HC to host digital festival for romance writing

HarperCollins is hosting a virtual romance festival, with contributions from fellow publishers and independent authors.

The event will take place over 7th and 8th June, and celebrate romance writing through Twitter interviews, videos, Google Hangouts, online content and other digital activity. It is supported by the Romantic Novelists' Association.

Authors taking part will include those from HarperCollins imprints in the UK and US such as HarperImpulse, Avon UK and Avon US, as well as Piatkus and Mills & Boon, set to become part of HarperCollins following the acquisition of Harlequin by News Corp. Self-published authors are also being invited to take part.

The festival will be split over the two days, with one day focussing on romance fans, offering insight into books and authors, while the other will focus on writers, spreading advice and and support for people writing their own romantic fiction.

Charlie Redmayne, c.e.o. of HarperCollins UK said: "Romance has always been a vital part of our publishing here at HarperCollins. The festival is a great way to create more excitement around romance.  It looks like they have a fun weekend planned and I hope fans discover lots of new authors and books."

Readers can "attend" the event for free, after registering for more details about the programme.