Exhausted but happy, I returned from the annual Romantic Novel of the Year Awards (RONAs) last Monday night, 6th March. Held by the Romantic Novelists' Association, it is always a spectacular evening to be part of and, on this occasion, I was a finalist in the Romantic Historical Novel category, with my dual timeline THE LEGACY OF HALESHAM HALL. Not a winner this time (huge congratulations to Natasha Lester), I still had an enormous smile on my face and joy in my heart. That's what comes of spending an evening with your tribe - and romance authors are definitely that!
I travelled down to London with fellow Norfolk and Suffolk Chapter members Heidi Swain, Clare Marchant and Kate Smith, and the hour and a half journey whizzed by. My fabulous agent (Hannah Schofield of the LBA agency) met me beforehand for a drink, and then I was whisked off for photographs with the other finalists, before we all took our seats and the evening began.
The night started with a moving tribute to Eileen Ramsay, former chairman of the RNA, who sadly passed away recently. She was a lovely lady and I remember talking to her at a RNA conference several years ago. She will be missed.
The first award of the evening was the Popular Romantic Fiction Award, which went to the delightful Heidi Swain, but huge congratulations must go to all the winners; Emily Bell, Emily Kerr, Jane Lovering, Sara Downing, Dani Atkins, Natasha Lester, Vicki Beeby, Louise Allen and Julie Haworth. The trophies were handed over with aplomb by Peter Davison, and there were some fantastic (and quite emotional) acceptance speeches.
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| The winners, with the glorious Katie Fforde at the front. (Photo credit; Camilo Queipo Photography) |
To end the awards, and the section that had the whole room emotional was, of course, the Lifetime Achievement Award which went to the long-standing President of the RNA, the enchanting Katie Fforde. As the tributes poured in, the one word on everyone's lips was "kind". Such a kind lady - so generous and encouraging to aspiring writers and published authors alike. There was not a dry eye in the house.
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| My favourite photo! Full of giggles, it looks as though Heidi and are about to waltz around the room. (Photo credit; Camilo Queipo Photography) |
As always, the RNA continues to play a huge role in my life, and not just my writing life. These people are my friends and my mentors, and I must yet again thank this incredible organisation for the knowledge, opportunities and support it continues to give me. Being shortlisted at the RONAs made me feel like a winner regardless, and attending these awards was truly a highlight of my year.
Jenni x
