Saturday 20 November 2010

RNA Winter Party 2010

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What can I say? The 2010 Romantic Novelists' Association Winter Party was just fantastic. So many of my favourite people all in one place. This was the culmination of a year of celebrations for our 50th Anniversary and in particular tonight we were concentrating on one of the things the RNA does best - the New Writers' Scheme. The RNA is the only professional UK writers' association to actively promote good writing in its genre. Every year a handful of writers make it from unpublished to published. Every year one of those writers is awarded the Joan Hessayon Trophy for best début novel of the year.

 
NWS Winners over the years
This year we gave shiny rosettes to all the NWS graduates present. It made for a VERY sparkling occasion.
NWS graduates

Katie Fforde

Diane Pearson
Jan Jones

Giselle Green
Norma Curtis and Trisha Ashley


Jane Smith with niece Daisy
There were speeches, draw winners, wine, canapés,  champagne, talk and laughter. Lots and lots of laughter. And that, of course, is one of the other things the RNA does so well.
Catherine Jones, Tony Mulliken, Roger Sanderson
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16 comments:

Jane Henry said...

Jan, fab party as ever. Thanks. How can I say thank you enough. You do so much for the RNA, and their parties wouldn't be the same without you!!! thanks, and lovely blog!!xxx

J. Fishler said...

Obviously everyone was having grand time. Lovely blog, Jan - only wish could have been there - and that there were MORE PICS! xxx

Nell Dixon said...

Wonderful party and fab pics!

montyandrosie said...

Ooh, wish I'd been there. Looks great - as ever. You're such a star, Jan!

Susie Vereker said...

Looks smashing, Jan.

Jane Holland said...

You've captured Katie perfectly there, what a fabulous picture. Well done!

And these really give a great idea of the evening, which was very sparkly and glam, yet not at all formal. A perfect RNA get-together.

Can't wait for the next one, frankly.
Jx

Jane Smith said...

Jan, you do the most wonderful job organising RNA parties (and with you behind them, ALL RNA events turn into parties!). I had a lovely time, and it was great to be able to introduce Daisy (who will be working as an intern with Carole Blake in the summer) to publishing at such a fabulous party. Thank you so much!

Talli Roland said...

What a fantastic party, Jan! I had such a great time meeting everyone and chatting - thank you so much!

Unknown said...

A fabulous party Jan but I that when you are organizing it!! Wonderful photos too!!!
lx

Lesley Cookman said...

Oh, how I wish I'd been there! It looks wonderful, Jan. And thanks for the pics.

Margaret James said...

Fantastic party, Jan - we all love you!

Sarah Callejo said...

Brilliant photos Jan. I wish I could've been there but I'm glad to see everyone had such a good time.

Jan Jones said...

Thanks for the nice comments - but a party is only ever as good as the fab people who attend it!

And the wonderful photos weren't mine, alas. They were taken for the RNA by Marte Lundby Rekaa of http://www.mlrphoto.co.uk/ - a very talented lady!

D.J. Kirkby said...

Great photos. Am so surprised to see Jane Smith wearing subdued colours but impressed that she still looks so vibrant!

Jude said...

What a fab party and Marte's photos are beautiful. Thanks for organising such a great event.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I wish I could have been there too. You are a party organizer extraordinaire.

Congratulations to the NWS Winners and Graduates.