10 things I'm thankful for--as an author

1. I'm grateful to the woman who handed me a romance novel without telling me what genre it was. I was caring for my terminally ill parents, and she knew I needed a healthy escape. I was halfway into the sequel before I realized this engrossing, intelligent, well-written book was a romance novel! The only one I had read before was a '70's bodice ripper. I hated it and vowed never to read another one.

2. I'm grateful romance novels have evolved from 'damsels in distress' to modern kick-ass, take no prisoners, heroines.

3. I'm grateful the heroes are still awesome. (grin)

4. I'm grateful I needed to take some time off after my parents died. It gave me a chance to try my hand at writing a book. Something I had always dreamed of doing.

5. I'm grateful my husband willingly took on the bills and let me pursue my dream full-time.

6. I'm grateful to the first e-publishers who offered me contracts. (My first book received 3 offers! I'm also grateful for the ego-boost that resulted.)

7. I'm grateful to the publisher I chose to go with. I learned so much about the business and promotion side of publishing--both from the publisher and the other authors.

8. I'm grateful for the many author friends I've made over the years. Many of them critiqued my early attempts, unselfishly offered their knowledge and assistance, and inspired me by example.

9. I'm extremely grateful for my fans. It's a priviledge to share my kooky sense of humor with people who love it. I'm so glad I can provide the kind of healthy escape that was given to me.

10. I'm grateful for computers--despite the many times I get frustrated with them--for making this writing thing so much easier than typing, copying, and mailing manuscripts, old-school style. I'll toss in my gratitude for the Internet that has made communication with the outside world so easy and enjoyable.

In short...I love my job. How lucky am I? Please be on the lookout for my next novel, Flirting Under a Full Moon. It's available for pre-order now. Judging from the amount of "likes" at B&N.com, my fans are eagerly awaiting it.