When I sat down in front of my laptop on that sun-drenched September afternoon, to find out who the winner of the prestigious Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award would be, I had no idea that by the end of the zoom presentation, the wonderful Katie Fforde would open the envelope and say my name.
It was quite a surreal moment and it was actually a blessing (for me) that the recording of the presentation didn’t include my initial utter disbelief. For a few seconds, after my name was announced, I felt that time had actually stood still as I blinked repeatedly, wondering whether there had been some sort of mistake. And then of course, I was to make a garbled speech and this time the speech in all its effusive glory was recorded. Here, not only do I forget to thank Dr Hessayon – who generously sponsors the award in memory of his late wife, Joan- a vehement champion of new writers but also my lovely editor, Charlotte Ellis at Harlequin, Mills and Boon. I had been convinced that I had thanked both only to realise my mistake on second viewing. Thankfully, I have since rectified that oversight.
The truth is that I was and still am so ridiculously happy to be the winner of this amazing award, especially in the RNA’s 60th anniversary year.
The New Writer’s Scheme (or NWS) is a unique scheme run by the RNA offering unpublished writers the chance to have their work critiqued anonymously by the RNA’s team of published authors. My own experience of getting detailed feedback of my work was both nerve-racking and stressful yet immensely valuable as well.
For writers to be able to pass through the scheme and achieve the Herculean feat of getting their books published, it’s such an amazing feeling of accomplishment. After all the years of hard work, determination and at times disappointment, it all becomes worth it and not only that but this book that you’ve written- your debut can then qualify for this award as well.
The nurture and support from the RNA and the New Writer’s Scheme helped me achieve that elusive dream of becoming a published author. From the chapters (shout out to the London Chapter), to the seminars, courses, talks, events- the fabulous summer conference (where I met my editor, at the one-to-one meeting last year), Winter Party and the industry award ceremonies- it is such an amazingly warm, welcoming professional body.
This year there was an unprecedented number of books (21) that went through the New Writer’s Scheme to publication with a huge variety of stories within the romantic fiction genre. From historical romance, heart-warming contemporaries, saga, festive romance, romance infused with a thriller element, a paranormal romance to romantic comedies and so much more. I’m still quite bewildered by how the judges managed to choose from such a dazzling list of books this year but the fact that my debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight was selected as the winner is an absolute honour for me and something I will always cherish forever.
Melissa x
Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical.
When she’s not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.
Check out Kirsten Hesketh’s review of The Rebel Heiress and the Knight in this month’s Sister Scribes Reading Round Up.