I'm All Out of Love

Yes, it's true. After a heady weekend at the Festival of Romance, I'm definitely not feeling the Monday love this morning. However, it's all worth it, because it was such a nice weekend. A Regency county home, lots of lovely  writers, a ball with chocolate, wine and jazz... honestly, can one really ask for more?

Helen Hunt gives the first session of the conference, a very informative hour on writing short stories. Friday kicked off sunny and cold, and the short journey north of London flashed by in a hangover-induced haze. Note to self: do not drink with Twitter pals the night prior to a conference! I managed to rouse myself to take part in a self-publishing panel that morning. Several fascinating panels and one chocolate-tasting session later, and the day was done.

Festival Goers! Back row: Celia, Nell, Fiona, Sarah, Liz. Front: Catherine, Sue.Saturday dawned not quite so hungover, thank goodness. Although I tried my best to get out of the author fashion show (Marilyn, anyone?), the MC was a tough taskmaster and a few hours later I found myself parading in front of a packed room in full Marilyn gear. Thankfully, I was joined by fellow authors dressed as chickens to waitresses, and we were all very well received!

The short-list for Best Romantic Read: Carole Matthews, Fiona Harper, Sue Moorcroft, Me!, Juliet ArcherLater that evening, we all dressed in our finery for the Ball and awards ceremony. A big congrats goes out to Sue Moorcroft, who won Best Romantic Read, and Jean Fullerton, the winner of Best Historial Read. I was honoured to have been short-listed.

Sunday, I crawled home and collapsed on the sofa. And I'm still in recovery! Excuse me while I go lie down... Have a great Monday, everyone.