I’m still in recovery mode. Last week’s Romantic
Novelists’ Association (RNA) Summer Party was even more special than I could
have anticipated and I hope it will remain in my memory forever.
Though it was
the subject of this blog last week, in particular with reference to the Joan
Hessayon Award, I cannot continue without mentioning it again as it was only
the beginning of yet another amazing week. And I’m posting a picture of the
group of finalists again…because I like it and because I can.
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| Joan Hessayon Award Finalists |
Firstly, my missive to Writers’ Forum, written prior
to the party, appeared as the lead letter on the Writers’ Circle page. And
for anyone who’s read it, no, I didn’t spill wine down the front of my dress. Cue
another picture (left).
On Wednesday of this week I picked up a copy of
The People’s Friend containing my short story, Secrets in the Attic. It’s almost a
year since this story was sold and notification of the publication date in an
email a couple of weeks ago took me by surprise because, frankly, I had
forgotten about it. It was the last short story I sold (or submitted) as I had by
then moved full time to writing novels. It raised a question though. The thrill
of buying a magazine with one of my stories in it hasn’t diminished. To know
that it will be giving pleasure, even in the short time it takes to read, is actually quite humbling. So here’s another picture.
Will I go back to them? Unlikely. I am completely
committed to writing novels and, much as I enjoyed my previous work, I cannot do justice to
both. With the end of the week approaching I, and approximately 250 other
delegates, received the pack for the RNA Conference which will take place in
London in July. A huge amount of work goes into preparing for the Conference
and, without diminishing the work that others do, all credit must be given to
Jan Jones for the organisation that goes on before the envelopes drop on our
doorsteps.
I have begun to study the contents and will do so
many more times before attending what to me is the most valuable writing event
in the calendar. There's a lot to take in. In case you don't believe me, here's another picture.
Food and wine are also involved. I look forward to seeing some
of you there.
