Giving Thanks

I am a grateful person. I have many things in my life I'm thankful for. Year round I realize how many wonderful people and opportunities I've been blessed with. When times get rough, as they often do, I try to focus on the amazing aspects of my life. But this time of year, I try to stop and make lists. So here is my top five things I'm thankful for....with a twist.

Top Five Things I'm Thankful For As a Romance Writer:

1. The word 'Cock'

And pussy, ass, breast, clit, balls....I think you get the idea. I love that we can just call a spade a spade now. I'm not sure I could've survived in the industry if I had to write manroot or honey-pot. Not to mention all the animals a man's dick has been compared to. Yes, some writers do it beautifully. I, however, would not have been one of them.

2. Toys

Sometimes it can be hard, no pun intended, to keep escalating sex scenes. It's true, variety is the spice of life. But let's be honest for a second, there are only a handful of sexual positions that are comfortable for amateurs like myself. To try to describe a position I've never enjoyed feels deceitful. But even plain old vanilla missionary can become red hot if the right toys are employed. Handcuffs, nipple clamps, and anal plugs-oh my!

3. A healthy appreciation for women's bodies

We come in all shapes and sizes. And men love us in all them. Don't believe me? This year, we went to a Suicide Girls' show for our anniversary. I've been to a couple men's reviews over the years. And the men were handsome. But there wasn't a huge variety in their body types. The same was not true for the burlesque show. Some of the women had large breasts, some had small. Some of the women had curved asses and some of them were lean. But regardless of the dancer's body type, the audience went crazy for them. I love that so many writers have started embracing this and writing about the diversity of women out there.

4. Wine

I don't think any of my 'grateful lists' would be complete without this one. I helps to celebrate the good times and commiserate in the bad. This industry tends to be full of ups and downs. Finished you novel? Yay! Have a glass to celebrate. Got a rejection? Sorry. Have a glass and tell me all about it. Got a great review? Awesome! Let's toast to many more. In edits hell? I'm so sorry.

5. The community

This is actually my favorite thing about writing romance. The people. And I'm talking about everyone: The writers, the readers, the reviewers, bloggers, editors....everyone. You guys are amazing. I've never met a group of people more caring or supportive. You keep me going. You are the reason I write. I love you guys so much.

So it's for those reasons (and many, many more) that I'm sending out a huge thank you to the romance world! You guys are awesome. I love you all. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous new year. Cheers!