Archive for February, 2008

February 27, 2008 | 9 Comments

I finally downloaded my Nokia pics of the Pure Passion Awards. They’re grainy and shaky but here they are. The room was very impressive in that Victorian Gothic way, beautifully laid out and decorated with little goodies donated by Mills & Boon who had sponsored the event. I sat next to two v nice M&B eds (who must think I’m very cheeky) and to Christina Jones and her partner. I can’t help approaching these things with a journalist’s hat on, wanting to know things and interview people, rather than thinking I ought to be ‘networking’. I think I still feel more comfortable that way: standing on the outside looking in.

Anyway, here’s me trying to keep up with the Jones(s) - a delighted Chris and Catherine (Kate Lace).

All the shortlisted books were laid out on a table staffed by Borders. I heard our books are now on a special display in the Manchester branch. Here’s me signing my copies. I also bought Stardust by Neil Gaiman for my daughter.

Afterwards I went out for dinner and drinks with a wonderful group of writers who I won’t name to protect the innocent. I learned a lot that night from some experienced and successful authors and that has helped me focus on what I want to do next. I need to stop listening to some of the more negative voices in my life.

PS I met Sally Lawton for coffee the next day. She’s helping me with my research for ISHBM.

February 22, 2008 | 4 Comments

That’s me. Just got back and thanks to one RNA member’s marvellous generosity with the Champagne, I’m feeling rather tired.

Christina Jones won the award (hurrah, I love her writing) but it was a night of Pure Passion for all and a great celebration of romantic fiction.

I have a few shaky camera phone pics to post on Monday. And I met squillions of authors. I am now a big saga convert!

February 20, 2008 | 9 Comments

Today, my husband, the esteemed Mr Bennet, celebrates his birthday. It’s not a ‘milestone’ birthday but it is half way. So far, all he has had from me is a whimpered, “Happy Birthday, love” as he hunted for a pair of matching socks in the early morning gloom.

Tonight, I shall be cooking him a nice meal. And not just any meal. An M&S meal.

Later this afternoon, I’m going to act the part of the romance novelist and have my nails done. Tomorrow is the Pure Passion Awards at Manchester Town Hall and I’m staying overnight (in a hotel, not in the town hall itself, of course). The building looks very grand, apparently it’s a superb example of Victorian Gothic Revival. It often doubles as the Palace of Westminster in TV films and movies. I can’t wait to see it filled with romantic novelists and librarians.

February 18, 2008 | 7 Comments

and the winner is ( you’re not going to believe this) some woman by the name of Julie Cohen.

Julie - I’m going to send you Wish You Were Here and the chocs with great pleasure but ‘Smudge’ also drew out another name to receive an LBD or other Headline book of their choice from my collection and that was Jess.

Thanks for all the entries. I just happened to know the two people who won this time!

UPDATE:

OK. OK. This contest was not a fix. But there is good news. Julie Cohen has emailed me to say she has very recently read WYWH, having ‘borrowed’ it from a friend. Tut. Tut. We’ve agreed to swap One Night Stand and WYWH when we next meet which means … there’s a spare book going. Next out of the ‘hat’ was Maddie Moon.

Julie has however, gracefully agreed to eat the chocs.

Jess gets to choose an LBD or Headline book.

Maddie - can you send me your details please?

Right. No more contests from me until August (ahem - sorry) when Just Say Yes is published. I’ve just had the cover by the way. It’s like sunshine, buttery sand and creamy Cornish ice cream all rolled into one.
P x

2 Comments

The sun is shining, it’s a glorious February day, it’s Monday and I’m happy. Why? Well, I made it through last week for one thing. My daughter came home for the weekend and we went to see Jumpers at the Odeon. Then Mr B and I spent a day in the Cotswolds. Plus it’s the Pure Passion Awards on Thursday Night and I’m looking forward to a special night out.

And… last week I wrote an article for my local newspaper, recommending books for Valentine’s Day (including Heaven Sent by the incredibly famous and best selling author Christina Jones, An Offer You Can’t Refuse by Jill Mansell and LBDs of course).

Well, I’m smiling this morning because on BBC Norfolk the Norwich Millennium Library has recommended Wish You Were Here as one of its top ten romantic reads. Apparently, this is the busiest library in the Uk so that has to be good.

Finally, I am going to ask Smudge the rabbit to draw the Valentine’s contest winners. He’s still with us, despite all the odds.