GUESTBLOG: Confessions of a Cyber Fangrl Fan
I was lucky enough to meet Michelle Buonfiglio online when she invited me to participate in her blog, Romance Buy the Book a weekly, nationally-syndicated literary review of romance fiction. But that’s just the text book version of what Michelle does. The reason I’ve kept up with Michelle since then is because she is such a genuinely sweet, nice person who loves and promotes romance on a national scale. She feels like I do about the happy ending and thank goodness she does. I also discovered she likes to chat like I do and she spent years living in Holliston, MA where my husband grew up and near where my mother in law still lives. So we have a lot in common, including the enjoyment of looking at hot guys. I apologize to anyone who finds this superficial, but there you have it. And if you’re here at Plotmonkeys, you like it too. So let’s all welcome Michelle and thank her for supporting the genre we all love!
I’ve been so lucky to meet very cool people through what I do, and Carly Phillips -– who invited me to join you today — is one of them. She’s a fave of mine on and off the page, which is saying something because I read a lot of romance and e-meet a lot of people, especially authors and readers.
Since the column I write about the romance genre, Romance: B(u)y the Book, is syndicated over a network of 75 Internet TV news websites, my readers are really called “viewers.”
And my viewers are my friends.
I know it sounds pathetic, kind of a reverse Fangrl thing, but I really think of the women I interact with daily on Romance: By the Blog, and through email, as my girlfriends.
I’ll be making toast for my children and wonder, “Did Stacy find any new Nathan Kamp covers today?” Or be brushing my teeth in the morning and find myself laughing about some funny or vulnerable or touching thing someone wrote the night before.
Writing for the Internet has opened circles of e-friends to me. I like offering them a really safe, nurturing place to talk about romance, family, sexuality, and snaxy guys. And I appreciate how they overlook my quirks, like my current obsession with Italian World Cup soccer team captian, Fabio Cannavaro. 
The best thing about e-girlfriends is that we’re close enough to make each other feel great every day, but there’s never a chance we’ll drop by each other’s homes unannounced and looking to borrow favorite jewelry or clothes.
What do your e-friends mean to you? How do you feel about being able to talk romance in safe places like Plot Monkeys and other romance blogs?
Click here to check out Michele’s amazing home on the web!
Hi Michelle! :cocktail: As many of you Plotmonkeys already know, Michelle is a fabulous romance advocate out there, and she’s also completely sweet and funny, and us Bellas think the world of her. It’s nice to have found a place to be completely, and I do mean completely open and honest about a wide array of topics, especially relationships, guys, books, UATW moments - you can find it at Michelle’s place. As well as a vocabulary all our own LOL.
I think the Plotmonkeys share a lot of those similarities, only from more of the writers perspective, which is why I drop by just about everyday - it’s great to have girlfriends, no matter where you find them.
Comment by Stacy ~ — August 22, 2006 @ 6:49 am
Welcome, Michelle. Thanks for joining us and taking the time to do our blog! I live for my cyber friends - how can I not? My best best friends are my online friends (hello, plotmonkeys!).
Good news/bad news, people! Good news - the computer’s back! (meaning I’m back). Bad news - I’m off to Atlantic City for two days with the family, so although I’ll have the laptop and internet, it won’t’ be the same as being home.
BE GOOD WITHOUT ME. (or not). And have fun!
Comment by Carly — August 22, 2006 @ 6:55 am
Welcome, Michelle! It was so great meeting you in Atlanta and I’m loving you here at Plotmonkeys.
You just gave whole new meaning to the term “soccer Mom.” Yeah, I’ll take some of that in my SUV, thanks.
Comment by Julie Leto — August 22, 2006 @ 6:57 am
THERE you are! I already left my cute stories on your blog and then followed the trail of breadcrumbs you left to get here.
My e-friends mean the world to me. Long story short, a stint in the corporate world while owning a business at the same time rather isolated me from my local friends and once I’d left the corporate world and the business folded, the local friends had moved on. About that time I discovered the Internet and shortly thereafter I found romance. And through different websites and message boards and chatrooms I’ve made a huge network of e-friends, many of whom I’ve now met in person (including the fabu Michelle in Atlanta last month).
My e-friends and I share each other’s joys and sorrows, share our love of romance and those of us who write, support each other’s efforts in that arena.
I love having great sites like these where you can talk romance and not have to endure the exaggerated sighs and “poor thing” stares from people who just don’t understand romance, bless their hearts. Thanks to the Plotmonkeys and Michelle and all the others for operating these safe havens where we HEA fanatics can get our daily fix and bond with kindred spirits.
Comment by Marilyn — August 22, 2006 @ 8:25 am
I love having my internet friends. They are sweet and great women.
Comment by Kris — August 22, 2006 @ 8:35 am
Welcome Michelle
My e-friends are like Angels.
I can count on them to be there we also share each others happiness, sorrows. We support and listen. I love them.
Comment by cherylann — August 22, 2006 @ 8:36 am
Plotmonkeys rule
Comment by cherylann — August 22, 2006 @ 8:37 am
It’s the Queen Bella!!! Oh, we just ADORE Michelle! She has created this incredible blog that so many of us visit daily. Like Stacy said it’s a place where we can be ourselves and discuss just about *everything*!
But, the best part about my e-girlfriends, especially the Bellas is that we are all so supportive of each other. We NEVER reem each other or say negative things. Women MUST support each other, and that’s what the girlfriends are there for.
I’m like Michelle, I find myself wondering about the Bellas. I also find myself wondering what snaxy guys Michelle has for us today. (If you haven’t been to RBtB yet, well, let’s jus say you are REALLY missing out!!
Comment by rachd — August 22, 2006 @ 8:42 am
I’m proud to be a member of the Bellas (it’s a pretty easy club to get into, you just pop by Michelle’s blog and offer a number of strong opinions and bow at the altar of Canna, and you’re in!), but I adore Michelle and my Bella friends. I worry about their kids when they’re sick, I gush about the romance I’ve just finished to them and I dump a lot of issues on them. And they’re there with the net to catch me, or to pick me up when I’m down.
I tell Michelle all the time how much I appreciate the safe haven she’s provided, and it sure looks like you guys have it here too!
Comment by MaryKate — August 22, 2006 @ 8:42 am
‘morning, or as we say at Romance: By the Blog, Buon giorno, plotmonkeys e-friends!
As I wrote, I was — and still am — jazzed to be here — that is, til Carly just wrote she’s off to Atlantic City. Now, I’m kinda jealous.
I used to go to AC as a young adult (five or six years ago) and grew up vacationing at the Jersey Shore. There. Now I’m nostalgic AND jealous.
LOL, Julie! That is the funniest reference I’ve heard about that pic of “Canna,” as we call him.
My e-friends who’ve dropped in already, Stace and Marilyn are terrific examples of women I’ve met online and gotten to feel are part of my life. They are SO supportive if I need to talk about something emotional. And they love dishing about the same stuff I do, which can get a little — or a lot — wild sometimes.
As Stace mentioned, at RBtheBlog, we even have our own “Lexicon of Love,” our acronyms pretty specific to our love of romance novels and snaxy (another RBtheBlog term suggested by a Bella) guys. So, UATA refers to a mode of consumation between the h/hn of a romance novel which involves a wall and being upright against it. You do the math.
So, I’m here. Tell me about your e-friends. Or ask me about what I do, or why I love Canna (I love to talk Canna)…:love2:
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 8:45 am
Yeah, Cherylann, Plotmonkeys DO rule! I can tell you that I’ve only met Carly and Julie, but I’m sure the other plotmonkeys are like them, which is why this blog is so fun and positive. And I just can’t say it better than you do about why I love me my e-friends.
Hi, Kris: less is more; you say it simply, with meaning. Perfeto.
Ciao, MaryKate and Rach! I’m blushing at your compliments. And LingOL about my strongarming youz into adoring Canna.
But, truth is, you Bellas, my e-friends, set the tone for our blog, just like here at Plotmonkeys.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 8:55 am
Oh, goody, another blog to go visit on a daily basis. Poor hubby can never understand why it takes me so long to get going in the morning.
I have known some of my e girlfriends since the early 90’s when we met on an Anne McCaffrey chat room. We have been through marriages, deaths and everything in between since then. I can’t imagine not having them in my life. It is better therapy than any couch I could ever find.
Comment by ev — August 22, 2006 @ 8:56 am
When I first heard about blogs I had no idea I would be addicted to them. Let me re-phrase that: that I would find kindred spirits, an outlet for voicing my opinions, and Bellas. Oh yeah, and snaxilisious men.
MaryKate was right–it is an easy club to join! Once you’re there, you’re a Bella!
Julie Leto–LOL. We do so love our men.
If, for some reason, I haven’t checked in at Romance: By the Blog for over a day–I start to get itchy.
Comment by amy*skf — August 22, 2006 @ 9:02 am
Ev–my husband is the same way–”Late again, huh? Had to get on the blog”–He just called as I was writing this–LOL, we have dial-up, but I keep my cel phone nearby. Okay, I really do have to get ready for work.
Comment by amy*skf — August 22, 2006 @ 9:08 am
Mornin’, Monkeys! Mornin’, Bellas!
After seeing that picture of Canna this early in the AM, is there any question why we love our Michelle?
My efriends are the bestest of the bestest Bellas ever. They make my entire day. They make the worst of days better. I can’t say enough good things about them.
Comment by julie in ohio — August 22, 2006 @ 9:22 am
I’m supposed to be cleaning the house, and instead I’m here playing. Oh, well…
Comment by rachd — August 22, 2006 @ 9:31 am
Hi Michelle,
I didn’t know a soccer ball was so photogenic.:thumbsup2:
We kept up with everyones kids. Heck even some of our kids have became good friends and wear out IM.
Great pictures
As for the the question you asked. My e-friends mean the world to me. I’ve been on line for about 6 years now. My e-friends have talked and cheered me through family crisis.
The plotmonkeys group is an awesome group. So much fun…the Plotmonkeys just make you feel like one of the bannanas.:doggie::doggie:
Comment by Gigi — August 22, 2006 @ 9:41 am
Looking at the Plotmonkey blog is like a cup of coffee. I need it to get going in the morning. Essential! I am sort of a plotmonkey stalker (I check it out a few times a day, too).
I gotta check out your blog, Michelle…thanks for stoping by!
Comment by katie — August 22, 2006 @ 9:44 am
Buon giorno, Gigi! LOVE your name.
I so wish I’d been online as long as you. My life’s improved so much.
How did your kids get to be e-friends? Have you met any of your e-friends?
I got to meet some in Atlanta last month at the national convention of Romance Writers of America. It was like seeing old friends. Which shouldn’t be odd, because didn’t folks used to communicate by letters when there wasn’t phone, etc?
I think I told the story of how I was at a breakfast hosted by Julie Leto’s and Carly’s publicist, Nancy Berland. Carly and I’d met before, but Julie came right over ,intro’d herself, got me a plate and moved me to the buffet! Now, it could be the Italian thing, which is enough, but it was more the “really nice person helping out someone new to the block” thing.
I love the term, “the power of the medium,” and have used it a long time to define what the Inet does for women. But the truth is, WE power the medium.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 9:51 am
Katie! LOL. Isn’t it funny how we go back to our favorites all day long? I agree that blogs like plotmonkeys get us going. Can’t wait to see you at RomanceByTheBlog. You can get to it through Romance: B(u)y the Book pages.
BTW, I gotta thank the Plotmonkeys for letting me hang here today, and linking to the TV websites that carry my romance novel columns. I can’t tell you how much my success has depended upon not what I’ve done, but what others have done for me.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 9:55 am
Gigi? Is this Gigi from south Georgia??? Chixadees Gigi???
Comment by Marilyn — August 22, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Hi Michelle! Nice to meet you.
My e-friends mean the world to me. Between writing, moving to a new state and three little kids, I don’t know what I’d do without them. They are always a click away to give a virtual hug, a cheer, whatever I need.
Comment by Melissa Mc — August 22, 2006 @ 10:42 am
Hi Michelle - Welcome to the Plotmonkeys. And my e-friends have been such a bonus for me, and I am so thankful for them……….they always seem to be there no matter what……
Comment by Cryna — August 22, 2006 @ 11:13 am
welcome michelle. hot pics
Comment by kim H — August 22, 2006 @ 12:05 pm
Hi, Kim H! Thanks! I kinda pride myself on finding good ones, and I’m glad if they give a happy start to your day.
Melissa, you said you didn’t know what you’d do w/out e-friends. I feel the same. I moved to a new state 2 years ago, and I think that’s why my e-friends have become so special, too.
Thanks, Cryna. You guys make me feel really welcome. You hit the nail on the head (the banana on peel?) because I feel empty when I can’t get to the computer to chat with the Bellas. My husband will say,” can’t you just forget about work, we’re on vacation?” It ain’t work; it’s friendship.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 12:21 pm
Ah, gee, Michelle, I feel the same way. If I can’t get my ‘puter up and runnin’, I feel lonely-ish (if that makes sense) because I can’t check in with the Bellas.
Comment by rachd — August 22, 2006 @ 12:28 pm
I ditto all remarks…
My dh and I share a computer and he is a gaming nut. So needless to say, we have arguments about who gets on and when…and why it is that I feel the need to disconnect him now and again. :twisted:
BTW, I love these smileys you have. They are great.
Comment by julie in ohio — August 22, 2006 @ 12:41 pm
Hi, Michelle! Welcome to the jungle
It’s so great to have you here! I love visiting your website and blog — it’s so much fun!!!
Comment by Janelle — August 22, 2006 @ 12:44 pm
Another “thank goodness for efriends” reason is Canna and the lovely Nathan Kamp. Nobody understands the beauty that is the Snaxy Ones like the Bellas.
And Michelle just keeps feeding them to us which makes her the Queen Bella.
Now that she has introduced them to you, I’m sure you also understand and appreciate them like only efriends can.
Comment by julie in ohio — August 22, 2006 @ 12:54 pm
Helloooo Michelle!
I love meeting people online, and this blogging business is growing on me. That’s good news/bad news, as someone said earlier. I’m starting a new book–should at this point not be starting but well into–and I will hop on distraction like a thief on a horse.
So you’re the Queen Bella now, dear one? How many visitors here can say–as, ahem, I can–that they have tried on your crown? Huh? Huh? I have photos, but they will not see the light of day, as said photos booted me straight into diet mode. However–picture if you can–for one brief shining moment the Queen Bella’s crown rested nicely on the Eagle’s head.
You’re doing good, girl!
Comment by Kathleen Eagle — August 22, 2006 @ 1:49 pm
Hi Michelle!
I really like your blog and I am glad I found it!
Comment by Jennifer Y. — August 22, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
Now see, Kathleen, that’s just bragging…
Comment by rachd — August 22, 2006 @ 2:38 pm
My internet friends mean a great deal to me.
I love coming to Plotmonkeys and reading what everyone has to say.
Comment by Estella Kissell — August 22, 2006 @ 2:54 pm
Hi, Janelle! Thanks for the welcome; glad you like the blog and hope you’ll stop by often. We really can talk about things besides good-looking Italians, you know. Really.
Hiya, Kathleen! You’re a great example of real friends who’ve become e-friends. You know what I mean. For you Plotmonkeys, Kathleen’s another one who’s done nice things for me. Another fave blog subjct of mine: who’s helped you out along the way. Kathleen’s also a Barbie girl. :love2:
I can see why the monkeys would be great friends, Estella. I’m loving being here, too.
I’m so blushing cauwe my nice e-friends from RBtheBlog keep coming by to say hi!
These smilies ARE cool, but don’t you Bellas get any eyedeers. If you want em, you’re gonna have to hang with the monkeys. I can barely get blogs posted, let along load these things…
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 3:19 pm
Michelle ROCKS and RULES!! As a humble member of the Bellas, I enjoy checking in on the gals to see what’s happening with everyone.
Ok, I’ve GOT to get me some of these COOOL icons for my own blog!! (Michelle, when I figure it out, we can talk - 
)
eFriends…as Michelle says, hanging out at the RBTB is like the kaffe klatches I used to watch my Mom hold. The gals get together, have some sweets, drink some coffee and bam…it’s a hen fest of the nicest proportion!
We offer up cyber chocolate, alcohol and other treats (yeah, I know Michelle - I can’t get away from the food, it’s the Italian in me! 
)
And the really nice thing about our cyber food is that it’s CALORIE FREE!! Doesn’t get any better than that.
I’m hoping that in the future I’ll be able to meet some if not all of the Bellas, and there are others I’ve already met and have hit it off with just as well as online. When you connect on line, it’s because you’ve got something in common. That makes it sooooo easy to connect in person. Sort of like Michelle and I did in Atlanta recently.
Monica
Comment by Monica Burns — August 22, 2006 @ 3:27 pm
Michelle - looking forward to visiting your blog! I’m excited about my e-friends. I’ve expanded that circle recently and have discovered a group of great people! And after RWA in Atlanta, have expanded the list!
Comment by Yolanda — August 22, 2006 @ 4:03 pm
Very cool, Yolanda! We’ll look forward to your joining us. The neat thing about we romance lovers is how readers, writers, industry, we all dig making e-friends w/each other. And I don’t know any other genre in which authors are so accessible.
Reading romance has changed my life in so many ways, and making e-friends is one of the best.
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 5:02 pm
Hi Michelle, thanks for coming to visit us at Plotmonkeys. I love my efriends & especially appreciate the contact with the authors that give us yummy books to read. I try not to get hooked on to many blogs but I defintely have to check yours out, it sounds like fun! At the present time I am not working so I miss that daily contact with people, the blogs fill in that gap. I discovered efriends in 2003 & it just keeps growing & it is so wonderful because there is no boundaries as to where people are in the worlds which makes it very interesting. It is nice to know there are safe places for us to visit.
I love their Icons!
Comment by Donna M — August 22, 2006 @ 5:46 pm
P.S. That is suppose to be only one world!! Not worlds!! Sometimes my fingers & my brain are not properly communicating!!!
Comment by Donna M — August 22, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
And we have fun, don’t we Michelle? No cat fights, no pettiness, just a bunch of women chatting and laughing and sympathizing and encouraging - it’s very empowering and a total blast!
Comment by Stacy ~ — August 22, 2006 @ 7:17 pm
Welcome, Michelle, thanks for visiting us. I read your answer to the question of “Why do you like romance so much?” on your site, & your answer is exactly the same as mine. I have read other genres, but, I’d rather read Romances because I WANT to see how the h/h meet, how they navigate the pitfalls of love & how they get their HEA. I really believe Romances are a light of hope in a world that is sometimes very dark. To me, no other genre provides that.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — August 22, 2006 @ 8:38 pm
E-buddies/girlfriends are great. You can find as many as you want and talk to all of them or just a few as time allows or on varying topics . And on just about everything with those who have the same likes or those interested in different things. And they are from all walks of life and all over the world. I was to get a visit for the first time with an e-girlfriend who lives in England but alas all the problems flying scared her away for now but she’s going to try again some day.
Comment by jeanne — August 22, 2006 @ 9:33 pm
LOL, Donna! It could be worlds if we’re talkin paranormal romance, right? I’m like you, I’m necessarily at home a lot, and feel less isolated if I’m hanging w/e-friends. But only at positive places like here, RBtheBlog, and some others. cranky, snarky blogs and sites depress me and I also feel sorry for the women who need to pedal negativity and mean-spiritedness.
It’s good to be us!
It’ll be awesome if you hook up with your e-friend, Jeanne. But for now, at least you still have each other whenever you need a lift.
I’m so glad we’re kindred spirits, Patricia! Most all my viewers feel the same, we dig the love story central/Happy Ending romances because they make us feel good in a crazy, unhappy world. So I try to give the women what they want. How lucky for me it’s what I like,too!
PlotMonkeys! You are SO welcome at our place any time, because you make us feel welcome here. We’ll be sure to visit again and again.:love2:
And I THANK YOU and Carly, and the other writer/godesses for letting me bide a while today with you.
I feel fortunate to have met you and hope you’ll feel free to keep in touch.
You can visit me at Romance: B(u)y the Book, Romance: By the Blog, or email me at romance@ibsys.com.:email:
Ciao, Bellas, e buona sera!
Your new e-friend,
Michelle
ps. Ain’t Fabio Cannavaro dreamy?:love2:
Comment by Michelle Buonfiglio — August 22, 2006 @ 10:23 pm
Hey Michelle! Good to see you here!
I had chatted online with Michelle and was lucky enough to meet her several times in Atlanta,and I can tell you that she is just as sweet in person as she is online. I really enjoy her blog and her column. Way to go Michelle! Keep up the good work!
Comment by Debbie M (bookstoredeb) — August 22, 2006 @ 10:44 pm