There's something about early morning which lends itself to contemplation, I think. Mr. Harris had an early meeting this morning, something to do with a tele-conference with people in other parts of the world, so he had to get up at a criminal hour — and I woke up too. So now I'm sitting in bed with my laptop and my tea and thinking in the quiet hours before dawn. I have a lot of work to do, but I'll do it after I do this.
I've been thinking about this business, which I love, and about the people in it. Readers, y'all are the most amazing, wonderful, necessary people in the world. Without you, I have no job. I'd write anyway, but I'd have to do it while working 9 to 5 at something else to pay the bills. And no one would be reading the stories but me — and maybe a couple of friends. So this is preferable, and I thank you for it! I'm glad you like my books, and I always love to hear from you. So don't hesitate to send that email!
The other people I love in this business are my writing friends. I have a core group, people I can rant to about covers, sales, blurbs, revisions, etc. There's nothing like a good rant with your fellow writers. They understand what it's like to have a cover you hate or a blurb that fails to mention that lovely hook you wrote. They are also there when you have an emergency and need to brainstorm something. Romance writers are some of the most giving writers you'll ever meet.
This weekend, I attended the Southern Magic Reader Luncheon. Sherrilyn Kenyon was the guest speaker. She is amazing. As successful as she is, she's also humble and doggedly determined to keep working as hard as she can. She deserves her success. And she moved me to tears more than once as she gave of herself to that packed room with a dynamic speech that was personal and inspirational.
Today, I sit at the computer determined to go over, under, around, or through, as Sherrilyn said. Somehow, some way, I'm getting a ton of work done before I go to sleep tonight.
So I'd better get to it! But here's a picture of me with one of my writing friends, Kira Sinclair, who writes for Blaze and who can always be called upon to listen to a good rant.
Who do you rant to? Who are your friends you can always count on? One commenter will win a copy of my current release, THE GIRL NOBODY WANTED.
I had such a great time with you on Saturday. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your table with me. Everything is always much more enjoyable with friends!
Kira
It was a fun time! 🙂
My daughters are always there for me. When I need to rant about something I can always go to them. And they are the same, when they need to let off some steam or gripe about their husbands they know they can come to me and I’ll listen. They also know I’ll take their husband’s side if I think they are in the wrong. We have a great relationship.
seriousreader at live dot com
Sounds like an excellent relationship, Linda! 🙂
Great picture ladies. And, isn’t The Harbert Center pretty? We have functions there at least 4 times a year in the Beeson Room(upstairs). I wish I had known you ladies were coming to town, I would have so been there!
So, yes, we all need to have someone to vent to. And it’s wonderful that you have each other for that reason and more. My best friend is my youngest sister Jennifer. There is 15 years between us and our views differ on some things, but we both know that we can talk to each other and whatever is said will go no further. We both like to go ding-dinging (gambling) and have lots of fun doing so, even if we pay the penny machines. It’s the fun of being away from other things and letting go. We can laugh at ourselves and each other.
Have a great day ladies.
The Harbert Center is very nice! And good food too. 🙂
I feel very blessed to have a good group of friends to vent to. Sometimes you just have to let off steam! Sounds like you and your sister have fun. 🙂
I rant to my best friend Nancy who I have known for over 20 years, if she isn’t available I go out side and rant at the weeds in my garden
That’s a plan, Leslee! I also rant to my cats, LOL. 😉
I am blessed to have lots of friends in my life, so it depends on what I’m ranting about as to whom I contact. USUALLY, I rant online or via phone to one of two girlfriends from my high-school days (ahem … from 35 years ago). I especially like how we can send emails at any time of day and not wake up people (or at least that’s how it was before BlackBerries, etc.). (Yes, it’s best to know your audience nowadays, though!)
My two BFFs live 1.5 and 2.5 hours away from me, but we make an effort to see each other three times a year (once at every home). It’s a HUGE effort to find a common date, but it’s well worth it. We each bring lunch/supper nibblies and gab the day(s) away.