What is romantasy and why is everyone reading it? When love isn’t magic enough, add fairies. Or elves. Or werewolves. Or, in the case of Olivia O’Flynn’s swoon-worthy debut, Ever Blessed, gods, warrior princesses and witches entwined in a perilous quest!
Equally driven by an adventurous heroine, Jasmin McGaughey’s YA novel Moonlight and Dust goes a little easier on the romance (for younger readers), but commits to the risk and intrigue of fantasy, entangling sixteen-year-old Torres Strait Islander Zillah in her school's after-hours party scene, where she discovers Moondust, a sparkling elixir with magical properties.
Commentary about romance novels, especially romantasy, can be tinged with misogyny, but there’s no denying the sales – these books are flying off the shelves, with many romantasy authors enjoying financial success, despite challenging economic trends in publishing. Join these exciting new voices as they discuss their novels, what drew them to the genre, and how young women writers are changing the game.
Olivia O’Flynn’s first job was flattening boxes at her local bookshop. Since then, she’s spent more than 10 years as a bookseller, produced erotic literary podcasts and penned award-winning audio fiction. In 2022, her manuscript Hollow Bones was longlisted for the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, and she was named as one of Radio Today's 30 Under 30 to watch in podcasting. Ever Blessed is her debut novel.
Jasmin McGaughey is a Torres Strait Islander and African American writer and editor. She is the author of the Little Ash series presented by Ash Barty and illustrated by Jade Goodwin. In 2023, Jasmine won a Queensland Premier's Young Publishers and Writers Award. She has written for Overland, Kill Your Darlings, SBS Voices and Griffith Review and recently co-edited Words to Sing the World Alive. Her debut YA, Moonlight and Dust, was published in July 2025.
-
This event is part of the Main Program and included as part of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Saturday Bronze Passes.
Subject to availability, a limited number of single tickets may become available 9 September.
-
This venue is wheelchair accessible. Please visit our Accessibility page or email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you have any other accessibility requirements.