This year I’m organising the Romance Writers of Australia’s Claytons Conference, a day and a bit long online conference that’s free to members and jam-packed with informative and motivational sessions, not to mention tons of socialising. It runs the evening of Friday 17 August and all Saturday 18 August so that those of us who can’t make it to the Gold Coast for the RWAus face-to-face conference can still keep busy.

Keep busy! O-o Organising an online conference is a huge learning curve, particularly when you’re not tech savvy (ahem, like me).

But the biggest learning of all is how generous people are. Nikki Logan has been guardian angel and guiding light for the conference. Without Kerrie Ptolemy, RWAus web mistress, the whole thing would have fallen over. All the presenters have been incredibly generous donating their time and expertise. Just as generous have been the people donating prizes to add sparkle to the proceedings. Behind the scenes we have volunteers helping with social hours (Nicole Hurley-Moore and Antonia Marloew, take a bow!) and judging (Coleen Kwan), moderating (bless you, Greta van der Rol, and all presenters also moderating their own sessions).  HelzKat Designs created the dramatic logo.

The enthusiasm and support of all conference attendees has been heartwarming. Yes, organising the conference is a lot of work, a lot of learning, but it has also been a real joy. The writing/reading/publishing community is amazing.