Apr 16, 2008 6:32 pm US/Eastern
Romance Blooms At Downtown Book Convention
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Romance novel enthusiasts are gathering for a convention at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh.
KDKA
Love and romance are in the air in downtown Pittsburgh at the Hilton Hotel.
More than 1,200 people from all around the world have gathered for five days to delve into the world of romance novels at the Romantic Times Bookreviews' Book Lovers Convention.
Rosemary Potter, who owns Rosemary's Romance Books, in Australia, says they world of romance novels can be a great escape.
"They just want something to escape the real world. It's pretty horrible out there and they enjoy the fact that the book is going to be a guaranteed happy ending."
Author Jade Lee says began writing two decades ago and in that time has written more than 24 books.
"I hit the USA Today list and that was very helpful and my fan base is growing," she says.
There are all types of romance novels ranging from mystery suspense, action adventure and even historical.
Tina Corbett, who is visiting from Dallas, says she reads about 400 romance novels a year and admits that sometimes she likes to put herself in the shoes of one of the characters.
"I've incorporated clothes, food, location," says Corbett. "It helps that the kids are gone now, grown and gone."
Also, visitors to the Convention get the chance to meet more than 400 bestselling authors.
It also offers workshops on how to write and get books published and the ladies are also expected to line up to watch the Mister Romance Competition.
The contest includes nine handsome men vying for cash prizes and a cover shoot to appear on a romance novel.
Contestant Fred Williams, 31, says he has already appeared on two covers.
"I always wanted to model," said Williams. "I never even imagined being on a book cover as a way to get into modeling, but it's been the perfect way to start my modeling career."
Officials with the convention say some of the proceeds from the event will go to support the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and Children's Hospital.
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