Writers come to Rotorua to feel the love

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Rotorua is the home of Maori culture and geothermal wonders, but could our steamy city also be the next city of love?

A bunch of romance writers seem to think so after choosing Rotorua to host the next Romance Writers of New Zealand annual conference.

Acclaimed romance writers will come from around the world, not to moan about the smell of rotten eggs, but to feel the love.

The conference, called #LOVE: Writing romance in the digital age, is a three-day conference being held at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel from August 18 to 20.

Conference organisers said the worldwide writers would share ideas and hopefully become inspired to write bestselling novels.

Romance Writers of New Zealand president Bronwen Evans said the conference would include editor and agent pitches, published authors' round table, and a chance to mix business with pleasure at a cocktail function and awards dinner.

Romance Writers of New Zealand is a non-profit incorporated society, with a membership of more than 250 romance writers and related industry professionals, whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers.

The group was founded in September 1990 by Jean Drew and 10 other enthusiastic writers in Auckland to provide support and professional development to New Zealand's growing romance writing community.

"We are dedicated to promoting excellence in romance writing and the romance genre and helping writers become published and establish careers by providing networking, support, information and resources," Ms Evans said.

Founding members include Daphne Clair, Robin Donald, Jean Drew and Susan Napier, who have established reputations as some of the most successful and popular romance writers in the world.

"Many of our members who started out as unpublished 'newbies' have gone on to achieve international success," Ms Evans said.