Joan Hessayon Award Winner: Kate Field

 Joan Hessayon Award winner Kate Field triumphs

with debut novel The Magic of Ramblings

LONDON 18th May 2017: Lancashire-based author Kate Field has triumphed with her contemporary novel The Magic of Ramblings published by Accent Press, for which she has been awarded The Romantic Novelists' Association’s (RNA) prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Kate was presented with her award and a cheque for £1,000 at the RNA’s Summer Party, held today at the Royal Overseas League in London.

The Joan Hessayon Award is generously sponsored by gardening expert Dr David Hessayon OBE, in honour of his late wife Joan, who was a longstanding member of the RNA and a great supporter of its New Writers' Scheme.

The judges for the award, which included new RNA Chair Nicola Cornick and outgoing Chair, Eileen Ramsay, were unanimous in their decision to crown The Magic of Ramblings the winner. The book was selected from a list of eleven contenders, all authors whose debut novels have been accepted for publication after passing through the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers Scheme. Each year 250 places are offered to unpublished writers writing in the romance genre.

"The judges agreed that the winning novel was outstanding, and selected it for its warmth and insight. The Magic of Ramblings is a very appropriate title for this book,” said new RNA Chair Nicola Cornick. “It has a beautiful quality of being both poignant and uplifting at the same time. It is totally charming and we loved it.”

Author Kate Field's decision for her heroine, Cassie, to start a community library in the remote Lancashire village of Ramblings was inspired by her own volunteer work with the community library held in her local village hall. She enjoys writing contemporary romance with "a touch of Northern grit", and said, “I’m thrilled to be included on a shortlist that features such talented writers, many of them good friends I have made through the RNA.”

Outgoing RNA Chair Eileen Ramsay said of the shortlist, "This year's list of contenders delighted and engaged us with their writing, and are all to be congratulated.”

She continued, “We offer our special congratulations to Kate Field for her winning novel, a heart-warming story, and worthy winner. "

The full shortlist for 2017 is:

Victoria Cornwall             The Thief’s Daughter                                Choc Lit

Kate Field                              The Magic of Ramblings                        Accent Press

Terri Fleming                       Perception                                                     Orion

Jen Gilroy                              The Cottage at Firefly Lake                  Forever, Grand Central, Hachette

Morton Gray                        The Girl on the Beach                              Choc Lit

Vivien Hampshire            How to Win Back Your Husband      HQ Digital

April Hardy                           Sitting Pretty                                                Accent Press

Emily Kerr                              Who Does He Think He Is?                     Crooked Cat

Abbey MacMunn              Touched                                                           Tirgearr Publishing

Arabella Sheen                  Castell’s Passion                                         Beachwalk Press Inc

Lynda Stacey                       House of Secrets                                          Choc Lit

About the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) and the New Writers’ Scheme

The RNA was formed in 1960 to promote romantic fiction and encourage good writing and now represents more than 700 writers, agents, editors and other publishing professionals.

Romance in the Court

ROMANCE IN THE COURT

Goldsboro' Book's David Headley and RNA President Katie Fforde

What could be more wonderful than sipping wine on a warm summer’s evening and talking romance? On Thursday 25^th May romance arrives in London with the Goldsboro Books ‘Romance in the Court’ event.

Readers will be able to meet many of the country’s best-known authors, purchase books and have them signed by their favourite author.

To purchase your ticket – a bargain at just £5.00 - follow this link to the Goldsboro Books site.

Authors and RNA members, why not join in the fun and tweet about romance #RomanceInTheCourt

Participating Authors:

Jenny Ashcroft • Phillipa Ashley • Fanny Blake • Isabelle Broom • Hilary Boyd • Tracy Buchanan • Elizabeth Chadwick • Julie Cohen Rowan • Coleman • Domenica de Rosa • Harriet Evans • Elaine Everest • Rachael Featherstone • Liz Fenwick • Katie Fforde • Caro Fraser  • Jean Fullerton • Janet Gover  • Vanessa Greene • Emylia Hall • Katie Khan • Sarah Long • Jodi Ellen Malpas • Chrissie Manby • Nadia Marks • Katie Marsh • Holly Martin • Carole Matthews • Sue Moorcroft • Gill Paul • Tasmina Perry • Talulah Riley • Jo Thomas • Jules Wake • Juliet West • Sue Watson • Eva Woods

See you there!

Joan Hessayon Contenders 2017: Victoria Cornwall

Today we welcome another of our contenders for the Joan Hessayon award.

Welcome to the RNS blog, Victoria, and many congratulations on being one of the contenders for this year’s award. How long have you been writing - Is this your first published piece?

The Thief’s Daughter is my first traditionally published novel. I had a poem published in 2003, but I

didn’t start writing seriously until 2010, despite wanting to be a published author since the age of eleven. I completed my first manuscript in 2012 and submitted it to agents. I had one request for the full manuscript and thought I had “made it”. I now cringe at how naive I was.

I wrote a second manuscript, which was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romantic Fiction in 2014. At the event, I found myself sitting in a room full of published authors, agents and publishers. It was a very different world to what I was used to and I realised I needed support and friends who understood the book industry. At the event I learnt about the Romantic Novelists’ Association and their New Writers’ Scheme. The NWS offered everything I needed, so I signed up and, luckily, was accepted.

How many years were you a member of the NWS and did you submit a manuscript each year?

I joined the NWS in 2015 and submitted my third manuscript, The Thief’s Daughter, in the same year. The feedback was positive and advised me to submit the manuscript to agents and publishers. The reader’s feedback gave me the encouragement I needed. I started out very naïve and feeling quite alone in my quest to become an author, but since joining the RNA I have learnt so much and made many new friends.

What came first, agent or publisher?

I submitted The Thief’s Daughter to several agents and one publisher. I received three requests for a full manuscript, but it was Choc Lit who offered me a contract first and I was thrilled to accept.

How did you find your publisher?

I first heard about Choc Lit when I submitted my previous manuscript to the New Talent Award competition. The final judge was the Managing Director of Choc Lit, Lyn Vernham. I researched the publisher and knew that they liked to publish books with both the male and female point of view, which was exactly the type of novel I enjoy reading and like to write.

Do you have a contract for one book or more?

I am delighted to say that I signed a further three book deal with Choc Lit earlier this year, making The Thief’s Daughter the first in a series of four Cornish based novels.

When was your book published?

The Thief’s Daughter was published at the beginning of January. I still can’t quite believe I am a traditionally published author now. It has been a dream of mine for so long. I am looking forward to writing “Author” in the occupation section of the next census so later generations will learn that I, a farmer’s daughter, became the first novelist in the family.

Please tell us something about your book.

The Thief’s Daughter is set in debt ridden, 18^th century Cornwall, when the gibbet casts a shadow of fear over the land, yet when night falls, free traders swarm onto the beaches and smuggling prospers.

It tells the story of one woman’s struggle to free her brother from debtors’ prison and her growing love for a man her brother despises. Her divided allegiances challenge her moral integrity, her loyalty and, ultimately, her trust in both as the worlds of justice and crime collide, leading to danger and heartache for all concerned.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently researching for my next novel. It is in its early stages, so I don’t want to go into too much detail as I may change it, but I am hoping to feature Cornwall’s white gold …

What piece of advice would you give current members of the NWS?

Although it is important to edit on the computer, the best advice I can give is to always edit a printed version too. You will be amazed at how many errors you will pick up.

Links:

Facebook

Website

Twitter: @VickieCornwall

Thank you, Victoria. Congratulations again on graduating the New Writers’ Scheme and I hope you enjoy the Summer Party.

FOCUS ON: North West Chapter (Sandpipers)

Today we are delighted to welcome Freda Lightfoot who answers our questions and gives us an insight into this long-running chapter

How long has your chapter been running?

Sheila Walsh started the North West meetings way back in the early 1980s being very involved in the RNA. She was RNA chairman and then a Vice President. She held these meetings twice a year at her house. Sheila was also president of Southport Writers’ Circle. She also attended Swanwick, where I can remember her giving me lots of advice and encouragement when I first started writing back in the 80s.

Following the conference at Stoneyhurst College where regional chapters were discussed, it was then that June Francis and I agreed to organise the one in the North West. Sheila Walsh continued to come to our meetings and to organise Southport Writers Circle even though she had to stop writing to care for her sick husband. Sadly she then fell ill and died a few years ago. She was a most helpful, lovely lady.

How often do you meet?

We meet about four times over the course of a year, generally on a Wednesday late in the month of February, May, September and November. Although it does change on occasions for various reasons.

Do you have a regular meeting place

Our venue has been the Scarisbrick Hotel and then the Latin Lounge. This has changed recently because of various problems and is currently at The Office, a good and friendly restaurant. We always have a good lunch and a chat.

How many members attend your meetings?

Our full list of members is over 30, including a considerable number of RNA members. These include Lyn Andrews, Katy Flynn, Lynne Connolly, June Francis, Roger Sanderson, Sheila Riley, Annie Burrows, Val Williamson, Mary Wood and many others. We used to have Anne Baker too before she moved south to her family.

Is your chapter open to non-members of the RNA?

We do welcome non-RNA persons, some from other writer groups in the area, some who were into book selling or are starting to write. Some newbies do then join the RNA.

Do your meetings include a meal?

We do generally have to order the menu in advance, but it’s always good and reasonably priced. What members choose to drink is their choice, not ours.

How long are your meetings?

We generally meet up around 12 noon, start lunch at 12.30 and depart by three o’clock after a good chat or perhaps a speaker.

Can you give an outline of speakers/guests you've had in the past year?
We have had the privilege of many excellent speakers over the years. Recently we’ve had Leah Fleming, Diane Allen and Lyn Andrews.

What do you have planned for 2017?Our next meeting will be May 24, and then a summer break before two in the autumn. We are still looking at other possible locations, in case we find one with more privacy. Right now The Office is most accommodating, friendly and not too expensive. We fill a large table at one end.

What would you say makes your chapter of the RNA so special?The importance of our meetings is to be able to get together with writer friends. Members can promote their latest book, sell or give away freebies, and we have a round-robin chat about how things are going for them. We can also discuss any problems we have and be given good advice and support. We have named it the Sandpipers after a special type of bird who live in Southport.

Does your chapter have a website, Facebook page or Twitter account?We have a Facebook group called the Sandpipers. It’s a closed group where we can exchange information on what we are writing, and when we can meet up again. We also have a Yahoo group, useful for those who are not on Facebook. I have a full list of members and can contact them direct as well, to make sure they are informed of the next meeting.

Who is the contact for new members?

freda@fredalightfoot.co.uk

Or

valwilliamson18@aol.com

Your chapter carries a lot of history and will surely serve as an inspiration t some of the newer groups. Thanks so much for joining us. Wishing you and your members a successful 2017 and beyond.

Natalie Kleinman writes contemporary and historical romantic novels and has thrown a bit of a mystery into the mix in her recently completed Regency. She is now working on a new contemporary. Her next novel set in the beautiful Cotswolds is with Harper Collins HQ Digital and is due for publication at the end of June. You can follow her blog at http://bit.ly/2mDF99I

If you would like to write for the blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com