Romance Writers of Australia Annual Conference 2013

How much fun did I have?

 

A lot.

I love attending conferences, I love meeting the editors, the agents and fellow writers (it's always good to talk to other people who think like you do).

It was held in Fremantle (fantastic location for me as it's not a to long drive!) at the Esplanade Hotel.

Interestingly for those who have read my book Mimosa Black, the Esplanade Hotel is opposite the Esplanade park, the pine tree strewn nature reserve that my heroine Mimosa finds herself in one very hot but awkward position!

During the weekend I went to some great sessions, but the most fun I had was actually presenting our session 'Beating the Trends in Paranormal Romance". I had so much fun that Shona and I are planning to present together at other conferences...

For those of you who were unfortunate enough not have attended, I'll give you a super brief lo-down ( I am supposed to be editing A Warlord's Lady today!)

We introduced attendees to a number of different mythical creatures from around the world. We discussed transcontinental lore, and looked at the similarities between undead and living mythological beasts from different continents. There are many more out there than most people realise.

My personal favourites were mosquito man, hailing from Native North American myth and the Draugr, from Norse. Though lets face it, the Asiman / Obayifu from Africa with his glowing anus is pretty cool, if not amusing.

We then spent some time looking at the rise of the cryptid and subsequently cryptozoology in modern culture, and looked at the cryptid's potential for use in paranormal / urban fantasy.

Finally, we talked about the need and importance of cultural sensitivity. Some cultures still hold myths and their beasts sacred, so it pays to be cautious when using a lesser known mythological creature in your writing...


I also created a video, backed up by some heart pumping Rob Zombie, Dragula. Which got every body in the mood :)

Anyway, I really must complete my edits, if A Warlord's Lady waits for no author to blog...

Have a great remainder of the week.

What's up?

My apologies for paucity of blog posts of late but I have been writing like a maniac.

 I am currently working on 3 WIPs as well as the day job and family commitments -so, I've been uber busy.
There are several happening at the moment with my writing, and I will keep you posted if and when things become official.

Nicola E. Sheridan & Shona Husk at ARRC 2013 Brisbane.

A fortnight ago, I spent the weekend in Brisbane at the Australian Romance Readers Annual Conference. I had a blast. Along with meeting lots of awesome Aussie writers, I got to meet some great readers too. I can't recommend it enough - if you're an avid reader or aspiring writer these are the places to go. During ARRC, my friend and I did a tonne of brainstorming on future WIPS and I am totally inspired.

Then last week had the great fortune of going to the Australian Comic Conference, (Perth) which was terrific and as I'm sure most of you are aware, I actually got to meet Jason Momoa a huge manspiration for my writing.

I didn't take this photo, but that's what greeted me in the signing line....

In August 16-17 this year, I will be attending the RWA annual conference in Fremantle Western Australia - where I will be co-presenting a session with my great friend and fellow writer Shona Husk.

 

Our session is titled "Beating the Tsunami: Getting Ahead on Paranormal Trends" (we didn't choose the name!)

Here's the blurb for our session;

We’ve had sparkling vampires and alpha werewolves… So what else is there? Publishers are always looking for something new – so jump on board and explore the continents. Together we’ll discover new and exciting creatures that still hide in the mists of mythology – in the hope that they might just be the next big thing.

I will guarantee you, it will be fun... how could it not be when I'm there?! 

 Have a happy week!