Today I have been at the May meeting of the Northern Group of RNA (Romantic Novelists’ Association) at Beckwithshaw near Harrogate. We enjoy a nice lunch of our choice at the Blacksmith’s Arms and then follow it with a topic or topics connected with writing. Today we had no set subject having replaced it with a Question & Answer session. It proved a good one with everyone chipping in with something of interest.

We talked about reviews and reviewing and how the scene had changed with computers  and easy access to putting reviews by anyone on the internet. We applauded the newspapers , national and local, and magazines still using reviews by genuine and competent reviewers. Can we trust many of the reviews that pour on to our screens via the internet?

We talked about the pros and cons of self-publishing and the roads that can be followed in that field. We believe that many of the people seeking to self-publish do not realise what is involved beyond the writing of the novel. Most of that work is borne by the publisher who, with the knowledge of the workings of publishing, brings expert knowledge to the scene that is beyond the reach of most self-publishing  would-bes.

We had an interesting round the table – What we are working on now. The variety gave insight into what people were achieving, what they were aiming at, and what progress their writing was making.

It was a very enjoyable meeting. I was particularly pleased to see Ken McCoy who had a book out today entitled ALMOST A HERO. Good for you Ken.