THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2019
PACKED WITH THE LATEST NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTS! WELCOME
PRESIDENT Katie Fforde Welcome to Romance Matters CHAIRMAN Nicola Cornick Unable to attend our fabulous RNA Awards this year, I [email protected] now fully understand why features about our events are VICE CHAIRMAN Alison May so important to readers of Romance Matters. With many [email protected] living far from the capital and others living and working abroad; these joyful pictures and vivid descriptions are an HON SECRETARY & MINUTES inspiration and for me, the announcement of the Jackie SECRETARY Julie Vince [email protected] Collins Award, sponsored by Simon & Schuster, the icing on the cake. Pages 8-13. HON TREASURER Sally Calder [email protected] Keeping it industry focused, the first part of Kathleen Whyman’s excellent feature about trends and the market starts on page 16 – superbly written and littered with HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY gems of insight, it’s not to be missed. And then there’s Nicola Cornick’s article – pages Gill Stewart 20-22, highlighting her two years as RNA Chairman. A fascinating read which makes [email protected] me appreciate some of the really positive progress we’ve made under her leadership, RoNA ORGANISER Celia Anderson I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking her for sterling and unflappable commitment to [email protected] the cause.
RNA SOCIAL MEDIA AND BLOG And finally, my six year tenure here at Romance Matters draws to a close, it gives me CO-ORDINATOR Karen King great pleasure to introduce the new editorial team – page 5. A talented, experienced [email protected] and highly-skilled group of individuals, who will take the magazine to the next level, continuing to educate, inspire and connect the membership of an organisation of NEW WRITERS’ SCHEME Immi Howson which I’m very proud. Long may it continue.. [email protected]
PARTY ORGANISER Sue Merritt [email protected] Adrienne x ROMANCE MATTERS HON NEWS EDITOR Adrienne Vaughan, PS Conference Report next issue – volunteers to write reports please get in touch, RomanceMatters@ email [email protected] romanticnovelistsassociation.org And don’t forget nominations for the RNA Industry Awards are now open – it’s DESIGN Resolve going to be another sparkling event! https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ [email protected] RNAIndAwards2019
LIBRARIES LIAISON Alison Knight Adrienne Vaughan, Editor; Immi Howson, Copy Editor. [email protected]
RNA CONFERENCE ADMIN Jan Jones 3 MEET THE RM 16-19 INDUSTRY [email protected] EDITORIAL TEAM TRENDS – PART I RNA PRESS OFFICER Annette Hannah 6 CHAPTER NEWS 20-22 NICOLA [email protected] CORNICK REFLECTS 8-13 RNA AWARDS CHAPTERS LIAISON Jean Fullerton 23 BOOKENDS/ 16 [email protected] DIARY
ENQUIRIES: PLEASE GO TO THE RIGHT PERSON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND NON-RECEIPT NEXT ISSUES OF MAGAZINE TO MEMBERSHIP Issue Deadline Inserts by Delivery SECRETARY PLEASE Autumn 2019 (Conference issue) 30 August 7 September September Romance Matters is the official magazine of December/ Winter 2019 (Industry Awards issue) 30 November 7 December the Romantic Novelists’ Association. The views January and opinions expressed in this magazine are Spring 2020 (RNA Awards issue) 31 March 7 April April solely those of the attributed authors and not necessarily those of the association as an entity. Please note that all inserts can be downloaded from our website and you can check diary dates, details about the shortlist for the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards and much, much more on Romance Matters is printed on paper from our website at www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org sustainable sources.
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Keeping it real! Sara-Jade Virtue, Simon & Schuster RNA MEETING REPORT BY MANDY BAGGOT You’ve written a book! You’ve got an agent! You’ve even bagged a publisher! Your work here is done, right? Wrong! This is when the hard work really begins according to Sara-Jade Virtue, Special Sales Director at Simon & Schuster. Never one to shy away from keeping it ensure that S&S books are bought by as real, the RNA members were treated to many retailers as possible. But, even when a fantastic talk from Sara-Jade about you’re pulling out all the stops, there are no what really happens after your book is guarantees. Except that, even in the case of taken on by a top-flight publisher. Is it all bestselling successes, somewhere along the champagne lunches and waiting for the road there will be returns. Sara-Jade Virtue, Special Sales Director at sales to naturally roll in? Well, there might There was a little bit of shock in some Simon & Schuster be champagne sometimes, and there will corners that most of those retailer charts definitely be chocolate, but most of that are not formed from sales but are as a result to the authors she supports. This is a will go to the booksellers as treats to tempt of publishers buying slots with whatever woman whose boundless energy and them to buy YOUR book into their stores budget has been designated. Welcome to fantastically witty Twitter feed is literally ahead of any others. reality. Publishing is a business after all, and notorious. And, she admitted, while some Is this bribery and corruption, I hear you money, in some way, will always talk. trends just aren’t her cup of tea, she does ask? No, this is about making connections But what came across more strongly love a book about Greece. and creating long term partnerships with than anything else in this lively, honest and the VIPs you need championing your book informative presentation was Sara-Jade’s from the outset. Sara-Jade and her team passion for books and her unstoppable use every resource at their disposal to enthusiasm for her job and total dedication Call for Outstanding Achievement Award 2020 Katie Fforde Bursary The Outstanding Achievement Award for 2020 is now open for nominations. The Katie Fforde Bursary for 2019 has been In addition to the Katie Fforde Bursary, The RNA Outstanding Achievement awarded to joint recipients, Elaina James and the RNA also offers bursaries for authors on Award honours an individual who has Sue MacKender. lower incomes, and from groups currently made an exceptional contribution to Elaina James commented, ‘I am so proud under-represented within the RNA and romantic fiction. Past winners have and honoured to be selected by Katie Fforde wider publishing industry. Information included Jilly Cooper, Jill Mansell, as a recipient of her bursary. Knowing I have about bursaries for 2020 will be published Sophie Kinsella and Liz Fielding. the support of Katie and all the fantastic on the RNA website later this year www. RNA members are invited to people from the RNA is a wonderful feeling romanticnovelistsassociation.org nominate a recipient for our 2020 and I am incredibly grateful.’ Diamond Anniversary Award. Sue Mackender said, ‘I You can nominate online here: am incredibly honoured to be one of the recipients of WWW.SURVEYMONKEY. the Katie Fforde Bursary. CO.UK/R/ Katie is an inspiration to RNA60OUTSTANDING all new authors with her If you have any questions understanding of how about this award please contact tough the industry is, kind Alison May (RNAViceChair@ words, and support. The romanticnovelistsassociation.org) Katie Fforde Bursary has or Celia Anderson (RONAAwards@ given me renewed energy romanticnovelistsassociation.org) and I am told the trophy Sue MacKender, Katie Fforde and Elaina James – the trophy has magic powers!’ allegedly has ‘magical’ powers! www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 3 11NEWS11
New Membership Fees & Payment Arrangements From June this year we’re introducing new processes for people to join the RNA, and renew their membership, and new membership fees and payment systems. This is to streamline our administration, save on costs and offer RNA members more benefits.
There will be five main changes to how RNA membership works: What are the new fees?
RNA membership will run for a full year from Membership Type Digital only Print magazine 1whenever a member joins. At present all memberships Full/Indie Author £55 £68 run on an annual basis from January to December, with no fee Associate £65 £78 concessions if members join part way through the year. From now UK on new members will get a full year’s membership from whenever New Writers’ Scheme £135 £148 they join. Full/Indie Author £55 £78
Members will have a choice of whether they wish Associate £65 £88
2to receive a print magazine or whether they want a Overseas New Writers’ Scheme £135 £158 digital only membership with Romance Matters viewable online as a pdf file. This will allow us to cover the printing costs We’ve tried to keep the digital-only fee close to or below the for Romance Matters more comfortably whilst still giving members current membership fee and we’ve removed the higher fee for the option of continuing their membership at a cost similar to or overseas members who choose not to receive a print magazine. lower than their current fee. Fees for members who choose to continue to receive a print copy of Romance Matters will be rising. This reflects the increased paper You will be able to join the RNA, or renew your costs in producing the magazine. 3membership, directly through our website without Longer-term, the plan is to increase these fees by a small emailing or printing off a separate form. This should make increment – probably around 2% – year on year. This should allow us the process of joining the RNA simpler for new and renewing to avoid large hikes in fees in any single year. members and reduce the admin load on our Membership team.
We will no longer be taking Standing Order payments What do existing members need to do? 4for membership fees. When you next renew your RNA If you currently pay by standing order please cancel that membership you will have the option of paying directly online with Astanding order before 2nd January 2020 to ensure you a credit or debit card, or setting up an annual Direct Debit to cover don’t accidentally pay twice. your membership fee each year. Wait for instructions to login to the new Members’ Area Bon the RNA website. Once you have those login details Members will have access to a new Members’ Area on you will be able to manage your membership and renew your 5the RNA website. You’ll be able to manage and renew your membership online. And don’t worry – there will still be a own membership online through the Members’ Area. This area Membership Secretary available to help with any problems or will also have information on RNA policies and procedures and a questions! volunteer directory for the organisation.
4 | ROMANCE MATTERS | Summer 2019 www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org NEWS
Introducing
FABULOUS new editorial team! BY ADRIENNE VAUGHAN Well, here’s the thing, after six wonderful years in the editor’s chair at Romance Matters it’s time for me to pass the baton onto a team I just know is going to take the magazine onto a whole new level and provide members with an even bigger and better vehicle for news, views and ideas than ever before.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce these highly The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 talented and experienced professionals. I’m sure bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. you’ll all be as warm and wonderful to them as you Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising have been during my tenure. money/awareness and engaging with impoverished Christina Garbutt worked in publishing as a people in Uganda through organisations to improve Commissioning Editor for many years. The favourite their well-being. part of her job was helping authors to develop She will be looking after Chapter News and their writing. Features, so please get in touch with your reports She gave up working full time after the birth of and forthcoming events. her first child and started to concentrate on her Christina Garbutt Kathleen Wyman trained as a magazine own writing. Her first novella, The Locket of Logan journalist and has 16 years’ experience. She has Hall was published by My Weekly Pocket Novels always aspired to be a novelist and wrote her shortly afterwards. She has also published Mystery first novel aged 10. Despite the accompanying at Morwenna Bay, Ruby Loves & Rose’s Alpine illustrations, The Ghost of Cripple Creek was Adventure with the same publisher. rejected, but it didn’t deter her from a life of writing. As well as writing she also works as a project Side-tracked over the years by work, marriage, manager for various freelance titles and as an children and Mad Men box sets, it was her 12-year- indexer. Christina lives in South Wales with her old daughter’s words – ‘Stop talking about writing husband and their two children. Christie Barlow a book and just write one’ – that gave her the Event News and the role of Production Editor fall motivation to complete her first novel Wife Support under Christina’s remit, so volunteers to write vivid System, which is currently with publishers. Kathleen reports of RNA events would be most welcome, lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two together with eye-catching photography and graphics daughters – one of whom is expecting 10% of to support Christina’s excellent editorial talents. any profits. Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Represented by Erin Niumata at Folio Management Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of in New York, Kathleen is working on her second a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, novel while freelancing in content marketing, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking copywriting and anything that will help pay the bills. Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Kathleen Wyman Kathleen is going to be in the hot seat for Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Committee News and Membership News. – you will Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a note she is also highly-talented feature writer, Part surprise when she decided to write a book to One of her superb three-part feature on industry teach her children a valuable life lesson and show trends starts in this issue. them they are capable of achieving their dreams. I will be supporting the team over the next couple of issues as they take over the reins, but it remains for me to say a huge and sincerely heartfelt thank ‘It gives me great pleasure to introduce these highly you to all who have worked with me and contributed talented and experienced professionals … I’m sure to the magazine during my time, it has been an you’ll all be as warm and wonderful to them as you absolute pleasure and I’ve loved every minute. have been during my tenure.’ Good luck and KEEP WRITING!
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WALES CHAPTER REPORT A Lady in Grey and other Ghosts
REPORT BY JESSIE CAHALIN
Meet the members of It was a joy to meet a group of writers who had our imaginations RNA South Wales and also emerged from their writing caves. I discovered travelled down the West Chapter meeting. that there was a Norwegian writer, a writer of erotic hidden subterranean fiction, a family saga author and romantic suspense corridors of the attic author in our midst. I didn’t ask which characters rooms, we were introduced to a woman dressed they’d locked in their caves back home, or if they’d in grey and a man in a top hat. The woman in grey left their companions in a good place. chiffon danced in Jan Baynham’s imagination and will The writers adjusted to daylight and ordered drinks no doubt arrive in one of her stories. before the speaker arrived. Sue, an employee of House My characters continued to knock on my of Fraser, took us on a journey through the decades imagination throughout the meeting. I have since of the store that started life as Howells. We learned discovered that Evonne Wareham has a very of the Howells family and the changing face of the effective way of dealing with petulant characters. store. The stories led us behind the scenes of the store This is the kind of advice I need to keep me on track. to meet with the resident ghosts of Howells’ past. As I am sure I saw the man in a top hat sitting at our
LEICESTER CHAPTER Belmont Belles welcome Blogger Extraordinaire! The Belmont Belles were very pleased to welcome tours worked. Afterwards, she shared some helpful Anne Williams, blogger and reviewer, to their March links with their group via their Facebook page. Chapter organiser Lizzie Lamb meet up (all the way from Wetherby to Leicester!). Chapter organiser Lizzie Lamb ‘bumped’ into Anne and book blogger and reviewer Anne shared a blogger’s-eye-view of the publishing a month later at the Deeping Lit fest. where she Anne Williams. industry and explained to the uninitiated how blog was also in attendance.
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Chapters All groups welcome new members. For details please contact the group organiser. Chapter liaison: Jean Fullerton, [email protected] Bath/Wiltshire Rachel Brimble, [email protected] Beds & Bucks Jean Fullerton, [email protected] Sue, an employee of House of Fraser, took Beverley Ellie Gray, www.elliegrayauthor.com us on a journey through the decades of the store that started life as Howells Meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm, Kings Head, Saturday Market, Beverley. There is also a Beverley chapter Facebook page. Birmingham Bernadette O’Dwyer, [email protected] Border Reivers Jen Black, [email protected] Cambridge Judith Lennox, [email protected] Jan Jones 01638 730789 / [email protected] Chelmsford Carrie Elks, [email protected] It was fascinating Meets on the last Thursday of every month for lunch at Baroosh, to observe the way Chelmsford. a wall of the old Dorset Eleanor Small, [email protected] chapel is embedded Exeter/South Devon Lin Treadgold, [email protected] Irish Ruth Long, [email protected]. There is also an Irish chapter into the store. Facebook page. Leicester (Belmont Belles) Lizzie Lamb, 0116 221 7468 / [email protected] June Kearns, 07817 677056 / [email protected] London South East Juliet Archer, [email protected] table during discussions. Manchester Lynne Connolly, [email protected] He wandered through my Marcher Ann Ankers, 01952 582177 / 07747 723456 imagination and into the café [email protected] where he barged Pearl and Jim out of the way. Norfolk & Suffolk Natalie Evans, [email protected] After the meeting, the man in the top hat led Northern (Flying Ducks) Helene Wiggin, 01729 822550 me to the site of the former chapel where the North Devon Sheila Daglish, 01271 850006 / themalthouse94@gmail. shoe department is now located. It was fascinating com to observe the way a wall of the old chapel is North West Freda Lightfoot, [email protected] Val Williamson [email protected] embedded into the store. New stories and new Northumberland Border Reivers characters created a fog in my mind. Anna Scamans, 01697 322749 / [email protected] As the handbag lady writer, I couldn’t help wishing Nottingham Clare Harvey, [email protected] / @ClareHarveyauth I could nip back in time one hundred and fifty years Oxford Liz Harris, 01491 612492 / [email protected] to grab a vintage bag for the Handbag Gallery. I Rainbow [email protected] would like to chat with Mrs Howells to discover Reading Julie Roberts, [email protected] which book she would like to place in the gallery. Scottish Rosemary Gemmell, [email protected] I am sure I could also persuade Mr Howells to sell Rae Cowie [email protected] books in handbags. There is a Scottish chapter Facebook page. The RNA Chapter marked a new chapter in my Southern Steve Mogg, [email protected] writing career. I learned that I need to press pause South and West Wales Sandra Mackness & Jan Bay, on a chapter of my book occasionally. Leaving the [email protected] or [email protected] (joint writing cave gives my imagination a boost, and I am organisers) excited at the prospect of getting to know this group West Yorks Jean Fullerton, [email protected] of local authors and hope to find out more about The Yorkshire Terriers Vasiliki Scurfield, 07963 981040 their characters. Leanne Bibby, 07894 631929 Meets every third Thursday of the month at the Old Angel pub, Doncaster. TAKE A LOOK AT JAN BAYNHAM’S ROMNA Kate Johnson, [email protected], Internet EXPERIENCE OF THE MEETING AT: chapter, closed group. Messages can be individual or daily digest. JANBAYNHAM.BLOGSPOT.COM/
Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 7 THE ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARDS 2019
THE ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARDS 2019 A Grand Affair & Announcement of Exciting New Award!
REPORT BY: ANNETTE HANNAH, RNA PRESS OFFICER
couldn’t have wished for a more ran like clockwork and made me feel publishing professionals mingled at the prestigious event for my first job as very welcome. drinks reception before moving into Press Officer for the RNA. My tasks for the evening included: the elegant Gladstone Library for the The Romantic Novel awards showcasing the shortlisted books; presentations. Iwere held in London on 4th March putting up banners; meeting and Ornate chandeliers hung from the 2019. The reception began in the greeting the guests, all of whom looked ceiling adding an extra touch of sparkle Reading and Writing room which extremely glamorous and helping to as did the candelabras on the beautifully was positively palatial with Victorian organise the shortlistees into their dressed tables. Delicious canapés, high ceilings and walls decorated with category groups for the photographs. delicate pastel coloured macarons and elegant murals. It provided the perfect The room filled quickly and the chocolates were nibbled as the awards setting for a very grand affair. atmosphere was charged with were announced. The winners for each The organisers ensured that the event excitement as authors, agents and category are listed below. The awards were presented by bestselling historical author Alison Weir and author and broadcaster Jane Wenham-Jones. The outstanding achievement award was won by Mills and Boon author Liz Fielding, I asked her how it felt to win such a prestigious award and she said
RNA Chair, Nicola Cornick welcomes guests to the star-studded event.
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THE RNA AND SIMON & SCHUSTER UK ANNOUNCE The Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thriller of the Year
Simon & Schuster UK is delighted storyteller and made her craft look to be partnering with the Romantic easy, like all great practitioners. I – Novelists’ Association to launch the along with many others – miss her Annette pictured with the fabulous and utterly unique, Jackie Collins. Jackie Collins Award for Romantic still and often expect to see her appear Thriller of the Year. This award is a suddenly in our midst. Jackie was a new category at the RNA Annual wonderful friend, too, always there to “I was completely overwhelmed with Awards from 2020, as announced offer advice, support and wisdom. We emotion. I cried when I heard about the by Ian Chapman, CEO of Simon have long made a solemn commitment award. It was such an honour.” & Schuster UK and International, to ensure that her legacy endures and Ian Chapman, CEO of publishers and a close friend of Jackie Collins. are incredibly proud to partner with Simon & Schuster announced an The publisher has committed to the Romantic Novelists’ Association exciting new partnership with the RNA the sponsorship of the award for a and launch this wonderful award to launch the Jackie Collins Award for minimum of five years. to support her fellow writers. Jackie Romantic Thriller of the Year for 2020. continues to be a hugely important I am particularly excited about this author on our list and we hope to award because Jackie Collins is my ‘An exciting new welcome a new generation of readers all-time favourite writer and I had the partnership with Simon & to her fabulous work.” honour of meeting her just a couple of Schuster announcing the Nicola Cornick, Chair of the weeks before she sadly died. She was Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Novelists’ Association, such a lovely lady, so inspirational and Romantic Thriller of the said: “The Jackie Collins Romantic charismatic. year for 2020’ Thriller Award is a wonderful way to The whole evening was one of recognise Jackie’s inspiring talent. She professionalism, celebration and was an absolute phenomenon and optimism. It was an honour to be in Jackie Collins was a creative force, a we are thrilled to be partnering with a room with such obvious talent. The trailblazer for women in fiction, and, Simon & Schuster to celebrate her literary world is such a wonderful world in her own words, ‘A kick-ass writer!’. work and her legacy.” to be part of, everybody is so supportive. Since her 1968 debut The World is To be recognised by your peers must be Full of Married Men, her books have such a fantastic accolade. sold in their millions in more than 40 I would like to thank the organisers countries and she is one of the world’s for a wonderful evening and I’m already top-selling novelists. Jackie passed looking forward to the next event. Now away in September 2015 after privately where’s my notebook so I can start battling breast cancer. planning my romantic thriller... The launch of this award coincides with Simon & Schuster UK’s forthcoming reissue programme of Jackie Collins’ backlist titles beginning this Spring. Four bestsellers will be re- published in ebook format, plus a new- look paperback reissue of The World Is Full of Divorced Women, and each is accompanied by forewords from Veronica Henry, Helen Ellis, Jessie Burton and Barbara Taylor Bradford. Ian Chapman, CEO of Simon & Schuster UK and International, said “Jackie was kind, brilliantly astute, with a wicked, mischievous sense Unmistakable, the wonderful of humour. She was a consummate Jackie Collins.
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And the finalists are...
CONTEMPORARY The Songs of Us, Emma Cooper, Headline Publishing Group; The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, Julie Caplin, HarperImpulse; One Thousand Stars and You, Isabelle Broom, Penguin Michael Joseph; The House We Called Home, Jenny Oliver, HQ; Where the Light Gets In, Transworld, Lucy Dillon; The Lives We Touch, Eva Woods, Little, Brown Book Special guest host Alison Weir Group/Sphere imprint with compere Jane Wenham-Jones
POPULAR ROMANTIC COMEDY A Sky Painted Gold, Laura Wood, Scholastic; You, me, everything, Catherine A Bicycle Made for Two, Mary Jayne Baker, Mirror Books; One Summer Isaac, Simon and Schuster; One Thousand Stars and You, Isabelle Broom, In Rome, Samantha Tonge, HQ Digital; Kev: Adventures in Dating... Penguin Michael Joseph; The Lion Tamer who Lost, Louise Beech, Orenda In Heels, Liam Livings, Ninestar Press; Not Just For Christmas, Natalie Books; This Could Change Everything, Jill Mansell, Headline Cox, Orion Books; The Sister Swap, Fiona Collins, HQ Digital
FANTASY DEBUT SHORTER Living in the Past, Jane Lovering, The Rules of Seeing, Joe Heap, Harper Collins; A Little Christmas Charm, Kathryn Freeman, Choc Lit; Choc Lit; Daughter of Light and Summer at the Castle Café, Donna Ashcroft, Secret Baby, Second Chance, Jane Godman, Harlequin/ Shadows, Anna McKerrow, Bookouture; The Little Theatre on the Seafront, Mills and Boon; The Warrior’s Bride Prize, Jenni Bookouture; Eve of Man, Katie Ginger, HQ Digital Fletcher, Mills and Boon; A Rational Proposal, Jan Giovanna and Tom Fletcher, Jones, Independent; The Map of Us, Jules Preston, Penguin Michael Joseph (unable HarperImpulse (unable to attend). to attend).
RNA President, Katie Fforde, and guests applaud the winners.
HISTORICAL The Beekeeper’s Promise, Fiona Valpy, Lake Union; The Silver Ladies of London, Lesley Eames, Aria; The Palace of Lost Dreams, Charlotte Betts, Little, Brown Book Group/Piatkus imprint; In the Far Pashmina Mountains, Janet MacLeod Trotter, Lake Union; Summer of Secrets, Nikola Scott, Headline Publishing Group; The Temptation of Gracie, Santa Montefiore, Simon & Schuster UK (unable to attend).
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And the winners are...
FANTASY SHORTER JANE LOVERING DEBUT JANE GODMAN JOE HEAP POPULAR CONTEMPORARY CATHERINE ISAAC ISABELLE BROOM HISTORICAL ROMANTIC OUTSTANDING ACCEPTED ON COMEDY ACHIEVEMENT BEHALF OF SANTA NATALIE COX LIZ FIELDING MONTEFIORE
Winners of the 2019 Romantic Novel Awards Author Liz Fielding was presented national awards that recognise the Joe Heap, The Rules of Seeing, with the RNA’s Outstanding wonderful achievements of romantic HarperCollins Achievement Award as bestselling fiction authors.” Winner The Katie Fforde Debut historical novelist Alison Weir Romantic Novel Award (for the revealed the winners at a glamorous The winners were: best romantic novel by a first-time event in London, compèred by author author) and broadcaster Jane Wenham-Jones. Catherine Isaac, You Me Everything, The RNA’s awards are the only Simon & Schuster Jane Lovering, Living in the Past, national literary prizes that recognise Winner The Sapere Books Popular Choc Lit excellence in the genre of romantic Romantic Fiction Award (for the Winner The Nicola Cornick fiction. In 2019 they comprise the most commercially successful and Fantasy Romantic Novel Award Goldsboro Books Contemporary popular romantic novel of 2018 as (for the best romantic novel that Romantic Novel Award, the voted for by book bloggers, librarians includes paranormal or speculative Goldsboro Books Historical Romantic and booksellers) elements) Novel Award, the Books and the City Romantic Comedy Novel Award, Isabelle Broom, One Thousand Stars Santa Montefiore, The Temptation the Sapere Books Popular Romantic and You, Michael Joseph of Gracie, Simon & Schuster Fiction Award, the Nicola Cornick Winner The Goldsboro Books Winner The Goldsboro Books Fantasy Romantic Novel Award, Contemporary Romantic Novel Historical Romantic Novel Award the Libertà Shorter Romantic Novel Award (for the best romantic novel set (for novels set in a period before Award and the Katie Fforde Debut in the present world or society) 1970) Romantic Novel Award. Nicola Cornick, Chair of the RNA, Natalie Cox, Not Just For Christmas, Jane Godman, Secret Baby, Second said, “As always, the RNA’s Romantic Orion Chance, Mills & Boon Romantic Novel Awards showcase both the Winner The Books and the City Suspense excellence and the diversity that exists Romantic Comedy Novel Award (for Winner The Libertà Shorter within this amazing genre. We are the best romantic novel that has wit, Romantic Novel Award (for the proud and delighted to offer the only charm and humour) best shorter romantic novel)
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Outstanding Achievement Award Liz Fielding’s books are published by Harlequin in North America and by Mills & Boon in the UK, and have been published in over 30 overseas markets and 27 different languages. She has had a phenomenal eight nominations for the RITA awards, winning twice, first with The Best Man and the Bridesmaid in 2001 (Best Traditional Romance) and then with The Marriage Miracle in 2006 (Best Short Contemporary Romance). Fielding has also been nominated for the RoNA Rose Award five times, winning the award in 2005 for A Family of His Own. She lives in West Sussex. RNA President Katie Fforde said of the 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, “Liz Fielding’s books, with their warmth, humour and emotion, have charmed millions of readers. She is a true star of the romantic fiction genre as well as a long-time supporter of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and we are thrilled to recognise her huge contribution to the genre with this award.”
‘I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I cried when I heard about the award. It was such an honour.’
Liz Fielding, Outstanding Achievement Award
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 13 FEATURE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Romance Matters
SPRINKLED A LITTLE MAGIC! Suddenly, I felt as if I had my own personal fairy This time last year, I thought I’d never finish my godmother – an anonymous sponsor who’d made first MS (a MS I started writing in 2014!) I’d just co- it possible for my broken and dispirited Cinders to founded @UKRomChat, a weekly Twitter chat about go to the ball. While I may not be healthy enough to writing romance with my wonderful friend and NWS attend RNA events in person and I certainly won’t member, Eilidh K. Lawrence. Our aim was to host be wearing glass slippers anytime soon, I feel that I author and industry special guests, as they talked have been welcomed into the RNA family with more about all things HEA. To our astonishment, the chat than open arms. Your support gave me a new-found was an instant success. I hoped some of our guests’ motivation to finish my stalled MS. Just last week I romance writing magic would rub off on me. sent it off and I’m now eagerly awaiting feedback Then, I had a minor accident at work. It seemed from my reader. Also, @UKRomChat has gone from so innocuous at the time but as the months wore strength to strength and we’ve just welcomed two on and I still couldn’t walk (or do anything) without more NWS members, Lucy Flatman and Lucy Keeling, excruciating pain, I came to realise something was to our team. badly wrong. After many months and tests, I was eventually diagnosed with CRPS/ Chronic Regional ‘I feel that I have been welcomed into the RNA family Pain Syndrome, a rare and debilitating condition which with more than open arms. Your support gave me a has completely altered mine and my family’s lives. My new-found motivation to finish my stalled MS. Just writing dreams seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke. last week I sent it off and I’m now eagerly awaiting In November I saw a Tweet about the RNA bursaries. feedback from my reader.’ Figuring I had nothing to lose but not for one second expecting to be chosen, I sent off my application. I Best of all though, I was shortlisted in the Choc Lit was desperate to join the NWS but after my accident Search for a Star competition, I didn’t win but it was and diagnosis, I had to give up my beloved job in the an honour to be shortlisted. cutest little gift shop on Exeter Quay (yes, exactly None of this would be remotely possible without like the setting in a cosy romance novel) and I could the RNA, the NWS and my fairy godmother. Your no longer afford the expense. My life changed again generosity really has sprinkled a little magic back into on the day Imogen emailed to tell me I’d received a my life. I hope that by telling my story, it encourages sponsored place, but this time, for the better. other members to offer bursary sponsorship. And for anyone thinking about applying for a bursary, I hope that you’ll take the leap. As Cinderella would say: A dream is a wish your heart makes. I still have long-term struggles with my health, but I wanted to say a big thank you the best way I can, and that’s with my words. So, THANK YOU! You helped at least two of my wishes come true and have given me many more that I now want to breathe into life. Who knows what the future will bring? But with the support of my family, friends and now the RNA, I’m excited to have my writing spark back, and while I might not get a HEA, I am most certainly, Happy For Now. Come say hi to me on Twitter @JeannaLStars & @UKRomChat and Facebook @JeannaLouiseSkinner. For more information on Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome please go to https://crps-uk.org/
Jeanna Skinner
14 | ROMANCE MATTERS | Summer 2019 www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org FEATURE
Writing Course KATIE FFORDE IS HOSTING A WRITING COURSE IN AID OF THE STROUD VALLEY PROJECT
TUTORS: Richard and Judy pick Julie Cohen and acclaimed tutor Alison May
GUEST SPEAKERS: Katie Jill Mansell Fforde and Kate Riordan
DATE: 27-28th July
COST: Julie Cohen £200 all meals included except breakfast
For details and a local accommodation list, Alison May please contact Julie at Stroud Valleys Project 01453 753358 or [email protected]
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/652858
Membership Update FROM GILL STEWART (RNA MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) Membership numbers remain healthy, NEW FULL AND Sandra-Jane Goddard Daniela Sacerdoti with over 1,000 current members, INDEPENDENT Tracy Gow Anstey Spraggan including around 300 NWS. AUTHOR MEMBERS Stephanie Harte Helen Stothard This is my final report as Membership Emily Bateman Jennifer Keer Susie Tate Secretary as I will be standing down Louise Beech Dawn Knox Amanda Revell at the AGM in July. I’d like to thank my Jade Beer Catherine Lawless Walton colleagues on the committee and all Ellis Bridger Louisa Leaman Lorna Windham RNA members for being such a great Vanessa Chainey Clare Lydon bunch of people to work with. Serena Clarke Lynne Malcolm NEW ASSOCIATE Since the last issue of Romance Rebecca Denton Elizabeth McGinty MEMBERS Matters, we have the following new Shirley Dickson Belinda McInerney Ria Cheyne members. Welcome all! Jane Dodds Katy Moran Keshini Naidoo Tameri Etherton Christina Pishiris Ryan Thorne Lola Fasehun Yvonne Quinn Antonia Tingle Loraine Fergusson Eliza Redgold Alicia Williams
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 15 INDUSTRY ASPECT – TRENDS
Fiction forecast BY KATHLEEN WHYMAN
Psychological thrillers have dominated the book charts for the last few years, but this looks set to change, with more interest in up-lit, rom coms, historical fiction and sagas. In the first of a three part series on trends, Kathleen Whyman asks the publishers what they think the next big thing will be.
irror, mirror on the wall, which storyline will appeal to all? Unfortunately not many of us have access toM a magic mirror (if you have, please contact me. It’d make a great feature for RM and I’d like to apply to be your business partner/best friend/stalker). Even without one though, we’ve all been aware of the huge trend in psychological thrillers and domestic noir, kick-started by Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. While this trend isn’t likely to go away – it’s reflected in our tv viewing with The Bodyguard and Killing Eve being stand out hits of 2018 – readers are now looking for something more uplifting, probably as an escape from our unsettling political landscape. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is the novel that almost all the publishers quoted as being the big hit of 2018 (and still selling), sparking a surge in the trend up-lit – uplifting fiction. Here they reveal what other trends they see emerging.
16 | ROMANCE MATTERS | Summer 2019 www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org INDUSTRY ASPECT – TRENDS
Charlotte Brabbin, The Day We Met is commissioning editor, an epic love story HarperFiction ‘I like to think psychological and domestic thrillers might start to wane and brilliantly entertaining rom coms will come more firmly into the spotlight. Slightly ‘high concept’ or quirky romantic fiction has been more of an emerging trend in the last year or so and I think the impact of Netflix and Amazon Prime, which are investing heavily and fiercely in rom coms at the moment, is filtering through into the book industry. I know that many editors are on the search for the ‘Many editors are Katie Seaman, next ‘big’ rom com. on the search for the editor, Ebury Saga novels still sell next big rom com’ ‘There seems to be a fantastically and in 2018 Charlotte Brabbin, renewed appetite for trends of community and the commissioning editor, stories from World power of kindness influenced HarperFiction War II. Readers are perhaps looking for huge interest in titles such new perspectives on the conflict and aftermath. as Eleanor Oliphant, The Lido, I think we’ll see more of this in fiction – novels Three Things About Elsie, The Keeper of Lost inspired by a true story. Things and other up-lit stories. Cosy romances We’re also seeing the emergence of a new with aspirational settings and relatable female generation of female writers, so we’ll see the characters remained resilient. Why Mummy reclaiming of ‘chick- Drinks by Gill Sims was one of the stand-out lit’ by the millennial bestsellers in women’s fiction, which prompted ‘We’ll see the reclaiming generation. It’s a an outpouring of similar titles in the market. of ‘chick-lit’ by the genre that’s been The trials and tribulations of motherhood, millennial generation’ less popular in recent as explored hilariously in the book, isn’t an Katie Seaman, editor, Ebury times but I think unspoken topic, but it was a book that brought it’ll come back with a new energy for a new family life and motherhood to the fore in such audience, perhaps with less focus on romance a relatable, entertaining way and it had brilliant but more on female friendship and careers, word-of-mouth appeal. reflecting the reality for twenty-something The book originated women today. from a hugely popular Josie Silver’s One Day in December did really Facebook page well last year and we’re seeing this appetite for showing the power epic love stories continue. I recently published of social media in The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper, which takes influencing trends and place over 10 years, following two characters how publishers are who are meant to be together but are both with sourcing stories.’ other people when they first meet. The book is an epic love story but moves the trend on and offers a fresh perspective, as it’s focusing more on the grey areas of relationships and isn’t as straightforward as boy meets girl. There’s also been a boom in parenting memoir and we’re Why Mummy Drinks by seeing the rise of ‘mum-lit’ – funny and honest Gill Sims was one of the stand-out bestsellers in novels about parenting and families, including women’s fiction in 2018 more single-parent stories.’
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 17 INDUSTRY ASPECT – TRENDS
Phoebe Morgan, Some genres are perennially popular – there’s editorial director at a huge market for saga paperback books and Trapeze detective crime novels never seem to go away ‘After a period of either. Dystopian is more popular than it once downturn, a lot of was, in part down to the buzz around The publishers are now Handmaid’s Tale.’ more interested than they were two years ago in romantic Heather Boisseau, director comedies – one of the books I publish of publishing, Red Door in this genre just sold to Germany for a six figure Publishing sum – so it’s definitely something that market is ‘The recent move towards looking for too. With rom-coms, it’s so important up-lit means we’ll see many to have a hook (something other than boy meets books of this type being girl) that makes it an easy pitch for foreign rights published through 2019 team. It’s also great to introduce current, topical and into 2020. Women’s issues into the manuscript in some format too, commercial fiction and if you can do this in a natural, character-driven psychological suspense is way. A good example is The going to get more twisted. Flatshare by Beth O’Leary Julia Barrett’s My Sister is Missing about two flatmates who share ‘There’s a large market for encapsulates this exactly, taking motherhood the same bed, but at different books that resonate with and postnatal mental health to a whole new times – he works nights and mothers and provide that level. Complex/multiple relationships will also she works days. They never all-important humour too’ be a key trend for 2019 and we’ve already heard meet until the end of the book Phoebe Morgan, editorial director of high profile acquisitions in this area. The but communicate via notes at Trapeze reasoning here is that these issues are being and post-its. It’s a nice, original spoken about far more openly than ever before, concept and I think it will do and therefore resonate with readers. I’m always deservedly well. interested to hear about what TV and film agents Up-lit will continue to grow, but I don’t think are looking for, given the power of Netflix and psychological thrillers will disappear because the cross- pollination between our industries.’ there’s still such a big appetite for them. The trend for ‘mum-lit’ will continue. There’s a large market for books that resonate with mothers and Leodora Darlington, provide that all-important humour too. publishing executive, Bookouture ‘We’re seeing a lot of book club fiction and steamy romance riding high in the US kindle charts. Perfectly- pitched saga is also doing very well in both the US and the UK. Crime thrillers continue to sell brilliantly across all territories.’
‘We’re seeing a lot of book club fiction and steamy romance riding high in the US kindle charts.’ Leodora Darlington, publishing executive, Bookouture
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for a while, but it’s now really pushing forwards in the market. Eleanor Oliphant and The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris have opened the door to up-lit and stories focusing on characters who are ‘We’re in a time where people quirky and different, are fighting to find their voices, people breaking out whether shouting out about of their comfort zones and becoming brave, Brexit or Trump, the Me Too courageous heroines. movement or LGBT rights’ They have that little extra Hannah Smith, commissioning editor, Aria layer to them – something that isn’t straight down the line women’s fiction or thriller etc. We’re in a time where people are fighting to find their voices, whether shouting out about Brexit or Trump, the Me Too movement or LGBT rights. Characters who find their voice are ones readers are empathising with.’
Titles such as Eleanor Oliphant have opened Nia Beynon, director, the door to up-lit Boldwood ‘Major trends in fiction of recent Stacey Donovan, director, years have included Hallmark Publishing, US a voracious appetite ‘Romantic comedy! Crazy Rich for psychological Asians is of course the breakout thrillers, which hit here. We do a lot of romantic continues, but, comedy. Nancy Naigle’s The recently there’s Secret Ingredient, with a fun been a resurgence lovers-turned-rivals setup and in popularity for more a heroine who owns a potbelly pig, is a great uplifting fiction too. Moreover, the popularity example.’ of certain documentaries and podcasts has sparked an interest in true crime.’
Hannah Smith, commissioning editor, Aria ‘As well as up-lit and historical fiction, judging Katrin Lloyd, by the increase in rom coms in the media commissioning editor, (Netflix etc) we expect to see a spike in demand Accent Press for these. People have always loved them, but ‘The surge in hopefully we’ll see strong, feisty heroines in psychological thrillers contemporary rom coms soaring in the charts. has seeped into the We’re moving away from cosy romances more way other fiction into generational stories, women from all genres are presented. ages coming together and finding friendship, When it comes re-evaluating their lives and making sure to to romance, for live them to the fullest. Female friendships example, readers are also becoming a key part of romance and are looking for women’s fiction. Women coming together and more depth, more secrets, more twists – less supporting one another, as well as lifting each cupcake chick-lit and more gripping, tension- other up. This is a trend that has been building tight plotlines.’
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 19 FEATURE
Looking back, looking forward
RNA CHAIRMAN, NICOLA CORNICK REFLECTS … “I’ve been a member of the RNA for almost 20 years and am celebrate excellence in the genre and support very proud to be taking on the role of Chair. I’m aiming to our members, we have to adapt and develop all the time. increase the RNA’s visibility within the publishing industry and This is no small task. the wider world!” The organisation is run on goodwill and Back in the summer of 2017, that’s what I wrote whatever time volunteers can spare. We’re when new RNA committee members were all authors or publishing professionals, we all invited to contribute a few lines to introduce have other commitments. Filling all the roles themselves via the pages of Romance Matters in order to keep offering awards, events, the magazine. It’s now summer 2019 and I’m NWS and other activities is a challenge and so stepping down at the end of my two-year term is managing the structure that makes it possible. of office. It’s interesting to look back – and to see Fortunately, the RNA’s membership makes it whether I feel I’ve met that, and other, aims! worth it; a more generous and supportive group At the AGM each year, every RNA Chair of people would be hard to find. comments on what a busy and challenging year it’s been for the organisation. This is because the ‘If we are to continue to raise publishing industry is in a state of big and fast- moving change and if we are to reflect that, and the prestige of romantic fiction, continue to raise the prestige of romantic fiction, celebrate excellence in the genre and support our members, we have
Nicola hosting the Word Wench Panel at the RNA Conference to adapt and develop all the time.’
What have we done over the past couple of years to raise the profile and prestige of romantic fiction? We’ve met with publishers and other industry professionals to discuss ways in which we can work together more closely for the benefit of our members. For example, we’ve gained increased sponsorship for our awards from Simon & Schuster, Sapere, Goldsboro Books and Libertá. Publishers have also sponsored some of our talks and parties, and a generous investment in bursaries and prizes from our members, especially our President Katie Fforde, has opened up further opportunities for writers to join the NWS or attend conference. We’ve held joint events with the academic community, with the Society of Authors and the London Book Fair. It’s not all about looking outwards, though. Running an organisation which meets the needs and aspirations of its members is about giving
20 | ROMANCE MATTERS | Summer 2019 www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org FEATURE
people the opportunity to express what they ‘Running an organisation which want from the RNA and listening to what they meets the needs and aspirations have to say. of its members is about giving Whilst the monthly e-bulletin, the Facebook people the opportunity to express group, the Have Your Say session at conference what they want from the RNA and and Romance Matters are all ways to keep in listening to what they have to say.’ touch, we need to continue to develop a two- way flow of information so that everyone is talking to each other – and hearing what each other has to say. Social media and online activities can make this easier, but can also bring with it issues of online etiquette which we have wrestled with over the past few years. Then there is the cost of running events in an economic environment where so many authors’ incomes are being squeezed and we have to ensure we’re giving members value for money. The challenges keep on coming! The organisation is just starting to address the need to become more inclusive to a diverse Nicola hosting the RoNAs in 2018. Continued overleaf
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 21 FEATURE
... continued Nicola interviewing the legendary Barbara Erskine membership in order to show how varied romantic fiction can be and celebrate it in all its forms. This is a priority going forwards and I’m very excited that Alison May and the new committee will be taking up their roles after the AGM as they have the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to take the RNA forward. With the RNA’s Diamond anniversary approaching it’s a great time to look back to all the amazing work that past committees have done and the achievements of our members over the last 60 years. It’s also an exciting time to be looking at what is to come and I for one am looking forward to it. I’ve had a wonderful, busy and hugely enjoyable time as Chair, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and wish you all good luck and continued success as the RNA moves into its next and very exciting phase.
Perhaps you are a published author but your book languishes at the bottom of your publisher’s list, out of print and neglected? Or you are a talented newcomer, but so far have not been able to get a publishing deal? Whichever applies, we can help you with the rights reversion process if your contract has lapsed, or help you experience the satisfaction of seeing your book in print and available to a wide audience for the first Romaunce time, without having to pay for self-publishing. We are now looking for talented and accomplished authors for our Romaunce imprint. At Romaunce you’d join a long list of romantic fiction writers, from award-winning writers like Romantic Fiction Authors - Angela Lambert, Lesley J Nickell, Valerie Anand and Lynn We’re open for submissions and Guest, to debut authors. If your book has commercial potential, we’d like to hear from looking for new talent to publish. you. Initially contact our Contracts and Rights Department by email at [email protected] with a synopsis.
We welcome submissions of both new and previously- published work, provided it is of a high standard. All of our authors have been award winners in a number of categories such as the Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize.
Romaunce Books 1A The Wool Market, Dyer Street Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 2PR Tel: 01285 640485 Email: [email protected] Web: www.romaunce.com
22 | ROMANCE MATTERS | Summer 2019 www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org FEATURE
Diary SNIPPETS OF MEMBERS’ LATEST NEWS... 12-14th July RNA Conference Samantha Tonge has announced her this is incredibly exciting and she can’t University of Lancaster, signing to Aria fiction, Head of Zeus. They wait to see what the future holds. For Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YD will publish her new funny, contemporary more information please contact info@ Christmas romance in October 2019 and a lorellabelliagency.com 14th September 2019 second novel in summer 2020. And finally, Natalie Kleinman is York Afternoon Tea & Joan Sophie Claire has signed a three-book delighted to have signed a four-book Hessayon Award Presentation contract with Hodder & Stoughton. The deal with Sapere Books for her Regency Merchant Taylors Hall, Aldwark, first book, The Christmas Holiday, will be romances. Natalie says she feels like she is York, YO1 7BX published in October 2019. herself living between the covers of a book! Lisa Hobman is thrilled to announce A fairy tale, maybe. 21st November 3pm that she is now represented by the Huge congratulations and best of luck to An Afternoon with Sophie Kinsella Lorella Belli Literary Agency. She says, you all! 21st November – 6.30pm Winter Party & RNA Industry Awards Presentation 2019 Off the Shelf ‘Off the Shelf’ advertisements cost price to Romancematters@ 8th February 2020 – only £25 each and offer a fantastic romanticnovelistsassociation. 3pm General Meeting opportunity to advertise your new org Remember to include a JPEG of For further details, tickets etc., title to the best niche audience the cover. please go to the website: www. there is! To book your slot for this romanticnovelistsassociation. PLEASE NOTE: AN ADVERTISEMENT org/events/ and all advertisements, please IN THIS MAGAZINE DOES NOT email no more than 50 words CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT including title, publisher, ISBN and BY THE RNA OF ANY SERVICE OR PRODUCT.
THE LOST LETTER FROM MOROCCO BY ADRIENNE CHINN PUBLISHED BY AVON BOOKS UK ISBN: 9780008314569 PAPERBACK: £8.99 EBOOK: £2.99 Morocco 1984. Hanane’s love for an Irishman forces her to flee her home, a decision that will haunt her family for years. London 2009. When Addy discovers a mysterious letter in her late father’s belongings, she journeys to Morocco in search of answers, only to find history repeating itself.
THAT SUMMER AT THE SEAHORSE HOTEL BY ADRIENNE VAUGHAN PUBLISHER: THE PARIS PRESS ASIN: B078ZYN4CG \ AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON EBOOK £2.99 PAPERBACK £8.99 Mia Flanagan had never been told who her father is and aged ten, stopped asking. So when Archie Fitzgerald, one of Hollywood’s favourites, promises her his Irish estate, is he her father after all? One family, one secret, that changes everything forever!
www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org Summer 2019 | ROMANCE MATTERS | 23 New home for all Writers’ Holiday events – book now!
Fishguard Bay Hotel
WRITERS AND ARTISTS WINTER WORKSHOP WEEKEND FRIDAY 21ST – SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2020 FULLY INCLUSIVE COST ONLY £249
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Writers’ Holiday events Tel: 07833 604499 are fully inclusive – there’s Email: [email protected] nothing more to pay from Web: www.writersholiday.net the time you arrive until the sorry time you have to leave. BOOK NOW! You can pay over the year at The only money you will NO extra cost need will be to buy a drink in the Bar – or to purchase Cheques payable to WHWWW please a book in the Bookroom!
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