Lunch With An Author

           Remember that game “If you could meet someone famous, living or dead, who would it be”? Well, if you’ve read this blog before, you know I love to meet authors (okay, I’ll make exceptions for several actors: Hugh Jackman, Antonio Banderas, Tom Selleck, Sam Elliot and Mark Harmon. Oh my! Be still my heart)). And if I could have lunch with them? Oh my gosh! How cool would that be?

            Who am I kidding? I’m such a fan girl. I’d probably gush all over them (yes, there is precedence for that statement as I have gushed over a favorite author) and I probably wouldn’t be able to eat a bite (hey, that might be the secret to weight loss….dine with an author you idolize).

            So who would I choose? I’ve met many authors and as a group, they are warm, generous, sweet and lovely people. Victoria Alexander? Wonderful woman and I did have the opportunity to meet her. Kathryne Kennedy and Jennifer Ashley? I have the honor of knowing them both and lovelier people you won’t find.  Jodi Thomas? Yes, another gracious and kind author (who, surprisingly did not run from me when I blurted out “I love you”. Of course, she knew I was talking about her writing….at least, I hope she knew that). I would love to meet Tessa Dare because I love her witty, so satisfying novels.

            Oh, wait! While not a romance author, I would love to meet…and maybe have lunch with….or at least sit at the same table with Stephen King. I could tell him how very badly he scared me when I was fourteen and how much I’ve loved being terrified by him ever since. That wouldn’t be gushing, would it?

            So, who would you choose?

As always, happy reading!

Marie

The Author's Story

When you read a novel, do you ever wonder about the author? If there’s no photo on the book, do you wonder what he/she may look like?

Have they always written? Have they struggled to learn their craft or did the whole writing process come easily to them – the words and phrases appearing like magic in their heads? Do they write for the pure joy of sharing the pictures and characters living in their minds?

I so admire these men and women and I’ve been fortunate to meet some of my very favorite authors. I’ve listened to them speak on the craft of writing and their journey to being published. There are those lucky few who decided one day to sit down, write a novel and have it published on their very first try.

There are others, like me, who’ve written for years and years and years, and have finally (yes, finally!) seen their stories being enjoyed by the public. Some of their life journeys will break your heart but all will inspire you. No matter their circumstances, one thing they’ve all said time after time and it rings so true. Persistence is the key. Whether working on the first novel or the tenth or the fiftieth, we need to keep writing. And keep writing. Whenever time permits. Wherever the muse strikes.

And for those of us who love the written word, keep reading. It’s our escape, our joy!

Happy reading!

Marie

Send Positive Thoughts and More

Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan visited Happily Ever After Thoughts in October and talked about her newest release, Seducing the Succubus. Now she is in need of help, both financially and spiritually. Tina is a wonderful, giving person who is truly bigger than life and an excellent writer. Please read below and help if you can.

Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan has been taken suddenly and seriously ill. She has an affliction called Arteriovenous malformation or AVM in her brain which has led to multiple surgeries and an extended stay in ICU. No family is ever prepared for such a thing and Tina's is no exception. In times like this, every dollar helps and her friends in the writing community are banding together to ask you to open your hearts (and wallets) to help get Tina's family through this.
Tina is well known to readers and authors across the country who have embraced her books, most recently, (writing as Cassie Ryan) Seducing the Succubus (Berkley/October 2010) and coming in April 2011, The Demon and the Succubus.

Please send your prayers, positive energy and love out into the universe with Tina's name on it. Cards can be mailed to: Tina Gerow, c/o SBP PO BOX 42255, Phoenix, AZ 85080.

Any donations you would like to make to Tina Gerow/Cassie Ryan to help with the burden of mounting medical bills, can be given by visiting: https://sites.google.com/site/tinagerowandfamily or by sending a check to Tina Gerow, c/o SBP PO BOX 42255, Phoenix, AZ 85080.

Thank you, Alexis

When She Doesn’t Like It

If you are anything like me, you have your favorite authors. You read every book they publish. And when a friend asks me for a new author to try, I first find out what she likes and doesn’t like. Then, of course, I suggest some of my favorite authors based on her tastes. I’ve done this for years and my friends have always liked the authors I’ve suggested.

So imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of my friends wasn’t thrilled by my recent recommendation. She read a couple of the romances and liked them, but the author failed to impress. I was stunned. I’d never had this happen before. I had suggested authors to this friend before and she’d loved them. So what happened? Have I lost my touch, my critical ability, by sense of what she likes?

Have you ever had this happen? What do you think went wrong? I’m still trying to figure it out :-}

Alexis