Brit Writers
Awards 2012
After weeks
of secret discussions and piles of research on the growing guest list, it was
very exciting to get to the Thistle Marble Arch and meet my co-hosts (Rebbecca
Hemmings and Saima Mir) and all the tech crew to check out the itinerary for
the evening.
By the time
it was ready to go, it all looked fabulous. We all looked fabulous! I have
never presented anything on this scale before so I was a tad nervous. But there
was no time for that. I had to get out there, mingling and answering questions
while the rock band went to get changed in my room. Ah! Where did I leave my
dirty…thank you, lovely hubby, for protecting my dignity!
After the
amazing young dancers who led us all into the dinner, we took the stage and
wallowed in the buzz that was permeating the room. It was alive! Full of
writers, performers, singers, celebrities, publishers, agents, more writers…a
hum of creativity as people found like minds with whom to talk.
I had
particular fun with some of our overseas guests: Mykel Hawke wanted me to tell
him the winner in his category so he could practise saying the name. “Only one
problem with that, Mykel,” I said, “It’s a competition – I don’t know who the
winner is!” But it was a fair question – the pronunciation, that is. The BWA
has become so multicultural and international the names represent the world.
My only
difficulty through the event was time-keeping: every speaker was so interesting
and had so much to share about the world of words, I could have listened to
each of them all night but I had to keep the slots tight! We were surrounded by
the most amazing wealth of experience in so many areas, it was simply an honour
to be there listening.
And on top
of that I got to meet my own publishers – the delightful Ronnie and Dawn of
Indigo Press.
There is one
very exciting year ahead. Thanks to Imran and Brit Writers for making it
possible – for me, and all the fabulous finalists and winners on Saturday
night.
Ps I still
want an award!!
Pps Tatiana
Wilson had the best shoes!!!!
