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| Tamsyn Murray, Rowan Coleman and Cally Taylor |
There are many reason why, after being a member of the RNA
for ten years, the 2012 summer conference was my very first, and it has
absolutely nothing to do with having recently had twin baby boys and needing
some sleep. It’s a little bit that I’m quite shy about joining in, and that
after spending a lot of time locked up in my office writing a novel and
conversing mainly with under threes, when people do let me out in public I talk
far too much and far too loudly without stopping to take a breath (some of you
may have noticed that…).
However, after spending a weekend in Penrith I really do
wonder why it’s taken me so long to go. What a wonderful time I had!
Before going I was a little alarmed by the kit that
conference experts told me I should take, especially by Liz Fenwick’s twitter
musings on whether or not to take wellies. I worried that I might be going to
some sort of romance boot camp, and that there might be marching and maybe
enforced group hugs. Well, I needn’t have worried, there were plenty of group
hugs, but none of them enforced, and as lovely Miranda Dickinson said, what
incredible value the conference brings. Not only a weekend away, with lovely
people but the sheer volume of knowledge, expertise and experience concentrated
in one place, is worth its weight in gold. Highlights were many, but my
favourite were Talli Roland’s clever and incisive talk on online marketing,
Tamsyn Murray, bringing me up to date on ‘going all the way’ in YA, Jenny
Barden’s fascinating talk on researching historical romance, Kate Harrison’s
pertinent discussion on the future of women’s fiction, and Julie Cohen turning
a whole room of grown women into weeping wrecks in just over four minutes, with
her Pixar presentation. And also the wonderful inspirational energy I got from
an audience (and a very glamorous vending machine coffee in the rain) with the
amazing Carole Mathews. Everyone I spoke to was so friendly and welcoming, but
I especially enjoyed chatting to Freda Lightfoot and Nell Dixon who were so
generous with their knowledge and insight.
It’s an incredible feat of organisation, and I am in awe by
the fantastic job that Jan Jones did, I still owe her a very large glass of
wine for putting up with me and all my questions with unfailing good grace
(sorry I didn’t find you at the right time, Jan). Over all I came back from
Penrith feeling like part of a family, which of course I’ve been a member of
for a long time, but now I know exactly how wonderful it is. And next time I
shall endeavour to do better with my shoes, as the ones I took this time were
all together too sensible.
Rowan's latest book...
'You are a remarkable woman and you deserve all the happiness, contentment and love in the world. I, for one, know that I have never met anyone quite like you.'
When Rose Pritchard turns up on the doorstep of a Cumbrian B&B it is her last resort. She and her seven-year-old daughter Maddie have left everything behind. And they have come to the village of Millthwaite in search of the person who once offered Rose hope.
Almost immediately Rose wonders if she's made a terrible mistake - if she's chasing a dream - but she knows in her heart that she cannot go back. She's been given a second chance - at life, and love - but will she have the courage to take it?
Out 27 September 2012
About Rowan...
Rowan Coleman grew up in Hertfordshire longing to be a writer despite battling with dyslexia. After graduating from university she worked in bookselling and publishing for seven years before winning Company Magazine Young Writer of the Year in 2001. Her first novel 'Growing Up Twice' was published in 2002.
Rowan has gone on to write twelve novels for adults including the international bestsellers 'The Accidental Mother, The Baby Group' and 'The Accidental Wife' and eight novels for children and teens, including the paranormal adventure novels Nearly Departed and Immortal Remains under the name Rook Hastings. Her books are published around the world in several different languages and her latest book 'Dearest Rose' is out in September 2012. She now lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, and four children and is working on her next novel.
Rowan will be teaching at the Faber Academy Get It Written
15 comments:
You're so right about the feat of organisation involved. I'm in awe of Jan and Roger!
I found Talli's talk really useful to. Am now resolved to blog every week, rather than just when I remember, which is my usual standard.
Really glad you enjoyed your 1st conference. It was my 1st last year, and now I'm a bit addicted ;)
I am completely addicted too now, and hopefully the next time I won't talk quite so much non stop...
I've been meaning to join the RNA for ages - I'm off to do it RIGHT NOW!
Do it! All you have to lose is your sensible footwear, and maybe any detox program you are on.x
Great blog post Rowan. Really missed being there this year, particularly as Penrith is such a brilliant venue. Looking forward to all the 'talk reports' coming out and loving all the pictures. Btw, how on earth did you manage to get away for two whole days? Must have been a huge military operation to achieve it! xx
Sounds like you had a good time. For Karen - you can only join at the start of the year and then you have to be quick as they go fast.
It was a fantastic event. Only problem is finding time to talk to everyone. Apologies for only managing a quick hello!
Yes,I would have liked to talk to a lot more people a lot more, But did talk to a lot of people a lot, which was good. For me, anyway! x
Very entertaining conference report. Rowan. Now I'm more miffed than ever that I didn't manage to get there.
I can see I'll have to be more organised next year. Rena x
Thanks Rena, hope to see you there next time
It was my first time too, Rowan. Splendid write-up - I was nodding along with everything you wrote.
Good to make your acquaintance (I'm one of the Romaniacs. You sat at our table one lunch time ;))
All the best with your writing. With new twins and four children altogether, I don't know how you do it!
warm wishes
Debbie
xx
I was pleased to meet you too! I'd love to do something with the romaniacs one day! xxx
Ten years membership/1 conference - wonder if that's a new record, Rowan? Unless you know otherwise...
It was lovely to talk to you!
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