by Anna Campbell
..for awards!!!
I don't think it's any secret to our regular buddies that we LURVE awards and contests here in the lair. After all, it was a contest, the 2006 Golden Heart Award, that brought us together and mayhem has ensued every since.
Most of us are still bona fide contest sl*ts (sorry, girls, but I need to call a spade a spade) and our impressive list of continuing successes are listed in the Bandits Wanted column on the right of the blog.
The big daddy of published romance contests, of course, is the RITA Award.
I'm so excited that one of my favorite reads from last year, Christine Wells's wonderful THE DANGEROUS DUKE is up for best Regency romance. Go, Christine. I'll be cheering.
Well, I'll have to or else you'll hit me, seeing you've asked me to be your date for the awards night! You pack a seriously scary right hook, my elegant friend!
I too have some seriously exciting award news to report!Romance Writers of Australia and our most popular women's mag, Woman's Day, unite every year to sponsor the Australian and New Zealand Romance Novel of the Year Award, the R*BY.
Last year, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN finalled which was incredibly exciting for me. This year, I'm delighted to let you know that my second book, UNTOUCHED, has finalled in the Long Romance Section. Go, you green monster!
This is a huge thrill for me, particularly as regarding contests in the U.S., I didn't have a horse in the running in 2008 (the Australian publication date for Untouched was January, 2008). I had a real crush on Lord Sheene, the hero of this book, and it's wonderful to know that other people have responded so positively to the story too.
Another nice effect locally is there's publicity via Woman's Day, including the announcement of the finalists on 1st June, the announcement of the winners and a chance to write another short story for WD. The mag has a huge circulation so this is a seriously big deal!
Anyway, huge congratulations to all the other finalists. It's a stellar line-up and I'm proud just to be listed among you. It will be an exciting Saturday night at the awards dinner for the local conference in Brisbane on 15th August when they announce the winners.
So what's your feeling about awards? Would they influence you to buy a book? I know I've checked out books that have won RITAs before and found authors new to me that I've ended up loving. Actually that's one of the great things about awards - they focus your attention on books you may have missed along the way.
I must say it's fun being in the audience for an awards night. It's a great excuse to get all glammed up and cheer on your friends! It's so exciting, whether you've been nominated or not!
So this got me thinking. If you could attend any awards - the Booker announcements, the Academy Awards, the Nobel Prizes, the Golden Globes (now, that's one that always looks like fun), the MTV Awards (I'm too old and square for that one!), the Emmys, the Grammys, the Logies, the BAFTAS, the SAG Awards (hmm, think I could win one of those. Oh, they're not for how gravity's attacked your body?), whatever, which one would you choose. And who would be your date?And to celebrate my R*BY nomination for UNTOUCHED, one lucky commenter wins a signed copy of my green monster. Please let me know in your answer if you want to be in the draw! Good luck!
120 comments:
Well congratulations, ladies! Lots of award winners here, for sure! And always well deserved.
As to what awards show I'd like to go to... wow. Well, I don't watch most. So. Um... default; the Oscars? I'd want to be the date of someone important though, so I didn't have to sit in the nosebleed section :P
Hey, Lime! I've got to say I've become rather jaded with the Oscars in recent years. Much prefer watching the Golden Globes. Actually this week, we got the Tonys on cable TV and it was great. Fantastic opening numbers and some really interesting nominees and awards.
And is it just me, or does it strike you as bad form that people clap themselves when they're nominated?
Hey Anna and congrats, fellow RBY girl :D
I'd love to go to the Grammys - I've discovered some WONDERFUL music just watching. (Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, to name a few).
And yeah, it's just not right clapping yourself - you're nominated already so you must've done a good job!
Hi Anna! Congrats, Lime!
I went to the last rehearsal for the Oscars one year with a friend who represents screenwriters. It was rather boring. The only highlight was when the giant crescent moon kept swinging onto the stage when they weren't quite ready for it and the director went bonkers. I'd prefer to attend the Golden Globes or the Tony awards. My date...hmm...Gerard Butler, Viggo Mortenson, Rupert Penry-Jones or Linus Roache...the assistant DA from Law and Order..there's just "something" about that guy even though he's not classically handsome. :)
Best of luck to you and Christine!
(applause)...and I'd like to thank my agent, my dog walker and the man who repairs my shoes....music begins...
Hi, Anna!! I'm not sure I'd want to go to any awards for the awards themselves (although it might be fun if I could step into the shoes of a star in the sense that someone would help me choose some gorgeous dress and do my hair and loan me amazing jewelry and help me look incredible for the experience ;)) I do agree that it seems tacky to clap for oneself--a little... unhumble? It would be totally fun to go to an awards ceremony for authors--can we come cheer you on at the R*BYs? ;) Huge congrats, Anna!
And congrats on nabbing the GR, Limecello!
Lime, it's a few days since you've caught our illustrious chook, isn't it? Congratulations!
And is it just me, or does it strike you as bad form that people clap themselves when they're nominated? ....
I don't think so, Anna. I mean the person has worked VERY hard to get to where they are. They are probably clapping in relief!
And woot on the awards and finalist positions you keep accruing. It was SO much fun clapping and screaming for you (twice) at the Ritas last year. And KJ and dear God when Susan won her GH!
So the GH/RITA awards will do me just fine thank you. Because SO many friends will be climbing that stage and WINNING. Go Christine!!!
Speaking of glamming up and being Christine's date.
In 2006 I had gotten all ready for the ceremony. My CP Tonyia fixed my hair, I had recovered from the meltdown that I had forgotten my matching pink nail polish and had on an elegant black evening gown with sparkly shoes.
Tonyia was my "date" and we were sitting in the lobby of the hotel waiting to go in when an elderly man took a tumble down the escalators.
I started to rise and T said "Don't you dare. Don't you move."
I said "But, but..."
"Other people are helping him," she replied sternly, "You are not messing up your outfit."
She was right, there were plenty of people rushing to his aide (he was fine) so the nurse got to stay the princess for the night.
Hey Karen
Waving!
mmmm I think I'd like to be at the Olympic closing ceremony as a gold medal winner on the field, not just one of the crowd. The awards nights of all awards when there are so many fantastic bodies celebrating winning against all the odds together.
As to who I would take - oh my gorgeous blue eyed hubby naturally. I like going places with him!
Of course I can dream... thats why I am writer hey!
Bye 4 now
Tina
PS I would be clapping full time, in celebration that I had got that far - so I recon if you win - CLAP! You damn well deserve it!
Anna, I have to say, I wouldn't really want to go to an awards ceremony :X Not like that, at least. I like watching the Oscar's red carpet. I missed the Tony's - but the thing is, I don't really watch movies, or tv, or know what musicals are out.
Throw me back a hundred years. (No really, don't.)
So, Oscars got my vote because, well, it is a default one, but I was thinking the glitz and glam. The clothes, and then the food. Wolfgang Puck normally does it, right? Haha, I think we all know what my priorities are :P
And yes, Anna, I can't blog hop as much now, have all these early morning classes. Tragic.
(Thanks everyone. The GR is coming to class with me today :P And a meeting with the associate dean of the law school >.< not fun.)
Hi Anna
Yay to you and Christine for your fabulous finals showing. Thoroughly deserved, both of you! My fingers are crossed!
You don't need to put me in the draw for Untouched - it already graces my bookshelf! But I must say that some lucky person is for a real treat when they win the draw!
As for the Awards, I'm torn... but I'm with 'fichen1' and her comment about stepping into a star's shoes for the occasion and being treated to the works - hair, makeup, designer dress. Oooo and some ridiculously expensive bling would be nice while I'm having the fantasy here!
:)
Sharon
Hey, Paula, congratulations to you for your RBY final for Boardrooms and a Billionaire Heir. How cool is that?
Everyone, Paula designs my website and is all round a fabulous chicky!
Watch out, Paula, the Rooster just heard me and he's got his beady eye on you.
Oh, I'm nowhere near groovy enough for the Grammys. I can see you making a splash there, though!
The MTV awards for sure, they are funny, my kind of place. Young enough still, lol.
And bring...John Cusack cos just adore him, and always will
Congrats again to Christine and Anna ---and to Limecello on the rooster nabbing.
I'd just as well skip the awards ceremonies (not speaking of the GH/Ritas, you understand. We have too many banditas & BBs to cheer on in that competition). However, I'd definitely want to be at the after-parties. I'd like to smooze with the winners and the also-rans when the stress is past and everyone can relax and par-tay.
Otherwise I'm happy to read about the awards in the paper or watch the highlights on TV. Works for me.
oooh, forgot to bring my arm candy - Eduardo Verastegui, who is seriously hoooooot!
Congrats!
I used to wait to go to the Oscars. But now I would love to go to the Grammys. Just for the performances.
I would love to be included in the giveaway.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Congrats congrats congrats!!! Woo hoo! *confetti and streamers and chocolate all around* :D
Huh. Well, not the Academy Awards. My mum and I have too much fun every year heckling the people on tv about their wardrobe choices from our couch. Also, I'm not a big fan of all the crazy media so I guess all those bigger awards are out. I'm going to pick the Hugo Awards(celebrates the best in the field of science fiction and fantasy) 'cause the Hugos are presented at Worldcon which will be held in Montréal this year which I kind of, sort of wanted to go to but can't. Uh...I'm not sure who I'd take as a date...someone fun, I hope!
Oooh, I like green monsters! Count me in, please and thank you!
Hey, Anna, mega congratulations on the R*by nomination! Well-deserved. I love the gorgeous Lord Sheene! Looking forward to reading your WD short story (hint, hint!) And hey, Vane has taught me all he knows about right hooks, so you're right to be afraid!
It will be fun sitting there, giggling together again in D.C., won't it? I only wish all the Banditas and BBs could be there with us. What a fab and rowdy gathering that would be. We could do the conga line...Bandita Bandita Bandita!
Hmm, awards nights. I think I'd quite like to go to the Tonys because I'm really not much for awards nights other than RWA ones but at the Tonys they have snippets from all the Broadway shows, so that would be entertaining. Hugh Jackman would be my date, of course!
Meant to say thanks for your congratulations, Anna. I'm still walking on air about the RITAs.
Congrats to you, too, Paula!
Sharon, thanks for the congrats. I hope you're having a whale of a time wherever you are.
Joanie, I can just imagine you mussing your beautiful self to help someone. You can take the nurse out of the hospital...
Wow, Jen, you got to go to the Oscar rehearsal? I'm disappointed it was so dull, though. And you like Rupert Penry-Jones, too? Hey, I knew we had even more than a love of handbags in common! Thanks for the good luck, btw.
The Oscars do it for me, Anna, preferably on the arm of Hugh Jackman for pure spunk or Phillip Seymour Hoffman or Russell Crowe because I think they're talented actors and I'd like to get inside their heads - if only for a moment.
Second choice would be the Nobel Awards Night. Once again, I'd like to get some insights into those who make a difference.
Congratulations on the nomination. Fingers crossed.
Wendy
Hi Anna,
Congrats and good luck to you and Christine. I would love to attend the Golden Globes because they offer food and alcohol. I can't say no to free food and booze. The swag would be awesome,too. My date would be Eric Bana. I would also love to attend the Tony Awards and see all the nominees sing and dance. No need to enter me, I have a copy of "Untouched."
Hey, Christine and Anna, it's wonderful that you're both in the running for wonderful awards this year. Those finalist places are both so well deserved, especially in hot competition.
As for which ceremonies to go to, I love our own Aussie romance writers' awards night. I get to see so many of my friends and it's exciting when you know a lot of the people in the running for various prizes. Apart from that, you know, I'd rather like to attend the Nobel awards. I have a suspicion that there'd be lots of fascinating people there. Besides, I've never been to Scandinavia!
Yeah on awards! And that the Golden Heart Awards brought you all together! I'm rooting for you Christine and Anna(but you know you're both winner with your readers already) Most times when I see an award for a book, usually I've read them in most of the romance categories, and I'm thrilled for the author! I too find others I haven't read through the awards, mostly when they are announced who received the awards. I understand for some, that awards are important to the author to recognize their achievements of their writing. Really I believe the writing of each book is an achievement (I wouldn't be able to do all you do, nor do I want to because I want to read them!) But for me as a reader, I'm happy for you in that I hope this brings more recognition of your book and those who sees these books from awards, gives a try reading these. So I love to see it bring more readers to your books,just like I hope that a recognition of your book through a review does that too!
Too I think you all should frame each cover of your books so give them their award too! Thanks again for all you do and the joy it is to read them!
Congrats to Anna and Christine... and all the other RITA and R*BY finalists. It's great to see what wonderful talent is out there... particularly Down Under *wink*.
I would go to ANY awards night if I could choose my date, sigh, Hugh of course!
Uh oh, here comes Christine - scary right hook you say Anna. Okay, she can have Hugh and I'll take Pierce (in all his 007 splendour of course).
As the only awards night I will probably ever attend is the RWA night I'll 'settle' for my fab CP. Be cheering you on there Anna.
As my bookshelves are definitely short a green monster add my name to the hat :o)
Hughs and Pierces to you all.
Congrats on all of the nominations! They're so well-deserved for both you and Christine!
Jen, how cool you got to go to an Oscars rehearsal. Did you see anyone famous? I went to a Miss Australia final here years and years ago because the company I worked for sponsored it. It was pretty boring too - it's all geared for TV, not for the audience watching in the actual venue. Love your list of escorts. You don't think you're being just a tad greedy? ;-)
Fedora, I'd love you guys to cheer me on for the R*BYs. I've got some very stiff competition, including Anne Gracie's wonderful Stolen Princess so I'm not exactly holding my breath. But it's lovely to be nominated. They announce the winners at the conference dinner - there are still seats left if you want to jump on a plane to Brisbane in August! Love your idea of getting the glam experience. I wrote this post a while ago just after I heard about the finalists but I was looking at a Who mag at the hairdresser's today and thinking how gorgeous some of those dresses are. Some not so much ;-)
JT, wasn't it so exciting last year when Susan won her Golden Heart? I've got my fingers crossed for KJ and Louisa and a few other buddies this year. In fact, I think I'll be a foal by the time it's over. Geddit? A little horse! Ha ha.
Thanks for the congrats. It was such a thrill when they told me!
JT, the nurse never leaves you, does it? My mum was a nurse and it never left her either! Glad the princess won for a moment, though.
Tina, love the idea of you at a gold medal Olympic ceremony! And they always look like they're having such a fabulous time at the closing ceremony, don't they? Actually I'm old-fashioned - I DO think it's bad form to clap yourself. But I've noticed younger people tend to do it and older ones don't so I think it's one of those archaic things that nobody cares about now. Thanks for popping by!
Oh, Lime, you sound like life isn't at all carefree at the moment. Perhaps a day of keeping the rooster within the bounds of propriety will improve things. Hmm, not sure about that!
Hey, Sharon, fabulous debut author who sent me her new book today. What a thrill to get that in the mail. Single Father, Wife and Mother Wanted is a gorgeous creation just like you. I figure that counts as an award in itself, seeing your first book in print. And thanks so much for those kind words about Untouched!
Ooh, Blodeuedd, the idea of going anywhere, even McDonald's, with John Cusack works for me. I think he's great. And I love how he doesn't play the celebrity game. Hmm, still think I'm not groovy enough for the MTV awards. Perhaps you can take him there and I can take him to the Tonys.
Anna...
Greedy, moi? Hey, I'm sharing Rupert with Christine and you didn't see Richard Armitage on my list did you? I saw that he's your FB friend...is something you want to share with the rest of us? (ahem)
Donna, I suspect the parties afterwards are when the really interesting things happen. I think I'm with you! Everybody's got their public face on for the TV cameras.
Paula, very classy eye candy!
Donnas, you're in the draw for the book. Thanks for playing. Another Grammy girl? Maybe I could sneak in behind someone and check it out after all!
Pissenlit, the idea of a green monster at a science fiction convention is perfectly appropriate, I think. You're definitely in the draw. I think something like the Hugos would be great to go to. I always enjoy the RITA/GH ceremony, especially these days when I know so many people who are up for awards. Lovely to see your friends carry off the gold. I've always wanted to see Montreal. It looks like a fascinating place. Are you sure you can't go?
Thanks for the congrats too!
Christine, congratulations again on your fabulous RITA final. Well deserved. I love that book. I'm so looking forward to being your date. Actually people are starting to talk about us - you were my date last year! ;-) Actually I always really enjoy the Tonys. A lot of years, I couldn't watch it because it wasn't on free to air. So glad it's on cable now and I can see it. They had some great stuff this year - wonderful to see Angela Lansbury win her fifth one. She's so gracious!
Wendy, actually I agree that it would be really interesting to talk to someone who's a great actor like Philip Seymour Hoffman or Russell Crowe (although I'd want to make sure Russell was in a good mood before we left home!). I've got two arms. Perhaps I could have brain box on one arm and eye candy on the other! Thanks for popping over from Romaus!
Jane, I think the Golden Globes would be fun. They seem much less po faced than the Oscars have become. I remember one year, an actress won and she was in the toilet! Can't get much more loose and relaxed than that! And hey, free food and drink? I'm there! You might have to fight Aunty Cindy for Eric Bana, though! ;-)
Annie, I think the Nobel prizes would be fantastic to attend. Although I suspect it might be full of odd bods! Thanks for the congrats. You know how excited I was when I heard! Our local awards are huge fun, aren't they? Not long to go now!
Thanks for that lovely post, Caffey! I agree with you about awards drawing my attention to books I may have missed out on first time around. Sometimes there's such clamour in Romancelandia, that quieter voices don't get heard. I remember years ago, I picked up a book called Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney because she finalled in the RITAs and it was magnificent. I wouldn't have heard of it otherwise and I've since read a stack of her stories.
Anita, you're definitely in the running for the green monster! And thank you for the lovely congratulations. Although I really don't think you should be encouraging Christine to punch me! She requires very little prompting, you know! LOL. But perhaps she'll be busy fighting you for Hugh, so I'll be safe. Phew!
Actually I'm very glad all you girls are leaving Richard Armitage for me. So kind!
Thanks, Ely! This stuff is really cool! ;-)
And Jen, I just see that you deliberately left me Richard. How awful was I to call you 'greedy'? When in fact I should just have called you a woman of generous tastes!
Congrats limcello have a great day with him
Anna and Christine I am soo happy for both of you and have everything crossed I loved both books and I think you both deserve to win.
What awards night would I like to go to I am not sure I think I would prefer the Golden Globes to the Oscars but then if I had Hugh Jackman on my arm I don't think I would notice what else was going on LOL
Again congrats Ladies
Have Fun
Helen
Anna
I forgot don't put me in the draw I already have a copy and what a great story I love Matthew and Grace and of course Wolfram
Have Fun
Helen
It will have been film awards because I want Johnny Depp as my date, so let's say the Screen Actors Guild awards. Bit less glitzy than the Oscars.
I attended the Sydney Theatre Critics awards once or twice when I worked in theatre, they were always fun.
Pop me in the draw, please Anna and Best of Luck!
Anna and Christine,
Congratulations on your nominations, best of luck to you both. Shall keep fingers and legs cross for you.
Sandie
Congrats on the nominations! Best wishes!
I'm not into the whole actor scene so I guess I'm in awe of the big ones: the Nobel Peace prize, medical, literature etc. There are so many people working for the world's betterment!
Congrats Anna! I have no doubt that your Green Monster will win hands down!
And Christine knows that I've been practicing my cheering, for when she wins her first Rita!
Banditas rock!
Congrats to our fabulous award nominees and our Golden Heart finalist, KJ Howe - can't wait to cheer your success!
Hmm - what a choice! Let's see - The Oscars, back in the day of the classic film stars, escorted by Cary Grant. The SAG awards today (much more fun and low-key than the Oscars), escorted by Paul Newman or Jeff Bridges. The Golden Globes escorted by Patrick Swayze or James Woods. As well as the hunk factor, I think I'd need to be with someone I can whisper fun comments to!
Then, of course, there is the NHL awards ceremony for the top hockey players. I could go to that with my fave players escorting me!
I'd ask Julia Roberts if I could borrow that gorgeous vintage gown she wore when she won her Oscar. Shoes by Jimmy Choo - the man himself, not the company.
Congratulations Anna, Christine, KJ, Louisa and all the other nominees! I'm so excited that I'll be in DC to cheer you on! (Yes, Anna, I know your award is in OZ but I plan to cheer you in DC anyway.) (grin)
The three awards shows I'd love to attend (besides the GH & RITA) are the Tonys (because I adore musicals), any of the country music award shows (great music, friendly people and FUN) and the ESPYs (surrounded by an auditorium full of big, buff professional athletes...what's not to love?)
Hey, Anna! Great subject today! I'll be pulling for all our banditas on the big night--Christine for the RITA & KJ Howe in the GH! There are a number of Bandita Buddies also in the running aren't there? Stand up you out there & be counted! (I'm thinking of Louisa Cornell off the top of my head....)
I get to present the GH for ST Contemporary this year, so I'll have a front row seat for the action! Wahoo! I'm so looking forward to it now that I'm not a nominee. It was nervewracking last year. But this year, I'm going to have a drink & ENJOY it!
As for what award show I'd like to attend in person? I have to say the Golden Globes. The Oscars is, of course, the grand dame of award shows but I like the laid back atmosphere of the GGs. Plus there's nothing like seeing tipsy stars give impromptu speeches. :-) I'd enjoy that.
Oh, & huge congrats, Anna, on the RWAus/Womans Day nomination! That's wonderful & SO well deserved!
I've seen the GH/Ritas once and was blown away by the pageantry, the humor, the tears, and, yes, the desert bar!!, so I'd take that again any time. I'll be cheering madly for Louisa and KJ and Christine at home-- and one Inspirational that I judged is up for a GH, too--how fun! I hope I can manage to get to Nashville next year.
You go, Anna, on those awards--you deserve them! I do take a second look at Rita finalists--it means a lot to me that peers have nominated them, much more so than one reviewer. And don't put me in the book draw, I already have your beauties on my bookshelf. :)
Hi Anna! I believe I would choose the CMAS (country music assoc awards). I love country music and I'm a huge fan of Keith Urban! I've met him a few times and he's a real sweetie. Yep, you guessed it, he would be my date! Of course, since this is fantasy world, he is not married with child!! ;>
Congratulations, Anna! You rock!
You don't have to put me in the bid for the Green Monster. I already have it! :)
Definitely would love to go to the Academy Awards or the Golden Globes. I love movies and Hollywood, and I would love the glamour and chaos of that sort of thing. Plus there's always that chance of meeting Johnny Depp. *LOL*
Limecello, congrats on taking home the rooster!
Anna, congrats on your nomination. We're all delighted for you and Christine. And I don't understand why you call that book "the green monster." The cover is very green, true, but the book is fabulous!
If I could go to any awards show this year, it would be the Nebula Awards, which are given by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). These awards are never televised--I guess because the audience is too small. I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy and would love to see the winners.
Besides, I'm already going to the RITA and GH awards, where I'll be cheering madly for Christine and KJ.
Anna, it does strike me as bad form to applaud for oneself. No problem if the nominee's entire coterie applauds, but I'd rather not see the nominee doing it.
Hi, Paula--I've also discovered some artists I liked when the Grammys brought them to my attention.
Random walks through the CD section of a store do that sometimes, too. I'll see an interesting album cover, go listen to a couple of sample tracks, and then buy it.
Pissenlit--the Hugos? Cool. I'd love to see those, too, but I'm not sure I'd deal well with the crowds at Worldcon. I thought about it last year, when Lois McMaster Bujold (do you read her?) was GoH, but I couldn't swing the trip to Denver.
Lucky for me, she's coming to DragonCon this year.
Tamara,
Ooooo...I love me some Keith Urban! I'd be right there with you and PJ as I am a huge fan of country music.
You've met Keith? Did he ask about me? :-) He's coming to the KY State Fair and I've got tickets!
Hope he sings barefoot in jeans...sigh...love that.
Forgot my date, Anna. I'd take the dh. Now that he's out of administration and back in the classroom, I don't see him in a suit very often. This would be my chance! *g*
And he reads many of the same kinds of books I do. I first read Orson Scott Card's Hugo and Nebula winner Ender's Game on a plane over the Atlantic. I finished it, turned to him, and said, "You have GOT to read this book!" He read it on the flight back and loved it as much as I did. So I think he can appreciate the Nebula winners.
MsHellion (and Tawny), did you see that Johnny Depp is playing Dillinger in a new movie? It's hard to tell from the trailer, but I get the impression Christian Bale is playing the Fed out to get him--Elliott Ness?
The movie is Public Enemies
Anna, I love awards ceremonies. I just watched the Tony Awards on TV here in the states and never miss the Academy Awards. I think the Oscars would be my favorite if I could attend one -- fat chance on that, though!
Congratulations again to our RITA and Golden Heart finalists. And super congrats to you on UNTOUCHED finaling in the R*BY. I loved that book!
I do pay attention to book awards. I don't buy based solely on that, but it figures into my decision.
Anna Campbell - Are you sure you can't go?
Unfortunately, I did the math and it didn't work out in my favour. I know a friend who's going so I could hitch a ride but he's heading out east to a funeral and spending some time at his family's cottage in Nova Scotia directly beforehand so that'd be a bit awkward though he thought it was okay and DID offer. Mostly, the problem is the price of accommodations and Worldcon membership up against at least 3 weddings and bridal showers and such that I have to attend. Which reminds me, gah! I haven't anything to wear!
Hey Lime! Congrats on the chook nab! :>
Anna, CONGRATS!! Christine, WOOOHOOOO on that Rita nom. I cannot WAIT to cheer you on, as well as our other bandita buddies and friends in the GH and Rita.
As to what awards...hmmmm...I think if I went to any, I'd want to go to the Oscars or the Grammys. I'd want to go with my darling hubby - he looks fab-o in a tux! - and sit right down front with the high falutin' folk. Heehee.
Then again, I'd want one of my books to have been turned into a movie and nominated so...
Congrats again!!!
Nancy - I'm not sure I'd deal well with the crowds at Worldcon. I thought about it last year, when Lois McMaster Bujold (do you read her?) was GoH, but I couldn't swing the trip to Denver.
Ya, I'm not a big fan of crowds either. I love rereading her Vorkosigan Saga books but I haven't given her fantasy books a try yet. I particularly wanted to go to Worldcon this year 'cause Julie Czerneda's the GoH. Heh! Because Worldcon's a bit pricey on top of accommodations and travel expenses, etc., I'm still kicking myself for not attending in 2003 when it was in Toronto. I did go to an off-site brunch with some participants though. That was fun.
Huge "Congratulations" to Christine
and Anna on the nominations!!
Anna, for the fun of it, it would
be the Golden Globes or the Academy
Awards for me. My date would be my
son, the aspiring playwright. He
actually is now on the list of an
international representation agency! (That's the proud mother talking!)
Pat Cochran
I think I'd like to see the Academy Awards. But I might have liked to see when they gave the Nobel Peace Prize for our very own President, Martti Ahtisaari.
1998 Golden Gala Tokyo - Candeloro - Saturday Night Fever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivi941jVyM8
Thanks, Helen. It's an exciting old time at the Bandita Bar at the moment, isn't it? Laughed at you happy to attend the opening of your local rubbish dump as long as Hugh was on your arm. Sounds good to me!
Diane, I think the Sydney Theatre Critics Awards would be huge fun! Oh, Johnny! A classic always in style, isn't it? Thanks for playing and you're definitely in the draw for the green monster!
Thanks for the congrats, Sandie! And for crossing all appendages!
Laurie, I think the Nobel prize ceremony would be amazing! And thanks for the congrats and good luck!
Deb, isn't it cool to see Christine up for her first RITA? Huzzah! Thanks for the good wishes! Wish you could be there on the night - you're a blast at award ceremonies. And congratulations to you for An Improper Aristocrat's recent contest finals in the Write Touch and the Golden Quill awards. Whooo-hooooo!
the raspberries!
*g*
(no needto enter my name - tbr toppleth over)
Oh, Anna, isn't vintage fashion the best? When I was drooling over these latest Oscar dresses, my favorite was a Balenciaga gown from the 1950s that Penelope Cruz wore. Absolutely breathtaking and so romantic. Love how you're hedging your bets with all your possible escorts. Actually I think Alan Rickman would be fun to take - I think he'd be a bit catty and give me a giggle! Thanks for the good luck and the congratulations. And it's fabulous our KJ is up for TWO Golden Hearts, isn't it? Banditas rock.
PJ, thanks for the cheers! I'm sure I'll hear them from Briz Vegas! So looking forward to meeting you in DC. I feel like I know you already and every so often I think, but hey, we've never seen each other face to face! Isn't the Internet grand? Love you awards list - especially the ESPYs, you saucy chick, you! Ooops, the rooster heard that. He's looking very interested...
Ooh, Susan, let's go to the Golden Globes together! Well, with our hunks, of course. Congratulations on last year's GH. And how cool you're presenting this year. You'll be a star at that. You looked gorgeous last year, like Carole Lombard or someone. Thanks for the congrats and the good wishes.
Gillian, pleeeeeeeeze try and make it to Nashville. I feel like we were ships that passed in the night at Dallas and we haven't passed again since. The awards ceremony is fun, isn't it? And I love to see the gorgeous clothes everyone wears.
Yeah, I take a look at RITA books too. I've become a Deanna Raybourne fan, thanks to her win last year, for example.
Thanks so much for the congrats. There's something absolutely wonderful about people in your home country liking your work.
Tamara, there's something about those Aussie men, isn't there? Actually so far, the Aussies aren't short of a date at all. We've had Hugh (several times, cat fight coming up, methinks!), Eric Bana and now Keith Urban. Hey, this is your fantasy. You can do anything you like! ;-)
Hey, Hellion, did you see you won Jen's book on Christine's interview the other day? Congratulations!
I have it on good authority that Johnny Depp is already attending quite a few of the award ceremonies our Bandita buddies have mentioned today ;-) Yeah, I think the glamour of some of those big awards would be fantastic. I'd have to go on a diet for a year before I appeared though!
Thanks for the congrats!
Nancy, isn't it great that we have so many people to cheer for. Actually I thought of you with the Montreal awards. They sounded right up your alley. I think there's something lovely about those smaller, more intimate award ceremonies. As Annie says, the Aussie ones are always such fun because being a small organisation, most of us know everyone and we've seen people's talents blossom over the years.
Thanks for the congrats. I'm stoked as you can imagine!
Nancy, I figure you take the coterie so they will applaud! But clapping yourself, not so keen on that!
JT, KU is coming to the State Fair? How cool! Do you know he grew up just down the road from me in a town called Caboolture? And now he's a mega star!
Nancy, what a great opportunity to get the DH into a suit. I remember the first date I had where a boy turned up in a suit - we went to the opera. I felt like such a woman of the world! ;-)
Jo, I used to watch the Oscars religiously but I've got a bit sick of the hype in recent years. I remember the last time I sat down to watch there had been an hour of glitz and no awards presented yet. I like awards where they get down to tin tacks. Actually an awards show I never miss, thanks again to cable, is the British Academy Awards, the BAFTAs. There's something about that low-key British approach to things that really appeals to me and they have some really handsome man, uh, talented actors! ;-)
Weren't the Tonys fun this year? I like the look of the new Shrek musical although usually I'm not a fan of the film to stage transitions. They strike me as a bit soulless usually although I know I'm in a minority here. And the West Side Story revival looks fabulous, as does Guys and Dolls. Love classic musicals!
Thanks so much for the congrats!
Pissenlit, it's hard to juggle everything, isn't it? But this sounds like such fun... Yeah, I know, it's salt in the wound. I'll stop. Maybe you'll win the lottery or something!
Jeanne, one of the many things I love about you is you think big! I think your books would be fabulous made into a movie. There's a couple of romance genres like romsus and YA that seem to lend themselves to movie adaptations. People often ask me about movie adaptations of my stuff and I think no way, Jose. There's not enough external action and too much internalisation - and anyway, nobody under the age of 30 would be allowed to see them ;-)
Hey, Pat, how cool about your son. Believe me, I know how tough it is to get an agency to pick you up. Fingers crossed he gets his breakthrough soon. Maybe we'll see him on the Tonys as well as the Oscars. I hope your (and his) dream comes true!
Hey, Minna, how cool about the Nobel Prize going to Finland. We've won a few of the various science ones down here and Patrick White won the literature one back in the 70s. Sadly, I've heard a lot of his books are currently out of print so clearly there's no guarantee of immortality.
Oh, M, I'd forgotten the raspberries. They look like huge fun! I'm with you (well, after whoever your hunky date is!).
Hey, guys, don't forget to mention if you want to go in the draw for the green monster!
And, Nancy, I use the term very fondly ;-)
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NOMS!!!
So cool. I'll be there cheering Christine on in DC too.
I'd go to the Oscars and my daughter would be my date. For me, that's the be all end all awards show. And I wouldn't even need to meet any of the famous people, just being there would be cool enough.
Good luck on the R*BY!!!!
The Nobel Peace Prize was, hmm, our 3rd Nobel Prize. The other 2 were from literature and chemistry.
And now he's a mega star!
...
Well, so are you! :-)
I've never heard of the BAFTA's, Anna. I'd love to try them. But I love watching the host/hostesses as much as the actual awards. I never watch the pre-award activities; all that red carpet and gowns stuff isn't for me.
I adored those three boys who won for BILLY ELLIOT, so cute!
Terrio, it would be such a thrill to be in the audience for something like that, wouldn't it? Thanks for the congrats and the good luck!
Hey, cool, Minna.
Anna wrote: And, Nancy, I use the term very fondly ;-)
I hoped. :-)
And you know I already have it, right?
Oh, JT, you're a honey. Thank you! This is why you're getting a drink at the conference! ;-) Soda water for all! Nah, only joking. There would be a revolt in the lair if I did that!
The Brits usually have someone witty and clever and very dry to host. Stephen Fry did it a few years. I think Steve Coogan did it last year. Can't remember. It's nowhere near as razzle dazzle as the Oscars but that's something I respond to.
Yeah, the Billy Elliot boys were gorgeous, weren't they? Obviously completely overwhelmed which is what they should be at that age! Great to see Jerry Herman get the lifetime achievement award too. And I would have loved to have seen Stockard Channing in Pal Joey.
Yeah, Nancy, I knew ;-) Actually I imagine quite a few of our bandits and bandit buddies have it which is why I'm asking people to mention specifically if they want to be in the draw for the prize. We've got a few takers so far!
Pissenlit, I stared the Sharing Knife series and liked it a lot but am now as behind on it as on everything else. *sigh* The Chalion series didn't grab me, but I mean to give it another try.
Anna, I agree that Jeanne's books would make great movies. So much boom. *g*
Boom also often inspires action figures . . .
Ooh, Nancy, I LURVE the idea of having an action figure of one of Jeanne's gorgeous heroes!
WHOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Fo!!! I'm so proud of your nomination! The bandits are all so amazing and its wonderful to see them honored for that talent.
As for an award event, I'd say the Golden Globes. Not as snotty or boring as the Oscars, but still fun and filled with star power *g*
WOOOT on La Campbell's well-deserved R*BY nomination !! And I am going to scream myself hoarse when Christine wins the RITA !!!
Hey, Lime, you won our own personal award - THE GOLDEN ROOSTER or as he is affectionately called THE CHOOKY!
I'd love to attend the Oscars just ONE time! And if that one time was when the movie version of one of my novels was up for an Oscar, hey all the better. (A girl can dream, can't she?) My date? It would HAVE to be Hugh Jackman !!
I'm really looking forward to the GH/RITA Awards this year. I had a ball last year sitting with many of the Banditas and going nuts when SMOOV won!
And Miss Louisa, we'll all be screeching like banshees for you, never fear. Good luck for the GHs! So many people to cheer for this year.
Thanks for the lovely congrats and good luck. And I think it would be wonderful to attend the Oscars for a book that you'd originally written. Hugh should be flattered you're considering him as a partner! ;-)
The Chooky!!! LOL, Louisa!
Woohooo on the R*BY, Anna!!! And I can't wait to see Madame run off with that RITA!! I mean, she'll win it, of course. She won't just *run* off with it, for goodness sake. :-)
Lime, way to snag the beast!
We have lots to celebrate this year, my friends!! Congrats to all!!
Kate wrote: And I can't wait to see Madame run off with that RITA!! I mean, she'll win it, of course. She won't just *run* off with it, for goodness sake. :-)
Oh, no, my cunning plan has been foiled! Actually, that's exactly what I was going to do...mug the winner with my famous right hook and hop on the next plane out of D.C.
Seriously, though, thank you all for your congrats and good wishes. It means a lot to know Anna and I have your support!
I'm so excited for you, Fo!! Congratulations! Congratulations!!
Christine...I'm dying for Vane's outing and sad, too, because then he'll be so much in demand that I'm afraid despite his reformed-rake status, he might get tempted and stray. *sobs*
Kate, I can't wait to celebrate your NYT bestsellerdom with you in person. There's so much that's going to happen in DC that's off the scale great! And thanks for the congrats and the good wishes.
Christine, that right hook is becoming legendary. Vane really HAS been giving you lessons. Mind you, I'd still love you to win fair and square. ;-)
Actually, Keira, Vane is so steadfast and loving, he gives me goosebumps. Or, no, perhaps that's the thought of him without a shirt exercising his pugilistic skills. Hmm, one of those answers indicates I'm shallow.
Thanks for the congrats. I'm beside myself!
Anna, Please include me in the drawing for the "green monster!"
Pat Cochran
I would love to go to the Tony's. I have been to some shows but never on Broadway - oh and Hugh Jackman would make the perfect date lol.
Congrats, Christine and Anna! My pick of awards would be the RITAs -- and I'm thrilled to be going to National for the first time!
I became a contest junkie when I first attempted fiction, because I didn't have critique partners and wasn't sure how else to get feedback. I finaled in the first four contests I entered. Significantly, when I tried to please all the judges, that's when I stopped finaling.
At that point, I decided to stop entering contests and just focus on writing the complete story. I'm fairly confident that I can write an opening scene that hooks. I'm less confident about my endings.
I've only entered two contests this year, just to keep my toe in the water. One's for hot scenes, and I have fun writing those.
Got to run -- I'm off to Chicago tomorrow for my son's college graduation. I'm still madly polishing my story so I can send it off. I had a request for a full at the Lori Foster event, but now that my wish came true (the request), I'm panicking and polishing in equal parts. I'm assuming she'd rather wait a few days and get a more polished story.
Anyway, that's why I haven't been here in a few days. Miss you all!
Hey, Pat, you're definitely included. Thanks for coming back and making that clear.
Catslady, that Hugh is certainly in demand! I think he needs to be cloned. Hmm, that might have other uses rather than award ceremonies. People are posting bits of the Tonys on Facebook and I have to say it reminds me of what a wonderful show it was.
Hey, Becke, thanks for the congrats. And the beauty of the RITAs is that you're GOING!!! Yay!
Congratulations on the request for the full and good luck! Slay 'em in the aisles, bandita buddy! Oh, and have a great time in Chicago. You're always on the road!
Thanks, guys, for a fabulous day in the lair. And don't forget to check back to see who won the signed Green Monster.
I'd go to one you didn't mention, The TONY Awards. Always a lot of good entertainment there. My date - my husband. I know he would really enjoy it too. Please enter me in your contest giveaway. Green Monster?
Congratulations everyone on your awards!
THANKS ANNA! THIS WAS FUN! NOW, BACK TO MY DRAGON KIT......
Patricia, I'm really delighted that in the comments, the Tony Awards got major lovin' ;-) I think they're fantastic. Wouldn't it be fantastic to see all those great shows? And your husband as a date sounds just right!
Tamara, so glad you're enjoying the Shana Abe. Hey, if anyone wants a reading recommendation, it's The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe. Absolutely exquisite prose.
Hi Ann! I would like to attend an awards show that didn't take itself too seriously. So I would opt for the Nickelodeon awards or the MTV awards shows.
I love the categories that MTV has, such as "best kiss", "best dance scene", and "best villian".
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