Yes, it has been a while since I last posted. I’ve been busy with house reno stuff and prep for my trip to Orlando for the Golden Heart Awards. The awards were run last night and I’m uber happy to report one of my new BFFs, Erica O’Rourke, took out the best YA manuscript award. On top of that, Erica signed a three-book deal with Alicia Condon at Kensington!!!! Congrats! We 2010 YA finalists formed a close bond before heading to Orlando and we had a ball together all week. We missed double-finalist Shelley Coriell, though, as she was at SCBWI in L.A.
Also a winner was my lovely Aussie buddy Kylie Griffin. Kylie’s been blitzing contests in Aus and NZ, and it was only a matter of time before she conquered the US too! Congrats, Kylie!
Click here to see the full list of GH winners.
The awards are known as the Oscars of romance writing, so of course I have to post pictures of everyone in their finery. I’ll have more conference photos and gossip in the next few days.
Kim MacCarron, Shea Berkley, Erica O'Rourke (winner!), me, Jen McAndrews, Carey Corp - aka the 2010 GH YA finalists, aka the MargaRitas
Part of the Aussie contingent - me, Erica Hayes (top centre), Kylie Griffin (winner!), my date Anna Campbell in front.
Meg Cabot (!!!!) and me. Little does she know I'm hyperventilating in this shot.
Losers! From left, paranormal romance finalist Katrina Snow, Shea, me, Kim and Jen.
Me and Rosemary Clement-Moore, out-going prez of the YARWA chapter, former RITA winner and all-round fab person.
Our Kylie accepting her award in the paranormal category.
Jen and her roomie, Linda Gerber, author of the 'Death By...' series.
Winners! Jacqui Nelson (Historical category) and CJ Chase (Inspirational category).
Watch this blog for more photos to come!
What great photos, Vanessa! Your dress was gorgeous. Glad you made it home safely.
Thanks, Anne! It was so great to see you in Orlando! I’m not quite home yet; just having an extended pit stop before I head back to Australia.
Golden Heart® YA Finalist 2009, 2010 http://www.vanessabarneveld.com http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/rss
Vanessa, oh you look so stunning. Everyone is so glam. Love the photos – it looked like you had a fabulous time.
Oh, you’re very kind, Eleni! It really was a fantastic night. I can’t wait to catch up with you and cheer for you at our own awards night in Sydney!
Gorgeous dress, Vanessa!!! Was lovely meeting up with you in the real world. Have a safe trip home!
Thanks, Sharon! Wasn’t it great to finally meet at last? It was pretty hectic; I hope we’ll see each other more next time.