Great Big Blog Party 38 - Susan Stephens

Some years ago - I can't quite remember exactly - but I suspect it must have been in 2002 - I went to the RNA Awards lunch at the Savoy with my friend Michelle Reid. As always, I was seated on one of the HMB tables. I say 'one of' because there are usually 3 or more of these. As I'd got there only just in time, I didn't have much of a chance to chat before lunch was served - and I had a brand new editor to meet and talk to. So although I'd heard that there was a brand new Modern/Presents author who had just been signed and who had also attended the lunch, I didn't get a chance to meet her either then or at the end of the lunch. I got caught talking to someone else and before I knew it, I looked around and she'd gone.

The only impression I had of her was of beautiful red-gold hair and an elegant back. Because one of the words I always associate with Susan Stephens who is today's Guest Blogger is elegant.

She'll refute it, of course - that's Susan. Over on her Writing Diary, she's been worrying about the clothes she'll need to wear to the Big French Wedding that's coming up. But believe me, she has no need to worry at all. Every time I've seen Susan, even in jeans and trainers, she always looks wonderful, and as I've seen the shoes she'll be wearing (shoes I might just be able to get one toe into) I know that even in Paris she will be nothing less than the perfectly glamorous mother of the very handsome groom.

But that's Susan - the lovely lady that I did finally manage to meet at an Mills & Boon Author lunch - and so was able to congratulate her on the acceptance and publication of her first novel in 2003. We held each other's hands at the RWA Conference in New York and I also learned much more about her - like the fact that not only is she beautiful and glamorous and a talented writer, she was also a professional singer ( to someone who can't hold a note this is really something) and - what really impressed my son - she used to work as a presenter on Play School and met Jemima, Big Ted, Humpty and all the rest (you have to have had an English childhood some 20 years ago to understand ; O) )

I just checked this info with Susan and she says that she is:Proud of my association with these British icons: Royal College of Music/BBC Northern Singers and BBC Playschool (let's not mention my affair with Big Ted)/ D'Oyly Carte Opera Company/ Mills & Boon

And I'd just like to say that I'm proud to have Susan as a friend. I can't quite believe it's only 4 years or so since we met. In that time she's come to be a special part of my life - a warm, welcoming and fiercely loyal friend . (You know exactly what I'm thinking of there , Susan). She gives wonderful parties (see pic below of L to R Indioa Gray, Me, Susan and Amanda Ashby at one of them) with her lovely husband as host. She has a fabulous family, and she has a warm, open heart that extends to lost and abandoned animals as well as humans.

Anyone who read her diarywhen she lost her beloved dog Finn (who I was lucky enough to meet) and then fought to care for two very sick rescue animals (losing one but nursing Her Royal Betship back to strong good health) will know that this is someone who is able to handle the tough stuff as well as the fun.

(And a picture of Her Royal Betship will appease the Canine corner who complain about too many cats on this blog)

But being with Susan is always fun - and I'm so glad that she gave up singing professionally and took up writing so that I cold have her fun and friendship in my life.

So here's Susan Stephens (aka Glamorous Mother of the Groom)

Congratulations to my good friend Kate Walker on the publication of her 50th wonderful book for Harlequin Mills & Boon!

Kate is an inspiration to all of us, not just for her thrilling romances, but for her generosity and kindness in support of writers both published and non-published.

But more than this, I'd like to say there are some people who make you feel warm inside when you see them, and that Kate is one of these people. From the moment I 'met the authors' in London at the first of our annual gatherings that I attended Kate went out of her way to make me feel 'at home'. And then later at a conference in New York I met Kate's husband, Steve, who is as warm and funny as he is a genuinely caring and talented man- Steve's poems rival any I've heard for wit and wisdom.

Of course, Kate is also a great animal lover like myself, and we have shared some of the best and some of the worst moments where our pets are concerned. When I lost one of my two rescue dogs Kate was right there, consoling me with the thought that if we didn't at least try no animal would ever be rescued, and that two weeks of love are better than none.

Before I was published I would always look for Kate's books- and guess what? Nothing has changed! Kate knows I'm waiting in breathless anticipation for her 100th title, and indeed every book in between.

We love you Kate, and I'd just like to say that you deserve every moment of your success.

Susanxx


GIVEAWAY:
Susan has a signed copy of her current Presents title One-Night Baby to giveaway to some lucky person who answers this

GIVEAWAY QUESTION:
I fell in love with Rome all over again when I travelled to the Eternal City on a research trip for One-Night Baby. What is your favourite city and why?