Romance Supporting Romance - A Very Worthy Cause

Ya'll know that my wife is a romance writer. You also may know that I am a big fan of romance - in its written form, yes - but also a fan of romance in general. I'll admit it, I'm a romantic and I do what I can to promote romance whenever I can. Being married to a romance writer has given me the opportunity to meet a community of great people, mostly women, who work very hard to create romantic fantasies for the enjoyment of others. The majority of them do this for very little money and even less respect. They work to produce "those smut books" and "trashy romance novels" in order to express their love of writing AND of romance so that readers can pick up one of their books and escape for a short time into a world where the girl gets the right guy and they both get their happily ever after. That chance to escape is particularly important because the writers, and the readers, and everyone else knows that in real life the happily doesn't always happen. And sometimes it does but it doesn't stick around ever after. Which brings me to the reason for this post.

Romance author Jo Leigh lost her real life romance hero to cancer this year. Now, while dealing with her loss she is also facing seemingly insurmountable medical bills. The romance community has come together to help support one of their own. Please read the following, follow the link, and consider bidding on some fantastic items donated by Jo's fellow authors including Leslie, plus agents and editors in the industry. And please pass the word, especially if you or someone you know is a lover of romance.

Permission to forward

Author Jo Leigh lost her husband this year to cancer. Theirs was a story of reunited lovers worthy of a romance novel. The loss of her husband hit her hard, both emotionally and financially. (authors are self-employed, so often have no medical insurance.)In an effort to raise money to help her pay off those medical debts, the romance community has once again banded together to support one of their own and an auction is being held. This is a wonderful way to purchase gifts for yourself or a loved one AND write it off on your taxes.
Please spread the word to any loops, forums, etc. that you might be on.

Maybe the Republicans Were Right

I did want a president that was like me.

 

Barack and Michelle:  A more perfect union?

 

A married couple that obviously love and respect each other and aren't afraid to show it. AND he can read and write and think and be open to new ideas. I just want to cry.

Time to Brag on My Wife

Yesterday's post was about romance novels. Guess what! Today's post is too.

Movies have Oscar and the Academy Awards. Television has the Emmys. Music has the Grammys. Mystery Novels have the Edgars. Science Fiction has the Hugos. And Romance Novels have...

...The Ritas!

The Rita Awards are presented annually by the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Just as in January, when Hollywood is abuzz over the announcement of the Oscar nominees, the end of March brings anticipation and butterflies to stomachs all over the Romance writing industry. Yesterday the calls went out and my wife Leslie got one! Her book "She's No Angel" is a finalist for Best Contemporary Romance of 2007.

She's been a finalist twice before and here's hoping that the third time is a charm. The award ceremony is a black tie affair that is held at RWA's annual conference. This year that will be in San Francisco and I have until Saturday August 2 to get in shape to squeeze into a tux. Good thing we just joined a gym.

Congratulations to all the finalists!

Leslie, you're amazing. I could not be more proud of you nor could I possibly be more in love with you.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wish you a very happy Valentine's Day

Most people are familiar with Rodin's "The Thinker". Personally I've always been partial to "The Kiss".

Many seasoned partyers consider New Year's Eve amateur night. I hope you won't think me full of myself when I say that I consider Valentine's Day amateur day. I try to show my wife how I feel about her everyday so I don't feel I need a special one to show it. In addition to that, my sweetheart is a romance writer so for me it's always Valentine's Day.

For those of you whose idea of romance is a card, some grossly overpriced flowers and a box of chocolates once a year let me give you an inside tip. If you want to become a master of foreplay read this article:

Gals make passes at guys who wash glasses

A very special Valentine wish to my three beautiful daughters who I love and adore and to their amazing mother without whom life just would not be worth living. Thank you for being my Valentines every day. I love you.