Word tracker

My Works in Progress

Saturday 21 November 2009

RNA Winter Party

Well, first of all let me introduce you all to Emily, my incredibly supportive daughter. Without her moral support I would never have made it to the RNA winter party.

I think I've mentioned before on this blog that all my life I've felt a bit disjointed. Different, quirky, odd - that sort of thing. The compulsion to drop everything I'm doing and sit down and write has been overwhelming, but my family has always thought I was a bit strange. My husband has, in the past, likened me to a secret transvestite because I kept my writing a secret. They kept it a secret. It was something not to be talked about. A skeleton in the Ireson family closet.

Emily absolutely loved the RNA party, so much so that loads of people thought she was a writer, too. Then she said something really lovely about all of us - published or not. She said that it was such a relief to her to know that there were other people in the world like her mum. She said she felt the same quirkiness throughout the crowded room that she had been feeling all her life and she felt really at home amongst us all.

We met up with Jane Wenham-Jones at the party. She gave me my usual injection of confidence - several times actually - and introduced me to lots of influential people as one of her 'Wannabes'. As you can see one glass just wasn't enough for me on this occasion as I had one red wine and one white wine! I also met Cally Taylor, Leigh Forbes and Kate Johnson and was absolutely gutted to find, when I got home and looked on the website, that Liz Fenwick had been there too! It was so crowded I just hadn't come across her in the huge, awesome library and I really would have liked to speak to her. Sorry Liz - I just didn't know you were there!

I met people I had met before in Caerleon and others I had conversed with by e-mail or in blogland. I managed to tell Judy Astley that she had won my little sunbed poll of the most popular books when I was on holiday (a 2-week long tally chart of books being read by people on sunbeds - 1st Judy Astley, 2nd Jill Mansell, 3rd Cecilia Ahern and they all beat Martina Cole into fourth place. Judy was thrilled to bits.)

Sue Moorcroft and her husband were there too. How on earth have we never managed to come across each other before, I ask myself? We live so close to each other we could practically chuck paper aeroplanes into each other's gardens (well - a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm talking 20 minutes walk here.) Our husbands have known each other for years and years. I like Sue. She's such a good role model. There she was, cool as anything, with 'Starting Over' sitting in WH Smith on St Pancras Station at No 4, no less, and her name on the cover and in the pages of 'Loves Me, Loves me Not'. You can't get any more successful than that, can you?

Elizabeth Hawksley was, as ever, so supportive of me as a new writer, as was Katie Fforde and Melanie Hilton. I absolutely loved talking to Cally about 'Heaven Can Wait' and came away feeling so happy for her that she had made it through the confusion and nail-biting agony that is becoming published. I spoke to Judith M about the trilogy, which I am rewriting on her advice at the moment, but am still confused about 'The White Cuckoo'. My gut feeling tells me this book is 'the one' but Judith is not impressed with it because it isn't a saga and she feels I should be concentrating on them. The RNA are helping me to hopefully find an agent to represent the 'Cuckoo' through the New Writers' Scheme and I am greatly indebted to my two RNA readers for all the help and guidance they have given me, along with Melanie Hilton, the NWS Organiser.

When we left, my feet hurt so badly from standing on heels (all 2 inches of them) all night, I really thought I wasn't going to make it to St Pancras. Emily's feet hurt, too, but she didn't moan about it all the way home like I did!

We ate a bag of giant chocolate buttons and another bag of chocolate clusters coming home on the train, and bumped into a Councillor, who looked mightily bemused at the sight of the 'other me'. Annie the eccentric writer of fiction as opposed to Anne, who is a boring, staid local government officer with personality extracted by years of having to write about protocol, constitutions and standing orders.

He e-mailed me yesterday, saying he almost didn't recognise me because I looked so different. 'You looked really happy,' he said. 'Had you been on the razz.'

'Nuff said. Councillor, if you read this blog, now you know!

All in all I would have to say the evening was AMAZING, but I won't because that word is beginning to annoy me intensely. Why does everyone on TV have to keep saying it all the time?

(PS: Debs - it would have been perfect if you had been able to come, too)

63 comments:

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

So pleased that the RNA love The White Cuckoo. It's going to be a wonderful book Annie.

Chris Stovell said...

Thank you for posting this, as with Liz's post it's fantastic to have an insight in to the party and to see photos of you all. Wonderful.

HelenMWalters said...

So glad you had a lovely time x

DAB said...

Don't you look mighty glam Ms Annie? Chocolate! Naughty (but nice). Glad to hear you had a fab time :-) TFx

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I would have loved to have been able to meet up with you and Cally again, and to meet your daughter.

It looks like great fun was had by all.

Howie said...

Hi Annie,
I just wanted to say how inspiring your blog has been, as well as all the other intresting blogs and comments on this sight. I wondered if it would be possible to ask you a question about JM. I think my email is connected to this comment but I have no idea as I am not really up with the blogging techology ye.
Thanks take care.
Howie (female even though the name suggests otherwise!!)

Annieye said...

Fia - aww thanks. It was great to chat this morning - make sure you email me your partial, I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Chris H - I was gutted to have missed Liz at the party.

Helen - it was great, despite me saying that I didn't want to go because I was scared.

TF - Me? Glam? Ooo-er. Annie and Glam do not go together. After Thursday night I have discovered that the best cure for hurting feet is chocolate!

Debs - I really wish you could have made it too. (By the way your nano word count is impressive)

Howie - I couldn't find your email address when I clicked on your name. Mine is anne.ireson@ntlworld.com if you want to email me.

Lane Mathias said...

What a lovely write up Annie.

Love the photo of you and Jane with four glasses between you:-)

btw, I'll be watching my inbox this week, remember?

x

Anonymous said...

Drat, I didn't see you there, Annie. I was going to 'come out' to you as the reader who recommended The White Cuckoo for a second read. But now I shall remain anon for the time being! (I'm adamant that it has all the right ingredients and do hope you find a helpful agent soon.)

Annieye said...

Lane - tee hee! It was quite funny, the four glasses of wine. Your inbox will be full of cuckoo poo very shortly (oh hells bells, why do I hesitate to press that little 'send' button.

Anonymous - Thanks for your lovely comments on the Cuckoo. (I am posting a thank you card off to Melanie Hilton to forward on to you - a bit belated I know, but the postal strike got in the way, I kept the card in my handbag for too long and it got so tatty so I had to buy a new one and write it out again).

There has been some interest in the Cuckoo, but I'm not counting my chicks just yet :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm pleased you both had a great time there. I know it's taking longer than you expected but I'm sure you're going to be published soon.

Jane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things? Perhaps I could pay her in wine.

heobeo said...

I impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post

Hotels.com Discount CodeImaging tables

Julia From TGR said...

Powerpoint Kurs onlineReconstructionist JudaismI rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next

heobeo said...

outdoor matsjanitorial equipment louisvilleI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

heobeo said...

poly tanksUebersetzungsbuero DresdenI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

heobeo said...

forumlinkbuilding companyusb-sticksI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

Julia From TGR said...

sell domainsholiday to barbados came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your

Julia From TGR said...

Absolute CondosSeagrove Beach real estateI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends

heobeo said...

OnlineBusinessOpportunityarticle writing serviceI am happy to see this post. It is really nice and useful for me. From many days i am searching for this type of article. This is a good post and is awesome

Julia From TGR said...

Vector ClipartSydney Website DesignJane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things? Perhaps I could pay her in wine.

Julia From TGR said...

Buy OxymetholoneOrder Capsiplexane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things? Perhaps I could pay her in wine.

heobeo said...

download usb driversFlorida VA LoanI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

heobeo said...

como hacer un guionwholesale dog clothesI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

Julia From TGR said...

luft luft varmepumpeonline school fundraisingI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

Julia From TGR said...

best olive oilcharmsJane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things? Perhaps I could pay her in wine.

Julia From TGR said...

Cadillac Startercomputer services in londonJane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things?

Julia From TGR said...

Hélium Gasfree textingI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share

Julia From TGR said...

clawfoot faucetdiscount electronics onlineI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share

Julia From TGR said...

fine jewelryAustralia ShoesI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share

Julia From TGR said...

kontaktannonceDijual Rumah di Jakartaane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things?

Julia From TGR said...

location de salle lyonAllstate Auto Insurance Reviewcame across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your

Julia From TGR said...

gunvault microvaultYoga BathJane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for

heobeo said...

if you like knitting, try it :)
..

Julia From TGR said...

Workout Programsfranchise consultantif you like knitting, try it :)

Julia From TGR said...

cursos guionLatest Games DownloadJane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for writing related things? Perhaps I could pay her in wine.

Julia From TGR said...

Boots Salestradbroke accommodationane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for

Julia From TGR said...

realistic fictionPfefferspray günstig kaufenane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for

letrunghieu said...

ane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for

hghnegle

Julia From TGR said...

Electronic CigarettesQuail West Naples FloridaFia - aww thanks. It was great to chat this morning - make sure you email me your partial, I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Julia From TGR said...

refrigerator repair brooklynporcelain marker boardsane is good with her pep-talks, isn't she? Do you think she does them for life in general as well as for

heobeo said...

charmswholesale dressesI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

Julia From TGR said...

Toyota Starterfunky bean bagsFia - aww thanks. It was great to chat this morning - make sure you email me your partial, I'm really looking forward to reading

Julia From TGR said...

ink cartridgemodular bookcaseI impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post.

trungvkvk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
trungvkvk said...

I lay my love on you
You make me feel brand new
Show me all your love, and walk right through
As I lay my love on you
send text messagecorporate finance

trungvkvk said...

edinburgh apartment hotelsLASIK Klinik
The rooms are getting smaller
I wonder how
I wonder why
I wonder where they are
The days we had
The songs we sang together
Oh yeah
And all my love
We're holding on forever
Reaching for the love that seems so far

trungvkvk said...

luxury apartments wide baypokerking
singing...
I pretend that I'm glad you went away
These four walls closing more every day
And I'm dying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Like a clown I put on a show
The pain is real even if nobody knows
And I'm crying inside
And nobody knows it but me

trung said...

Daily Deals websitesDiscount Travel Club

Oh the things that you say
Is it live or
Just to play my worries away
You're all the things I've got to remember
You're shying away
I'll be coming for you anyway

amantr said...

rolex replicavideo production company
See me as if you never knew
Hold me so you can't let go
Just believe in me
I will make you see
All the things that your heart needs to know

trung said...

tablet androidpdf splitter
And I'm crying inside
And nobody knows it but me
Why didn't I say the things I needed to say
How could I let my angel get away
Now my world is just a-tumblin' down
I can say it so clearly but you're nowhere around

trungvkvk said...

quality accommodation hervey bayRental Management Directory

oooo oohhhhh yeah

Tomorrow morning, I'm a hit a dusty road
Gonna find you, where ever, ever you might go
And I'm gonna load my heart and hope you come back to me

trungvkvk said...

active directory backupMississauga Condos
There was a girl I used to know
She was oh so beautiful
But she's not here anymore
She had a college degree
Smart as anyone could be
She had so much to live for
But she fell in love

trungvkvk said...

profesores particulares de inglésit support

How come, how long
It's not right, it's so wrong
Do we let it just go on
Turn our backs and carry on
Wake up, for it's too late
Right now, we can't wait
She won't have a second try
Open up your hearts
As well as your eyes

Blog Commenting Service said...

There are certainly a couple more details to take into consideration, but thank yiouj for sharing this information.

amantr said...

Inpatient TreatmentDrug Rehab
An autumn love is special
At this time of the year
But when the leaves are gone
Does that love disappear
I never underestimate the new love of spring
But I'm glad to say in my heart
I know my love's lasting

amantr said...

Honda Control ArmPaid Work Abroad
With all the girls I know
I know you wanna hit that
I know you wanna hit that hit that
All the world is gettin' with, I say
Consequences are a lot, but hey
That's the way it
That's the way things go

amantr said...

create a websiteinvestment management company
So don't debate, a player straight
You know he really doesn't get it anyway
Gonna play the field, and keep it real
For you, no way, for you, no way

So if you don't rate, just overcompensate
At least, you'll know you can always go on ricki lake
The world needs wannabes
So hey hey, do that brand new thing

trung said...

ben10 gamesDescargar Series
And nobody knows it but me

I carry smile when I'm broken in two
And I'm nobody without someone like you
I'm trembling inside
And nobody knows it but me (yeah)

trung said...

ben10 gamesDescargar Series
And nobody knows it but me

I carry smile when I'm broken in two
And I'm nobody without someone like you
I'm trembling inside
And nobody knows it but me (yeah)

Unknown said...

Kami mau Share saja ini buat yang suka main Poker dan domino
www.duniaqq.com hadir buat anda...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WWW.DUNIAQQ.COM >>>>>>>>>>

Ayo Bergabung......Bagi anda pengemar *****POKER & DOMINOqq*****

Silakan Gabung Dan Join Di Website
Resmi Kami Di ****** WWW.DUNIAQQ.COM ******

Minimal Deposit Dan Withdraw Hanya <<<<>>>>

Kami menyediakan ***BONUS*** LOTERE dengan Minimum DEPO: >>>>>Rp.100.000<<<<<
Anda Mendapat kan BONUS *****1 KUPON***** LOTERE, Dan Berlaku >>> KELIPATAN <<<


Situs kami Terpercaya Dan Aman
Dengan CS Yang Terampil,Ramah Dan Sopan
Deposit Dengan Harga Yang Relatif Kecil Yakni <<<<>>>>
Anda Sudah Dapat Menikmati
Proses Deposit dan withdraw Hanya Kurang Dari 3 Menit

Support Bank:
-BCA
-MANDIRI
-BNI
-BRI
-DANAMON

Permainan POKER dan DominoQQ
Buruan Gabung Dan Mainkan Permainan POKER dan Domino QQ anda
Hanya Di http://www.duniaqq.com/?ref=DUNIA88

Dengan Layanan Operator Professional 24jam Siap Melayani Anda.

Bantuan & Info:
Pin BB : 2B44FC28
YM: CS_DUNIAQQ@YAHOO.COM
LIVE CHAT 24 JAM
http://www.duniaqq.com/?ref=DUNIA88

Unknown said...

Malaikatbet.com adalah Agen Taruhan Bola Online Terpercaya yang sangat aman % Dan bertanggung jawab , Kini Kami siap Membantu Para Bettor / Penggila Judi Bola Supaya tidak bingung untuk memilih Betting Online , dengan ini Kami juga Menyediakan Fasilitas Pasaran bola dengan Odd's Terbaik Dan Memberikan kemudahan untuk bertransaksi Via Bank Terbanyak .

Malaikat Bet Tersedia Permainan : Sepak Bola , Casino , Togel , Tangkas , Poker Hanya Dengan ( 1 User ID For All Game )

Keunggulan Bergabung Bersama Malaikatbet.com :

- Transaksi Deposit Dan Withdraw hanya 2 - 3 Menit
- Rahasia Member Terbukti Aman Dan terpercaya
- Dilayani oleh Costumer Service yang Ramah Dan Profesional, Serta 24 jam Untuk Melayani Anda .
- Menyediakan Bank Lokal Terbanyak : Bca , Mandiri , Bni , Bri , Danamon
- Membuka Pasaran Bola Terbaik Untuk Para Bettor / Penggila Judi Bola
- Semua Permainan Hanya Dalam 1 User ID ( Sepak bola,Casino.Togel,poker. Tangkas )
- Bonus Refferal 10 % Akan Di Berikan Kepada Para Member yang mengajak Teman Teman nya untuk Bergabung di Malaikatbet.com

Dengan Minimun Deposit yang Paling Rendah : 50.000 Rupiah , Anda Sudah Bisa Bergabung bersama Kami .

Segera Daftarkan Diri anda di fansbetting.com dan Ajaklah Teman-Teman Anda bergabung bersama kami, Pendaftaran tidak dipunggut biaya...

Register Buruan Gabung bersama Permainan Malaikatbet.com

Unknown said...

POKER DAN DOMINOQQ Online INDONESIA
POKER DAN DOMINOQQ TERPERCAYA
AMAN DARI ROBOT
Dengan Minimal Deposit Hanya 25000
Dengan Proses Deposit Dan Withdraw Yang Sangat Cepat
Dengan Support Bank Indonesia Yang Sangat Lengkap:
-BCA
-MANDIRI
-BNI
-BRI
-DANAMON
-CIMB NIAGA
-BII
-MEGA
-PANIN
Dengan Layanan Operator Professional 24jam Siap Melayani Anda.

Untuk Bantuan Silakan Hubungi Operator
- YM: CS.MALAIKATPOKER@YAHOO
- BB: 25F4D3A1
- SUPPORT LIVECHAT 24JAM
Dapatkan Bonus Referral Seumur Hidup Dengan Member Get Member 10%
Ayo Gabung Sekarang Juga Di link Bawah Ini

Permainan MalaikatPoker.com

Mitra303 said...

Mitra303 | Bola Online | Agen SBOBET | Agen Online | Casino Online
Agen Judi Terpercaya Mitra303
Agen Bola Terpercaya Mitra303
Bola Online
Agen SBOBET
Casino Online
Poker Online
Agen IBCBET
Agen Asia77
Bola Tangkas
Prediksi Bola
Prediksi Skor HEERENVEEN VS DE GRAAFSCHAP 8 Agustus 2015
Prediksi Skor RODA JC VS HERACLES 9 Agustus 2015
Prediksi Skor ORLANDO CITY VS PHILADELPHIA UNION 9 Agustus 2015