November 13, 2012
The web is abuzz at the moment with talk of the Festival of Romance which starts on Friday in Bedford (such a glam location – or rather, it will be, when scores of romance authors and readers descend.)
The talk is not so much of ‘who will win what award’ at the Friday Gala Ball but of what to wear. I’m only going to the Ball, but on Saturday there’s a Literary Dinner and Erotic Party (yes…) and next week is the RNA’s Winter Party.
I have two possible dresses for the Awards Ball, and still don’t know which to wear. Monsoon or Linea/Coast?
I’ll be taking both outfits and if there was any way I could wear both, I would. The shoes are sorted:(see above) . As for hair, I’ve booked an appointment, so fingers crossed I can bully my stylist into giving me the cut and finish I want, not the one he wants. Nails are a DIY job as I’m too busy to get a manicure. As for the make up, that’s also DIY but I did get a new tinted moisturiser and a few tips from the Clinique counter yesterday.
So I’m good to go – and just know I’ll look exactly the same as I always do in the photos, probably with my mouth open and a glass of wine (or two) in my hands.
And don’t get me started on the smart casual outfit I need for the Saturday Readings…
If you want to read more about the fashion and beauty dilemmas of the Festival goers, visit the Romaniacs blog here.
Now, it’s onto the small problem of gathering and packing up my books, postcards and other goodies for the Romance Fair and sorting out which extract from Miranda to read at the Coffee and Cake Meet the Author event (which is sold out.)
I’ll also be taking part in the Romance Readathon in the Harpur Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon – dozens of authors will be reading 5 minute extracts from their books throughout the day. In public!
Someone has already likened it to The Apprentice….
Posted by Phillipa @ 8:20 am |
November 7, 2012
I’ve got some news about my Little Black Dress books – unexpectedly, they are all back in print!
They sold out some time ago and have only been available as e books but as of this week, you can also get all of them in paperback from Amazon.
I know e books are growing in popularity and I love my Kindle but there are still many readers who love physical books, so this is great news.
It means I can take books to author events such as the Festival of Romance.
I’ll be reading from Miranda’s Mount and signing books at the Meet the Authors Coffee and Cake Morning at The Lane Coffee House – it’s from 10.30am-12 noon on Saturday November 17th and there may be a couple of tickets left from the Festival website.
You can also find me after lunch on the E-scape Press table at the Romance Fair – there will be books and other free Miranda’s Mount postcards etc on the stand. E-scape published the Coffee Crew short stories, Brief Encounters and have kindly offered to let me share their stand.
The Romance Fair takes place from 10am to 4.30pm in the Howard Room, Corn Exchange, Bedford and will feature gifts, books, authors, cooking, chocolate and lots of fun – free entry.
Hope to see you there!
PS If you’re from the US, you can enter a contest to win an e book copy of Miranda’s Mount and a gorgeous Downton Abbey calendar at the One Literature Nut blog.
Posted by Phillipa @ 5:03 am |
November 5, 2012
Yes, I really DO like Mondays because I’ve had one of those times when lots of good things happen at once.
1. After Friday’s news about the Festival of Romance Reader awards shortlisting for Miranda’s Mount, I had this fantastic five star review from the Beady Jan book blog – a very picky blog, in the best sense of the word so am delighted.
2. Yesterday, my husband found my long lost wedding ring under a cupboard as he dismantled the wardrobes ready for new ones. Never thought I’d see it again. 🙂
3. Last night, a friend offered us free tickets to the Masters Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena. Have wanted to go for months but it was either all sold out or only extortionate prices.
4. I can still fit into my favourite LBD party dress for the awards as long as I don’t touch carbs until November 16th. OK, that’s not so much fun but hey, you can’t have everything. 🙂
I have some other LBD related good news soon but I’m saving that.
Posted by Phillipa @ 7:15 am |
November 2, 2012
Yay, hurrah etc – the 2012 Festival of Romance Reader Awards shortlists have been announced – and Miranda’s Mount is in the Best Romantic Ebook Read. I heard the news via Twitter while out with the Coffee Crew at Attingham Park – almost whooped out loud in the middle of the tea room. Now… I must dust off my party frock for the Awards Ball on November 16th.
Congratulations to everyone shortlisted – it’s going to be a fabulous evening and Festival. The full list is HERE including the New Talent list nominees.
2012 Festival of Romance Awards Shortlists
Best Ebook Read
Sponsored by E-scape Press
Miranda’s Mount by Phillipa Ashley
Change of Address by Natalie-Nicole Bates
Evie Undercover by Liz Harris
Darcie’s Dilemma by Sue Moorcroft
Tangled Love by Rosemary Morris
Best Romantic Read
Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues by Trisha Ashley
Dearest Rose by Rowan Coleman
It Started with a Kiss by Miranda Dickinson
The Cornish House by Liz Fenwick
Vampire State of Mind by Jane Lovering
Dream a Little Dream by Sue Moorcroft
Best Historical Read
Mistress of the Sea by Jenny Barden
The Painter’s Apprentice by Charlotte Betts
The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay
Desired by Nicola Cornick
Hold on to Hope by Jean Fullerton
The Road Back by Liz Harris
Best Short Romance
Back to You by Natalie-Nicole Bates
The Sanctuary by Cara Cooper
Tomorrow Belongs to Us by Lynda Dunwell
Dancing with Danger by Fiona Harper
Best Author Published Read
Strings Attached by Mandy Baggot
The School Gates by Nicola May
Truth (Glimmering) by Jane Miller
Build a Man by Talli Roland
Mysterious Master by Isabella Rose
PS I’ll be at the Coffee & Cake Meet the Authors session on Saturday 17th November in Bedford at 10.30 am – it os almost completely sold out – so if you want to join authors such as Rowan Coleman, Miranda Dickinson, Trisha Ashley and Carole Matthews – and me – reading from our books and chatting – book now at the the FoR site.
Posted by Phillipa @ 1:23 pm |
October 26, 2012
Yes, I’m on the awesome Talli Roland’s blog today talking about’ Nicking Other People’s Stories’ or rather, joining in the debate about fanfic…what do you think of it? What qualifies as a fanfic? is it Ok to use original works as inspiration for new novels? (I’ll be hiding behind the sofa for the rest of the day.)
Posted by Phillipa @ 6:30 am |
