What does a romantic novelist look like?

Hmmm interesting question and one that has caused quite a flurry among the writers of the Romantic Novelists Association. The reason? At the latest London get together of the RNA a Daily Mail journalist was present to do an article along with a photographer. What she came up with, sadly, was the standard, cliched lazy-journalism old tosh about bodice rippers. How many times have we heard that phrase until we are sick to the back teeth with it? Her line was pretty scathing, very silly and talked about those present having blue rinses and twinsets and pearls. You can read the article here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1389272/The-Blue-Rinse-Bodice-Rippers-In-twin-sets-pearls-meet-ladies-Britains-steamiest-novels.html

Well I've been to enough RNA do's to know that there is a range of ages, styles of dress, personalities, characters etc etc and not one of them looks remotely blue rinsed or like Barbara Cartland who, let's face it left the scene decades ago! the best thing about the whole episode is that one of the bright young things, Kate Johnson, sent the Daily Mail a letter which they published together with her holding a copy of one of her books.

I only hope it increases her sales and helps to dispel some of the myths that stick like mud to a blanket! And here is a picture of the lovely Kate.....