Kat T. Masen, Elle Thorpe & Mila Young

Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival 2025

Romance is one of the fastest-growing genres, with sales surging.  Three popular romance authors, Kat T Masen, Elle Thorpe and Mila Young explain how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube (BookTok, Bookstagram, BookTube) have boosted popularity allowing new, diverse voices to gain prominence in the genre.

Romance novels are increasingly being adapted into films and television shows, further fuelling their popularity and attracting new audiences as seen when “Bridgerton came to Bowral” last year.

Audience members are encouraged to dress up in your best romance or fantasy costumes and prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed.

Kat is also the owner of romance bookshop, Books Ever After, in Bowral, where a complimentary glass of bubbles will be served after the session.

Tickets $18 + booking fee