When Jessie Met Angela
As a Yorkshire lass visiting Lancaster, I entered the city with trepidation. Would I be safe? Would I be welcome? With my white rose hidden in my handbag, I approached Lancaster University and entered the magical world of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
I exchanged my white rose for a pink lanyard, grabbed a black bag of bookish goodies and planned my battle for the day. A wave of nerves washed over me when I saw my name listed on the one-to-one timetables.
With the ‘Sound the drums and trumpets’, the day commenced with a meeting of authors on the New Writers’ Scheme led by the wonderful Immi Howson. Listening to the success stories of the NWS authors made me realise the Romantic Novelists’ Association is a shield protecting writers and giving us to tell our stories. Writing can be a battleground and as many said, ‘we all have downs’, but with the support of the RNA one can survive ‘the slings and arrows’ of the process.
Encouraging smiles and greetings from fellow authors lifted my heart throughout the day. Lynda Stacey, my fairy godmother, prepared me for the first meeting. Members of the South and West Wales Chapter offered constant support. Surrounded by the warmth of the writers, I calmed down and looked around for familiar faces.
But the ‘sound of drums and trumpets’ heralded again and a knight from the House of York pushed me towards a writing heroine, Angela Petch. Her presence glowed in the room and I knew I would be safe from the ‘slings and arrows’ of my writing doubts. She handed me a notebook with ‘Dream big because dreams do happen’ written on the cover; these words started to ring in my ears for the rest of the day. It was overwhelming to meet this lovely lady in person and snatch chat time between meetings. Her kind words armed me with confidence, and I mused on how I felt as if I have always known Angela.
The one-to-one meeting with the industry professionals were enjoyable but too short. My writing was praised, and I began to smile again. It was a pleasure to introduce Pearl and Jim to new people, and I was delighted everyone loved naughty Doreen.
Being involved in the RNA is ‘a kinda magic’ that enables authors to slay the self-doubts and carve out a pathway towards achieving one’s dream. All I can do now is wish on a star, edit, write and ‘dream big’.
Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
A copy of my novel is available here.