In my teens I read and enjoyed the Regency novels of Georgette Heyer. I then decided I’d outgrown them and moved on to other novelists, and it was only in my mid-30s that I was persuaded by a friend to listen to them on unabridged audio versions.
I fell in love! With her wit, her spirited heroines and gorgeous heroes in their tight buckskin breeches, with her memorable use of Regency slang, and with her accuracy in depicting the world of Regency England. I passed my love of the novels to my daughter who named her little girl Arabella after a Georgette Heyer heroine. There are few novelists I go back to so frequently, almost always in the superb audio versions, for total reading pleasure and relaxation.
Georgette Heyer: Complete to a Shade
I am not alone in my passion for her books. Along with two good friends, I have organised two Georgette Heyer conferences. Due to popular demand, a third one – ‘Georgette Heyer: A Perpetual Delight’ – will be taking place next year on Saturday 2nd March, in Crows Nest, Sydney. There will be talks about the suppressed novels, about her mystery novels, about the dogs that feature so hilariously in her books, and about Georgette’s own favourite amongst her works, Friday’s Child. It only costs $65 (byo lunch) and will be a day of fun, prizes, learning and friendship. For a booking form for this exciting event, email Amanda Jones on amanda@susannahfullerton.com.au
I have also, with the same friends, produced a delightful book: Georgette Heyer: Complete to a Shade contains fascinating comments about Heyer and her influence from many fans, including Stephen Fry, Emma Darwin, and Heyer biographer Jennifer Kloester. You can order copies, signed or unsigned, from my shop, for $19 (postage included). Click here.
The March conference will see the launch of a new book, Heyer Society, to which I contributed an essay about the ways in which Heyer pays tribute to Jane Austen. This is out on e-version, but the physical book will be launched at the conference and there will be a panel discussion with some of the contributing writers.
If you, like me, mistakenly thought that Georgette was a writer for teenage girls, do give her books another try. I love Sylvester, Arabella, Frederica, Devil’s Cub, Friday’s Child and so many more.
Sylvester by Georgette Heyer
Arabella by Georgette Heyer
Frederica by Georgette Heyer
Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer
Friday’s Child by Georgette Heyer
Susannah Fullerton: HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Georgette Heyer
Susannah Fullerton: Jane to Georgette
Have you been to a previous Georgette Heyer conference? I do hope you’ll come along to the next one. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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Barbara McKay
If yo are a Georgette Heyer fan do not miss this seminar; if you are not a fan, well now is the time to come along and learn about this great writer and have some fun with like-minded people. The previous two meetings have been so enjoyable.
Jan Roden
I am so excited that there is to be a third Heyer Conference. I loved the previous ones, reliving my years of addiction and enjoying those marvellous characters and plots with so many other enthusiasts. Thank you Suannal, Jennifer and Amanda for providing me with pleasurable anticipation as I think about the launch of “Heyer Society” on the 2nd March. Jan R.
Susannah Fullerton
It will be fabulous to see you at the third Heyer conference, Jan. Thanks for your support over the years. This one will be exciting as we will be launching a new book about GH. Should be a wonderful day!
Lesley Taranto
Hello Suzanne, I was at the Dickens Conference last month. What are the dates of the n t Georgette Heyerdahl conference.? Would consider popping over from NZ for it but as a shift worker need to book in for time off now if it’s before March
Brought the book and am dipping in. Reading Regency Buck again at the moment All the best
Lesley Mckone
Susannah Fullerton
Hi Lesley,
The conference will be Sat 2nd March next year and it costs $65 (BYO lunch, or buy it at nearby cafes). We already have two Kiwis booked in, and it would be fabulous to have one more. I will email you a booking form. I believe the Gay Mardi Gras is on that weekend, so you might need to book a place to stay fairly soon if you are coming over. It should be a fabulous day. Best wishes, Susannah