Words to Live By

I adore Kristan Higgins. Her novels are funny, quirky, sweet and heartwarming. Her interactions with her readers on Facebook and Twitter are genuine and amusing. She's just all around spectacular.

Well, today, someone on Twitter shared a Youtube video of Kristan's Luncheon Presentation at the Romance Writers of America conference. Once I finished watching it...well, I just loved Kristan even more.

This is a must-watch for all romance authors. Make that all WRITERS. Kristan's got some great things to say about persevering and rejection and what our books mean to the world. This speech is inspiring beyond words.

Just...watch it. And, you're welcome.

J is for Jennifer

There are so many great authors out there that have inspired me to write the types of novels I do. I can't recall the names of those who wrote all the Harlequins I devoured as a teen, though they played a major role in who I am as a writer today. Specifically the fantastic line of Flipside novels that are now extinct. But probably the biggest influence is a woman named Jennifer.

Okay, TWO women named Jennifer.

Jennifer Weiner.

Jennifer Weiner writes with such wry humor and heart that I fall in love with her characters from page one. Though she doesn't write "romance" in the traditional sense of the word, books like Good in Bed or In Her Shoes have an underlying romance theme. She's seriously fantastic.
Jennifer Crusie

Now, Jenny's books are closer to what I'm trying to write. Funny, sexy love stories. If you haven't read a Crusie, you're missing out. Big time.

Though the whole letter J kind of limits this post, I feel like I should mention a couple more lovely ladies that I love. Carly Phillips and Kristan Higgins. I love their work and hope to accomplish something like it someday.

What about you? Who are your writing heroes?