The Kindness of Strangers (and Authors)

Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax. ~Arthur Schopenhauer

Working with The Long and the Short of It romance reviews site, I've had the privilege of being in contact with many, many authors. I'm consistently amazed at how gracious most of them are. There are, of course, the occasional unpleasant ones, but for the most part, it's been a joy.

We don't review every request we get. If we can't give it a positive review, we turn it down. It is my job to compose those letters, and they're never easy. I'm delighted to say that, without exception, each and every person -- whether a publisher or author -- has been grateful and pleasant. One author even thanked us, because we provide specific information as to why the story doesn't work for us, including basic editing suggestions.

Lately, we've been working with some bestselling authors. And, as busy as they are with deadline and promotions and conferences and such, they have been the most generous and pleasant of all.

Most recently, we've gabbed with Deborah MacGillivray , Alyssa Day and Kerrelyn Sparks. I can honestly say that, even had I not already been fans of theirs (and I already was!), they would have won me over with their gracious attitudes and generous spirits. They are truly wonderful examples of what every author should strive to be.

Thanks, ladies!

And all you folks, reading this? Keep your eyes open for some great giveaways from those authors, coming up soon!

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I worked on my own writing yesterday... my short story, "Kitchen Matches" that was rejected last month. I've decided to add several scenes, a little more sexual tension and stretch the time period out a bit.

I may have to throw a puppy in to the mix, though, just for added fun.

Speaking of puppies, Dakota had to go to the doggy doc yesterday. She has scabbing around her urethra and a hard, swollen area. Turns out she has a skin infection -- so she gets to have daily baths with medicated shampoo. Woo. Hoo.

We got Bailey's ashes yesterday. The crematorium put them in this truly lovely wooden box with a paw print on the top and and engraving on the bottom with her name, our family name and her date of death. After crying like a baby (which distresses my DD to no end, because she says grown-ups aren't supposed to cry), I was just simply pleased. Bailey is finally home again.

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You Are Jennifer Aniston

Girl next door with a free spirit. You're low key and naturally sexy. Sweet and approachable, people are attracted to your upbeat attitude. And even when life doesn't go your way, you always eventually turn things around.

Are You More Like Jennifer or Angelina?

Yeah... I wish... LOL...