If you’ve been hearing high pitched excited squeals coming from the general direction of West London this week – well that was me.
On Thursday I got a call to tell me that Flight To Coorah Creek is a finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Ruby Award (Romantic Book of the Year Award).
I am absolutely thrilled. And delighted. And excited and honoured … and all those other good things.
Of course, being me, the whole thing wasn’t quite that simple. It started with my mobile phone…
I hate my mobile phone. I hate all mobile phones really, but they are useful. Mine has chosen this week to be difficult. It keeps suddenly shutting down and restarting, accompanied by all sorts of beeping noises. On Thursday I turned it off, because I was busy writing the next Coorah Creek Book and the beeping was annoying me. The book is at a really exciting place, where…. No, that would be telling. You’ll have to wait for more on that.
At the end of the day, with another 1500 words done, I turned my mobile on. I saw I had a missed call, but as I didn’t recognise the number I didn’t call back. Several hours later, during a rare moment when my phone was behaving itself, it buzzed me to say I had a voice mail. It was from the RUBY organiser saying I was a finalist.
That’s when the squeals started. I should also admit there was a tear or two as well. A few hours later, it was on the RWA blog, and I knew it was real.
I am shortlisted in the Romantic Elements category which is defined as : novels of any length, tone, or style, set in any place or time, in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, though it is not necessarily the central plot. Other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries.
Now I am busy trying to find flights to Melbourne for the award ceremony in August. And I’m going to get a new phone!
I want to thank the organisers at the RWA for all the hard work that goes into something like this. And whoever the first round readers were who liked Flight to Coorah Creek. It’s an honour to be a finalist – to be included among so many great writers, some of whom I am pleased to call my friends.
August and Melbourne seem a very very long way away…
Comments
22 responses to “Beeps and a drum roll”
Congratulations. No wonder you were squealing I’m doing the same and I only read it.
If it was judged on covers you’d win hands down. I really want to read some of the others note I’ve seen the covers. Good luck at the ceremony ????
Aww – thanks. I’ve already ordered a couple of the others. Looking forward to reading them too. J X
Huge congrats, Janet. Really well deserved. 🙂 x
Thanks Sheryl. I confess part of the fun of this is the wonderful response from friends and readers. It’s really been amazing. Wow – being an author is such a great job! J X
I absolutely loved this novel, Janet. It’s a great read. Mega congratulations for reaching the final. MargaretK x
Thanks Margaret. I am totally thrilled to be on the shortlist. Will be typing with crossed fingers until August. J X
Huge congratulations. Your book deserves the accolade, beautifully written story.
Thank you Linda. I have been touched by so many friends and readers wishing me well. J X
hi Janet. Congratulations they are deserved. I loved your Flight to Coorar Creek story. I was about to post on Amazon to give a review. Sorry just have not got around to it. I am thrilled for you.
Thanks Ann. I am so glad you enjoyed the book. A review would be lovely when you have time, thank you. Fingers crossed now for the Awards in August.
How fabulous to be recognised in this way Janet. I can’t say I’m too surprised though – I loved Flight to Coorah Creek 🙂
Thanks Kathryn… you are too kind 🙂
Fantastic! Congratulations on being short-listed. And get that pesky phone sorted out 😀
I can’t now Henriette – it’s become a good luck charm. Maybe after the awards 🙂
I’m absolutely thrilled for you – I loved Flight to Coorah Creek – it thoroughly deserves to be shortlisted. In my view, it deserves to win! I shall keep my fingers crossed for you.
Thanks so much Elizabeth. The more crossed fingers the better. 🙂
Wonderful news, Janet, and so well deserved as ‘Flight to Coorah Creek’ is one of those special books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Thanks Kate – I have been touched by the support and enthusiasm my friends and readers have shown. I am honoured to be shortlisted – and to have such support. J X
Well done, Janet – you must be on cloud nine!! Well deserved and keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Thanks Linn. I am still on cloud nine… kept there by all the good wishes from friends and readers and fellow authors. My – isn’t this just the best job in the world!
Congratulations Janet. So pleased that you have been short-listed, well done, you! I am now keeping all my fingers crossed for the award ceremony in August.
Thanks Istvan. Of course, you are allowed to uncross your fingers while playing guitar 🙂 J X