My goody bag. A bit crumpled – like me!

Well, I did my country mouse act and went up to the Big City to attend the Harper Impulse autumn ‘fete’ and author meeting.

The train was late, the traffic was dreadful and the cabbie unusually silent.

I had a very emotional moment when I saw the huge Harper Collins sign at the entrance. The headquarters are stunning, with an open plan atrium featuring a tree made from pages of books.

While waiting to be collected, I had time to admire the surroundings and catch my breath. And to calm my emotions. On display were some newly published books. One, about Robert Plant, caught my eye. Bit of a hero of mine! It was thrilling to think I’d soon be published by Harper Impulse.

Tea and biscuits followed the author meeting, during which I seemed to assume the role of mother (I am easily old enough not only to be mother but grandmother to most in attendance) and manned the tea urn. Memo to self: join the W.I.

I chatted to lots of lovely people, including Lynn Montagano, who had come all the way from California! Fellow RNA member Jan Jones gave me a huge hug and it was great to have a catch up with Roger Sanderson.

The party was held in a large space overlooking the atrium.  The Harper team had been hard at work decorating it. Painted pumpkins, pink balloons and very delicious cupcakes festooned the room. The Harper Impulse banner- ‘We’ve got the love!’ was in a prime spot. Cue much taking of photographs with proud authors posing with their books!

Sarah Lefebve came over. She recognised me from my picture in the current edition of Romance Matters (the RNA magazine). I admired the title (and cover) of her book, The Park Bench Test.

Sadly, I had to forego the after party drinks in the pub and catch my train. I snaffled a goody bag and ran for Paddington. Hubby collected me from a rain-soaked Taunton station and made beans on toast, which I ate at midnight!

I had a fabulous time and it’s all gradually sinking in. Thank you to Charlotte Ledger and Kim Young who organised such a wonderful party – and to all the lovely people there, who made an aged country mouse feel so very welcome.

Love,

Georgia x