The “Oops I forgot to give a speech” Speech.

Last Saturday night I was at the Awards Dinner (a very posh affair) at the Romance Writers of New Zealand 2014 conference in Auckland. Nervously awaiting the results of the Koru Award of Excellence that my first book, IN TOO DEEP, had been nominated for, I had skipped most of my meal and downed a couple glasses of red wine instead. For a cheap drunk like me? Not the brightest idea. When *my* name was called as the winner for best First Book I nearly fell off my chair. Luckily I’d thought to wear low-heeled shoes so I didn’t fall flat on my face climbing onto the stage to get my gorgeous trophy and a huge hug from the amazing Marie Force. Clutching my trophy and rosette, I scuttled off the stage WITHOUT giving a little thank-you speech. So for what it’s worth, here it is – better late than never, huh?

 

I’d firstly like to thank my awesome husband who has supported my desire to write from waaaay back when we first started dating over twenty years ago. The man bought me my first computer to write on, so I say, how could I NOT marry him? Definitely a keeper. I’d also like to thank my two kids who would probably struggle to pick me out in a crowd some days, since they often only see the back of my head as I’m hunched over my laptop. Next in line are my two amazing critique partners, Julie-Ann Thomas and Amber A. Bardan – you ladies ROCK and keep me grounded and upbeat on days when I just want to have my entire cast eaten by Great Whites! Thanks to the RWNZ and it’s wonderful and generous members who so often have helped and inspired me. Lastly, I like to thank my parents, specifically my mum who passed away while I was writing IN TOO DEEP. Piper’s grief was a shadow of mine and letting her express her pain on the page healed a tiny bit of my soul in the process. I know you’re celebrating with me mum, so this one’s for you.

Tracey