Rowan Coleman's Thoughts on Her First RNA Conference

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

Miranda Dickinson Gives Us Another View of The York Festival of Writing

Miranda Dickinson, who was short listed for Romantic Novel of the Year Award for her début novel FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK, shares what it's like on the other side of the table…

The Festival of Writing in York was a bit of revelation for me – and not just because of the brilliant seminars, great atmosphere and wonderful location. It was the first time I had been asked to speak as a published author and, I have to admit, I was more than a little nervous about it. What was I going to say? Would anyone actually turn up to my session? And – perhaps most importantly – how on earth was I going to fill a whole hour??

I had been asked to talk about how my manuscript was discovered on Authonomy.com (who were partnering with The Writers’ Workshop for the Festival), together with my editor, Sammia (who was as confident about presenting as I was!). We had nervously worked out a basic running order for our hour, hoping fervently that anyone kind enough to attend would have lots of questions to ask. Talking about ‘my publishing journey’ still feels very odd indeed after so many years of being an impressively unsuccessful writer - I have to admit that I wasn’t entirely sure how to make ‘I was flippin’ lucky’ last for a whole sixty minutes!

Thankfully, our audience (yes - there was more than one!) arrived with lots of fantastic questions and the hour flew past. As we were in the middle of the discussion, it suddenly occurred to me how much my life has changed as a writer in the past year. Last year I was at a similar event in Birmingham, listening to Joanne Harris talking about her publishing journey – and I remember wondering if I would ever be the ‘other side of the table’ talking about mine one day… It just goes to prove the point I made at my session in York – if this dream of being published can happen to me, it can happen for anyone. I still feel incredibly lucky to be able to see my book on sale – and, more than that, to be editing my second novel right now before that too is published in November this year. Crazy, ridiculous but incredibly exciting!

It was wonderful to meet so many writers from the RNA at the weekend, including Katie Fforde (whose key note address on Saturday morning was thoroughly inspirational), Liz Fenwick, Jo Thomas and Susan Alison. I’m still at newbie at the RNA, but the lovely ladies made me feel very welcome.

But the best thing about the Festival of Writing for me was meeting so many passionate, big-dreaming writers and hearing about their work, which they hope to see published soon. It was an absolute honour to be asked for my advice and to be able to encourage people to keep believing in their publishing dreams. It reminded me, once again, to never take this gift of being a published writer for granted and fired me with enthusiasm for the manuscript waiting for me on my desk when I got home!

©Miranda Dickinson 2010

The Glitz, The Glam, The Fun - THE IMAGES - RNA's 50th Anniversary Awards Lunch

The Romantic Novel of the Year - Short Listed Authors

Yesterday the authors on the short list for the Romantic Novel of the Year gathered in London.

Pictured holding their books from left to right are:

Santa Montefiore -The Italian Matchmaker - Hodder & Stoughton

Miranda Dickinson - Fairytale of New York - Avon (Harper Collins)

Lucy Dillon - Lost Dogs & Lonely Hearts - Hodder & Stoughton

Louise Bagshawe - Passion - Headline Review

Jean Fullerton - A Glimpse at Happiness - Orion

Rachel Hore - The Glass Painter's Daughter - Pocket (Simon & Schuster)

New Awards for Romantic Fiction

The RNA today announced the creation of Pure Passion Awards, to celebrate the Association's Golden Anniversary.

As well as the hotly-contested Romantic Novel of the Year and Love Story of the Year awards, the RNA has chosen new ways to honour the very best in romantic fiction : The People's Choice Award, the Rom Com Award, and the Romantic Film of the Year.

There's more detail about the awards over on the RNA's website www.rna-uk.org .

Here, some of the short listed authors talk about how it feels to be in the running for such prestigious awards.

From the Romantic Novel of the Year authors...

Jean Fullerton - A GLIMPSE AT HAPPINESS Orion

“I almost can’t describe how thrilled I am to be in the 2010 Romantic Novelist Shortlist for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. It is also very special because it is the association Gold Year and I feel very honoured to be standing alongside such established authors. I only started writing eight years ago and joined the RNA’s New Writers Scheme in 2003 so I still find it hard to believe that I am in the last six for this year’s award.

I can’t truthfully, describe being shortlisted as ‘a dream come true’ because I never in a million years dreamed that my stories would ever reach such dizzy heights. I am profoundly thankful to the RNA for nurturing me on my rocky road to publication and I can honestly say without the support and encouragement of my many friends within the association I would be where I am today.”

Rachel Hore - THE GLASS PAINTER'S DAUGHTER Pocket Books

“It's wonderful to me that The Glass Painter's Daughter, a book that's very close to my heart, has received recognition by being shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. It's such an affirmation to me that the book was worthwhile and that people have enjoyed and appreciated it. I'd be fascinated to hear what readers enjoy most about it. I loved researching and writing about stained glass and music and angels and have tried to use them to explore a story about unattainable beauty and unrequited love. Love that is not returned by the object of affection, is of course one of the most emotionally painful experiences we can endure, but it can be celebrated as beautiful, noble, and worthwhile. So the book is a love story, but it's all sorts of other things as well. I'm very much looking forward to reading the other novels on the shortlist and welcome the award as a great celebration of the Romantic Novel.”

Lucy Dillon – LOST DOGS & LONELY HEARTS Hodder & Stoughton

“Being selected for any prize shortlist is wonderful, but the RNA Award is very special: it means an enormous amount to be picked out by such a discerning and experienced selection of fellow writers and readers, and from a long list which utterly destroys the idea that romance is 'just boy meets girl'.

In all the Association's fifty years, I don't think there's ever been as much need for romantic fiction - in all its kaleidoscopic varieties - as there is now. When the news is gloomy and the weather is even worse, what could be more restoring than an evening on the sofa with love, intrigue, passion, confusion and a happy ever after? My favourite kind of romantic fiction is the novel that lets me slip into another world, but somehow reminds me enough of my own that when I close the book, I look at what I've got with a fresh eye. A good romance is like a spa break for my spirit - that's what I try to write, and that's definitely what's made up this year's short/long list. I'm very honoured to be on it.”

Miranda Dickinson – FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK Avon (HarperCollins)

“Making the shortlist for the RNA's Romantic Novel of the Year Award is absolutely amazing! Without wanting to sound like Gwyneth Paltrow at a press conference, it's such a wonderful honour to have my work recognised by the RNA, who work so tirelessly to promote romantic fiction. I think it's something every author dreams about, but I never really thought it would be possible for me. If you'd told me a year ago that my debut novel would be rubbing shoulders with fantastic work from the brilliant authors on the shortlist I would never have believed you! To make the long list was a dream come true: but finding Fairytale of New York on the shortlist is something else. I'm not ashamed to say that I did a little jiggly happy dance around my living room when I heard the news and I haven't stopped grinning yet!”

Santa Montefiore – THE ITALIAN MATCHMAKER Hodder & Stoughton

"I'm absolutely thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted. It is a total surprise, as I've never been shortlisted for anything before. I think the last prize I won was back in '85 for being a 'good sport' so it's fabulous to be this close."

Louise Bagshawe – PASSION Headline Review

“I was delighted to get the news that I had been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Since I started writing at the age of twenty-two, I’ve never been nominated for anything, and to be considered for such a prestigious award is a genuine honour. I have to say that my book, PASSION, is perhaps the piece of work I’m most proud of; in writing a romantic thriller, James Bond for girls if you like, I was stepping outside of my comfort zone, so to have creative recognition for that is genuinely pleasing.

At the same time, given that this is the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards, I’m glad that people still see it as primarily a love story about two old flames. It’s essentially a study of what happens when life gives you that unexpected second chance. I’m overjoyed to be in the company of the other amazing writers on this shortlist.”

From the Love Story of the Year authors...

Jane Jones – FAIR DECEPTION Robert Hale

“I am beyond thrilled that my Regency romance FAIR DECEPTION has been shortlisted for the RNA's Love Story of the Year 2010. This book is very dear to my heart as it involves both the theatre and my local town of Newmarket. As I am likewise passionate about the wonderful Romantic Novelists' Association, I don't think I could be more excited at this moment if I tried!”

Nina Harrington - ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID Harlequin Mills and Boon

“I can’t tell you how thrilled and humbled I am to be shortlisted for this prestigious Love Story of the Year Award for my debut book for the Mills and Boon Romance Line. I am also excited, delighted, and more than a little stunned and in awe at the talent and skill of the other shortlisted authors.

‘Always the Bridesmaid’ will always be a very special book, and I have a great many people for their help and support, including the RNA. It was through the New Writer’s Scheme that my work found its way to the desk of an editor at Mills and Boon.

Perhaps the Dedication in this book can sum it up for me?

‘To all the wonderful writers in the Romantic Novelists’ Association, who made this book possible.’

Nell Dixon - ANIMAL INSTINCTS Little Black Dress

“I'm absolutely stunned to have made the shortlist with Animal Instincts! Getting into the finals for any award is always wonderful, but when your book has been chosen by readers, and against so many other fabulous stories it really is special. As a writer you always hope that readers will love your story as much as you do.

When I got the news I burst into tears - happy ones, not sad - I was simply so thrilled and excited. I think it took a good hour before it sank in and I think I spent most of that hour wandering around like a happy Victor Meldrew muttering, 'I don't believe it'.”

Louise Allen – THE NOTORIOUS MR HURST Harlequin Mills and Boon.

“Being shortlisted for Love Story of the Year would be terrific at any time, but as this is the RNA's 50th anniversary year it makes it even more special. And I'm delighted it is this book which is rather a favourite of mine with a darkly brooding hero and a background in the Regency theatre which was great fun to research.

I booked myself a holiday in India ages ago without thinking to check the date of the Awards Luncheon so I was relieved to find I will be back just in time - even if I am hideously jet-lagged I hope I'll be sporting an attractive tan!”

Natalie Rivers – CLAIMED FOR THE ITALIAN’S REVENGE Harlequin Mills and Boon

“It was a wonderful surprise to discover that Claimed for the Italian’s Revenge has been shortlisted for the RNA’s Love Story of the Year Award. It’s a real thrill and honour to see my name alongside such talented authors, and I’m really looking forward to spending time with them all at the Awards Lunch in London next month.”

Sophie King -THE WEDDING PARTY Hodder & Stoughton

“I first heard I was on the shortlist for LOVE STORY OF THE YEAR when I picked up an answer phone message when in a prison car park! I am writer in residence of a high security male prison and you can't take mobiles in - so messages can be delayed. I was absolutely amazed and thrilled. THE WEDDING PARTY is very special to me because it is about a middle aged couple who get married. I married the best man from my first wedding recently after knowing him as a friend for thirty years. I thought of the plot for my book before he proposed - but no one believes me!

I am very grateful to the RNA for all its encouragement and advice, especially Katie Fforde. It is an amazing organisation; I am always telling students how it helps both published and unpublished writers.”

From the Rom Com authors...

Jill Mansell - RUMOUR HAS IT Headline Review

"Wheeeeeeee, I've been shortlisted for a romantic comedy award! Me! The last competition I ever won was held in a nightclub many years ago and involved tearing a telephone directory in half. I was the only female entrant and I weighed about seven stone, beating lots of big burly men. Since then, sadly, telephone directories have got thinner and I ...well, I haven't!

Does it sound cliched to say that the RNA is a wonderful, warm, mutually supportive organisation to which I'm so proud to belong? Oh well, that's too bad - I'm still going to say it because it's true."

Jane Costello – THE NEARLY WEDS Simon & Schuster

“I'm thrilled to be on the RNA shortlist for this award - when my publisher phoned to tell me the news, I was as delighted as I was stunned. To be recognised by the RNA - and in the esteemed company of the other authors listed - is an enormous privilege.”

Jenny Colgan - DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND Sphere

"I am so ludicrously excited to be on the shortlist for the RNA, I just can't wait, especially for the big anniversary year. 'Diamonds' was a very personal book for me, and I'm just so pleased it's been noticed!"