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.

Nicole Locke - Snippets from the Historical Romance Retreat 2017!

Historical Romance Retreat 2017 is over, and I just want to share with you what an incredible experience it was.

Except, how do I describe that for an entire week, I lived, breathed, chatted, and laughed historical romance? How to explain that readers and writers of historical romance watched their beloved genre come to life before them?

Because that’s what happened. There were lectures on port and perfume, and little gems regarding the back roads of Regency London. 

There was Afternoon Tea, a black and white film in a preserved theatre, and gambling with Regency games. We made fascinators, sipped on absinthe and nibbled on historical desserts. 

Attendees celebrated with historical clothes from Medieval gowns to Mid-Century swing dresses, from cravats to shoe buckles. The gentlemen had their own private clubs to attend. Hijinks occurred and a duel was fought in front of all.

Then we danced at the Grand Ball.

Was there a favourite bit for me? Oh yes, and that was chatting with everyone, readers and writers alike. The days when we had breakfasts, lunches and dinners together. 

The times we laughed during the book signing. The brief hellos and happy words in the hallways. 

All those moments full of fun and yet, ever so dear as well. Those moments were my favourites because though my gowns and shoes are now put away, I can still share those happy Retreat times and all the moments yet to come.  Love to you all, and to those I’ve yet to meet! Hope to see you at the next Historical Retreat!

Nicole :-)