The Daily Mail Literary Lunch: The winner writes!

By Yvonne from the UK

On 4 November, 2005 I was the lucky winner for the two tickets to the Daily Mail Literary lunch at the Savoy held on Monday, 21 November.

I had no hesitation in dragging my sister, Diane, along with me as she, too, is an avid reader of Minette's books. For me this was a dream come true as it is not every day that you get the chance to meet with your favourite author or have lunch at the Savoy!

Before lunch - and armed with my copy of The Devil’s Feather - I waited anxiously in the bar with several hundred other people all jostling to purchase their copy of Minette’s book and await her arrival at the signing table. My sister asked me, "Do you know what Minette looks like?" I replied, "Of course", and then she appeared. I joined the queue and when it was my turn, I told Minette that I had won the two tickets and she told me that she was so surprised at the speed of the reply to the emailed question, and she wrote in my book: "To Yvonne, with love and congratulations, Minette Walters".

We found the seating plan and we were lucky enough to be seated only a few yards from the stage where Minette would be speaking. Lunch was delicious and laid at our tables with military precision. After lunch, Minette was on stage first. She had us in stitches with her stories as editor of the romantic fiction for the Woman’s Weekly Library.

Minette - it was a pleasure to talk to you, thank you for the opportunity to win the tickets, for signing my book and allowing me to take photos. I will remember that day for a long time. To all those who did not make it – you missed a great day.

To Minette and all of her readers, have a very happy Christmas and a well read 2006. I can't wait for the next book!

Best wishes, Yvonne

(Photo taken by Yvonne T.)