The Magnificent Maleficent

I know, I'm bad. I haven't blogged in ages. At the moment it feels like I am chasing my tail. Or I'm that bloody hamster who can't get off the wheel!

Even though I have the smallest, cosiest house ever, it still needs cleaning, the boys need feeding and I still have to go to work. Lord knows how I'd cope if I didn't have my own gardener... aka Dad :)

I always feel guilty when I'm not doing something constructive, i.e writing related activities, and today was one of those days, as I have a whole day off to do 'stuff' - and I didn't.

However, my day was thoroughly enjoyable and I love having a trip out with one of my best friends. Female bonding is constructive, right?

Once a month, we take time out to drive to Cabot Circus, Bristol, as soon as the kids are dropped off into school, to see a film and have lunch out. Today, we really wanted to see Maleficent, and we arrived as it was starting - luckily as there were twenty minutes of adverts and trailers first we dashed next door to grab a Costa Coffee to sneak in with us. We were out just before noon, leaving us plenty of time to have lunch at Frankie and Benny's plus shop for shoes :)

I have always been a huge fan of Angelina Jolie since Tomb Raider. If you watch the extras on the DVD, she worked hard to get her part as Lara Croft right. She's one Kick Ass Chick :) Plus, she's beautiful.

I wasn't sure what to expect about Maleficent, but all I can say is it is a popular fairy tale told from the other point of view - the wicked witch. I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil the twist, but I loved it. (And so did Fi).

Being a romance writer, I love fairy tales. Cinderella (I got all excited when I saw the trailer for that too!) being my favourite. However, I think Sleeping Beauty is up there too. I much prefer this adaptation, even though I have fond memories of the Sleeping Beauty cartoon version.

The film, Maleficent, is about a woman scorned... well, a fairy actually... Go see it! With or without the kids! It's fantastic. Angie is awesome, and was born to play this part.

RNA Summer Party Quick Report

My cocktail: Cesar Punch

As I've been on holiday, and have a mountain of things to catch up on (including the washing and ironing) I thought I would just do a very quick blog post to tell you about the RNA Summer Party.

It was soooo much fun :)

Sue, me and Charlotte

Firstly, I met my editor (I will never tire of those two words together) Charlotte Ledger and Sue Fortin for cocktails at the Ritz.

Then, running a teeny bit late, (nothing to do with me taking photos of the very pink powder room) we headed to the summer party so that Sue and I could have our official photo taken!

Official photo of the Joan Hessayon contenders

Receiving my award.

I met new faces, and faces that I knew through social media but had never met, and old faces, friends I'd made at the RNA Conference in 2011 and were able to catch up with (because I hadn't seen them since).

It really was a lovely evening and I didn't get to talk to as many writers/friends as I had hoped. Apologies to those I missed!

I was awarded a certificate and a prize (which I really wasn't expecting). Lining up was very nerve-racking. And luckily, Pia Fenton didn't do a X Factor style announcement of the winner. She announced it quickly to put us out of our misery. :)

Sue & I with our certificates

The winner was Jo Thomas with her début novel The Oyster Catcher. More news on the winner here.

I think my favourite part of the evening was being introduced by Charlotte to a lot of her Mills and Boon colleagues and friends as 'one of her authors'. I won't ever tire of that phrase either.

Fab fab evening! Chatted on the train all the way to Egham to some poor guy heading out to Reading. Hope he didn't think I was bonkers with my pink nails, pink dress, pink handbag and pink shoes. Can't wait for the RNA Conference. My pack has arrived. I must fill it out. If you're going, see you there. :)