Writers and readers will depend on Lake Mac this weekend a festival dedicated to the written word.

Visitors to the Write Here festival will hear tips, tricks and tales from local and visiting authors across three days of workshops, discussions and presentations.

Almost 30 authors, including Todd Alexander, Kaz Delaney, Candice Fox, Janette Paul and Pamela Hart will feature across 15 talks, Q&A panels and workshops.

One of the speakers, local author Michelle Douglas will share her top tips for writing romance novels with the festival.

The Beloved author has an impressive repertoire of over 35 Mills & Boon books under her belt, earning her prestigious accolades in the world of romance writing. Her captivating stories have been translated into a staggering 24 languages, captivating readers worldwide.

As a highlight of this year’s festival, Douglas will be hosting an exclusive Secrets to Writing Romance workshop at Belmont Library on Saturday.

This insightful session offers aspiring writers a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional and gain valuable insights into the art of crafting compelling romantic tales.

“Romance is the only genre of fiction that puts womenโ€™s concerns at the forefront of the narrative,” Michelle said.

“Itโ€™s a womanโ€™s concerns, itโ€™s what she needs and wants that are at the centre of the story, and I think thatโ€™s an important and empowering element of a romance novel.”

“Also, very few genres deal with the emotion of joy, but the ending of a romance novel is unashamedly joyful. To write a book that leaves a smile on someoneโ€™s face and helps them feel a little more hopeful about the world is a wonderful thing to be able to do.”

The Write Here festival is happening in Lake Macquarie from Friday 19 May until Sunday 21 May 2023. Some festival sessions are free, admission to others is by gold coin donation, while others range in price from $8-$40. Bookings are essential. Visit library.lakemac.com.au for more information.


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