There's something really fabulous about spending a weekend with other writers. No-one thinks you're crazy for wanting to write and no-one thinks you're wasting your time. In fact everyone offers complete support and is interested in what you're currently writing.
I had the opportunity this weekend to meet some people I've only ever spoke to online and some people who write work that I totally love. So hello to Gemma Jackson, the minxes Lorraine, Romy and Joanne, everyone who stayed in the fabulous Scots corridor in part 15 of the building, Jane Holland (who has had a gorgeous haircut) and all the other great people I met this weekend.
Special hello to Kate Walker and her lovely husband Stephen, Kate Hardy with the great ipad, Sarah Morgan, Nina Harrington (who told me how she got her writing name) and Anne Fraser. Thank you for your support and great advice you all gave to me over the weekend.
Here's a pic of me looking starstruck with Kate Walker.
I learnt loads at the conference but although all the workshops were great the best part was definitely the socialising with the other writers. I had arranged a 10 minute appointment with the editor I've been working with at Mills and Boon but she actually took me out for a drink later and spent a lot of time talking to me. This week I will get some more revisions from her, she was very enthusiastic about my writing and hopefully I will have good news in the future.
I also had a real shock when Katie Fforde gave me an honorary mention at the Saturday barbeque for the short story I had written with an anniversary theme. I choked on my wine and sat with a smile plastered on my face thinking to myself "I can tell people that Katie Fforde read my story."
However here is a picture of Elizabeth our worthy winner and Jo. Followed by some of the Scots contingent Jenny and Lorna.
Can't wait for next year!
Hi Susan!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a blast. I'm gearing up for RWA National in Orlando, Florida. Glad you had a good meeting with the editor from Mills and Boon.
All good things!!!
Oooh, Susan, how fantastic. I'm soooo jealous. I wish I could meet the ed I'm working with too - not to mention those minxes... Ah well, one day. :-)
ReplyDeleteWOW sounds like a ball! Am soooooooooooooooo excited about RWA Oz in a couple of weeks. And it sounds like you'll definitely be one of M&Bs next authors!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet you too Susan, however I seem to have lost your NHS oral health campaign pen, I hope you can forgive me ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the Katie Fforde mention and the great M&B ed meeting, I agree with Rach's prediction!
Thanks everyone and Lorraine - I have lots more pens!
ReplyDeleteOooh, sounds like you had a terrific time. And thank you for sharing - as someone who couldn't make it, I've been greedily taking in all the details.
ReplyDeleteXX
It was fab to meet you too! It was great to see some friendly faces when I hobbled up ... late as usual although I totally blame Hull trains for that!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until you hear back from the ed, you are so close you must be able to smell those newly printed books with your name on?!
Still waiting on those final revisions being sent to me Joanne, definitely feeling twitchy, hope your leg is doing better x
ReplyDeleteHi Susan - It was lovely to meet you at the conference and to talk all things M&B. Thanks for posting a photo that includes me on your blog (turquoise dress at the evening barbecue) because silly me, I didn't get any pictures of myself at the conference with all you guys. I so, so enjoyed it I don't want to forget it and photos really help the old memory. I truly hope that you are successful with Mills and Boon and have my fingers and toes crossed for you. Do keep blogging, and if you get a chance blog some tips for those of us who are still trying.... I've got a partial medical done and a partial modern but would love to know what the secret is to the success I'm SURE you're going to have very, very soon.
ReplyDeleteCara x
Hi Cara, believe it or not I actually had a fake tan before I came to the conference, though sitting next to you you would never know it! You looked fab in that dress.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting to hear back on the final revisions, and getting twitchy since they are now fast-tracking all medical submissions. Should I be putting in another one???