Friday, April 25, 2008

Romantic Times Convention and Award Ceremony


By Helen Scott Taylor

I'm delighted to announce that I won the American Title IV contest. This is such an honor considering the quality of the other entries I was competing against. Here's the wonderful book cover Dorchester designed for my book, which will be released in February 2009.
Five ATIV finalists made the trip to Pittsburgh for the Romantic Times Convention. Evonne and I made the trip across the Atlantic from the UK to join Holly, Trish and Mel. It was great to meet up and although we missed the other five who didn't make it this year, we all had fun. Here we are from left to right, my daughter Katherine, Evonne, Helen, Trish, Holly and Mel.







The awards ceremony on Friday was exciting. Chris Keesler from Dorchester called all five of us up on stage before he announced the winner of American Title.










Then I made a short speech of thanks wearing my tiara! I even received a kiss of congratulation from Mr. Romance 2008, Chris Winters.
From left to right, Kathryn Falk, owner of Romantic Times, Helen and Chris Keesler from Dorchester.













Dorchester made a poster of my book cover that I got to ship home! (At great expense. would you believe UPS wanted to charge me $300 to ship it back to the UK!! Needless to say I found a cheaper alternative.)









One final pic that I must show you because my daughter is so pleased to have had her photograph taken with Fabio!



























10 comments:

Anitra Lynn McLeod said...

Congratulations!

(I'm throwing confetti and streamers and popping champagne!)

It's been a long, strange trip but terribly fun and enlightening (and those are always the best trips!)

I love the cover--very sensual and intriguing! I can't wait to read the whole tale after all the tasty tidbits I got to read for the contest. Please do share with us what it is like to go through the process of editing your manuscript. Also, will you be working with Chris or Alicia?

And the pictures make me feel as if I were there with you all. Thank you so much for sharing them. :)

Evonne Wareham said...

Helen - Congratulations once more!
The pictures really do get the flavour - even down to the pile of goodie bags I notice on the floor beside the sofa in one of the shots!

Helen Scott Taylor said...

Thanks, Anitra. We missed you there. We had such fun and it was great that we all got to go up on stage for the awards ceremony.

Alicia is my editor, but she couldn't make it to the convention so Chris presented me with the award. All the Dorchester people were friendly and helpful. A great experience!

Helen Scott Taylor said...

Evonne, thanks once again. Lovely to meet you in Pittsburgh. Strange we had to go all the way to the States to meet. We must get together!

Savanna Kougar said...

Helen, fabulous!!! So glad I checked Title Magic today. Thanks for the pics of you and everyone. More than exciting. And, hey, it's not every girl who gets their picture taken with Fabio. LOL, I'm beginning to appreciate the vicarious thrill of it all. Helen, congratulations again! And like Anitra said, please share the process and your journey with us, as you can.

Lexie O'Neill said...

Helen,
Congratulations again!! I'm in the middle of Jenny Gardner's winner from last year, and can't wait to be in the middle of yours!
How wonderful to be able to share the fun with your daughter. I only hope that there'll be an RWA (next year is close to my home) or something where I'll get to meet all of you lovely ladies face to face,
Lexie

Trish Milburn said...

Helen, I'm scouring the Internet, trying to see how many places I can congratulate you. LOL! :)

Mel Hiers said...

Congrats, Helen!!!

And thanks for posting those pictures! That's one of the many things we neglected to do - take photos.

I had such a fun time in Pittsburgh and it was great to meet you and your daughter.

Mai Christy Thao said...

Super congrats, Helen!!!

Man, it sounded like you guys had a blast. Now I'm doubly sorry I missed it. Would have loved to hang out with the ATIVers.

Helen Scott Taylor said...

Thanks everyone for the congrats! Had a fantastic time, but missed you guys who couldn't make it. If you can get to Orlando next year it will be lovely to see you then. I'll also be in SF in the summer.