A Glittering Night - The RoNA Awards

  

Welcome to Karen Aldous who tells us about her first trip to the RoNA Awards.

I’d really been looking forward to this event. Not only did it give me the opportunity to meet my editor for the first time but being among so many writers and getting the chance to meet them was truly amazing. The Gladstone Library at One Whitehall Place, SW1, provided the perfect setting to celebrate romance and the prestigious annual RoNAs. Glistening chandeliers fought with period fireplaces for my attention but the sparkling wine, unwavering chatter and anticipation diverted my focus.

Over two hundred guests attended the event including authors, editors and agents, all passionate about romance and eager to hear this year’s results. TV’s Strictly Come-Dancing Judge and ex-ballerina, the stunning Darcey Bussell CBE, presented the awards. Christina Courtenay was the first prize winner for her novel in the Historical Romance Category, The Gilded Fan, (Choc lit). Christina said ‘I’m truly honoured considering the massive group I’m up against.’

The Winners

An overcome and tearful Kate Hardy received her award next for the RoNA Rose Award for her series romance Bound by a Baby (Harlequin Mills & Boon).

Under the Epic Romantic Novel category, Jennifer McVeigh graciously accepted her trophy for The Fever Tree (Penguin) whilst Imogen Howson, admitting to shaking furiously, claimed her prize in the Young Adult Romantic category, for her novel Linked (Quercus).

A stunned and emotional Milly Johnson lit the stage with her humour as she collected the award for Best Romantic Comedy for her novel It’s Raining Men (Simon & Schuster). The only thing she’d won before, she told us, was a brick, and she was in the bottom of a pool in her pyjamas!

There was also a special award and huge applause for Dr David Hessayon, who continues to support the RNA New Writers Scheme on behalf of his late wife and historical romance novelist, Joan Hessayon. Dr Hessayon, famous for his own gardening-book series, revealed Joan’s motivation was never about the fame, in fact, she never sought it – her research and writing were enough, but her legacy came from her passion for wanting to help other writers. Many writers of romance are indebted to Joan and David’s generosity.

This year's Outstanding Achievement Award went to the legendary, Helen Fielding for her Bridget Jones Diary series which is still a huge favourite of mine. A delighted Helen surprised me when she confessed she’d never had an award for her achievements before but owes her inspiration to another legend who advised her to ‘write as if you’re writing a letter to a friend’. Encouraging for most of us writers was the news she too had received her share of rejections. Proof enough that persistence pays off. She wished us all every success.

Huge congratulations go to Veronica Henry for winning the prestigious prize for Romantic Novel of the Year with her title A Night on the Orient Express which also won the Contemporary Romance Category. Veronica was clearly chuffed and I’m sure, considering the accolade, her son will forgive her for missing his eleventh Birthday!

Finally, a big thank you must go to RNA President, Katie Fforde for introducing the event and Chair, Pia Fenton and her committee for the organisation and running of such a lovely evening.

Thank you, Karen,

If readers wish to know more about this exciting event please look at the full report on the RNA website: 

http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/news/entry/veronica_henry_wins_romantic_novel_of_the_year_award

Brought to you by the blogging team of Elaine Everest and Natalie Kleinman

If you wish to be featured on the RNA blog or would like to submit a craft article please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

STRICTLY GEORGIA HILL

Georgia Hill been writing for E-Scape Press for five years and was taken on by Harper Impulse, the digital first imprint of Harper Collins, last summer. She writes about intriguing heroes, believably flawed heroines – all wrapped up in contemporary rom-coms. After teaching for twenty years, she is now a full-time writer and loving it. Home is a converted oast house, which she shares with her two beloved spaniels, husband (also beloved) and a ghost called Zoe.

In Say it with Sequins 1: The Rumba, ‘Who Dares Dances’ is a reality TV show with a difference. Not only do contestants have to learn to dance, they also face a series of bizarre challenges. When struggling actor, Julia Cooper, signs up and meets daredevil Harri Morgan, the attraction is instant – and hot! Forced to perform a sexy rumba together, the sequins really start to fly. Will they score the perfect ten, or is their romance destined to be a dance disaster!

Say it With Sequins: The Rumba is your first ebook with Harper Impulse. How do you remain an individual author with such a large (and fabulous) publisher?

What an interesting question! To date, it hasn’t been an issue. I was attracted to Harper Impulse as they wanted submissions from writers who ‘mash up’ genres or who write something slightly different. Pitching my writing has always been a problem and I was told my second and third books would have no market as no one wanted to read a novel set in a primary school. In fact, they’ve sold fairly well, thanks to E-Scape Press. With Harper Impulse, I think I’ve found a home for my particular type of writing.

What gave you the idea for your book and how long did it take to write?

I’m a huge Strictly Come Dancing fan. I love the television show, have seen live shows on tour and I’m booked to see two of the dancers when they tour their show later this year. I’m fascinated by how close the celebrity and professional dancer seem to get. With attractive young actresses and hot pro-dancers paired together, it seemed inevitable that a romance might spring up. As indeed it has with one or two partnerships! I started the first draft when I was teaching full-time, so never really had the time to devote to it. Though I’m a good beginner I don’t always see things through but it lingered on until I was determined to finish it! It’s taken me about three years to write. In my defence, other projects intervened.

How did you carry out your research?

I watch a lot of television! Behind the scenes programmes, on how television is made, interviews with dancers and celebs, keep an eye on the gossip columns. I also do a lot of internet research on types of dance. YouTube has great ‘How to dance' videos. There isn’t a lot of technical detail in the book but I try to get it right.

Can you dance?

No! I’m the world’s worst dancer. I think that’s why I admire the celebs who take part, especially those who struggle with the training. I’d be a dance disaster - think I need a session with Anton du Beke!

How do you fit your writing around your home life?

I gave up full-time teaching eighteen months ago and thought I’d be able to write all day. It hasn’t quite worked out like that and I often find, unless I’m very disciplined, that the chores take over. It’s taken a while to find a new working rhythm but I’m getting there. Like many women writers, it’s all about dealing with the guilt of the ironing pile! Dog walking is a great thinking time though.

What is next in your writing life?

The next project is very different – a two narrative partly historical romance (I love the books of Susanna Kearsley and Rachel Hore and wanted to write something similar). However, it’s been hijacked by Say it with Sequins 4 and has temporarily been put on the back burner. It’s on the ‘To do’ list though!

http://www.georgiahill.co.uk

http://www.harperimpulseromance.com

http://www.escapewithabook.com/

Thank you, Georgia. Perhaps next time we can hear about your resident ghost!

Compiled by Natalie and brought to you by the blogging team of Elaine Everest, Natalie Kleinman and Liv Thomas.

Please contact us at elaineeverest@aol.com if you wish to be featured on our blog.