RNA Conference 2012

Tomorrow I'm heading off to Penrith for the Romantic Novelist's Assoc annual conference. Last year was the first one I'd missed for years. This year I'm giving a workshop on editing - how to tweak, polish and shine your manuscript. My lovely editor at Astraea Press - Kay Springsteen Tate has generously shared some of her material with me and having had a an 'oh my God, what am I doing' moment yesterday, I think I'm now prepared. I love the conference as it gives me chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, talk writing and drink wine for a whole weekend. What's not to love? The workshops are great and this years programme looks fantastic. Support from other writers is what makes romantic novelist's so special. I can honestly say I have always had nothing but support and help from my fellow authors and it's a pleasure to be in their company. Today I get to meet Phillipa Ashley and Elizabeth Hanbury, my fellow coffee crew members for lunch and a catch up. We have heard the Queen is visiting nearby, hope we're not anywhere she could eavesdrop on our conversations. Mind you, Prince Phillip might enjoy them!

News!

GO HERE for details of a wonderful new anthology to celebrate 50 years of the Romantic Novelist's Association. Published by MIRA it's due out in hardback this autumn and paperback in Feb 2010.
My bit of the news is that alongside such stellar names as Adele Parks, Sophie Weston, Rosie Harris, and tons of other people is me!
My fun story is called Wishing For George - this is the one with Muriel the car park fairy. I first wrote it a few years ago as an exercise for my local writers group when we were set the challenge of writing a modern fairy story. I tweaked and polished and scrubbed it up and I'm so excited and honoured to be included in such a lovely book. I can't wait to read all the other stories.

I've been nominated.

I just had a phonecall from a lovely lady from The Romantic Novelist's Association. Marrying Max has made the shortlist for category romance novel of the year. I need to send more copies for the next round of judging. The winner is announced at a lunch at the Savoy hotel on Friday 27th April in London.
I am so excited - I would never have entered Max if my lovely friend and fellow writer Michelle Styles hadn't suggested I send copies. She has also made the shortlist with her fabulous book - Gladiators Honour. Whoo hoo! The official announcement should be made soon, but WOW!!!