It can’t be me…
May 31, 2007
…but it was! Last night – and I still can’t believe this – Decent Exposure won the RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers.
I have just this minute got back from Oxford where I was staying overnight. We didn’t get back to college until 2am (gossiped with Julie Cohen on the train home) and I heard the chapel clock chime 3am before I dozed off, I was so excited. Then I woke at 5.30am and now I’m starving after the drive back to the Midlands.
Even without winning (which I *really* didn’t expect) I was having a wonderful time chatting with cyber friends such as Julie, Carol, Fiona Harper (Fiona – you are a star), Biddy and Anna Lucia. I also met Louise Allen, my NWS ‘reader’ for the first time and I think I hugged her rather enthusiastically. Then JH, CJ and I went off to La Tasca for a meal and more wine.
We forgot to take our camera but my family insisted on buying a disposable from the station. I know the RNA and my friends were taking pics so will try and post some soon.
Thank you so much, RNA and Dr Hessayon – the award is made to new writers in honour of his late wife, Joan. I feel enormously guiilty winning with so many other great romances up there too. But I’ll shut up and stop saying that now, and just try and enjoy it.;)
Oh…and apologies to all the people who must have heard me talking gibberish!
Posted by Phillipa @ 7:28 am | Leave a Comment
Duckface Says:
Many Congratulations Pip, this is really wonderful news. I am thrilled for you. I am sure you are still buzzing from having such a great evening. 🙂
Well deserved and well done
DF x
Monica Says:
Congratulations!! More fantastic news for DE!!
Jessica Raymond Says:
Pip — I’ve just heard the news on ROMNA…
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I couldn’t be happier for you and am so glad that one of my mates won! Decent Exposure — and you — completely deserves it 🙂 Glad you had such a wonderful time and I’m looking forward to hearing the gossip and seeing a pic of you with the lovely silver platter!
Jess x
Jude Says:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again CONGRATULATIONS and KNEW YOU’D DO IT! So well deserved – so enjoy, enjoy and then party some more. When Bertha The Baby arrives I’ll be having some extra teeny sips of champers just for your achievement.
Jude x
Michelle Styles Says:
Oh Pip CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
I am so pleased and proud of you. Decent Exposure is a good book. ANd I am sure it is the start of many awrds to come!
Hooray for you!
Liz Says:
Many, many congratulations Phillipa! I’m so thrilled for you.
Maggie Says:
Such great news Pip and so well deserved! I keep saying it, but it is true, DE is a masterclass in how to write romantic fiction!
Brilliant. M xx
Ray-Anne Says:
Many congratulations Phillipa.
I am in my third year of the NWS and have found it to be fantastic resource- and encouragement when facing a white wall and a blank page.It was wonderful to see your hard work rewarded at the party. In some way, I felt that the award – and recognition for the finalists- served as a boost to every struggling writer in the scheme. Dreams can come true.
Little Black Dress is a brilliant line, and your book is a terrific read. You deserve the recognition!
Regards- Ray-Anne
Phillipa Says:
Oh Ray-Anne. Your post has made me ‘overcome again’ (Jenny Haddon’s words!). It WAS a dream come true to see Decent Exposure in print and that’s why I went to the party, with no expectation of winning. I’d already got my dream and couldn’t ask for anything more. But more did happen and I’m enjoying every moment. Although my ‘reader’ loved the book, she still told me I had a lot of work to do on it but I took in all her advice and spent about 6 months revising, thinking and refining it.
To everyone who has posted – thank you. It’s so surreal to see posts from friends and authors who I read and respect on here – for me. I will wake up in a moment..
Julie Day Says:
Phillipa – Congratulations on winning the award. You don’t know me but I was there on Wednesday night but didn’t actually see you and heard you. Hope this is one of the many good things to come for you.
Julie Day Says:
Phillipa – Thanks for commenting on my blog. Yes, my back is better now after taking paracetamol all day yesterday. I will probably try to keep doing Pilates as I think that helps.
Kate Hardy Says:
Congratulations, Phillipa! Wonderful news.
Anne McAllister Says:
Congratulations! Brilliant news. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Julie Says:
Wonderful news, Philippa! I look forward to reading Decent Exposure over the summer!
Chris McCormack Says:
Congratulations Phillipa! I love your blog too btw, the colourscheme is most delicious!
Phillipa Says:
Whew… I don’t know what to say so I won’t try. Gulp.
Allison Says:
Pip, I’ve only just discovered this fantastic news!
Well done!!You deserve it.
Rosy Thornton Says:
Hopping on late to add my congratulations, Pip. Hugely well deserved. Enjoy every moment! And what a great platform for the launch of ‘Wish You Were Here’!
Rosy xx
Anna Louise Lucia Says:
I’m finally back from London and can say, CONGRATULATIONS!! You deserved it, Phillipa! 😀
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