Have Sword, Will Kiss: The Romantasy Revolution
The literary festival program kicks off with the Queens of romantasy. Join lead crafters and emerging artists in this space as they unpack the genre that continues to boom. Romantasy writers continue to write (and build worlds, characters, adventure, and crises). Readers continue to read as if in a fever dream. Can the momentum last, or really, is this just the beginning.
Guiding us through the plains of dragons, swords, magic and monsters is Dr Kate Cuthbert, book industry profession and genre fiction advocate and enthusiast.
Boasting some of the biggest names in romantasy, with fierce and fabulous newcomers, this not-to-be-missed panel features:
● Stacey McEwan - New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of romantic fantasy.
● AK Mulford - inspirational creator of diverse stories that transport readers to new realms, making them fall in love with fantasy for the first time or all over again.
● Sarah L Richhelm Awarding winning author whose writing blends bonkers action scenes, emotional depth, and morally grey worlds, always with a strong heroine at the centre.
● Jaymin Eve - Jaymin Eve is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Amazon Charts, and Amazon #1 Bestselling author of fantasy and romance novels filled with steamy love stories, adventure, and humour.
Strap in for an entertaining hour of discussion and laughter as the panel talks all things romantasy why the genre continues to woo and make us swoon.
Book signings: After the In Conversation, authors will be signing books in the Dendy foyer. You can also purchase the authors’ books (and many more) at the Books@Stones pop-up bookstore in the foyer.
Take an early mark from work and arrive at the festival early for the Brisbane premiere of the first 2 episodes of Two Years Later. Screening commences at 2.30pm. Full details to be announced in January. Watch this space.
Stay after the panel for the festival's opening night film and salon.
Opening Night Salon + Film – ‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS’. We turn the lights down low and our collars up high, for the festival’s opening night salon and screening. Expect a dark, passionately Gothic opening night event, as we brace ourselves on the isolated Yorkshire moors to celebrate the release of ‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS and the commencement of the festival's film program.Opening night film on sale January 2026.