Well readers, this country mouse went up to the Big Smoke to attend the Romantic Novelists’ Association Summer Party to hear the winner of the Joan Hessayon New Writers’ Award announced. Sad to report that it wasn’t me but very glad to say it went to Lucy King for her book Bought: Damsel in Distress. Check out more details at:

www.lucyking.net

Congratulations! I must also mention my fellow nominee Monique DeVere and her novel Divorce Etiquette. Best wishes to both writers for their future ‘scribbling’ careers!

It was a glorious evening and for a while I stood on the balcony of the Institute for Mechanical Engineering, where the event was held, and looked over St. James’s Park and Horseguards Parade, watching the buildings turn pink in the sunset. It was great to be back in the capital – it’s such an exciting city – but not so good to be stuck in the traffic. Forgetting it takes forever to drive anywhere in London, I was a good thirty minutes late for the party!

Have to admit to feeling very nervous but was treated with great friendliness by all I met. Special thanks to Melanie Hilton who was very kind. I was extremely star struck when meeting my favourite writer Katie Fforde (goodness only knows what she thought of my gabbling). The same thing happened when I met Sarah Duncan just as I was leaving. I’ve recently read her wonderful novel A Single to Rome and loved it. More nervous gabbling ensued, and I’m afraid by that time the tongue had been further loosened by champagne.

If you’re thinking of, or have written a romantic novel, I recommend The Romantic Novelists’ Association and especially its New Writers’ Scheme. For a very reasonable membership charge you can access useful advice and friendly support. For more information about the RNA and the Summer Party look here:

www.rna-uk.org

Most importantly though, I must thank my ‘posse’ who came from far and wide to support me. Huge thanks to Phillipa Ashley, Jenna Dawlish, Nell Dixon and Elizabeth Hanbury. It was great having you there! Cheers, writing chums 