The New York City chapter of the Romance Writers of America held its annual Golden Apple Awards reception last Thursday night at the Upper East Side's Havana Room, with chapter president Elizabeth Mahon (right) on hand to present citations to literary agent Deidre Knight (whose award was accepted by Knight Agency member Pamela Harty) and Dorchester editor Chris Keeslar. (Author of the year Dee Davis and publisher Raeline Gorlinsky of Cerridwen Press were also on hand to receive their prizes, while actor Jason Gaffney accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of his mother, author Suzanne Brockmann.)

Before the awards were handed out, authors and agents mingled and caught up with each other; among the topics of conversation: Lori Perkins's recent blog post about how the current economy will affect writers: "Close on any offer that comes your way now, or try to get a three book deal, because it's going to be very slow for the next few months."

(photos: Lisbeth Eng)