The Romantic Novelists Association is once again meeting in Cumbria for its annual conference, at the Newton Rigg Campus of the University of Cumbria, near Penrith Friday 10 July – Sunday 12 July. The packed programme includes author panels, talks on pitching to publishers, public speaking, finding new twists on stories, how to juggle writing and the rest of your life, e-books etc etc. If you’re not a member of the Association then contact Jan Jones on 01638-730786 / 0777- 3263310 or about availability of places for non-members. There are both residential rates and non-residential rates, and full details are on the RNA website at www.rna-uk.org/index.php?page=calendar where you can download a conference programme and booking details.

There’s also a public event – LOVE IN THE LIBRARY – at Penrith Library on Friday morning 10 July 10am -12noon, where an author panel comprising Katie Fforde, Liz Gill, Anna Jacobs, Trisha Ashley, Catherine King, Louise Allen and Leah Fleming will be available for questions and discussion. And in the afternoon, 12.30 – 2.30pm, the author panel comprises Freda Lightfoot, Veronica Henry, Victoria Connelly, Margaret Barker, Janet Gover, Jean Fullerton, Joanna Maitland and Elizabeth Hawksley. Free event: just turn up.