My Experience at Rare2023: A Gathering of Romance Authors and Readers

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Rare2023 Romance Author & Romance Reader event held at the Melbourne Convention Centre. The event brought together romance authors and readers from around the world to celebrate their love for the genre. In this blog post, I'll share my experience at Rare2023, including the Meet and Greet, workshops, and the main event, where authors signed books and readers had the chance to meet their favorite writers.

This event was a dream come true for any romance literature enthusiast, and it offered a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new favorites.

The first night of Rare2023 was the highly anticipated Meet and Greet. This informal gathering allowed attendees to mingle with authors and fellow readers in a relaxed and friendly setting. The Melbourne Convention Centre, located just across from Crown, was an ideal location for the event, providing easy access to a variety of restaurants and cafes for attendees to enjoy before and after the event.

Walking into the Meet and Greet, I was immediately struck by the buzzing atmosphere. Authors and readers alike were eagerly engaging in conversations, sharing their favorite books, and discussing upcoming releases. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know some of my favorite authors on a personal level and to learn more about their inspirations and creative processes. I was particularly excited to meet A.K. Mulford, Kylie Kent, Steffanie Holmes, and Callie Hard, all of whom were incredibly approachable and generous with their time.

The second day of Rare2023 was dedicated to author signings, and it was undoubtedly the highlight of the event. Each author had a table set up with friendly helpers who assisted with book pre-orders, signings, and photo opportunities. The excitement in the air was palpable as readers lined up to meet their favorite authors, get their books signed, and take photos to commemorate the experience.

One of the standout moments for me was meeting Monica James, who had brought all her cover models with her. It was thrilling to see the faces behind the characters in her books and to take photos with them. The cover models were not only stunning but also incredibly friendly, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

I brought my partner along with me, not just to help carry the many books I purchased, but also to share the world I love to be in. It was wonderful to see him enjoy the event and to meet the authors and readers who share my passion for romance literature. We met so many lovely people, and it was heartwarming to see the sense of community and camaraderie among attendees.

Overall, Rare2023 was an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations. The event provided a unique opportunity to connect with authors, discover new books, and meet fellow romance enthusiasts. The organization of the event was impeccable, and the welcoming atmosphere made it a joy to be a part of. I left feeling inspired and energized, with a renewed passion for romance literature.

I would highly recommend Rare2023 to anyone who loves romance novels, whether you're an avid reader or a writer looking to learn more about the craft. The sense of community and the opportunity to meet your favorite authors and fellow readers is truly unparalleled. I'm already looking forward to attending next year's conference and can't wait to see what the organizers have in store for us. Until then, I'll be reliving the memories of this incredible event and diving into the new books I brought home.