A tiny oak door opened into the warmth of the Romantic Novelists’ Association event, and a hearty welcome glowed from Lynda Stacey and John Jackson. The guests of the RNA York charmed me, and I fell in love with a family of romance writers.
Besides admiring books, I discovered gems of advice from the writers. Authors told me about the magic of Canva, Photoshop and Word Cloud.
Chat with the authors encouraged me to talk about writing my book. I found myself spellbound by Milly Johnson. Milly reassured me the writing process is still agony for her after sixteen books. Rhoda Baxter joined the conversation, and I could have listened to the comedy duo all afternoon. If only I had recorded the conversation. I am in awe of how Milly and Rhoda manage to write comedy with such flair. They explained that comedy is channelled through the characters and flows naturally – words of comedy experts. In a classic comedy moment, I fumbled with my phone to take a selfie with Rhoda and Milly but had the lens pointing at the table in front of me. Flummoxed by technology, I felt ‘as daft as a brush’, but the grand lasses just laughed.
Guest speaker, Jean Fullerton, spoke passionately about her writing journey. She also celebrated popularity or the romance genre and challenged prejudice. Congratulations to Jean on her successful historical fiction novels set in the East End of London. According to Jean, ‘to write about life is to write about love.’ She handed over her gift of hope that, ‘sometimes, just sometimes, love does win and dreams come true.’
That day, I fell in love with the RNA.
Congratulations to Lynda Stacey on a wonderful event. Best of luck with the release of her new book, ‘The Fake Date’. I am looking forward to interviewing her, with the book due to be released on 18th September.
Earlier this year, I chatted with Rhoda Baxter about my blogging adventure and was delighted to feature on the RNA website.
Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
It sounds as if it was a wonderful day, Jessie and I love the way you described it. Perhaps you should take up writing. 😀
A lovely account—can’t wait for next year’s tea party!
Many thanks for visiting my blog to leave the lovely comment. Time for tea!
Oh, maybe I could meet you next year! I’m a member but haven’t been able to go to any events for ages. Great post.
It would be great to meet at the event next year.
Lovely account of the afternoon, Jessie. Was lovely to meet you. X
Pleased you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the warm welcome and tips.
I saw you in the distance but never got to say hello properly! There were just so many people to chat to – it’s impossible to catch everyone, which is such a shame. But it was nice to see you there, from the length of a hall away.
I think I was walking around with blinkers on. I look forward to meeting you next time.
I second all that, Jessie! It was a wonderful occasion (as always; I’ve been at all three so far) and long may they continue! The real Northern/Yorkshire warmth, support and friendship of this group is fabulous! Many of us came from afar, we love it so. So sorry I didn’t get to meet you – there were so many folks to catch up with and new friends to make. But now we’re friends on facebook, hopefully we can ‘catch up’ there! x
Yes. The atmosphere was glowing with the warmth and friendship of lovely people. One has to experience this to understand it.
Thanks for the great write-up of this lovely occasion. Always exciting to meet old friends and come face to face with people ‘met’ only on line before. There were lots of hugs and smiles and a welcome as warm as the roaring flames in that huge fireplace. Oh, and the tea was a delicious Yorkshire treat.
A pleasure to write about the lovely event and reminisce. Such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.
Thanks for the lovely account, Jessie. Sorry not to see you on the day. Hopefully next year!
Helena, I would have loved to have met you.
Oh I know the feeling, Jessie! I had the great honour to attend the Romantic Novel of The Year Awards in London, back in March, and I am still in awe! Thank you for sharing your memories with us! Isabella 🙂 xx
So many lovely people and so little time to talk.
I had a fabulous time at the York tea, too, Jessie. I’m just really sorry I didn’t get to meet you in person, at last, after our magical meet-up in Goathland! Next year? xx
It was such a shame we didn’t meet, but I am going again next year. Best of luck with your latest release.
Thank you, Jessie.
A great account of a fabulous day! A post well worth sharing. 🙂
Thanks so much, John. A pleasure to write about the perfect day.