In August 2015, a few hundred romance writers converged on Melbourne for the annual three-day Romance Writers of Australia Conference. Amongst the throng, seven first-time participants, who had connected on a newbies FB page, met for the first time. We came from near and far: interstate, country Victoria and Melbourne. When we got there, we knew
we’d made the right decision to attend.

You know that feeling…the moment you realise these people simply ‘get’ you? Well, that is what we experienced. A look, a raised eyebrow, a slight smile and a sideways glance and we just knew what we were all thinking. Often with hilarious or embarrassing results. It was uncanny and a little bit wonderful!

During those three days, there was a lot of talk about tribes. We’d noticed that there were many little tribes within the larger group, with stories filtering through of authors supporting the journey of their fellow authors. It was inspiring.

That conference cemented the bond between the seven and, following a hilarious discussion about euphemisms and purple prose for which romance writing is often mocked, saw the group decide to challenge romance stereotypes. Thus, the Love Sabrists were born. From there we set out a plan for world domination (aim high, or die trying, right?).

Despite the joking nature of its inception, Love Sabre, at its heart has a universal desire to support each other in our writing journey. We decided to drag each other along the pathway to publication success!

Since that fateful meeting, our little band of crazy authors has put quite a few runs on the board. A published e-book with Escape. Several competition wins and publications in the Spicy Bites, Romancing the Stones and Destination Romance anthologies. And just last month we celebrated once again. Sabrist L Simpson’s debut novel ‘Beyond Today’ is due for
release this November. The bond that holds this group together has created focus, determination and aspiration and is a testament to the power of finding your tribe.

We email and text each other several times a week, review and brainstorm current works in progress, and recently spent a hilarious hour trying to work out how to do a seven-way video skype chat! We cheer when we have a win, commiserate when things go awry and will always, always be there when someone needs a pep talk or a kick up the bum – you can do
this! The motto, find your tribe and love them hard, has never been truer than for this group of passionate, witty, wonderful women.

So now, here we are, ready to spread the love! Over the coming weeks, we will introduce you to each of the Love Sabrists and give you an insight into their writing life, what started them on their writing journey and where they find inspiration.  Plus, we’ll have more exciting news to share with you!

For more insight into our hilarious inception, be sure to check out our story here.  You can also sign up to our newsletter for updates and the latest Sabre news here.