The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) is delighted to announce that author Claire McCauley has won the annual RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers for 2024 with her novel, The Wedding Hitch published by Joffe Books.

The award is for authors whose novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) and are subsequently accepted for publication. Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a longstanding RNA member and NWS supporter, the award showcases the variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre. Previous graduates of the NWS include Sue Moorcroft, Jessica Redland and Heidi Swain.

The judges for this year were Jean Fullerton, outgoing RNA Chair; Sue Moorcroft, current RNA President; and Megan Haslam, Editorial Director, Boldwood Books. They were unanimous in their decision to choose The Wedding Hitch as this year’s winner.

Jean Fullerton said, ‘Claire McCauley’s book is a romantic tale, skilfully told, with a clever twist at the end I certainly didn’t see coming. The Wedding Hitch is a worthy winner of this year’s Joan Hessayon prize.’

Sue Moorcroft added, ‘It was a pleasure to be asked to read and judge such an outstanding shortlist. In The Wedding Hitch, written by Claire McCauley and published by Joffe Books, we have a worthy winner. The plot keeps moving, the characterisation’s spot on and I love the grand-house setting that contrasts with the staff accommodation in the woods. And I absolutely did not see the twist coming.’

Megan Haslam also praised the winning novel. ‘It was a great honour to judge the Joan Hessayon award this year and the talent was so high. But our winner, The Wedding Hitch by Claire McCauley is the perfect blend of uplifting romance, relatable characters and a beautiful setting. Claire has added her own unique twist to the jilted bride trope and writes with such warmth and wit that she keeps you turning the page, rooting for her heroine until the very end.’

Melissa Oliver, the RNA Joan Hessayon Award organiser (and winner of the award in 2020), commented, ‘The standard of the Joan Hessayon Award was very high this year with six wonderful debuts to choose from. However, our guest judges were unanimous in crowning The Wedding Hitch by Claire McCauley the winner for its fabulous characters, warmth, plot setting and of course the wonderful writing. Well done Claire!’

The award ceremony was held on Saturday 10th August 2024 at Royal Holloway, University of London, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.

ABOUT CLAIRE MCCAULEY

Claire McCauley grew up in Bath, before working in theatre all over the world then settling in Oxfordshire. After a decade as a stay-at-home mum, escaping by reading three novels a week, she started to write the kind of humorous fiction that she loves. Currently, Claire lives beside the river in Oxford with her Irish husband, five children and wire-haired vizsla. Her second romantic comedy, Are You My Halley Hart?, was released on 16th July.

Note: Claire McCauley’s award ceremony photo and book cover image are attached. Photo credit for ceremony photo: Katie Hipkiss Visuals.

ABOUT THE WEDDING HITCH

Róisín’s ecstatic to win her dream wedding  – until her fiancé admits he never really wanted to get married. So she breaks up with him and sets out to find the real love of her life, in the twelve months before her prize expires . . .

ABOUT THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION

The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) is a professional body primarily for writers of romantic fiction. Founded in 1960 to provide a voice for romance authors and to be a network for writers, it continues to raise the prestige of romantic fiction and encourage romantic authorship. Their 900+ membership includes writers across the spectrum of commercial and women’s fiction, along with publishing industry professionals, booksellers, and book reviewers. In addition to organising annual publishing awards, they also host a range of workshops, talks, networking events, a three-day annual conference, and provide support to unpublished authors through their New Writers’ Scheme.

ABOUT THE NEW WRITERS’ SCHEME

Established in 1962, the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished romantic fiction authors. Manuscripts can be submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors. In addition, the 250 members of the scheme can attend RNA events and participate in members-only activities and networking opportunities.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Ali Henderson, RNA Secretary: alihenderson@romanticwriters.co.uk