My son has autism. I am constantly torn between including or excluding advocacy in my books and writing life. Any advice?

Thanks also to Jeannie for putting up with the million questions we threw at her at the last minute.

Hope to see you all back soon!

Brenda,

I remember meeting you for the first time. I don’t read romantic suspense since I’m a historical-loving gal, so I had no idea you were a famous NYT author. I’m glad, because if I had, I don’t think I’d have summoned the courage to say anything that day.

You and our fellow Sacramento Valley Rose chaptermate Karen Sandler visited the library in Placerville, California. I’d just started writing romances after having dreamed about doing so for decades. When I saw the flier saying two romance writers were going to be speaking in my small town, I got quite excited.

I arrived expecting to see hordes of people. After all, romances are awesome and romance writers some of the coolest people on the planet, right? To my surprise, I was the only one in the room besides you, Karen and the gentleman from Barnes and Noble. Later we were joined by a handful of Karen’s friends and the librarian who coordinated the event–an intimate group.

I sat in the front row and drank in every word you and Karen said and left so stoked my poor husband had to listen to me burble for the longest time. (And he did so without rolling his eyes or banging his head. Yes, I’m blessed.) You and Karen were such an encouragement. I’d never met another writer, let alone a romance writer, and when I realized later who you and Karen are and how many books you’ve sold, my chin scraped the floor.

I’ve been so impressed by your generosity, Brenda. You give back to the writing community in so many ways, and I’m one of many who say thanks.

Thanks, ladies, for having me at the blog today. I’ll be back to check out your other interviews!

I’m glad you’re taking advantage of the opportunities, and I hope they pay off in a big way.

Not too long ago I was writing on the dining table, too. It was located in the center of the house, the one room anyone had to pass through to get anywhere. LOL I don’t know how I managed to write like that, except that I’m pretty dogged. When I’m determined to finish something, I don’t get up till its done. My husband is the complete opposite. He floats around and takes lots of breaks and gets on the phone. I have a list of things to accomplish each day that I prioritize, and I don’t quit until I’ve hit as many of them as I possibly can. It helps to do the most important things first, whether that’s getting your exercise or your pages written. Then when things start to fall apart as the day progresses, you still get to cross off the top three or four.

Thanks for dropping by. What an accomplishment–to get your degree with six kids at home. I think it’s easier to write a book while raising a brood. LOL I need to go back and get my degree sometime. It’s on my list. I left college early to marry and start my family, never did finish.

Good luck with the writing! And thanks for your continued support of the auction!