Repetition is the enemy of authors; nevertheless, I intend to repeat myself by saying what I’ve said after every RNA party – the RNA knows how to throw a fabulous party! The Summer Party 2016 was no exception, and a terrific time was had by all.
Once again, the party venue was the imposing Royal Overseas League in Park Place, off St. James Street, near Piccadilly. From here on, despite belonging a profession that enjoys using words, I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves.
The Royal Overseas League
Let the party begin! Tania Crosse, Julie Roberts, Tracy Glover, Tony Robert
Starting to gather for the party
Terri Fleming, Charlotte Betts. Behind them, Maggi Fox and Jean Fullerton talk to Kelvin Woolmer
Kathryn Freeman
Berni Stevens, AnneMarie Brear
Maggi Fox
John Jackson
Lyn Vernham, with Kathryn Freeman behind her
Alison May
Jane Eastgate, Haydn Stacey, Lynda Stacey
AnneMarie Brear, Sarah Waights, Kate Johnson, Kathryn Freeman
Fiona Lindsay
Eileen Ramsay
Laura E. James
Gill Stewart, Henriette Gyland, Imogen Howson, Jean Fullerton, Laura E. James
Vicky Walker, Julie Vince, Linda Taylor
Rowan Coleman, Fiona Harper, Julie Cohen, Roger Sanderson, Jan Jones
Guy Bispham, Alison May, Kate Johnson, Evonne Wareham, Imogen Howson, John Jackson
Me, talking to Lynda Stacey
Kate Johnson, sitting next to Evonne Wareham
Kate’s fabulous shoes!
Ellie Darkins, Anita Chapman
Donna Ashcroft, Jules Wake
Liz Finn
Jules Wake, Ian Skillicorn
Anita Chapman and me
If I were asked to sum up the RNA in one word, that word would be FRIENDSHIP. Writers of romantic fiction are the most friendly, supportive people. I hope that some of the enjoyment they find at meeting up with each other is conveyed by these photos.
I have been waiting to see these Liz. Excellent photography as always. You all look stunning. Thank you for sharing them.
Many thanks, Carol. When I look at the photos taken by others, it makes me realise how many people I missed seeing! I should like to go back and do the party all over again, but this time making sure I circulated more. Roll on the RNA Winter Party 2016!
Love those pictures, Liz! It was fun to see lots of familiar faces, and so many Chocliteers. Also, a lovely surprise to see AnneMarie Brear, though I knew she’d left Australia to live in the UK, and naturally she’d be at an illustrious gathering of writers. Say hello to them all from me when you next see them. 🙂
It was lovely to meet, AnneMarie, Beverley, and I’ll pass on your best wishes when I next see her again. I didn’t have time to say much to her – such is the way of parties – but the Choc Lit authors are having a get-together in June, and I hope to do better then.
As always a great blog and I totally agree, the friendship in the room can be over whelming. Such amazing ladies, who I’m very proud to call friends xx
Yes, the way in which everyone supports everyone else, and everyone is genuinely delighted at the good news of fellow writers, Lynda, is really wonderful. I read someone say on a blog this week that writing books is a lonely activity. It isn’t: it’s a solitary activity, but with the friends you make over the years, who share your passion for writing, it’s never a lonely one.
Good photos, Liz, and properly labelled too, which is always helpful. Thanks for sharing, being In Hong Kong I rarely manage to get to events these days.
Many thanks for your comment, Gail. I always try to label my photos as I find it frustrating when I see a photo, know that I know the face, but can’t think of the name. Talking of names, I’ve heard you mentioned over the years. I do hope that when next you’re in England, we’ll have an occasion on which to say hello in person.
What lovely photos! Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Nina. Thank you for telling me so.
Thanks for this, Liz. I’m really sad I had to cancel coming to my first RNA do but look forward to the winter one. So glad you labelled the photos!
And I so agree what you say about solitary versus lonely. I have made so many wonderful friends since I started writing books – and hope to make more through RNA!
I was about to say that I shall see you at the Winter Party, Clare, and then I remembered that we’ll be meeting before that; namely, at the HNS Conference in Oxford in September, and possibly at one of the two committee meetings before the conference. I look forward to it.
Me too, Liz!
Thanks so much for posting them, Liz. I imagine many people feel as I do, enjoying seeing the photos and disappointed not to have been there. Totally agree with you about the supportiveness of the RNA. One of its best features is the pleasure we all take in each others’ success. Maybe there are other organisations where you may not have seen someone face to face for 20 years then meet up at an party or Awards Do and simply pick up where you left off but I don’t know them. The RNA rocks!
I agree with every word of that, Jane. The day I was introduced to the RNA was a very lucky day for me, and I’m sure that all of the RNA members feel exactly the same.
Lovely pics, Liz, and it was great to see you as always! x
Ditto about seeing you, too, Anita. And I enjoyed our drink at the hotel afterwards with the others. It was, indeed, a lovely evening.
You know how to write a wonderful story – but also how to convey one in photographs, too! Fabulous pictorial summary Liz, thank you 🙂
That’s very kind of you, Kathryn. I love having something to look back to, which reminds me of a very enjoyable occasion. It’s nothing to do with wanting to make sure that I don’t repeat the outfit I wore when it comes to the next party. Not so at all!
Thanks for taking and posting these photos, LIz. Almost as good as being there. Hope I am able to make the Winter Party this year.
I, too, hope you’re able to make the Winter Party, Lizzie. You were missed last week.
Lovely to see you all having a good time!
It’s such a shame that we’re a weeny bit far from Nashville! You mustsay in advance when next you’re going to be in England, and perhaps we’ll get to meet up then. I do hope so.
Great photos, Liz, of a brilliant party, one of the best Summer Parties I’ve been too, relaxing and enjoyable. As you say it’s all about friendship and supporting each other, a boost I was in need of right now.
My thought, too, Mags. I think that these parties, where we’re surrounded by friends we’ve made over the years, give us all a lift that’s much needed at times. I’m so glad that this last party did the trick for you.
Oh dear, a good party missed! Can’t wait until Lancaster and there is more RNA fun.
Mega envy, Chrissie. I’m going to have to miss the Lancaster conference owing to a family celebration in London. It’ll be the first conference I’ve missed for years. The 2017 conference in Harper Adams is already inked into my diary, though.
Lovely photos, Liz. For me, they’re the next best thing to being at the party. Although I now live in Canada, the RNA will always have a special place in my heart.
Many thanks for your comment, Jen. I’m glad that the photos proved to be enjoyable.
Wonderful set of photos, Liz. Nice to see so many lovely smiles. Thanks for sharing. : )
I’m delighted that you enjoyed looking at the photos, Rae. We all had good reason to smile as it was a fabulous evening!
Looks like another fantastic get together, so disappointed I missed it but I’m looking forward to meeting you all at the conference this year.
I’m so sorry to be missing the conference this year owing to a family function. Hopefully, you’ll be at the RNA Winter Party as I’d love to say hello in person.
Great photos, Liz, of a fabulous evening.
Thanks, Jean. It’s always lovely to have a photographic reminder of a really enjoyable occasion. Happily, I also have a reminder of the lovely Colchester tea.