Bits and Pieces

Had a fun lunch today with a writer buddy. It's so great to talk about our processes, what works, what doesn't, how the thinking changes over time, etc. I was late in joining the Romance Writers of America (RWA). I had already written my seventh book, Line of Scrimmage, when I joined, so I don't have a huge network of writer friends the way others do. My network has definitely grown and expanded in lovely ways since I joined RWA, and the discussions with other writers are great fun. I think we both walked away feeling a little less alone in this solitary pursuit, and I thank her for being a regular blog reader!

There's a great post today on Writer Unboxed by Therese Walsh, whose book "Unbounded" will be out soon. She's starting to feel that panic that sets in when you realize real people—people you know and see every day—will actually be reading your sexy, R-rated book. Been there, done that! I left a comment on her blog encouraging her to enjoy every bit of the great experience of welcoming her debut novel to the shelves without allowing detractors to take anything away from her huge accomplishment. I've experienced the disapproving vibe a few times since September. You know what? I honestly don't care. Before the book came out (when I still had time to put it out under a pen name) I told my dad, my husband, my children and my boss that the book was sexy. I asked them if they'd be embarrassed by that. Each of them said the same thing: they were proud of me and would be proud of my book, too. In fact, my dad said, "Who cares what anyone thinks? You'll be laughing all the way to the bank." Having that kind of support from those closest to me allows me to say "who cares?" whenever that disapproving vibe resurfaces—and actually mean it.

I found this post today on a new-to-me-blog by agent Rachelle Gardner, who makes an interesting point about maintaining the passion for our "calling" as writers. I love how she asks her writer friend if she feels genuine passion for her husband every day. Well, not EVERY day, the friend replies. Then why do you expect to feel that passion for your writing every day? Good question, great point.