I flew to a swelteringly hot London to attend my first Romantic Novelists’ Association conference, and it didn’t disappoint.

My genre is historical saga with a generous helping of romantic intrigue, and I was keen to explore that side of my writing and – excitingly – to spend a long weekend in the company of writers. Some authors I ‘knew’ in the sense that we follow each other (and support each other’s news) on the socials. To meet them in real life was wonderful. The RNA conference is the perfect blend of socialising and workshopping, all taking place in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Holloway University campus.

John Yorke was the keynote speaker, delivering a romantic guide to narrative structure. Freya North was another conference highlight, as was Jessica Redland. In fact, all the speakers at the sessions I attended (and we delegates were spoilt for choice) gave me food for thought.

Authors spend a lot of time isolated in their writing caves, so conferences like these really recharge the batteries. Back home in cooler climes I’m in full power mode, ready to write.