At last: a chance for all you old romantics out there to have your lurve script judged by a top New York editor and literary agent. Romance Writers of New Zealand is running a competition entitled ‘Strictly Single’ which gives finalists the chance to have their work read by senior editor Lucia Macro of Avon Romance, (dig that Dark Warrior grr) an imprint of HarperCollins. New York literary agent Michell Grajkowski from Three Seas Literary Agency will also make an 'agent's choice' from finalists.

It’s for unpublished writers only and you must be a paid-up member of RWNZ to enter. You send in the first 50 pages of your manuscript plus a synopsis. You have a range of genres, from ‘fantasy to contemporary, chick lit to historical or comedy to crime’ but the rules state that ‘the story should result in an outcome that moves the main character’s relationship to the next romantic level.’ That would be the top bunk? Stop it! Download the entry form here and go for it, the deadline is 30 April. Bit of a laugh, innit?

Meanwhile in a similar vein, and just to show how much your life could be enhanced by writing this stuff (i.e. loadsamoney) Penny Vincenzi is coming to town to see her, seriously, legions of fans. Yes, Whitcoulls, in association with Next Magazine and Hodder Moa Beckett, have flown her over in a private jet, no doubt, to promote her new book Sheer Abandon.

The lovely Penny will be in Auckland on the 26th April, 6-8pm at the Heritage Hotel in Hobson Street, $30 from Ticketek; Wellington at the Duxton, Wakefield Street on the 28th April, same time and price but tickets from the Book Council on 04-499 1569 ; and Christchurch on Friday 29 April at the Holiday Inn Cashel Street, 6-8pm again, $23 from the Holiday Inn on 03-365 8888. All prices include bubbly on arrival and canapés. Makes you wonder, sometimes, doesn’t it?