In conversation

Romance Writing Revelry

Join Anita Heiss, Amy Matthews/Barry, Stacey McEwan and Steffanie Holmes as they chat all things contemporary romance writing in this very special panel event.

Dr Anita Heiss is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 20 books; non-fiction, historical fiction, children’s novels and of course, commercial women’s fiction and romance. She is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales, an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the GO Foundation, and Prof. of Communications at the University of Queensland. Anita is also the Publisher at Large of Bundyi, an imprint of Simon & Schuster cultivating First Nations talent. Her most recent novel is Red Dust Running.

Critically acclaimed romance and women’s fiction author Amy Matthews will also be attending. Amy’s new novel, Best, First and Last, has just been released. As Amy Barry, she is also the author of a hilarious, feminist western series, the McBrides of Montana – staff favourites here at Fullers. The third book in this series, Seven Brides for Beau McBride, will be released in July 2025. She is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Flinders University, a podcaster, and a book addict.

Bestselling romantasy author and BookTok star Stacey McEwan will also be joining the panel. Stacey’s new novel, A Forbidden Alchemy, will be released on July 2. She is the bestselling author of the Glacian Trilogy, and her debut fantasy romance novel, Ledge, has been published in several languages.

And flying over from New Zealand will be USA Today bestselling Steffanie Holmes. Steffanie’s books feature clever, witty heroines, dark and gothic settings, cunning witches, and a dash of humour. Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters. Her new novel, Fangs for Nothing, is a cosy paranormal romance to be released on June 4.