While there are plenty of opportunities for beginning writers to learn their craft, the emerging writer has less chance for professional development, especially if their chosen field is science fiction and fantasy. Determined to rectify this, Brisbane-based writers Marianne and Rowena approached other speculative fiction authors with the suggestion that they meet for a weekend critiquing session.

Marianne and Rowena were delighted to get expressions of interest from Margo Lanagan, Aurealis Award winner, Maxine McArthur, George Turner Award winner, and Tansy Rayner Roberts, Inaugural George Turner Award winner, who all write Speculative Fiction. Attendees then made a commitment to complete their works-in-progress, circulate them amongst the other ROR attendees beforehand, and write a critique on the books.

On the last weekend in October 2001, these three authors flew into Brisbane, and, joined by Marianne and Rowena, drove to a secluded spot in Montville, where they spent the entire weekend working intensively on their manuscripts.

At Varuna in 2003, Trent Jamieson joined ROR and at Canberra's Conflux Natcon 2004, Richard Harland joined.

For ROR news and regular updates on the group’s activities, check out Cory Daniels fantastic website.

Cory Daniels | Trent Jamieson | Tansy Rayner Roberts | Marianne de Pierres | Richard Harland | Margo Lanagan