Festival of Romance
is happening again!

I’m delighted to shout about this fabulous event, especially considering the BLAST I had at last year’s romance fest. (It involved unscheduled singing on my part, in case you don’t remember, LOL!)

So here’s the gen:

The Festival of Romance celebrates romantic fiction in all its forms and gives readers a chance to meet favourite and new authors as well as taking part in lots of fun activities. It is the UK’s ONLY convention dedicated to romantic fiction.

Festival of Romance 2013 takes place Friday, 8th November to Sunday, 10th November in Bedford!

Tickets are on sale NOW

 The New Talent Award is now open for entries. The guest judge this year is Harper Collins editor Sammia Rafique.

The Piatkus Entice Win a Publishing Contract competition is now open.

Here’s a peek at the fun-packed programme:

8th November

7.30pm to 9.30pm ART AND ROMANCE EVENING, The Higgins Museum & Art Gallery
Enjoy an exclusive evening at The Higgins, transformed by a multi-million pound refurbishment. Authors writing in different historical periods will give readings of their work. The Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition will be open plus the chance to join an exclusive literary interest tour of the museum (at extra cost). Readings by Marie Maxwell, Christina Courtenay, Jon Beattiey, Jenny Barden, Jean Burnett, Terri Nixon, Catherine Winchester, Charlie Cochrane, Liz Harris, Laura Purcell, Rosemary Morris, Madeline James and Jane Lark. Tickets: £10 inc a glass of wine.

9th November

All day. ROMANCE AND SHOPPING Town centre: look out for authors in historical costumes. Harpur Shopping centre: listen to readings by romance authors. Free entry.

10am to 3pm ROMANCE FAIR, Harpur Suite, Corn Exchange Gifts, books, authors, cooking, chocolate and lots of fun. Free entry.

10.30am to 12noon COFFEE AND CAKE MORNING ,The Lane Coffee and chance to meet your favourite authors. With readings by Miranda Dickinson, Sue Moorcroft, Hazel Osmond, Fiona Harper, Phillipa Ashley, Liz Fenwick, Charlotte Howard, Lucy Felthouse, Sue Welfare, Janice Horton, Zara Stoneley and Mandy Baggot .Tickets: £6 includes coffee/tea & choice of cake.

10.30am to 12.30pm PITCH YOUR NOVEL Central Library Pitch your unpublished novel to our panel of publishers for live feedback. Tickets: £10

12.45pm to 3.45pm IRRESISTABLE HEROES WORKSHOP Central Library Learn to write heroes that readers will fall in love with. Led by award winning authors Sue Moorcroft and Christina Courtenay. Tickets: £20. Limited places.

1pm to 1.45pm AN AUDIENCE WITH… KATIE FFORDE. Harpur Suite, Corn Exchange Meet bestselling romantic fiction novelist Katie Fforde in conversation. Free entry.

3.15pm to 4.30pm ROYAL BABY SHOWER Harpur Suite, Corn Exchange Celebrate the royal baby and meet romance authors at this fun event. Babies and children welcome. With special guest William Coles, former royal corespondent at The Sun. Spot prizes for bonny babies. Readings by Rowan Coleman, Hywela Lyn, Nicola May, Sophie Pembroke, Sheryl Browne, Nicky Wells, Linn B Halton, Kit Domino, Serena Fairfax and Caroline James. Tickets: £5 includes tea/coffee or glass of wine. Under 16s: free.

>>>>in case you missed it ~ yours truly (yes, me!) will be taking part in this event, come and join me! <<<<

4pm to 5pm HOW TO STAND OUT, GET PUBLISHED & STAY PUBLISHED Central Library Join Sammia Rafique from top publisher Harper Collins and bestselling author Miranda Dickinson for a informative talk with question and answer session. Tickets: £5

6.45pm NEW TALENT AWARD RECEPTION Invitation only Drinks reception for New Talent Award shortlisted authors.

7.30pm to 11.30pm FESTIVAL OF ROMANCE BALL. Harpur Suite, Corn Exchange
Including presentation of the Reader Awards for best romantic books of the year, Romance Industry Awards and New Talent Award. With comedian Brian Higgins and steampunk “chap hop” star Professor Elemental. Dress code: black tie. Tickets: £50 includes three course meal.

10th November

9.30am to 3pm ROMANTIC FICTION CONFERENCE Howard Room, Corn Exchange
Publishers and industry experts discuss the burning issues for the romantic fiction industry. And a chance to meet publishers one to one. Full programme coming soon. Tickets: £42 includes lunch.

What are you waiting for?
You’ve seen the line up of events and authors ~ come on and join us!

Spread the word and join the twitter fun: #romancefest13