MM Romance Meeting - Italy 2015

Saturday 9 May was the first MM Romance Meeting in Italy and my bestie, Sue Brown and I were very lucky to experience it first hand. The event was put together by Barbara Cinelli, owner of Triskell Edzioni and Emanuela Piasentini of Dreamspinner Italia. They did a beautiful job and I know there will be many more to come.

I've been to conventions before but this was an altogether different experience. The warmth and passion of the readers was overwhelming. And I met some Facebook friends face to face - it was lovely. The response to our stories left us both speechless and in total awe. We even managed to pull off a panel with the help of the lovely Emanuela handling the translation of the questions and answers. And when one of the attendees thanked us for writing because our stories for her were like breathing, I was just stunned. For me, to know what I do has touched someone in that way... well, it's everything.

I think my favourite answer of the con has got to be when one of the lovely attendees in response to the question we get asked the most, "Why do you read MM romance?" said, "I like chocolate and I don't have to justify it - and I like MM romance, so why should I justify that?"

We were also able to meet some uber-talented Italian authors.

Cristina Bruni, who was the sweetest person I've ever met. Amarilli Settantatre Moro and Valerio la Martire.

It was so nice to meet other authors from our genre whom we wouldn't have met if it were not for the meeting. And I don't think I'm alone in saying it would be wonderful to see their work translated into English, just as ours is being translated into Italian!

Also on the guest list was the lovely Elisa Rolle LGBT couples through the ages and I know it's been a labour of love for her. And you can get your copy HERE!

Her passion and commitment to the genre is amazing. And she is one of the coolest people I know.

She is a steadfast supporter of the LGBT community and also runs the annual Rainbow Awards.

We also met Francesco D'Alessio and Matteo Rocchi, the due behind the Italian G&T Webseries headed a brilliant panel.

They're obviously incredibly passionate about their art and have sunk every penny they have into it, writing, directing, filming etc by themselves.

I have watched the first season since I got home and I loved it! Please do the clicky thing on the link and check it out. You won't regret it - and there are subtitles!

They have also filmed a fabulous spot for marriage equality which you can find on YouTube! 

It was a fantastic day and I am so glad I was able to be a part of it!

Needless to say, we couldn't leave Venice without doing the tourist bit, including the waterbus, San Marco and The Basilica. The artwork and architecture was breathtaking and I can't wait to go back!

So, a big thank you again to everyone who made us feel so welcome and to Barbara for inviting us - it was a weekend I'll never forget.