RWA – Awards Night

Well while I was worrying about the family, whose plane was late, I was also getting excited for the RWA Awards ceremony.  This is where the RITA’s and Golden Heart winners are announced.

Now if you didn’t know the RITA’s are the Oscars of the Romance Writing World. The novels are judged by fellow authors. The Golden Heart is probably also the Oscar of contests. Everyone wants to say they were a finalist or a winner!

It was an exciting night for me as I knew a lot of the RITA finalists, West Houston RWA had 7 nominations from 5 authors alone.  Plus there was three Aussie authors nominated too – very exciting! Not to mention the lady I stalked all conference, the lovely Donna Alward was nominated.  I also knew a couple of the Golden Heart finalists too! So as I said, exciting.

Sadly for West Houston with all our nominations we came away empty handed, but let me tell you all those nominated were honored to be nominated. I cheered loudly for everyone who I knew when their name was called.

But there was a very special moment and that was when Australian Fiona Lowe won the RITA for her category – Contemporary Single Title.  I jumped up and screamed I was so happy for her!! The picture is of her with her award. I also got to have one with her and touched the RITA!! Hope the luck rubs off on me!  The great thing about this award is that her publisher is Carina Press, an e-publisher.  Fiona went on to win the double when she won the Ruby which is the Romance Writers of Australia award for best book.

So that’s it my adventures at RWA done. It was a fantastic time and I can’t wait for my next National conference. As I promised there is a picture of me glammed up with Donna and also some of the West Houston ladies and the fabulous Kati – from Romancing Rakes.