Getting the needle

Congratulations to the lovely Kate Hardy on winning the romance prize for Breakfast at Giovanni's. She is now the proud keeper of the Betty Neels rosebowl for this year. There is a lovely account on her blog and pictures - link is in my sidebar.

I finaly got my injections yesterday. I still feel a bit as if a horse has kicked me but already the nagging ache has gone and Mr Nell says I'm walking better. I hope the treatment lasts a full year as it was really painful - worse than when I've had my spinals. I've been told I'll be sore for a few days then I need to move the joint and see how much movement I have. I have a meeting tomorrow with occupational health so we can plan a return to work and hopefully with my new little car I can pick up my life again.

I still need to sell Baby, my darling Kia, I hate advertising cars - why does it always bring out the nutters? But that should be sorted in the next couple of weeks then we can collect the new big car for Mr Nell.

Tomorrow is the big day!

Not just for me, as I'm supposed to have my injections in my hip tomorrow but also because it's the RNA's award day.
I have lots of my friends shortlisted for The Romance Prize so I can't play favourites as all the books were wonderful. I so wish I could be there to see who wins and to have a glass or two of something to help celebrate. Last year I was so nervous all I drank all day was tonic water until right at the end when the lovely Biddy insisted I had a gin. (I don't like champagne)
I'm looking forward to finally being out of pain so I can resume something like my normal life although I have been warned that I will feel worse for a few days before the treatment kicks in.

Weekend round up

Dangerous to Know should be available this weekend. My publisher had hoped to get it out yesterday but a last minute snafoo is holding it up. In the meantime congratulations to this years shortlisted candidates for The Romance Prize.
I'm thrilled to see several of my friends names there and I've read most of the books.
Fiona Harper is there twice! Amazing woman.
Liz Fielding - one of my autobuy authors.
Julie Cohen - my good friend and fellow Little Black Dress author
Kate Hardy - another friend and a wonderful writer
Lucy Gordan - writes yummy italian heroes.

Sadly no historicals this year, and no People's Friend or My Weekly or Little Black Dress books. I was so honoured and thrilled beyond belief to win last year. My writing life took off in amazing directions thanks to the Romance Prize and I bless my friend Michelle Styles for convincing me to enter, especialy when she had her own wonderful book in the shortlist too. I expect her to be in next years shortlist. (Go buy A Christmas Wedding Wager while you can still get it.)
My agent has seen my synopsis for my big book and I have the green light so I need to crank my pace up a notch. I'm hoping once I've seen the consultant on Monday I'll know what my plans for this year and the future are likely to be.
In other news, Mr Nell is changing his car. He's sacrificing his motor for a Jazz automatic which he's going to let me drive. I've only driven an auto once so it may take a little getting used to but I'll be mobile again soon - yay!!!
We're going to sell Baby, my beloved Kia Sorento too. So if you want a much loved tow car with loads of luxury bits in it that's only done 24k let me know.