Hi everyone. I apologise, haven’t blogged for ages as, along with some Life Stuff, I’ve been trying to finish a book.

It’s been a funny old year and not without its challenges but things cheered up with the Romantic Novelists’ Association Conference. I’m just back. Not entirely sure it’s revived my flagging writing mojo but it was an absolute blast.

This year it was based at Royal Holloway in Surrey and set against this magnificent backdrop. 

Built by Victorian philanthropist Thomas Holloway, at the suggestion of wife Jane, it aimed to provide a college to educate women.

Not only was the Founders’ Building, in all its gothic turretry-ness (yes, it’s a word!) truly splendid, the grounds were wooded and full of life. Muntjac deer, squirrels and rich bird life abounded. What a place to go to university! Very special.

The conference consisted of a mixture of talks, workshops, networking and a chance to catch up with writing pals. It was hot, hectic and huge fun. I’d spent days convincing the other half that it really was work (and it was!) but it was also a chance to socialise and have a drink or two. Or three.

Writers are, by nature, usually solitary and at times I found it all a bit too people-y. Good to find a shady spot and a calming friend. This is Jack aka Cheeseburger, the campus cat and a complete tart! He was very zen, extremely affectionate and soothed my nerves before an important meeting.

At each conference a competition is run called The Elizabeth Goudge Trophy. This year we had to enter the first two thousand words of a novel and, blow me down, I came second! I was so shocked, I forgot Wendy Howell is my real name and nearly didn’t go up to receive the prize and certificate.

You can see how shocked I am as I still have my sunglasses on my head and haven’t managed to arrange my face for the photo!

Huge thanks to all those who organised this year’s conference, to the truly wonderful staff at Royal Holloway, to my fellow writers who came to my aid when I was feeling all totes emosh and to lovely Laura who drove us there.

My competition entry is called Room for Two at Rose Cottage. Maybe my writing mojo has returned as I’m thinking of ways of making it into a full novel. Trouble is, I set it in Cornwall. Looks like a research trip is on the cards. Better repack that suitcase!

Love,

Georgia x