The Historical Romance Retreat

Last month I did something truly amazing. I was invited to be one of the featured authors at the Historical Romance Retreat, a dedicated reader event which took place in the opulent Historic Davenport Hotel sleepy Spokane, Washington. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the entire event blew me away. The attention to detail was staggering and all credit must go to historical romance authors Renee Bernard and Delilah Marvelle.

The readers were fabulous and all dedicated fans of the historical romance genre. One of the best things about the five days I spent with them, is that I spent it with them. You are not an author behind the table. At HRR you are very much part of the event, whether that being the table host serving tradition English afternoon tea to the readers, being a croupier at the period themed gambling night or leading the dancing at the fabulously ostentatious Grand Ball. Authors host workshops. Mine was entitled The Discerning Lady's Guide to Regency London, a raucous romp through my home town in the 19th century that started and ended in the gutter.

Other workshops mixed perfumes, delved into the fascinating world of herbal medicine and we all got to make hats with Eloisa James. My was a doozy which was coveted by all (or so I am led to believe!).

The best part of the whole event was being with friends. I went with my good friend and fellow Totes Bags 'n' Blogs historical author Nicole Locke. I knew nobody else. I left with so many new friends- both authors and readers alike- that I cannot count them.



Next year it is in California and the author line-up is being announced soon. If you love historical romance YOU HAVE TO GO! It is the most fun you can have with your (period) clothes on.

Sat hello to Veronica...

It’s been a weird month for me. Aside from my looming deadline for Harlequin Mills & Boon book ten, I’ve been preparing for the Historical Romance Retreat in Spokane in September where I am thrilled to be one of the featured authors.

I’m in some illustrious company- Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Elizabeth Essex and my good friend and fellow Harlequin Historical author Nicole Locke to name but a few.

Billed as the Comicon for all lovers of historical romance, there is a tradition of dressing up in period costumes at the Retreat. To that end I have been sewing. In total I have made, or am still making, a genuine bonnet and three Regency dresses. The most impressive of which is ‘Veronica’, my red satin gown for the Grand Ball.

Being a larger lady, I’ve had to adapt the dress patterns. The easiest way to do this is to invest in a dress form. Mine is wearing one of my old bras stuffed with eight pairs of socks (yes, you did just read eight!) to ensure that my costumes fit my overt bosoms properly.

Here is a little montage of the stages of Veronica.

Virginia Heath writes raunchy, Regency romantic comedies for Harlequin Mills & Boon.