Tuesday, June 16, 2015

In Praise of the North

Jane Lovering joins us today to tell us about the planned RNA Northern Tea Party. 

I sometimes get asked why a good southern girl like me writes books based in Yorkshire. And I have to answer that it’s because I live here and can do research without having to do anything more strenuous than look out of the windows. I’m practically naturalised now, although I still say ‘scone’ to rhyme with ‘stone’ and pronounce bath as ‘barth’. I’m also used to the patchy mobile reception up in the moors, half-day closings, and shops that sell everything from five barred gates to washing powder under the same roof. My books are marketed as the ‘Yorkshire Romances’ series, despite having nothing linking them but the fact that they’re set in Yorkshire. My latest book How I Wonder What You Are is actually set on the North York Moors, where I based the heroine’s exploits riding her horse across the moorland on my own experiences. Apart from the ‘finding a naked man’ part. I haven’t done that yet, but live in hope.

So, when it was mooted that there should be an RNA Northern party, to give those of us who can’t make the London-based parties a chance to wear posh frocks and nice shoes, and Lynda Stacey offered to organise it and asked me to help, I jumped at the chance. After all, even we adopted Northerners sometimes like to get out of our wellington boots and into something slinky. We decided to go for something a little different to the London parties, and, once I’d been sat on to prevent me from suggesting completely impossible things (I was going to suggest either an RNA Rodeo or Burlesque lessons) we agreed on an Afternoon Tea.  So we’ve duly booked the 15th century York Guildhall for the day on Saturday, 5th September in the centre of the beautiful city of York. We’ve ordered good weather to enhance the view over the river, and enough sandwiches and cake to provide refreshment for an entire host of romantic novelists. 

Even better, we have Milly Johnson coming to give a talk, entitled ‘the RSPB Guide to Northern Birds’. As a prime example of Northern Birdhood herself, her talk will be educational and hysterical and accompanied by cream scones and tea, so it’s a winner all round, I think you’ll agree.  We’re hoping for a good turnout of both frocks and shoes, there will be sandwiches, cakes, quiches and scones and unlimited tea and coffee, and both Lynda and I are looking forward to seeing an influx of Romantic Novelists converging on York.

I still think a rodeo would have been a good idea, though…

For tickets contact Jane at janelovering@gmail.com

Thank you, Jane. Our tickets are booked and we can’t wait to join you.

The RNA blog is brought to you by 

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

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13 comments:

Elaine Everest said...

I have my ticket - can't wait!

Evonne Wareham said...

I have a ticket and am hoping to make it from the wilds of Wales. Waves frantically. Can we do the burlesque lessons next time, please?

Rhoda Baxter said...

I've got my ticket. I love high tea.
Evonne BURLESQUE?? Isn't that stripping off vintage clothing?
If we're doing that, can we circus skills for the time after that?

Sheryl Browne said...

I'm quite fancying the burlesque too, Jane - though nothing too risqué frock wise obviously. A little feather here and there? OK, maybe big feathers. I can't make this one, I'm afraid. All the more cake for you. ;) Enjoy! xx

Jean Fullerton-East End Girl & Author said...

Nice post, Jane. I'm really looking forward to the Northern Party in September and feel not only should it be an annual event but we should encourage other regional parties and get togethers, too.

Jane Lovering said...

Thanks everyone! Am disappointed that there don't seem to be any votes for the RNA Rodeo though. Still, next year, burlesque, fan-dancing optional, yes?

Looking forward to seeing as many as can make it to the party, and yes, Jean, it would be lovely to have lots of regional parties!

angela britnell said...

I'm reading this enviously from Nashville - think I'll have to have my own tea party that day!

Unknown said...

Wait a minute Jane Lovering... I didn't say no to Burlesque. I actually think it could be fun, so long as I'm not the one doing the dancing. I'd also like to add that if we did have Burlesque dancers, my husband and probably everyone else's husband would probably turn up for afternoon tea too.

Great post Jane. Looking forward to 5th September x

Sally Zigmond said...

It's a great idea. I only wish I could go but even York is a bit too far from where I live on't moors as I am a non-driver. Our nearest city is actually Middlesbrough, believe it or not which is a bit short of suitable historic venues, not that I can get there without a willing husband. (A rare species!)

I'm keen to read your North York Moors romance, Jane. I've never found a 'man part' on the Moors either. I shall now look more carefully.

Unknown said...

*wading in* you can get make burlesque dancers, as someone who's helped organise a GLBTQ fiction conference I know first hand. And can confirm male 'boylesque' dancers are great. This sounds like great fun.

Mags Cullingford/www.magscullingford.com said...

Have ticket already, and glad I shan't have to ride a bucking bronco. Horses treat me with utmost contempt.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Looking forward to it!

Unknown said...

Delighted to see a northern gathering. Sadly we're meant to be at a festival that weekend but will see what I can do.
I'd do a rodeo Jane...