Some of the stars of contemporary romantic fiction will join local writers in Auckland for the Romance and the City conference in August.
United States suspense and romantic comedy author Jennifer Crusie is headlining the event and will present several workshops and talks on suspense, romance and thecraft of writing.
Published in more than 20 countries, she has written a book on literary criticism, holds an MA in professional writing and women's literature from Wright State University and a master of fine arts degree in fiction from Ohio State University.
Organiser Joanne Graves said that with the confirmation of Crusie as keynote speaker, "we took the step of securing a hotel which will cater for the large number of delegates we expect will want to hear her".
Kristin Nelson from Denver's Nelson Literary Agency will be on hand to discuss publishing from an agent's point of view. She will also take pitches from aspiring authors keen to break into the American literary scene.
Rounding out the keynote speakers is historical and contemporary author Anne Stuart, who will discuss her specialties - dark mainstream fiction and historical romance.
Stuart is a winner of Romance Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award and has been in the romance business for 33 years.
