“The life of a romantic novelists appears to be one ongoing party.” Or so a friend commented when I confessed I was off to my winter ‘works do’ in London last Wednesday. (Yes, I mean the Romantic Novelists’ Association Winter Party held at the IMECE in London on 21 November 2012!!)
“We have our moments,” I replied. Swallowing thoughts of long hours spent chained to my desk, typing away in my cold office, battling my way through edits and proofs, concepts, first drafts, second drafts, hundred-and-thirteenth drafts and so on. Of course, battling is an overstatement but… you know what I mean!
Anyway, a writer’s life can be lonely and overwhelming so occasions like the RNA Winter Party are merely a just equalizer, a chance to meet friends and let your hair down. Too right!
Here are a few photos of my debut RNA outing!
Glamming up and getting in the mood ~ with Mandy Baggot and Sheryl Browne!
Oh, looking a bit whited-out. Try again (said the photo-taker) and go in the middle, Nicky.
Happy to oblige! (With Anna Bell, Jan Bridgen and Mandy Baggot but having lost Sue Fortin somehow!)
Apparently, authors say ‘Whiskey’, not cheese. See, I learned something!
Meet the crew: Mandy, Sue and Sheryl!
Circle of pain. Whose feet hurt the most? Whose shoes are the worst torture instruments? I reckon mine, but Mandy did go barefoot for longest. Clockwise from 12 o’clock: Sue Fortin, Jan Bridgen, Mandy Baggot, myself and Sheryl Browne.
Ok, ladies, you can take them off now…
Mandy: “Where’s my phone?”
Sheryl: “Where are my keys?”
Mandy: “Are you hungry?”
Nicky (from the sideline): “We are taking a taxi, right?”
Sheryl: “Shall we get some dinner?”
Mandy: “I’m not walking.”
Sheryl: “Is it time go go?”
Mandy: “Where’s my phone?”
(We took a taxi back to the hotel, and we had a lovely snack-cum-dinner in the bar until almost midnight, and no more walking was done!)
Nicky Wells: Love & Thrills 
Much fun had by all 🙂
x
Indeed! The anti-climax is extremely steep. Propping myself up with promise of summer party and other gatherings!!! Hope you’re having a great day, sweetie! xx
Great pictures, I was sorry not to be able to attend.
We missed you!!!!
Lovely summary 🙂 xx
Thanks, Laura! The evening went to quickly, I wish I’d had more time to chat with you!!!!!! XX
What a giddy life you lead! With all the Christmas partying still to come…
I’ve nominated you for a Booker Award, by the way, as I’m curious to know what your top 5 books are and what you are currently reading.
So pleased you enjoyed. It’s been a few years since I went to a RNA Winter party. Always good fun. 🙂
Certainly is! Maybe see you there next time… 🙂