The Romantic Novelists’ Association are delighted to announce that Seána Talbot, who writes as the award winning author Catherine Tinley, has taken over the role of Chair from Jean Fullerton. Katie Ginger, who also writes as Annabel French and Emma Royal, is the new Vice Chair. Both Seána and Katie are Directors of the organisation. 

The announcement was made at the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held during the RNA’s conference. The AGM also saw Directors Jean Fullerton, Sue Merritt, who writes as Virginia Heath, and Andrea Davies, who writes as Lily Watson, stand down. Three new Directors were elected; Katharine Elliott, who writes as Katharine Light, Lucy Flatman, who writes as Lucy Morris, and Deborah Klée. 

Seána Talbot, the RNA’s incoming Chair said, “I’m delighted to be taking over as Chair of the RNA. Jean has done a fabulous job, and I am ready and excited to lead the organisation at a key time in its history.”

Seána added, “Jean, Sue, and Andrea have made a huge difference to the RNA. Jean Fullerton has been volunteering since 2006, she developed RNA Learning, and was a highly effective and caring chair of the association during a period of challenge and change. Since 2019, Sue Merritt has been contributing her considerable organisational talents to make the RNA’s events and parties go with a bang. In 2023, Sue took on further responsibility, leading our conference into a new era. The conference is a much loved part of the RNA world as the five star feedback from last year’s delegates proved. Andrea Davies led RNA Learning, organising and coordinating numerous courses and workshops on everything from craft to marketing. We are grateful to all three of them for their wisdom, commitment, and dedication.”

Seána concluded, “RNA members are also grateful to Katharine, Lucy and Deborah for stepping up to become Directors. We respect and admire the decision of these working writers to volunteer their time to support the writing lives of others. I, and the other members of the Board and Management Team, look forward to working with them to lead the RNA into the next few years.” 

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.