Last night I went to the annual summer party of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. As always, what a brilliant evening – and this time I actually managed to see a lot of author friends. Usually I am sitting on the train home, wondering how we all missed each other. I had a hair-raising taxi journey there (long story). The driver was a real character, determined he should be the lead in my next book he called Rhythm and Blues Ray π After listening to his fascinating life story – and a few tales about him picking up Joan Collins and Martin Clunes – I arrived at the Royal Over-Seas League, not far from The Ritz.
It was lovely to meet new author and barrister Roxie Cooper. Her debut, out soon, The Law of Attraction, is super.
Also I bumped into Peter Jones whom I’ve known online for several years. He was much taller than I expected (I guessed correctly, six feet four) and he was surprised that I’m a bit of a shorthouse (as my father used to say!)
The canapes were delicious – including these herby cheese scones that were actually the size of a ten pence piece!
One highlight of the evening was the award of the new writers’ Joan Hessayon Award, won by Kate Field. Here’s lovely fellow HQ Digital author Vivien Hampshire, who was shortlisted.
Looking very glam were my talented friends Carol Cooper and Mandy Baggot.
I always love seeing what friends wear and Holly Martin came out top with this amazing rainbows and unicorns dress.
So, thanks to the RNA for another fabulous evening – I am already looking forward to the winter party. My night was rounded off by another fascinating taxi journey, with tales of Sir Michael Caine and learning The Knowledge (it took this London driver three years, two of those full-time studying it). Oh, and a chicken and pesto sandwich and hot chocolate on the train home. I always was a cheap date π

Glad you enjoyed it, Samantha. I caught the bus back to my hotel so missed out on any spare novel plots this time! anne stenhouse
Yes it was super, thanks Anne. Hope you had a nice relax afterwards!
Thanks, Sam. A great write up, and the only photo I have seen anywhere of me receiving my certificate.
Well done again, Viv! A very exciting evening for you- you did HQ proud. Yes sorry the photo isn’t clearer, my phone has a mind of its own sometimes!
I, too, enjoyed the party enormously, Sam. It was one of the best!
It was! Even though it was packed, it seemed roomier than usual and I got around a lot more people!
Great night hot hot only complaint. It’s always boiling at Royal Overseas club. Lots of knowledge and gossip and good and dodgy fashion. Talking of dodgy met Pete Jones first timer. Having read his profile and material. What was he there for ? Are we all in his next novel….beware?
Hi Sue! Peter is a romance writer, as well as putting together how-to guides. First time I’d met him in the flesh π I always feel the cold, so was just right with me vest on! Glad you enjoyed it π
Lovely to read your round-up, Sam – and fantastic that you got to catch up with so many friends. : )
Thanks Rae – yes, it was great fun! π