Yesterday I attended the RNA luncheon. It was in celebration of fifty years of the romantic fiction association and was one of the best attended. As usual it was impossible to hear what people were saying in the pre dinner period but there was certainly a buzz. Little gold motifs and hearts were strewn amongst chocolate buttons everywhere, both in the lounge area and on the table, and the meal at the Royal Gardens Hotel is always good. Pink champagne was on offer to all the guests in the pre dinner period. Most of the main publishers had a table where drinks were available to authors and as always it gives a chance for authors to meet their editiors and publishers.
The speaker was Barry Norman, who made a witty speech but thankfully short because of all the presentations, of which there were many more this year. Besides the main award and the award for the best love story - for which Louise Allen was nominated but sadly not picked - there were the People's Choice, the Romantic Comedy, and the Romantic Film award. Also a couple of lifetime awards. If you want to see all the winners you should visit the RNA website. I can tell you that Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts By Santa Montefiore won the main prize and Animal Instincts by Nell Dixon won the Love Story of the year.
All in all it was well done and long may the RNA continue to find supporters and be successful.
Anne Herries
4 comments:
So depressed that I couldn't go. It was a case of priorities, and the RNA awards lunch was the thing that had to go. Sigh.
Sounds like it was marvellous though, damn it!
Sob.
It was my first attendance since 2002, and wow, what a difference. The presentation was wonderful with Oscars-style film clips of book covers and author interviews.
Barry Norman was a superb speaker who, because he's an author himself, really understands the hard work that goes into writing a book. His scathing comment about so-called celebrity authors who haven't even read - let alone written - the books bearing their name won a huge round of applause.
And I'm still sighing over Pia's high heeled lilac suede boots. I left Cornwall at 5.40am and didn't get home until 11pm that night. But it was worth it: a truly memorable occasion.
It really was a sparkling occasion, and as Anne said everyone was talking so much it was almost impossible to hear/be heard in the reception area outside the dining room. Fabulous company, lovely food (the guinea fowl and chocolate pudding were my favourites) and witty speeches. Perfect!
I couldn't be there but wishing the RNA happy 50th birthday and here's to the next 50 years...
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