Up to London last Friday to the Romantic Novelists Winter Party and Industry Awards Presentation.
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| An ‘excellence’ of romantic novelists, collecting their badges.* |
Having had to pass on the annual conference in July for boring medical reasons I was looking forward to seeing friends and generally having a good time.
I wasn’t disappointed.
First of course was the decision what to wear. As most of my evening outfits shrunk in the pandemic I had a rummage in the wardrobe and found one that is quite venerable but still fitted! I don’t wear black very often these days, but I was quite pleased about how it looked. Then there was the train journey and a magical mystery tour to find my chosen hotel in the depths of the new skyscraper city behind Paddington station – which proved to be a good choice, although I didn’t foresee at the time of booking that the tubes would be on strike. I just wish it had been easier to find!
I had a ramble down Oxford Street and the rarified atmosphere of Bond Street. Coveted shoes and jewels there. I saw Selfridges Christmas windows and the Christmas lights, including a spectacular angel flying over one of the streets just off Oxford Circus.
I love London, having lived there for a couple of decades in the 70s and 80s. It’s changed, but I still enjoy visiting. When you can combine that with a stellar night out – that’s icing on the cake. I saw a lot of long term friends, had a good gossip, did a bit of networking, the results of which may become apparent next year, applauded the award winners – for a host of categories from librarians to editors. For more on the finalists and winners, take a look at the RNA Web pages and social media feeds. There was even a celebrity guest in the shape of the Duchess of York, now a best selling member of the Mills and Boon family with her historical debut Her Heart for a Compass. There was glamour, friendship and excitement. I’m looking forward to doing it again, but that probably won’t be until the conference in 2023!
Thanks to author/photographer John Jackson for the pictures.