Romantic Novelists' Association

The Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) is the professional body that represents authors of romantic fiction in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1960 by Denise Robins (first president), Barbara Cartland (first vice-president), Vivian Stuart (first elected chairman), and other authors including Elizabeth Goudge, Netta Muskett, Catherine Cookson, Rosamunde Pilcher and Lucilla Andrews.

The RNA has a membership approaching 1000, composed of authors and publishing professionals. It promotes and celebrates excellence in romantic fiction across all sub-genres. It offers a programme of events throughout the year including an annual conference and workshops/seminars on aspects of writing craft and the publishing industry. The organisations also supports a number of regional chapters, who meet regularly to discuss issues of concern to writers of romantic fiction. The organisation also runs the New Writers' Scheme, under which unpublished authors receive an appraisal of their work from an experienced member of the Association. Netta Muskett was co-founder and vice-president of the association[1] and the Netta Muskett Award for new writers, now called the RNA New Writers Scheme, was created in her honour.

Many of its members are best-selling and award-winning international authors and also speakers and creative writing tutors.

Awards
Main article: Romantic Novelists' Association Awards

The RNA recognises excellence in romantic fiction through their annual Romantic Novel of the Year Awards. The Romantic Novel of the Year Awards cover several categories, including fantasy, contemporary and saga, and are unique in that they are judged solely by readers. Once a year, the RNA also awards a debut authors' prize sponsored by Dr David Hessayon. The RNA also holds an annual industry awards, recognising individuals and or companies who have promoted the genre of romantic fiction.

Staff

Officers

Source.[1][2]

Board of Directors


Chair

  • 2021 – present: Jean Fullerton


Education Officer

  • 2022 – present: Andrea Davies


Website Coordinator

  • 2022 – present: Lisa Firth


Member Services Officer

  • 2021 – present: Clare Flynn


Press Officer

  • 2022 – present: Annette Hannah


Romantic Novel of the Year Awards Organiser

  • 2022 – present: Sharon Ibbotson


Industry Awards Organiser

  • 2022 – present: Laura E. James


Events Coordinator

  • 2021 – present: Sue Merritt


Governance Officer

  • 2022 – present: Seána Talbot


Leadership Team

Other senior volunteers (part of the wider Senior Leadership Team of the RNA).


PA to the Board / RNA Event PR

  • 2022 – present: Melanie Griffiths


Secretary

  • 2021 – present: Ali Henderson


Diversity and Inclusion Officer

  • 2022 – present: Liam Livings



Presidents

Vice-Presidents
Current Vice-Presidents
Former Vice-Presidents
Honorary Vice-Presidents
Associate Vice-Presidents

Committee Chair

Current Committee
Hon Treasurer
  • Sally Calder
Hon Deputy Treasurer
  • Anna Scamans
Hon Secretary
  • Julie Vince
Others
  • Jean Fullerton
  • Jules Wake
  • Adrienne Vaughan
  • Alison Knight
  • Celia Anderson
  • Gill Stewart
  • Julie Stock
  • Katherine Garbera
  • Anne Stenhouse

Honor Life members
  • Sarah Broadhurst
  • Edwin Buckhalter
  • David G. Hessayon (Dr. D.G. Hessayon)
  • Caroline Sheldon
  • June Sylvia Thimblethorpe (Sylvia Thorpe)

References
  1. Past RNA Officers
  2. RNA Officers
  3. Bookworm on the Net online at bookwormonthenet.blogspot.com (accessed 4 April 2008)
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