Today is Leslie’s birthday!!! I thought since Saturday is usually our writing day, I’d write a little something about what Leslie has taught me as a writer since we started working together.
But first, let’s party!
This video is perfect for illustrating the biggest lesson I’ve learned from Leslie: to find joy in the work. She’s one of those writers who, while she struggles like every writer, when she finds joy in writing a book, you can feel it. She allows herself to get really excited and gives herself permission to think her work is good when she feels that it is. Maybe it’s the Catholic guilt in me, but I rarely allow myself to get excited about how good my work might be until after it has been read by my editor. It’s like bad luck. But Leslie doesn’t have that in her and as a result, has been nominated for a RITA how many times? Her books are awesome and she’s taught me to relax a little bit and enjoy the whole process when it is enjoyable, instead of waiting for the other shoe to fall.
So, Les, thanks…I love you and happy birthday!!!
FROM CARLY:
Wow how do you top what Julie said? I agree. Leslie has taught me a lot about joy in the work. I’m more like Julie. Afraid to think anything is “that good”. But Leslie has also taught me something about discipline. She, like all of us, can get herself into a bind where she’s behind with the work. But Leslie can have her hubby turn off the Internet all day so she can do nothing but write. And what she writes is always of the highest quality because … well, she’s just that GOOD! Les, I’m glad your birthday is falling when you are finished with the last book and before you’re well into the next so you can just ENJOY!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Baby!
FROM JANELLE:
Leslie is one of those authors you just love to be around. She’s smart, funny, beautiful (inside and out), and always upbeat. I’m so fortunate to be able to call her a friend and to have her in my life on a daily basis (even long distance!). I’ve learned a lot from Leslie over the years, one of which is to keep positive even in the face of adversity. And in the writing biz, there are a whole lotta ups and downs and many times when you ask yourself “is the stress and strife worth it?” Leslie has shown me that you can plow through those hard times and end up in a better place. That if writing is who you are and what you are meant to do, and you embrace what you love the most, you can, and will, prevail. Case in point, Leslie’s upcoming “Black CATs” series — a huge departure from her light and funny Harlequin Blazes to the kind of stories that will send chills down your spine. She boldly stepped outside of the box that can sometimes confine us as romance authors and ended up writing some of the best novels of her career. You go, girl!!!
Happy Birthday, Les! I hope you get spoiled rotten today! And what’s a plotmonkey birthday without a hunk? Here’s one just for you, Les!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I will drink a toast to you tonight at hubby’s 75th birthday bash! Normally I don’t stop in on Saturdays but I am glad I did today!
Loved the video. Nice way to start the day.
Enjoy yourself today!!
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Your cake is yummy looking and so is the hunk. Enjoy them both.
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hed surely hot enough to melt the snow outside… :flamer:
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Happy Birthday Leslie!
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Oh, How could I forget
Gotta have cake!
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Happy Birthday Leslie! I’d have a drink on your behalf, but with the babies on the way, I’ll have to fill my martini glass with water, so have an extra one for me! Enjoy. I hope it’s a beautiful day for you.
Debbie
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Happy Birthday, Leslie!
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Happy Birthday, Leslie! Hope your day is as wonderful as you are.
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HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LESLIE!!!!
:present1:
I hope your day is m’avelous, d’aling, simply m’avelous. Just like you!!
Thank you, Leslie and to all of the plotmonkeys for letting me swing through the Jungle every day. I love you guys!
Here’s another present and some cake too! :present1:
Cher
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Loved that video!! I wanted to dance with them.
Hope everyone has a great day but, Leslie, hope yours is extra special!!
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Happy Happy B-Day Leslie!
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I loved the video!
Cher
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May you get your birthday wish today.
Happy Birthday!!
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Happy Birthday Leslie!
I hope you’re having a great day and best wishes for a wonderful year!
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Happy Birthday, Leslie! May you have many more . . . with many more fun books! :flower4you:
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Oh my gosh, what a FABULOUS birthday party!!! Julie, Carly & Janelle, you all totally put tears in my eyes. I can’t tell you how much your words meant to me. I have been lazing around up in bed all day…taking a day off and luxuriating in actually reading a good book for a change. (Anne Stuart: Fan myself, oh my God, does anyone write better bad boys than that woman?) Anyway, Bruce told me there was a party going on here on Plotmonkeys and that it was just wonderful and he was right. I LOVE you all so so so much!!!!!
And everyone else here, thanks for all the wonderful well wishes, the
:flower4you: :tinitime: 
:banana: are all so very much appreciated!! You all make coming here every day such a joy and a pleasure. And even when I’m being good and have Bruce turn off the Internet for me, I can still see the messages coming in to my mailbox from Plotmonkeys posts, so while I’m not on here replying, I am reading every one and feeling the incredible comeraderie. You’re all the BEST and I love you!
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Happy Birthday Leslie!!!!!!
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Happy birthday, Leslie!
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Happy Birthday Leslie!
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Leslie I hope you have a red hot best seller birthday.
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Happy Birthday, Leslie!
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Happy Birthday Leslie! Go out and party and have a great night!
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That video was great, I was dancing in my chair!!
Julie, Carly & Janelle your birthday wishes for Leslie gives us all a taste of true friendship. Thanks for your books & your blog which I look forward to everyday. I can’t wait to see Leslie’s new “other self” when her book comes out. :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey
Have a great weekend Everyone.
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Happy Birthday Leslie!! I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend.
:present1: 
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Happy, happy birthday, Leslie! Hope you had a fantastic day. :)
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I’m a little on the late side too.
Leslie, hope it was a great day for you.
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Sorry I’m late for the party! Happy belated Birthday, Leslie! Hope you had a great day!
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Lesile sorry this is late but was away from the computer this weekend. I hope you had a great day.
And I hope you were able to do all the thing you love doing.