Fergie's book ceremony

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, mingled with Hollywood stars and noted writers at a prestigious New York book awards ceremony on Monday (22.10.07).The 48-year-old royal - who has penned a number of books herself - was among guests including actresses Brooke Shields and Joan Allen, at the third annual Quill Awards at the Jazz at Lincoln Centre.The Quill Awards are described as "the only book awards to pair a populist sensibility with Hollywood-style glitz. They are the first literary prizes to reflect the tastes of all the groups that matter most in publishing--- readers, booksellers and librarians."The evening featured 19 popular categories, ranging from romance to biography to graphic novels.Best-selling author Nora Roberts was the big winner of the evening, scooping book of the year for her novel 'Angels Fall'.Former US Vice President Al Gore's book 'The Assault on Reason' won the prize in the history/current events/politics category. His daughter Karenna Gore Schiff accepted the award on his behalf.Although Sarah was not up for any awards herself, the duchess is an accomplished writer.

Her literary career includes two successful series of children's books - her 'Budgie the Little Helicopter' and 'Little Red' collections - as well as self-help and dieting books, autobiographical tomes and a work on Britain's Queen Victoria.