I can finally let you all in on a secret I have been keeping for a little while now….
The Romantic Novelists Association has announced the shortlists for the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards – and my book, Little Girl Lost, is there. Yes – I cried when I heard the news a few weeks ago. And once or twice since then, I have jumped up and down and made squeeee noises – excited, but so frustrated that I had to keep it a secret.
Little Girl Lost is shortlisted for the Epic Romantic Novel of the Year –that’s for a book which has a strong romance at its core, but also deals with wider issues beyond the romance.
Being shortlisted for this award means a lot to me for several reasons.
First of all, the RNA is a wonderful organisation for which I have boundless respect and affection. I’ve been a member for many years and tried, where I can, to do my bit to help the organisation that helped me so much when I was first starting out as a writer of fiction.
I am also sharing the shortlists with writers whom I admire and, in some cases, have the honour of calling my friends. My dear writing buddy Jean Fullerton and I are both nominated for the same award. I’ve read her book and I have to say it would be a worthy winner.
Little Girl Lost holds a special place in my heart. Some of the issues it deals with have touched me personally. As I wrote it, I had my doubts about the book – but people I love and trust supported me and urged me on.
So – thank you to the RNA and the award readers for this honour. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in March. I have already purchased an outfit. Win or lose, that evening is going to be rather fab-u-lous!
You can read more about the awards and the shortlists on the RNA website. There looks to be some wonderful reading there. I’ve already added a couple to my to-be-read pile.