These talented writers will delve into the elements that make a romance novel captivating, discussing everything from character development to the perfect plot twist. Hosted by Claudine Tinellis, this event promises insightful discussions, lively debates, and plenty of fun.
Clare Fletcher is the author of romantic comedies Love Match and Five Bush Weddings, both published by Penguin Random House. Clare also co-hosts That Rom Com Pod with fellow author Karina May.
Karina May is a former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. Karina's debut print novel, Duck á l’Orange for Breakfast (Pan Macmillan, April 2023) was longlisted for the 2024 Indie Book Awards for best debut fiction. Her second rom-com, Never Ever Forever, was released in December last year. When she's not dreaming up her next meet-cute, you'll find Karina co-hosting book podcast, That Rom Com Pod, alongside friend and fellow author Clare Fletcher.
Amy Hutton was raised on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. She’s an award-winning Television Producer who now spends her time writing sweet, funny and steamy rom-coms featuring adorable pet sidekicks. She’s a Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of NZ Award Winner and the 2023 runner up in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award. Amy belongs to a rescue dog named Buffy. She's an avid supporter of animal rescue organisations and proudly fosters three Black Rhinos in Africa. When not busy playing with her character’s emotions, she loves to travel, with a particular passion for Disneyland. She also adores anything Star Wars and has a fierce and unwavering commitment to Hallmark Christmas movies. Amy's debut rom-com Sit, Stay, Love was published in August 2023, with her follow up Love from Scratch published in June 2024, both through Simon & Schuster Australia. Her next book is expected in 2025.
Penelope Janu lives on a property in the Southern Highlands of NSW with a distracting husband, a very large dog and, now they're fully grown, six delightful children who come and go. A former lawyer, Penelope has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had two novellas and eight novels published, the most recent being her December 2023 release, Sunshine through the Rain. Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters. She loves to hear from readers, and can be contacted via her website, penelopejanu.com.
Claudine Tinellis is a Sydney-based author, podcaster and presenter/moderator. A former corporate lawyer, Claudine ventured into the world of publishing in 2014 as the editor of Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century. In the years since, Claudine has dedicated herself to writing fiction and finding varying ways to support the world of Australian literature. She is an executive founding member of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival and has moderated for many book launches and other festivals. With more than 270 different author interviewed to date, Claudine’s podcast Talking Aussie Books is a popular program bringing readers and writers of Australian fiction together.