Everything but cute strappy shoes

I have to be careful with my back, so I can't wear the cute strappy shoes so many authors, aspiring authors, editors, agents, and guests had on at the RWA awards ceremony. I can't even wear them for short periods of time, so I stuck with my Naturalizer slides, which aren't too bad.

But I had shoe envy! LOL However I did have a nice dress, bought for the occassion, and a lovely burn-out velvet wrap.

I seriously did not think I had a chance of winning my category of the Ritas. The other finalists are excellent writers. The ones I haven't read personally I've heard fantastic things about. So it floored me when Alesia Holiday (aka Alyssa Day) called me up to the stage to receive a Rita! I've known Alesia for a while, and it was so terrific to get the award from her! My editor, Ginjer Buchanan at Berkley got a nice plaque for the book as well. I like that they give the editor recognition.

I hadn't even bothered to come up with a speech! I was so convinced I wouldn't win. I was ready to applaud the winner and head out for chocolate. I had to come up with a speech on the spur of the moment, which I hope was coherent.

Ok, I did *think* about a speech, on the off chance. But I certainly didn't write it down or rehearse it.

I'm very grateful to the judges for picking the book (A Lady Raised High). It was a labor of love. The book is out of print now, unfortunately, though Berkley plans to reprint it in trade paperback next spring.

The outpouring of excitement, friendliness, and hugs afterwards from fellow authors, chapter members, editors, and complete strangers was overwhelming. I was blown away by everyone's support.

It was an interesting, stunning, exciting experience.