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Behind-The-Books Blog
My night at the RNA Summer Party
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s annual summer party, one of the most anticipated events in any romance-lover’s diary. And the tickets for it must have sold like hot cakes – the wonderfully old-fashioned library (complete with sliding ladders, dusty tomes and marble busts) at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on Birdcage Walk was packed to the rafters with authors, agents and editors.
After arriving a quarter of an hour late thanks to my appalling sense of direction (many thanks to the tall, dark, handsome and rather sweaty but no less fanciable for that jogger who kindly pointed me back in the right direction), I was presented with a complimentary glass of wine and instantly absorbed into the general hubbub of the occasion. Everyone is always so welcoming at the RNA events, and it didn’t take long to find friends amongst the crowd of happy faces. In fact, I’d not been there ten minutes before I was snapped by a paparazzo with our lovely author Mary Nichols, so look out for our photo in the next edition of Romance Matters! I was also delighted to meet Tania Crosse, author of Lily’s Journey, for the first time. The RNA parties are ideal opportunities to catch up with authors and agents alike, and to spread the word about Allison & Busby’s list. I even came away at the end of the night with a couple of books and a new manuscript to read!
But the party wasn’t all about celebrating; there was the serious business of handing over power from outgoing Chair of the RNA Catherine Jones to Katie Fforde – the new Queen of the RNA and one whom, I am sure, will be in the perfect position to help the RNA members in their endeavours. And of course there was the announcement of the Joan Hessayon New Writer’s Scheme award winner. This award is for an author who has just had their first novel published. There was strong competition from Juliet Archer, Jenna Dawlish, Janet Glover, Victoria Howard, Helen Scott Taylor and Gillian Villiers, but the overall winner – enthusiastically toasted by all with freshly filled champagne glasses – was Allie Spencer with Tug of Love (Little Black Dress). Many congratulations to her. Last year’s winner Giselle Green gave a from-the-heart speech, telling us how her year had passed since winning the award, and Sue Moorcroft showed us the beautiful jacket of the upcoming RNA anthology Loves Me, Loves Me Not, of which our own Victoria Connelly is a contributor.
As I made my way back to Westminster Station, past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (having earlier seen the London Eye when I took off in the wrong direction) I thought how lucky I am to have a job where I can mingle with such lovely, interesting people in what must be one of the most impressive locations in the country. It was a good evening all round!
Louise Watson, Editor
How lovely to read this, Louise! You’re right - you have to go a long way to beat an RNA party!
Posted on May 14th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
It was lovely to see you there, Louise!
Posted on May 14th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Lovely blog! It made homesick for RNA parties… 
RNA members are a friendly and very supportive crowd and I am pleased to think you thought so too. I try not to miss one of their parties if I can help it.
Posted on May 15th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Huge thanks to Victoria, Jan, Anna Louise and Mary for taking the time to post a comment up here. It’s so lovely to see that you’re all following the goings-on at A&B through our blog. Keep reading! X
Posted on May 15th, 2009 at 10:21 am
If you have any photos from the night, do send them in and we’ll post them on the blog! 
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Persuasion, by Jane Austen. Sara: Yes, I'm still on my Jane Austen kick. After this one I will try reading something new...
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