Local Byron Romance Author Teaches How to be a Love Expert this Valentine's Day
Best-selling Byron romance author Jennifer St George opens her How to Write Love online school this Valentine's Day.
Ms St George, is teaming up with Ally Blake, Amy Andrews and Clare Connelly, who between them have over 10 million in book sales and are experts on crafting romance novels that sell and the tools required to build a successful publishing career.
When Ms St George first started writing romance, she didn't know where to turn. She travelled all over Australia seeking out the best courses. It was expensive, time-consuming and hard.
"After being in the romance writing world now for over twelve years, I realised I knew lots of successful, award-winning authors and we could create what I'd been looking for all those years ago."
"So, during a champagne meeting, I pitched the idea to my romance writing friends and the How to Write Love online course was born."
The course provides expert advice on subjects from developing compelling characters to plotting to how to write those all important sex scenes.
“We’ve launched our 10-week online writing course as we are passionate about sharing our knowledge to ensure aspiring authors start off on the right track.”
When Ms St George started out she wanted to be published with Harlequin Mills & Boon but ended up being published by Penguin Books.
“Whilst Harlequin Mills & Boon is the romance publisher, there are many other publishers looking for new voices and new stories and in the How to Write Love course we show you how to access them.”
One of the course instructors, Ms Connelly self-published her first book in 2014 and became an Amazon All-Star in the UK and the US, one of the top selling Amazon exclusive authors in the world, earning a six figure income in her first year as a published author.
“Self-publishing is also on the rise and is a viable option for building a career in romance writing. Clare Connelly provides a whole lesson on how to get started in indie publishing and how she sold millions of books this way."
Ms St George is a highly experienced romance writing teacher having presented at writing conferences and Byron Writers Festival, as well as teaching creative writing at university level.
“With the right direction, a deep understanding of what makes the romance genre the most popular world over, and sitting down and doing the work, I believe anyone can build a successful career in romance writing.”
According to research group Wordsrated, romance novels generate over US$1.44 billion per year making romance the highest-earning genre of fiction.
Ms St George thinks anyone wanting a romantic treat this Valentine’s day should sign-up to the course and write their own happy ever afters.
- Ends -
Jennifer St George: Jennifer is a multi-published author with Penguin Books. She’s been a Amazon, Google Play and iBooks bestseller. She was on the Executive Committee of Romance Writers of Australia for three years and the Board of Byron Writers Festival for four years, two as Chair of the organisation. Before writing romance, Jennifer had a twenty year career in public relations, marketing and management consulting working for some of the world’s most well-known brands including Guinness, Ford and McKinsey & Co and the occasional celebrity like Madonna. She launched Guinness in Russia, raced cars in Hiroshima to decide which to import in Australia, hosted media tours across Europe and ran the English speaking press centre for Expo 92 in Seville, Spain. Jennifer taught romance writing at community college and the Northern Rivers Writers Centre and teaches creative writing at Bond University. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Communication - QUT), an MBA (Melbourne Uni and Duke) and Grad Dip in Leadership and Coaching (QUT). Jennifer lives in Byron Shire, NSW.
Ally Blake: Award-winning Australian romance author Ally Blake has sold over four million copies of her more than forty published novels, with each translated into multiple languages worldwide.An ambassador for romantic literature and Australian voices, Ally has presented at writing conferences and literary festivals around Australia, hosted the Romance Book Club and the Great Aussie Book Club for Brisbane Libraries, has appeared in New Idea, Madison, and Style Magazine, been profiled on A Current Affair and The Project as well interviews with numerous international newspapers and radio programs.Ally is a mentor of new authors, a manuscript assessor, and regular speaker at the Queensland Writers Centre having hosted sessions at GenreCon, and in house via their Printable author branding program. Follow Ally on social media @allyblakebooks and find her books at www.allyblake.com.
Clare Connelly is a best-selling Australia author with more than one hundred full length romance novels under her belt. In 2014, Clare self-published her first book and established a solid readership on Amazon and became an Amazon All-Star in the UK and the US (one of the top selling Amazon exclusive authors). In 2016, Clare accepted a contract with Harlequin Mills & Boon and has since published more than forty titles with the iconic publisher, whilst continuing to publish indie titles. She also writes a feel-good small-town series for Tule Publishing. Clare’s books are available in many languages, as well as in audio. She lives to read and write, and also loves teaching all things writing, talking about words and helping people gain the confidence to finish their own book. She lives in Adelaide.
Amy Andrews: an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She has sold over 3 million books and been nominated for the RITA award - the highest award of distinction in romance fiction in the US - three times. She’s been published by Entangled Publishing, Tule Publishing, Harper Collins, Momentum (digital branch of PanMacmillan Australia), Escape Publishing and Harlequin Mills & Boon in both their Medical and KISS lines. She has been translated into over twenty international markets including manga. She’s written books in the Bold and The Beautiful franchise, dabbled in self-publishing and co-authored two books with her sister. She was the President of Romance Writers of Australia from 2009 to 2011 and is on the organising committee of the Capricorn Coast Writers Festival. Amy was a registered nurse for 28 years before retiring to write full-time. She lives in the idyllic coast QLD town of Yeppoon.
Ms St George, is teaming up with Ally Blake, Amy Andrews and Clare Connelly, who between them have over 10 million in book sales and are experts on crafting romance novels that sell and the tools required to build a successful publishing career.
When Ms St George first started writing romance, she didn't know where to turn. She travelled all over Australia seeking out the best courses. It was expensive, time-consuming and hard.
"After being in the romance writing world now for over twelve years, I realised I knew lots of successful, award-winning authors and we could create what I'd been looking for all those years ago."
"So, during a champagne meeting, I pitched the idea to my romance writing friends and the How to Write Love online course was born."
The course provides expert advice on subjects from developing compelling characters to plotting to how to write those all important sex scenes.
“We’ve launched our 10-week online writing course as we are passionate about sharing our knowledge to ensure aspiring authors start off on the right track.”
When Ms St George started out she wanted to be published with Harlequin Mills & Boon but ended up being published by Penguin Books.
“Whilst Harlequin Mills & Boon is the romance publisher, there are many other publishers looking for new voices and new stories and in the How to Write Love course we show you how to access them.”
One of the course instructors, Ms Connelly self-published her first book in 2014 and became an Amazon All-Star in the UK and the US, one of the top selling Amazon exclusive authors in the world, earning a six figure income in her first year as a published author.
“Self-publishing is also on the rise and is a viable option for building a career in romance writing. Clare Connelly provides a whole lesson on how to get started in indie publishing and how she sold millions of books this way."
Ms St George is a highly experienced romance writing teacher having presented at writing conferences and Byron Writers Festival, as well as teaching creative writing at university level.
“With the right direction, a deep understanding of what makes the romance genre the most popular world over, and sitting down and doing the work, I believe anyone can build a successful career in romance writing.”
According to research group Wordsrated, romance novels generate over US$1.44 billion per year making romance the highest-earning genre of fiction.
Ms St George thinks anyone wanting a romantic treat this Valentine’s day should sign-up to the course and write their own happy ever afters.
- Ends -
Jennifer St George: Jennifer is a multi-published author with Penguin Books. She’s been a Amazon, Google Play and iBooks bestseller. She was on the Executive Committee of Romance Writers of Australia for three years and the Board of Byron Writers Festival for four years, two as Chair of the organisation. Before writing romance, Jennifer had a twenty year career in public relations, marketing and management consulting working for some of the world’s most well-known brands including Guinness, Ford and McKinsey & Co and the occasional celebrity like Madonna. She launched Guinness in Russia, raced cars in Hiroshima to decide which to import in Australia, hosted media tours across Europe and ran the English speaking press centre for Expo 92 in Seville, Spain. Jennifer taught romance writing at community college and the Northern Rivers Writers Centre and teaches creative writing at Bond University. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Communication - QUT), an MBA (Melbourne Uni and Duke) and Grad Dip in Leadership and Coaching (QUT). Jennifer lives in Byron Shire, NSW.
Ally Blake: Award-winning Australian romance author Ally Blake has sold over four million copies of her more than forty published novels, with each translated into multiple languages worldwide.An ambassador for romantic literature and Australian voices, Ally has presented at writing conferences and literary festivals around Australia, hosted the Romance Book Club and the Great Aussie Book Club for Brisbane Libraries, has appeared in New Idea, Madison, and Style Magazine, been profiled on A Current Affair and The Project as well interviews with numerous international newspapers and radio programs.Ally is a mentor of new authors, a manuscript assessor, and regular speaker at the Queensland Writers Centre having hosted sessions at GenreCon, and in house via their Printable author branding program. Follow Ally on social media @allyblakebooks and find her books at www.allyblake.com.
Clare Connelly is a best-selling Australia author with more than one hundred full length romance novels under her belt. In 2014, Clare self-published her first book and established a solid readership on Amazon and became an Amazon All-Star in the UK and the US (one of the top selling Amazon exclusive authors). In 2016, Clare accepted a contract with Harlequin Mills & Boon and has since published more than forty titles with the iconic publisher, whilst continuing to publish indie titles. She also writes a feel-good small-town series for Tule Publishing. Clare’s books are available in many languages, as well as in audio. She lives to read and write, and also loves teaching all things writing, talking about words and helping people gain the confidence to finish their own book. She lives in Adelaide.
Amy Andrews: an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She has sold over 3 million books and been nominated for the RITA award - the highest award of distinction in romance fiction in the US - three times. She’s been published by Entangled Publishing, Tule Publishing, Harper Collins, Momentum (digital branch of PanMacmillan Australia), Escape Publishing and Harlequin Mills & Boon in both their Medical and KISS lines. She has been translated into over twenty international markets including manga. She’s written books in the Bold and The Beautiful franchise, dabbled in self-publishing and co-authored two books with her sister. She was the President of Romance Writers of Australia from 2009 to 2011 and is on the organising committee of the Capricorn Coast Writers Festival. Amy was a registered nurse for 28 years before retiring to write full-time. She lives in the idyllic coast QLD town of Yeppoon.
Media Relations Workshop - 29 April 2017
Love to see your name and books in the media but don’t know where to start? Does the idea of a journalist calling you for an interview make you shake? Let best-selling author and marketing communications specialist, Jennifer St George teach you the tricks to get your name up in lights! Learn how to develop a media strategy and handle interviews in a fun and interactive workshop. You’ll leave with the tools you need to make an impact in the media. Book now at the Byron Writers Festival.
Appearing at the Byron Writers Festival - 7 August 2016
I'm chairing two sessions at the Byron Writers Festival:
11am, Sunday, 7 August:
Romance: Charlotte Nash in conversation with Jennifer St George
4.15pm, Sunday, 7 August:
Lucy Clark in conversation with Jennifer St George
Love to see you there.
11am, Sunday, 7 August:
Romance: Charlotte Nash in conversation with Jennifer St George
4.15pm, Sunday, 7 August:
Lucy Clark in conversation with Jennifer St George
Love to see you there.
Breakfast to celebrate the Day of Love - 9 February
Valentine's Day is coming up soon and to celebrate I will be speaking at the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Breakfast.
February 9, 6:45 am - 8:30 am, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach.
Would love to see you there! Book: www.scbwn.org.au
February 9, 6:45 am - 8:30 am, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach.
Would love to see you there! Book: www.scbwn.org.au
ARRA Award Finalist
Hot Christmas Nights
It's been so much fun being involved with the creation of Hot Christmas Nights (A LoveCats DownUnder box set). Working with such fabulous romance author including Rachel Bailey, Michelle Douglas, Louisa George, Helen Lacey, Stefanie London, Kandy Shepherd has been a wonderful experience.
My story, Her Small Town Christmas Wish, is set in Turtle Beach is based on the gorgeous, coastal tourist town I call home. Here's the blurb:
When superstar songbird Giselle Harrington is forced to return her hometown, she’s faced with a house full of terrifying childhood memories. Jake Carlton has never forgot his teenage sweetheart and now that she’s back, he’s determined to have a second chance to convince her to stay.
Buy Now, and I so hope you enjoy it.
My story, Her Small Town Christmas Wish, is set in Turtle Beach is based on the gorgeous, coastal tourist town I call home. Here's the blurb:
When superstar songbird Giselle Harrington is forced to return her hometown, she’s faced with a house full of terrifying childhood memories. Jake Carlton has never forgot his teenage sweetheart and now that she’s back, he’s determined to have a second chance to convince her to stay.
Buy Now, and I so hope you enjoy it.
Brisbane Writers Festival - September 2015
Had a brilliant time chairing a romance panel at the Brisbane Writers Festival. Two great guests, Malcolm Knox and Graeme Simsion. If you get a chance, don't miss reading Malcolm's The Wonder Lover and Graeme's The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect. All top reads!
ARRA Booksigning - See you there?
The Australian Romance Readers Association will be hosting a book-signing event this August in Melbourne. It will be held in conjunction with the Romance Writers of Australia conference, and will run from 5.00 to 6.30 pm on Saturday 22 August at the Park Hyatt Hotel.
International authors Mary Jo Putney and Jane Porter will headline the event, along with Australian sensation Graeme Simsion (author of The Rosie Project), and lots of romance authors from around Australia including me. In total there will be 72 romance authors signing.
The event is open to the public, with an entry fee of just $20. Or you can pre-purchase your tickets online at a discounted price of $15. Entry will include the opportunity to score some free books. Tickets for the signing will go on sale on 15 July.
International authors Mary Jo Putney and Jane Porter will headline the event, along with Australian sensation Graeme Simsion (author of The Rosie Project), and lots of romance authors from around Australia including me. In total there will be 72 romance authors signing.
The event is open to the public, with an entry fee of just $20. Or you can pre-purchase your tickets online at a discounted price of $15. Entry will include the opportunity to score some free books. Tickets for the signing will go on sale on 15 July.
2015 Byron Bay Writers Festival panelist
I'm featuring on a panel at the Byron Bay Writers Festival again this year. Very exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!!). I'm on with authors Honey Brown and Krissy Kneen and the panel is chaired by Moya Sayer-Jones on Sunday, 9 August, 3.15-4.14pm.
It's titled: Romance: Escapism or Relationship Hotline. Love to see you there!!
It's titled: Romance: Escapism or Relationship Hotline. Love to see you there!!
Introduction to Romance Writing Workshop - 23 May 2015
Think you could be the next EL James, Nora Roberts or Jane Austen? Want to be a part of the global, billion-dollar romance writing industry? I'll introduce you to the romance writing industry, the essential concepts you need to know and the contacts you need to have.
When: Saturday 23 May, 10am - 4pm, Byron Bay
Cost: $75 Northern Rivers Writers Centre Members or $95 non-members BOOK HERE
When: Saturday 23 May, 10am - 4pm, Byron Bay
Cost: $75 Northern Rivers Writers Centre Members or $95 non-members BOOK HERE