Saturday 6 December 2008

Romantic Novelists Association Party

Now that I have finished my latest book (the sequel to The Russian Concubine - in the bookstores summer/autumn 2009), it's time to get out and about. The other week I hopped on a train up to London and went to the RNA winter party. I had a great time, meeting up with other authors, editors and agents.

As a writer it's very easy to forget, when closeted in my study and immersed in my characters' lives, that the real world consists of more than just a keyboard on my desk and a cat curled up on my lap. There are other authors out there who wrestle with the same problems, utter the same moans and revel in the same ecstatic delight when it all goes right. In the glorious setting of the IMEC library, I was relieved to see in many eyes the slightly manic gleam of puppies let off the lead for the first time - the gleam I knew was bright in my own eyes. The RNA and its magazine does a great job of keeping authors in touch with what is going on in the publishing world.

Under a Blood Red Sky has made a great start. Already on The Times and WHSmith's bestseller lists which is exciting to see. I have spent time going round signing books and enjoying giving talks to readers about why I wrote the book and how I did my research. I'm doing another talk at the Palace Hotel in Paignton this week and in February 2009 my publisher is lining up a tour of events in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Kent. Can't wait! A great way to start the new year.

2 comments:

Karen said...

congratulations on your finish , now comes the hard bit for us lol we have to wait for it to come to the shelves;o)
Also well done on getting on the bestsellers lists, I really enjoyed under a blood red sky

Kate Furnivall said...

Hi Karen,
Glad you enjoyed Under a Blood Red Sky - the new one is called The Concubine's Secret in the UK (The Girl from Junchow in the US) and will be published June/July 2009. I'm very excited about it. Happy Christmas to you.