I only got home late last night, and I am still trying to sort myself out, so by the time I sat down to describe Tuesday’s RNA Awards lunch, Kate Hardy had already done a much better job on her blog so pop over there for a full description and an array of photos.  Kate is a regular on the shortlist, as is the ebullient Fiona Harper, here together in fine form but the Romance Prize went yesterday to India Grey. It was clear from the summing up just how much the judges loved India’s book, and she was a very popular winner.

Warmest congratulations again to India!

 So, no rose bowl for me this year, but perhaps it was just as well, given how much I was struggling home on the late train.  I have never mastered the art of travelling light.  I long to step onto a train or a plane with just a clutch bag, but no!  I’m always laden down with outfits for any eventuality, plus sufficient books to keep me going not just for the journey but for any possible delays (which is a lot when flying to Australia)  This time I had to have something to wear for lunch out on Monday after a visit to the National Portrait Gallery (where we saw a fabulous exhibition of photographic portraits – check it out at  http://www.npg.org.uk:8080/photoprize/site/index.php and if you get a chance to go, do) as well as my walking boots and jacket for Sunday.  In the event, we just walked along the Thames from Richmond to Kingston, but it was a lovely day for a change, and as we plotted most of my next book, it was worth carrying those boots. 

And then, of course, I had to have an outfit for the Awards lunch, although I opted out of buying anything special.  Instead I wore a very old silk top and a not quite so old linen cardigan from M&S with black jersey trousers, and the most that can be said was that I was very comfortable.  Naturally, though, the moment I got there I felt horribly dowdy and middle-aged and was furious with myself for (a) not making more of an effort and (b) having no one to blame but myself.  Here I am, feeling my age next to Fiona Harper and India Grey, as I think you can probably tell from my fixed smile and hunted look.  I DID have nice nails, though, thanks to Diana, who does a mean manicure even if she is a trifle over-zealous on the cuticle front, and even managed to keep them unchipped until I got home, which must be a first.

It’s a relief to be back, I must say.  I feel as if I haven’t been here properly since Christmas, and am hoping for a quiet time now to settle down and get on with some work (blimey, how middle-aged does THAT sound??)  I am feeling very enthusiastic about my next book, which is to be a romantic comedy. The plan is to write it in the first person for a change,  and I’m hoping that will make the story fresher and easier to write … but we’ll see!