The Romantic Novelists’ Association sure knows how to throw a party. I was thrilled when my invitation to the RNA’s RoNA annual awards dropped into my inbox. For a start, the awards celebrate the very best in romantic fiction, but secondly, the RNA’s bashes are brilliant fun and ultra-glamorous. The (pink) champagne flows, waiters whizz round with elegant canapés and you get to meet some of the best writers, publishers and agents in the business.
This year’s party was held at One Whitehall Place in Westminster. Author Jane Wenham-Jones, resplendent in a sparkling silver dress and pink hair, hosted the awards ceremony, while bestselling crime writer Peter James (he’s sold 11 million books and been translated into 33 languages – wow) presented the prizes. As Jane told the packed audience, Peter’s books are “not so much ‘then he kissed her,’ more ‘then he bashed her head with a blunt instrument.’”
Peter James declared right at the outset that he was very fond of the RNA. An RNA awards judge 20 years ago, he’d been struck by the “terrifically compelling” stories he came across then and had been hooked ever since. He also pointed that romantic fiction and crime fiction account for more than half the book sales in the UK today. And not only that, he reckoned most of the great writers of the past wrote books that would now be classed either as romantic novels or crime novels – War and Peace, Madame Bovary, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Rebecca, The Great Gatsby and more.
Then came the big moment – the awards themselves. To tumultuous applause, Katie Fforde stepped up to receive the Contemporary Romantic Novel award for Summer of Love. Katie saw off stiff competition from fellow big hitters Jill Mansell, Freya North, Miranda Dickinson, Karen Swan and Kate Johnson.
The Epic Romantic Novel award was won by Rosie Thomas for The Kashmir Shawl, reviewed on House With No Name last month. She beat Michael Arditti (the only man on the RoNAs shortlist), Betsy Tobin, Deborah Lawrenson and Ruth Hamilton.
The Historical Romantic Novel award went to Christina Courtenay, for Highland Storms, while Jane Lovering scooped the Romantic Comedy category for Please Don’t Stop the Music. When Jane climbed onstage to receive her award, she gave hope to budding writers everywhere. “It’s taken me 25 years of writing to publish a book,” she told the audience. “If I can do it, anybody can. So go for it, girls!”
Finally, the first-ever Young Adult Romantic Novel award went to Caroline Green for Dark Ride. “I’m completely in shock,” she admitted.
The excitement isn’t over yet though. All five winners now go forward to the prized Romantic Novel of the Year award, which will be announced on May 17.
Judging by yesterday’s ceremony, romantic fiction is in very good heart right now. As RNA chair Annie Ashurst (aka highly successful Mills and Boon author Sara Craven) said: “In the big sky of romantic fiction today’s winners are among the brightest stars. Their talent, diversity and commitment are awe-inspiring and we congratulate them all on their success.”
We certainly do.
Now why didn't it occur to me to make notes, too? What a good idea.
ReplyDeleteIt was, indeed, a lovely evening, and a thrilling one for Choc Lit to have had two winners out of the five categories - Christina and Jane. A great night for the publisher.
It was lovely seeing you, albeit fleetingly. Hopefully, we'll have longer to talk the next time we say hello.
Liz X
It was a lovely evening, Liz. And Choc Lit must be over the moon to have two winners! See you soon.
DeleteCongratulations to all the winner! What a lovely photo of you all. Special congrats to Choc Lit - what a brilliant day for them!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Victoria. It's quite a triumph to have two winners at the RoNA awards.
DeleteWow - it sounds like a truly fabulous event! It was fascinating to follow the hashtag on twitter yesterday too. I've recently joined the RNA and really hope to go to one of the gorgeous glitzy events in the future - I gather that new shoes are recommended? Thanks for a lovely blog post of the event and congratulations (and commiserations) to all concerned.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment, Kit. I'm hoping that someone will have taken pictures of the shoes at the party - there was some very glam footwear!
DeleteBrilliant awards reception, it was a delight to be in such a prodigious setting as the Liberal Club. The loos were awesome! Congraulations to the award winners, especially Choc Lit doing so well and to Katie fforde - the award was long over due.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear Lynda. I'm glad you mentioned the loos too - they were v v posh!
DeleteWhat a lovely piece...is helping me re-live it all over again!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Caroline. And congratulations on winning the Young Adult Romantic Novel award!
DeleteSounds very glam and inspiring. Note to self: meet more writers!
ReplyDeleteI know, LaE. I was very lucky to be invited! There were some lovely and v inspiring writers to talk to.
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