stock and will be happy to order any other book from my backlist that you fancy reading - the historical novels come and go, getting reprinted regularly.

Now, I have this new story to write, so excuse me if I don’t linger. My characters are raring to go and I’m getting nagged by my regular readers to write faster. Don’t know if I can, but I’ll give it a try.

Happy reading!

Anna Jacobs

Give Away!! Give Away!! Maeve Binchy - MINDING FRANKIE & Anh Do HAPPIEST REFUGEE

 We have this week 1 copy of Maeve Binchy's Minding Frankie up for grabs and 1 copy of Comedian Anh Do's Happiest Refugee: My Journey from Tragedy to comedy to giveaway to two lucky winners.
Each winner will recieve either a Minding Frankie or a Happiest Refugee.

To enter just leave us a comment on here on our giveaway comment box and on Thursday 28th October I will draw the winners. Open to Aussie's only sorry.

More New Stock

Michael Chugg was only fifteen years old when he began managing and promoting music in his hometown of Launceston, Tasmania. That was in 1962. Fast forward to the present, and 'Chuggi', as he is affectionately known, has been a pioneer in bringing the newest, biggest and baddest musical acts to Australia.

These include The Police, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis Jr., Fleetwood Mac, R.E.M., Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiss, Pearl Jam, and many more. Chuggi has developed a reputation as a hard-arse, often walking on stage to shout down the crowd or pull the talent into line. He also never minces words – writing in shocking detail about what goes on behind closed doors when big international acts come to town.

This honest, open and blunt expose of the underbelly of Australian music events is both hilarious and fascinating.

About The Author

Michael Chugg is a well-known public figure in his own right, running the PR machine for many of his tours and often being the media's 'go to man' for an opinion on the music industry or the state of the nation.

Not shy to take hold of the microphone at a stadium event, many concert-goers will have experienced Michael Chugg, better known as 'Chuggi', and one of his legendary on-stage rants, which all began with the now famous You in the black t-shirt, stop running. At a sold out Guns N' Roses concert in 1993, thousands of punters stopped in their tracks. 

 Nelson Mandela is widely considered to be one of the most inspiring and iconic figures of our age. Now, after a lifetime of taking pen to paper to record thoughts and events, hardships and victories, he has bestowed his entire extant personal papers, which offer an unprecedented insight into his remarkable life.

A singular international publishing event, Conversations with Myself draws on Mandela’s personal archive of never-before-seen materials to offer unique access to the private world of an incomparable world leader. Journals kept on the run during the anti-apartheid struggle of the early 1960s; diaries and draft letters written in Robben Island and other South African prisons during his twenty-seven years of incarceration; notebooks from the postapartheid transition; private recorded conversations; speeches and correspondence written during his presidency—a historic collection of documents archived at the Nelson Mandela Foundation is brought together into a sweeping narrative of great immediacy and stunning power. An intimate journey from Mandela’s first stirrings of political consciousness to his galvanizing role on the world stage, Conversations with Myself illuminates a heroic life forged on the front lines of the struggle for freedom and justice.

While other books have recounted Mandela’s life from the vantage of the present, Conversations with Myself allows, for the first time, unhindered insight into the human side of the icon.

New Stock

From Aussie creator Queenie Chan!

Amber and Jeanie, a pair of twin sisters, enroll in an Australian boarding school. But shortly after school begins, the twins uncover a dark, mysterious secret: Students have been known to walk off into the surrounding bushlands, where they have vanished completely, without a trace!

Read the original manga that launched the entire Dragon Ball franchise!

A Collection of Volumes 1 - 3!
The Quest for the Seven Dragon Balls
LEGEND HAS IT that if all seven of the precious orbs called Dragon Balls are gathered together, an incredibly powerful dragon god will appear to grant one wish. Unfortunately, the orbs are scattered across the world, making them extremely difficult to collect.
Enter 16-year-old Bulma, a scientific genius who has constructed a radar to detect the exact locations of the Dragon Balls. She's on a mission to find all seven orbs, but first she must convince young Son Goku to join her on her quest. With a monkey tail, super-human strength, and a magic staff for a weapon, Son Goku's ready to set out on the adventure of a lifetime...

Guantanamo - David Hicks

ISBN: 9781864711585
PRICE: $49.95

INSTORE NOW

 In 1999 a young man from suburban Adelaide set out on an overseas trip that would change his life forever.Initially, he was after adventure and the experience of travelling the Silk Road. But events would set him on a different path. He would be deemed a terrorist, one of George W Bush's 'worst of the worst'. He would be incarcerated in the world's most notorious prison, Guantanamo Bay. And in that place where, according to an interrogator in Abu Ghraib, 'even dogs won't live', he was to languish for five and a half years, suffering horror, torture and abuse, while Australians were told who he was - by politicians, the media and foreign governments.Everyone had an opinion on him.But only he knows the truth.And now, for the first time, David Hicks tells his story.

Review - Helen Lowe "Heir of Night"

If Night falls, all fall . . .

In the far north of the world of Haarth lies the bitter mountain range known as the Wall of Night. Garrisoned by the Nine Houses of the Derai, the Wall is the final bastion between the peoples of Haarth and the Swarm of Dark - which the Derai have been fighting across worlds and time.

Malian, Heir to the House of Night, knows the history of her people: the unending war with the Darkswarm; the legendary heroes, blazing with long-lost power; the internal strife that has fractured the Derai's former strength. But now the Darkswarm is rising again, and Malian's destiny as Heir of Night is bound inextricably to both ancient legend and any future the Derai - or Haarth - may have. 

What can I say about Helen Lowes new book. 

1. It is imaginative.
2. It is very well written.
3. Action driven, but it holds together the story.
4. I loved the characters, especially Kalan.
5. The whole world feels realistic and fantastically exotic at the same time.
6. A Must Read book!! No seriously go out and buy it now!

I could go on and on about this book and I can not wait for the second book in the series!!!

A congratulations to Helen Lowe for making me really love this book, I think it may even go into my 'Good Fantasy Bookcase' with all my regulars like David Eddings, Jennifer Fallon, Mary Victoria, Kim Falconer, Kate Forsyth, Tamora Pierce and wayyyyy to many more to write here!

Romance Books Part 2

 PARANORMAL:

"Sincetime began, there have been Nightwalkers - the races of the night who live in the shadows of the moonlight. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden. Jacob knows the excuses his people give when the madness overtakes them and they fall prey to their lust for humans. He's heard every one and still brought the trespassers to justice. Immune to forbidden desires, uncontrollable hungers, or the curse of the moon, his control is total...until the moment he sees Isabella on a shadowy New York City street. Saving her life wasn't in his plans. Nor were the overwhelming feelings she arouses in him. But the moment he holds her in his arms and feels the soft explosion of her body against his, everything changes. Their attraction is undeniable, volatile, and completely against the law. Suddenly everything Jacob has ever believed is inflamed by the heat of desire...

 After a chaotic marriage and a rough divorce, all Mira Hoskins wants is stability and normality. But when sexy Jack McAllister enters her life, she discovers that what you want isn't always what you need.
Jack is a powerful witch with the ability to command fire and is anything but normal. As the head of a security detail for The Coven, a national organization that governs national witches, Jack has been assigned to watch over Mira. She is a natural born witch with the ability to call the air. And although she is unaware of her talent, a group of renegade witches has discovered her existence and are determined to steal her power--and her life.



CONTEMPORY/SAGA:

In 1920s Glasgow, Beattie Blaxland falls pregnant to her married lover Henry just before her nineteenth birthday. Abandoned by her family, Beattie and Henry set sail for a new life in Australia. But life is not about to follow the plan that Beattie had hoped for and fate will play her a cruel hand. In 2009, London, prima ballerina Lydia Blaxland-Hunter is also discovering that life can have its ups and downs. Unable to dance again after a fall, Lydia returns home to Australia to recuperate. But on arrival she is presented with some surprising news - her recently deceased and much-loved grandmother, Beattie Blaxland, has left her Tasmanian property to Lydia. Told through the eyes of a young Beattie Blaxland and a contemporary Lydia Blaxland-Hunter, this is an emotionally charged, seductive tale of self-discovery, secrets and surprises.

  Jake Andersen is a proud Currency lad with a swagger in his step and a joke for his mates, until he discovers the wife he is besotted with has left him, and taken their young daughter with her. A prize fighter, Jake decides to take matters into his own hands and find his wife, and the mongrel she ran off with. Fuelled by revenge he starts a long search across the colony and vows to never trust 'good women' again. Few people seem to think a gypsy girl like Keziah Stanley could ever be a 'good woman'. Separated by the law from her beloved gypsy husband, Keziah decides to travel to Australia to find the love of her life. With her tarot cards and strong beliefs, Keziah boasts she can read anybody's future, but her own life is proving harder to read, let alone manage. Daniel Browne already knows what his future will be: the life of a great artist. And he is determined to follow his dream; no matter what. When this volatile trio is thrown together in Australia, they form an extraordinary, unexpected alliance that will challenge the establishment. Love, hate, survival and revenge: all will discover the truth.

Romance Books

Continuing on with our romance theme, here are some selections that I have taken from the shelves and compared them to others you may like.

WILD WEST:

When Chief Eagle Wolf leaves his Owl Clan behind to protect them from the smallpox he's contracted, he doesn't know if he will live or die. The scales are tipped by a beautiful white woman who nurses him back to health and then captures his heart.

 1756. Traveling west of the colonies with a small party, Shannon O'Shea loses her way in the wilderness, soon drenched by driving rains and forced by powerful winds into the shelter of a cave. Stripping quickly, she is drawn to the flickering warmth of a fire deep within, but she stops cold--surely she must be dreaming. Before her stands a Cherokee brave, tall and broad-shouldered, scarcely clothed. Storm Dancer whispers that she knew him once. . .long ago. He vows to keep her safe. By morning, he seems to vanish, yet Storm Dancer will remain with Shannon, in every way a flesh-and-blood man who awakens her every womanly longing. For their spirits call to each other. . .

MILITARY/SPECIAL OPS:

Navy SEAL Clint “Iceman” McIntire didn't earn his nickname by being a coward. Or a quitter. Having crushed an infamous drug cartel in Colombia, Clint was nothing short of an American hero. Now he's home, on a much-needed leave, but instead of some R&R, he finds himself neck-deep in trouble with his best friend's little sister, Morganna Chavez, the only woman who has the power to bring him to his knees. . .

A sexy black-ops hero and a beautiful ER nurse must fight for their lives - and for a love they never thought possible.

REGENCY/HISTORICAL

 

He pledged his honor to keep her safe . Returning home to Cornwall after an unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress - and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat. She promised to show him how to love - and desire - again . 

 Desperate to liberate her father who is being held prisoner by the corrupt Bishop Thomas, Joanna of Glastonbury must use her skills as an alchemist to produce an elixir for eternal life. Gold is a key ingredient, and while panning for its rare gleam, Joanna struggles to rescue a boy who is drowning - until a knight comes to her aid. When Joanna lays eyes on the handsome man, a scorching desire is sparked deep within her. Hugh Manhill is captivated by Joanna's stunning beauty. When he and Joanna discover they share a mutual hatred of the Bishop, they devise a daring plan to save their imprisoned family members. Their common mission strengthens their undeniable bond. Soon, neither can resist their all-consuming passion as they risk all for love.

 In the fourth book in the MacLean series, the older of twin sisters tries to save her twin from running off with a Maclean, ending up trapped herself.

 Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love - this time forever.

Manga Manga Manga

Here are just some of the Manga Series that we have on our shelves!!

Guest Blog Post - Anna Campbell

We asked Anna to come and blog about the genre of Romance and why she thinks it is so popular! So enjoy Anna's post and feel free to comment your views as well!

Hello, Aussie romance fans! Hello, Angus and Robertson Edwardstown! 

Thank you so much for your ongoing and enthusiastic support for romance fiction, especially locally produced romance fiction!  

My name is Anna Campbell. I’m an Aussie from Queensland and I write historical romance for Avon in America and HarperCollins Australia.  

I was thinking the other day how far above our weight Aussie romance writers punch on the world stage. Throw in the fabulous New Zealanders like Nalini Singh, and the local contingent become a powerful force in the huge international romance market. People here are often astonished when I tell them how big romance is. I only have figures for America, but last year, romance was the bestselling genre there and sold a massive US$1.36 billion (figures courtesy of Romance Writers of America).  

Occasionally I meet a misguided person who claims not to like romance (they have no idea what fun they’re missing!) and that puzzles me because it’s like saying you dislike food. The range of what is available in romance now is astonishing. There’s everything from a sheikh or a surgeon in a Mills and Boon through to vampires and shapeshifters in paranormal and urban fantasy, many of which are as hard-hitting as anything in the mainstream crime or suspense genres. Personally I like a duke or an earl – I’m just that kinda girl! There’s something magical about being swept away into the complex, glamorous world of historical romance.  

This misguided person sometimes tries to tell me that romance is anti-feminist. This surprises me as romance is a multi-billion dollar industry largely run by women for women consumers and with a vast majority of women as the producers. That makes a feminist statement on its own, I would think! Just as the role of women has changed in the world, the role of the heroine has changed in romance – although as a long-term reader, the doormat heroine often referenced in romances of yesteryear has always struck  me as a bit of a myth. I can’t think of a good romance novel where the heroine doesn’t undertake a journey to self-fulfilment in some way or other.  

Romance doesn’t have the profile in Australia that it does in America although a number of visionary bookshops including Angus and Robertson at Edwardstown are doing their best to change that.  

Last week in particular, I was thinking about how we are raising the profile of Aussie romance writers. In next month’s Australian Women’s Weekly, there’s a big article by Tony Squires about romance writing in this country. Tony has interviewed a crowd of Australian writers, including me, about their work and career and the state of romance here. Then last week, I felt like a movie star when the Women’s Weekly flew me to Melbourne for a photo shoot including a professional stylist and make-up artist. I spent the day in a very chichi environment in North Fitzroy with local stars Stephanie Laurens and Keri Arthur, both of whom are multiple New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. The magazine will be out later in October so grab a copy to find out more about the Australian women who are making their mark in the international book market.  

While I was there, I started to think about the many writers who could have also been included in the shoot (although I was very glad they picked me!). Australia is home to a plethora of wonderful Harlequin Mills and Boon authors who sell books in the millions. There are too many to list here, but some of my favourite local M&B writers include Annie West, Sharon Archer, Sarah Mayberry, Marion Lennox, Amy Andrews, Bronwyn Jameson, Trish Morey (a South Australian!) and Kelly Hunter. I could go on and on!  

Then there are our fabulous historical writers! Stephanie Laurens has become a worldwide superstar with her passionate, exciting stories set in Regency England. Two more locals who write brilliant historical romance are Christine Wells and Anne Gracie. Or South Australian historical writer Elizabeth Rolls. Or for something a bit off the beaten track, Western Australian author Christina Phillips has made a splash with her debut novel set in Roman Britain, FORBIDDEN.  

When it comes to the increasingly popular genre of paranormal and urban fantasy romance, try Tracey O’Hara or Erica Hayes or Denise Rossetti. If you fancy some romantic suspense, pick up books by local stars Bronwyn Parry or Helene Young. For feel-good contemporary romance, Kandy Shepherd writes lovely stories featuring eccentric pets along with her charming heroes and heroines.   

 

Always a voracious reader, Anna Campbell decided when she was a child that she wanted to be a writer. Once she discovered the wonderful world of romance novels, she knew exactly what she wanted to write. Her first historical romance for Avon was the multi-award winning CLAIMING THE COURTESAN.

 

The variety of what Aussie authors are producing is mind-boggling. The go-to place for information about local authors is the Romance Writers of Australia website. Here’s a link to the author page: http://www.romanceaustralia.com/authors.html 

So go on – buy Australian! Romance, that is!  

Some relevant websites: 

Anna Campbell www.annacampbell.info 

Stephanie Laurens www.stephanielaurens.com 

Keri Arthur www.keriarthur.com  

Elizabeth Rolls www.elizabethrolls.com 

Christine Wells www.christine-wells.com 

Annie West www.annie-west.com 

Sharon Archer www.sharon-archer.com 

Christina Phillips www.christinaphillips.com 

Australian Romance Readers Association http://www.australianromancereaders.com.au/ 

South Australian Romance Authors http://saromanceauthors.weebly.com/  

Romance Writers of Australia http://www.romanceaustralia.com/index.html 

Romance Writers of America http://www.rwanational.org/