Let’s give a warm jungle welcome to author Lisa Hendrix! Lisa and I “met” online, where we learned we are like-minded on many topics. She’s guest blogged for our writer series before, but it is with great pleasure that I give her my Wednesday spot to entertain you…and give away books! VERY generously, I might add…so without further ado…thanks, Lisa, for joining us!
Thanks to PlotMonkey Julie Leto for inviting me over to play in the Jungle. I was cogitating on what to write about and came up with something I hope is fun for both the readers and the writers in the crowd:
15 Things I’ve Learned From Writing Romance Novels:
1. That a new laptop is as good as sex. Writing can theoretically be done with a pencil and paper, but the modern reality is that it requires up-to-date technology and software. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
2. That every book I write is worth at least five pounds on my butt.. Every. Single. One. I even wrote about it in the author’s notes at the back of Runaway Bay. It happened with IMMORTAL OUTLAW, too, so I’m South Beach-ing and blogging about it at a separate blog, New Year, New Ass — even though the year is no longer new.
3. How generous and thoughtful readers are. They send me notes about how my book kept them up all night, bring brownies (or lattés!) to signings, make snazzy embroidered name tags and book videos for me just for fun, and offer hugs and smiles that more than make up for that five pounds thing.
4. How many ideas are rocketing around in my skull. When I started out, I wasn’t confident that I’d be able to come up with more than a few books. Now I have a folder full of ideas in the file cabinet, another on my computer, and a zillion more that haven’t taken shape enough to make notes on. So many ideas. Must write faster!
5. That I forget things when I’m deep in a story. Lots of things, like: What year it is. Where the vacuum lives. How to cook. Children. Yep. I forget my kids, and not just once. While finishing one especially trying book, I regularly got phone calls from my then 4th grader that went, “Mom? It’s four o’clock. Are you going to come get us?” School got out at 3:15. Oops. I felt terrible. That 4th grader is going off to college this fall. I still feel bad when I forget him…
6. That I fall in love with my heroes, each one in turn. He has my utter devotion…until the next one comes along. Serial monogamy, I think they call it.
7. That I love this job. For most of my life, I thought I hated writing, but it turned out that it wasn’t the writing, but what I had to write: school reports, thank you notes, engineering documentation. If I’d realized that, I would have started my first book years earlier.
8. How much easier it is to stay focused in public than at home. At home, everything is a distraction, and if it’s not, my kids can turn it into one with the single word “Mom!” At the local coffeehouse, I can slap on a set of headphones and duck my head, and everyone leaves me alone. Another favorite place to write is the hospital cafeteria. It’s like working in a well-lit office, but with food right there. Good food. Something the Monkeys can appreciate, I’m sure.
9. That kids don’t stop being kids just because they get older. They may be in high school and college now, but as soon as I get busy/on the phone/in-flow, one of them needs to talk to me. Now!
10. That Vikings are sexy. I’ve written cowboys, Irishmen, business tycoons, nerdy scientists. How in heck did it take me this long to get to (immortal were-beast) Vikings?
11. That I work better/harder/more consistently when I have a good critique partner or group. I’ve had a couple of terrific ones, but moves, day jobs, and different career paths have led to their slow disintegration, so I’m looking for another. Sigh. I hope the Monkeys realize how lucky they are.
12. That chocolate is one of the elements necessary to sustain life. (I’m kidding, of course. I knew this particular fact before I started writing. I’ve known it since I hit puberty.)
13. That I can spend all day working on my website, keeping up with Facebook and Twitter, and reading my favorite blogs, but then I don’t write and thus have no need for a website, Facebook, or Twitter. It’s all about balance.
14. That I should have bought stock in a coffee company early on. I had no idea how much coffee writers consume. I could have turned a profit on my purchases alone. Add in Janelle’s quad ventis and I’d be set for life.
15. To give away books. Lots and lots of books. When I started out, I thought giving away books would cut into my sales. Not. More books out there among the opinion leaders means more books sold. And you folks who read romance blogs like this one? You’re the opinion leaders.
And thus: a GIVEAWAY! Five, count ‘em, FIVE copies of IMMORTAL OUTLAW (or IMMORTAL WARRIOR if you so choose) are waiting to go out to commenters who answer this question:
What have you learned from reading romance novels?
I’ll pick the funniest answer, the most poignant, and three at random. Winners will be announced….when, Julie?
Julie here…winners announced on Sunday! And can I just say…is that cover HOT or what???
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PS: A note from Leslie:
Winners for yesterday’s giveaway, from the Random Integer Generator site:
3 20 57 33 24
Okay? Totally random! So the winners are then:
Pat L.
Rob Charron
Debbie
Karen B
Marie
Please drop me a note to authorleslieparrish @ gmail . com (no spaces) with your snail mail address so I can get your copies of FADE TO BLACK out to you right away.
Thanks again, everyone, I am so glad to hear so many of you enjoyed the excerpt!
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 nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
3 Seductions and a Wedding
Hot Number
Play With Me
Wild For Him
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
Hi Lisa! It’s wonderful to have you here. What a great list. Though it’s probably a good thing I’m not a writer cuz I don’t need any extra poundage in the butt area, thank you very much. It seems to get there without any extra help.
Hmm, I’ve learned many things from romance novels, like the importance of not settling, that as much as I might love an alpha hero in a romance, I probably would smack him to the curb in real life, and that humor is still a sexy quality, in a book or in one’s own life. But the one thing I haven’t managed to learn is how to get stuck in a closed space with a hot guy. I’ve been trying for years and I seem to be doing something wrong cuz it just ain’t happening!
Good luck with your book. It looks intriuging, and I would love to be a lucky winner
Comment
Welcome to the Jungle, Lisa! What a fantastic post/list! Love it
Comment
From romance novels I have learned that I am the heroine of my own life and as such I have learned that sometimes making the harder, and the most self-sacrificing choice is sometimes the stupider choice because the true hero of my story will want me to do what’s best for me, not what’s best for everyone around me.
I have learned that the people worth keeping in my life, are the people who stick around no matter what I’m going through, and when we disagree will care enough to stand toe to toe with me and fight it out instead of walking away.
As the heroine of my own life I have learned that I have the right to speak my mind, and the right to expect to be taken seriously. I have learned that I have a right to the strength of my emotions and secret babies be damned – honesty is always the best policy. I have learned that I have the right to remain silent, and that anything I say can and will be used against me in a court of law.
Comment
What I have learned from romance novels is too go with the flow, and that by reading them I can go into a different world where I don’t have to deal with my own problems for a while. It also keeps me sane with three kids (4,2,1) Keep thinking that I want to try to write one and I have ideas that are always popping into my head just don’t know if I have the disipline to do it.
Comment
Oh, Lisa, I loved every word you had to say–you so described m life!
(Right down to the “Mom, did you forget me?” phone call.)
Thanks so much for being here!
Comment
‘Morning all. I’m loving the “what I learned” posts — they make me proud to be a romance writer. That whole thing about being the heroine of your own life is so very, very important, and exactly why so many battered women’s shelters give romance novels to their clients.
Leslie & Carly – Thanks for the props. And for letting me know I’m not the only one who’s forgotten her kids. As soon as mine wake up, I’m going to show them this and say “See!”
Keep posting, everyone. I’ll pop back in on and off all day.
Comment
Oh, and Stacy — Spend more time on elevators, or take up spelunking. You’re bound to get stuck eventually!
Comment
I have learned that most heroines never deal with their periods… they can get pregnant, but sex doesn’t stop for a week… well, I guess it wouldn’t have to stop BUT come on! Therefore I would like to be reborn as a romance novel heroine, please.
Thank you
Comment
Hi Lisa, welcome to the jungle…Jules, you are so awesome and self-less to give up your spot…lol..Lisa, I hope that you enjoyswinging with us today…I love Vikings warriors too…Thor was the man…okay…hmmm
What have I learned from romance novels…hmmm…I have learned that a relationship is a partnership, and that things work best if you take the time to talk AND listen to each other. When I was much younger, I read romance novels like they were fairy tales, but now that I am older, I learned that the obstacles faced are just as real and life changing as anything going on with my life right now…I have also learned that no matter who you are or where youare in life, there is someone out there for you. Reading them also taught me that it is okay to be a strong female in a relationship; it only adds more layers rather than detracts from what you have with someone. Your voice is just as important, therefore, it shouldn’t be silenced. Have fun today. I will swing by later. Thanks again for playing with us today.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
One of the things that I learned from reading romance novels that they can transport me far enough of away from the hospital waiting room that I can deal with what surgeon has to tell me when the operation is complete.
Comment
10 things I’ve learned from READING Romance Novels.
1. The real world ceases to exist while the book is open in my hands. Which of course leads to forgetting my chores, forgetting to pick my kids up from the bus stop, forgetting to cook dinner….you get the idea. :)
2. That every book I read is worth 2lbs on my butt. Good thing I have 3 kids (7,6,3.5) to chase around and knock off some of the weight between books. (I have also heard about something called recored books, so I could listen to those when I workout….but who want’s to workout when there are so many books to read?!? LOL)
3. How wonderful authors are. I used to be afraid to talk to any of them, I mean why would they want to talk to me, I get idea’s but can’t finish a story and they pour out these magnificent works…which bring me to the next thing I’ve learned.
4. Authors have the same writing problems I have, they don’t just sit down to a computer (or note pad, or typewriter) and get up 8 hrs later with a finished book in their hands.
5. That even though every romance ends in a HEA, I don’t ever want to be written in a book. The characters get tortured throughout the whole thing to get to their HEA, and the authors seem to enjoy dispensing all this torture. (And I enjoy reading it, but wouldn’t like living it :) )
6. That you need to be the Hero/Heroine of your own story. No one else was made to fill that role. Even though you are going through the torture now, things will get better, just keep turning the page.
7. That I want to be a writer. I have so many ideas, but not the discipline to finish a story. It rolls around in my head, and I write a little of it, and then it finishes in my head and I don’t write the rest. (gotta work on that)
8. That just like life every book is a journey. (of course I knew this before romance books, but ….)
9. That even though you’ve finished one book, there is always another one ready to divulge its secrets.
10. That the only thing better than a reading a good book, is getting a FREE good book to read!
So there are 10 things that I’ve learned while reading romance books.
The only other thing I wanted to say was:
Lisa
Comment
Wonderful post! This part especially made me smile “That I forget things when I’m deep in a story. Lots of things, like: What year it is. Where the vacuum lives. How to cook. Children. Yep. I forget my kids, and not just once. While finishing one especially trying book, I regularly got phone calls from my then 4th grader that went, “Mom? It’s four o’clock. Are you going to come get us?” School got out at 3:15. Oops. I felt terrible. That 4th grader is going off to college this fall. I still feel bad when I forget him…” Sounds like me when I am reading a book. I get so caught into the story. My husband and even my six year old son know they need to try harder to get my attention when I am reading but my poor 2 year old daughter is still learning that fact. I feel bad about it but I just can’t help it.
As for what I have learned from romance novels, I have learned that they are the best escape ever. In November 2008, I slipped on one of my 2 year old’s wheeled toys and tore up my knee. I tore my ACL, my Meniscus, and my MCL. Also fractured my Tibia. I was in a wheelchair all through the holidays until after I had my surgery in mid-January. Through all the time stuck in the wheelchair and in medical waiting rooms and between physical therapy appointments I think that one of the things that saved my sanity was reading romance novels because they allowed me to escape, even if just for a little while. Every time I would pass a milestone in my physical therapy I would reward myself with a romance novel. I gradually got to the point where I was using a walker and I am now at the point where I am using a cane. My next goal is to get to the point where I can walk without the cane. I know I can do it and I know that there is a reward of a wonderful romance novel wating to be read by me to look forward to.
Comment
[Dorthy, re #7... I know you _think_ the book finished in your head, but the very act of putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard as is more often the case, brings out things that you never thought were going to happen. So keep writing. You'll find that the complacent and easily manipulated characters in your head get very stubborn on the page, and the ending you thought you had becomes something else entirely when they get ahold of it.]
Comment
As I sit in a coffee shop putting yet another five pounds on my own butt, blogging before settling into my daily page count, I must compliment the insights offered by your list! While I haven’t forgotten my children (yet), my five year old has started using my urge to write to wheedle more TV: “Mommy, if you put on another Cyberchase then you can write on your computer! Doesn’t that sound like fun?” I had to laugh and of course NOT put on more TV.
Last year at the Emerald City Writer’s Conference sponsored by Greater Seattle RWA, a table of us had a long discussion about honor, something I think non-romance reading women don’t consciously consider often. All of us knew the line from To Jocasta, which I am probably quoting inaccurately from memory, “I could not love you half so much loved I not honor more.” I spent twelve years as an Army officer, and occasionally my honor was challenged, but I think romance novels contributed to my sense of duty, service and honor. I believe romance novels have actually contributed to my character. http://dscribwomen.blogspot.com
Comment
The one thing that I have learned from reading romance novels is that when life gets you down your favorite romance writer won’t.
Comment
I learned from romance novels is to communicate better with love ones. Also I realized I would love to meet the mr. right someday. lol. I love your number one about laptops. And I must agree number 13, I spend probably a good few hours on facebook. haha.
Comment
Ok now that I am home I can write a little more extra as why I like romance novels… I love the drama, love the hot sex scenes, love the gorgeous men on the covers, and love the way I can lose myself into another world. I love the adventures that the characters in the books go on.
I wish real men in todays life could read some of these books and say I should act like this.
Comment
What I learn from romance books: I usually put 1 pound on my butt for every 5 books I read. Kind of scared that it will be 5 pounds for your book
.
Great men are found only in those books not where I live LOL! I live in a small small town. Where it seems that the only thing guys do here is talk about cars, play with cars and make noise with cars.
That all the men on cover of romance book come without body hair.
And like Miranda said. No periods. and me to add no pms’ing. LOL!
I learned to escape and enjoy the time with my books.
Comment
First congrats to yesterday’s winners!
Everyone has such wonderful answers! Reading romance…. I have learned that nothing makes me happier than reading a happy ending! After whatever struggles or issues they need to deal with, when they get their HEA, I leave with a smile… Whether the hero or heroine are down and out, shy, secret agents, demon hunters, demons themselves, etc., they all deserve their happy ending!
Comment
Wow. If you guys keep this up, choosing winners is going to be hard! I keep shifting back and forth between laughing and tearing up.
Several of you mention wanting to write. I did a post here on PlotMonkeys back in November that might help you out. It’s about Persistence of Vision. You’ll find it at:
Comment
Well, shoot. That didn’t work. The link is at
http://www.plotmonkeys.com/2008/11/22/saturday-guest-blogger-lisa-hendrix/
Comment
Thank you very much for adding this link. I loved reading that blog the first time around, but I actually got the chance to take some notes this time…it is very helpful…Each day, I come to the jungle for guest bloggers, and those specific to authors, I feel more confident that I can write a romance novel…I just need to allow myself to let go of my inhibitions and let my imagination go wild, well not too wild…lol
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
Oh, all sorts of things
Comment
What I have learned from romance novels…
That I married the most un-romantic man in the world.
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a wild, mind blowing, knock your socks, up against the door or wall (I’m not picky) of kiss.
But alas, I must let my wild romantic side hide within the pages of a romance novel. 
But, even after the last page has been read and I am in romance heaven, I still
with my un-romantic man.
Comment
Lisa thanks for the link. It actually did/does help. I think I will try that Na..NaNo..that month writing thing this year…it sounds like fun.
Comment
What I learned from reading romance novels: how to be a bounty hunter, a futuristic kiss-ass cop, and a Navy seal groupie, how to dress in the Regency period, how to pilot a starship, … well the list just goes on and on. I have so many diverse areas of knowledge now thanks to my voracious reading habits its a wonder my head doesn’t fly slap off.
The other thing I learned from reading romance is that it takes a leap of faith to follow your dreams, but then, oh baby, its so worth it.
Comment
oops that was supposed to be a kick-ass cop instead of a kiss ass cop. What a typo. Now I’ll slink back to my cave…
Comment
Maggie, you are neither the first nor the last to make that particular typo! I even saw it in a published book once.
Lisa, awesome topic! I’m loving reading these!
Comment
I hope all the aspiring writers out there make sure to stop by the jungle tomorrow…we have a HUGE announcement!
Comment
OMG, now I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for tomorrow. :)
Comment
I will be there with bells on Jules…lol…I am trying to learn as much as I can right now…I love surprises too…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
Reading romance novels has led me onto a path which now has become
a vicious cycle! Romance novels to romance novel authors to romance
novel author groups to romance novel author group blogs to romance
novel author group blogging which has led to grasping for more time for
READING ROMANCE NOVELS! Arghh! In addition, my TBR stack is getting
so big I have to guard the family against injury should it topple over!
What to do, what to do? I simply cannot decide!!
Pat Cochran
Comment
Welcome to the Jungle Lisa.
I love your list, especially #5 & #12. What I have learned from romance novels is that reading is one of the greatest pleasures. That I love HEA even though life is not always like that. I’ve learned that there are so many talented authors writing books that make me laugh, cry, sigh. That I can’t possibly read all the books that I want or nothing, absolutely would get done!! I also know that I will always be reading. 
Julie, I am sorry to say I forgot to tell you I read Kiss of the Phantom and enjoyed it. Phantom was a good series, thanks.
Comment
Hi Lisa,
Great list!
One of the things I’ve learned form romance novels is that communication is very important.
Comment
Hi Lisa! What have I learned from romance novels? Honestly, several things but here are my top three.
First, that when you say to yourself “my life is over”, its not, you can survive. Sometimes bad things happen for a reason and sometimes there is no reason, but the end result is that you have to get beyond it and continue with your life.
Second (and my personal favorite), that you should never settle because it will come back to bite you on your ass. You never read about a hero or heroine settling and living “happily ever after”. Oh no, they usually end up regretting it and having life throw something their way that makes is glaringly obvious what is missing in their life.
Third and the most important in my opinion, you have to make their own happiness, it won’t fall into your lap and just happen.
In the end though I have to say I love that I can escape my reality for awhile and live vicariously through characters who make feel honored that I was a part of their lives for a little while.
Have a great day everyone
Comment
I have been reading romance since I discovered teenage love stories in 3rd or 4th grade. I too, must be literally pulled out of my world when I am reading. My kids swear I’ve been ignoring them for 10 minutes before I even hear them.
I too am married to an extremely unromantic man. I love the idea there are men in the world who are not really neanderthals when it comes to romance.
Also, I need more bookshelves or the heart to part with more of my favorite books.
I love the blogs writers do these days. It is so nice to interact with our celebrities. To me, ya’ll are like the Jennifer Aniston’s of my world. I am in so much awe of you, yet you are so down to earth and friendly. You even answer my emails sometimes.
I have also learned no matter what I am dealing with, I can usually find a romance with a similiar story line. When I lost my nephew, I kept finding books with the story line of losing a child. When I was thinking about some major changes, I found heroines in similiar circumstance.
Finally, I have learned with each new book, I have a new world, a new friend, a new role model, a new leson to learn.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Comment
What have I learned from reading romance novels? That reading them makes you expect WAY more from real men LOL! And that your usually left disappointed and end up cureing that disappointment with ANOTHER romance novel! It a vicious cycle, really….
I loved your blog post, Lisa! Very entertaining!
Comment
Hi Lisa! I love your list.
I’ve learned lots from romance novels. The best thing I’ve learned is it’s ok to wait for the right guy. I also love visiting locations I have on my dream list to visit.
Julie, I just finished Kiss of the Phantom last night and can only say I LOVED IT! I’m so sorry that it’s the last in the series, but you did a wonderful job.
Comment
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for swinging through the Jungle today!
Love the post
Cher
Comment
One of the first things I learned from reading historical romances are the various aristocratic titles and their ranks in relation to each other.
Comment
I’ve learned from reading romance novels how to escape into another world without it costing a fortune for travel.
I’ve learned that just because I might not be in love with the hero on page 1 or 10 or even 50, as his arc starts to unfold I fall head over heels and totally get it why he’s the hero.
I’ve learned to quit talking to the heroine trying to tell her what she ought to do. Heehee, some things I just want to share with her.
As a writer who reads romance novels I’ve learned to keep a pad a paper near me when I read because my character’s are a very jealous bunch and when I pick up a book and start reading they decide to tell me things. Big things that can’t be ignored. So now I write them down. Who knew a secondary character had lied about her name since she moved across the country…I thought it was her real name until she shared the truth
One of the biggest things I’ve learned as a reader and writer of romance novels is no matter how many books you write you’re always scared on page one that this one won’t work and that no matter how many books you read, you’ll always be happy to settle back in your favorite chair with a cup of your favorite beverage, a little chocolate, and begin reading page one venturing into a new world, with a new hero to fall in love with and a new heroine to cheer on.
Thanks for such a great post!!
Comment
Comment
Hi, Lisa! I LOVED this list – it’s one of the best ones I’ve read! Though I’m only an aspiring author, it’s nice to know that some of the crazy things that happen to me while writing happen to the best of them.
What I’ve learned from reading romance novels… that I’m the luckiest girl in the world because I’m married to my hero.
Comment
I’ve learned that reading romance novels can sometimes make for a great sex life.
Comment
Welcome, Lisa!
What I’ve learned from reading romance novels is that I enjoy a happy ending since it doesn’t always happen in “real life,” and we should always continue to overcome obstacles for our own happy endings.
Comment
What I’ve learned from reading romance novels? That I flat out refuse to be embarrassed by my choice of reading. That I have no problem standing up to people who make snarky comments on my choice of reading material. I have learned that for a country who is so nosey about the sex lives of stars, that they can be so closed minded about what I decide to read.
I have also learned that every man is well built, has a nice package and knows how to use it. Yeah. Right.
Comment
Good one ev…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
Thanks, email sent with mailing info.
Comment
Comment
Congrats to the winners from of Les’ autographed books…you guys are gonna love it…PB is still not here yet, but I will check again tomorrow, but I am not going to set my heart on it…because I don’t want to get it broken again…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment
I’ve learned that heros in books don’t pass gas or belch and heroines don’t get zits, have bad hair days or morning breath !
Seriously … who’d want to read about that anyway
Comment
LOL. No kidding!
One of my favorite movie scenes is in America’s Sweethearts, when Julia Roberts’ character has just spent the night with John Cusack’s character. They wake up and both of them pull the sheet up over their mouths so they don’t breathe on each other. So real…except it’s like, Julia Roberts and John Cusack!
Comment
That was hilarious Lisa!
Well, hmmm, what have I learned from romance novels? Let’s see… I’ve learned that I should not compare my “real life” male, relationship-type person to those “fantasy” Navy Seal, Vampire, shifter, bounty hunter, pirate, Indian, cowboy type alpha-males!!! It makes me want to go right back to “fantasyland” and cavort in a steamy book with aforementioned fantasy alphas!!! Don’t get me wrong, my “real life” male relationship -type person has his good qualities but, let’s face it girls, “Acheron Parthanopaeous” (from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark hunter series) he ain’t!!! 
Comment
What have I learned?
First, sex is not for the bedroom only. Who knew there were so many adventurous places to have it in?
Second, there are not always “HEA” endings to the books. Sometimes there is a twist that you won’t see until the very end. Who knew?
Lastly, romance novels are my best friends! They are always there for me, offer the best advice on scores of topics and leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling to make me feel happy again!
Comment
“…serial monogamy…” Too funny! It’s the best way to cheat on your husband without cheating! Great stuff, Lisa… as always. Minnette
Comment
I learned that eny time in life love may find you and sweep you off your feet you just have to stay open to it.and maybe trip the cute looking guy why he’s walking by.
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
Comment
Great list, Lisa!
What I’ve learned from reading romance: that boys are just better in books.
Comment
I’ve learned: that there are all kinds of people in the real world and in a book’s world: some you like, some you love, some you dislike and some you avoid at all costs.
People can change on their own, but YOU can’t change people!
Books are an escape from everyday life…
You learn new things about…
different areas to live in the US and abroad,
different types of jobs…CEO’s, Sheikhs, royalty, factory workers, journalists, firefighters, secretaries, teachers, lawyers, policemen, soldiers, heiresses…
you visit the lives of the wealthy, the poor, the widowed, the ill .
you learn that you don’t have to be beautiful, wealthy, skinny or stupid to get a wonderful guy! There’s room for all of us in this world so be happy and accept yourself!
FINALLY,
Never leave home without a romance book(s)!
Comment
The things I’ve learned from reading romance is that all the women and men are gorgeous and no one ever has to use the bathroom for the call of nature.
Comment
Ah, now, see…that’s not true! Steinarr in Immortal Outlaw tells Marian to avoid going off into the bushes after dark. Wolves, he warns her. We know, however, it’s because he’ll turn into a lion, prowling around in the dark. She also goes the next morning before they ride off, using it as an excuse to taunt him a bit. Here’s the snippet:
Comment
Great piece, Lisa! Love every word, and can identify with it, too. I’ve learned 14 of the 15–I had no children at home when I began writing. Another thing I learned: Friends treat you the same way they always did, but mere acquaintances think you are somehow different and special. but I wouldn’t want my friends to treat me any other way. Celia
Comment
Hi Lisa,
I love this post! Your thoughts about your kids rang so true with me, and one of the things I learned while writing romance novels is this: DO NOT EVER USE RECYCLED PAPER IN A PRINTER THAT EVERYONE USES! LOL I had been copying my revisions on recycled paper to work from, since they’d be tossed anyhow. My son, Casey, came in while I had run to the store and printed off an assignment to turn in for his English (college) class. He called me from the school an hour or so later and said, “Mom? You didn’t change out the paper in the printer! I turned in my paper with a LOVE SCENE on the back of it!”
Ten minutes later, when I stopped laughing, I said, “How bad was it?” He didn’t know. He didn’t READ it all! I said, “Who were the characters?” So when he told me the names of the characters, I knew it was from a short story, and that that scene was only a really hot kiss that MIGHT have led to something later on, but wasn’t taking place on paper. I breathed a sigh of relief and told him it wasn’t “that bad.” So we both learned a lesson from that, I guess–I’m always careful now to change out the paper, and he’s always EXTRA careful to check it before he prints.
Great blog post, Lisa. I loved it.
Cheryl
Comment
OMG, I forgot this one! I almost sent a letter out with *real* sex on it because I forgot to pull my recycled paper out!
Thanks, Cheryl.
Comment
LOL Glad to know there are others out there who did that…. I’ll never make that mistake again. But at least his prof got a laugh out of it.
Cheryl
Comment
Jane x
Comment
I’ve learned that romance books feed my soul, give me hope that happy endings can happen and even Vampire’s, werewolves and immortal beings need love!http://www.plotmonkeys.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/batteyes.gif:batteeyes: I also know that it is entirely possible to drool over a new computer and pet it every time you get near it, covet the sexy men on book covers and cry over a beautifully written sentence.
Thanks for your wonderful list!
Comment
What a kick a$$ blog post! I especially LOOOOVE number one. It’s so freakin’ true. I purr every time I get myself a new lap top (which hasn’t been in a while, so I think it’s time…LOL) I got your book when it first came out and I can’t wait to get to it! Loved the first one!!!
XO,
Delilah
Comment
Hi Lisa. After 30 odd years of reading Romances – of all genres – the only thing I’ve leared is that I still love ‘em! Trends may come and go – but the essential HEA is ALWAYS there. And that’s why I love, love, love romances. I’ve now taken the plunge and started on my own writing journey. Boy it’s hard. Whoever said writing a book was easy has, in my opinion, never written one. I’m just hoping that 30 years (and counting) of reading romances gives me a little bit of a headstart on creating a book that reads and sells well. Fingers crossed! Take care. Caroline x
Comment
Sitting in a coffee shop writing and blogging, and contemplating yes those same five pounds on my wherever, I can’t agree more with Lisa’s list! I must add that my children occasionally try to milk Mommy’s distraction for all it’s worth. Last week my son asked for “one more Cyberchase TV show Mom. I’ll watch nicely while you work on your computer. Really, I won’t bother you at all!” Immediate guilt and both the tv and computer went off.
What have I learned from romance novels? Last year at the Greater Seattle Emerald City Writer’s Conference, several of us sat around a dinner table discussing honor and its role in how we lead our lives. Many of us paraphrased the poem To Jocasta, “I could not love you half so much, Loved I not honour more.” Growing up reading romances, as well as those heroic “Boy’s Life” books (before they published girl heroines, I guess), I developed a sense of honor, of leading one’s life to reflect one’s beliefs and values on a daily basis, and a shape and structure for those values. I spent twelve years as an Army officer trying to live up to those romance heroes and their code of honor.
Nothing so reflective over at Damned Scribbling Women blog this week – mostly editing tips – but I enjoyed reading Lisa’s post and these comments immensely. http://dscribwomen.blogspot.com
Anna Richland
Comment
Laughed out loud at your list! Original as sin!
I wrote the entire first draft of my first novel with a pen and paper in a hospital cafeteria. Doubled the time it takes to revise, since I was entering pages into my (new) laptop as I went. But I WROTE THE BOOK, which I couldn’t do any other way at the time. :)
Cafeterias are great! Food, coffee, restrooms, and almost no interruptions – what more could a writer need?
Comment
BTW, I bought your book two days ago, but I want one for my sister, so I’ll answer your question:
I learned that, without persistence, talent goes nowhere.
:dogrun:
And that dogs like my stories. Always thought I was a ‘cat person’, but dogs turn up as characters in every book. Go figure.
Comment
Thank you so much for #5. As you’ve seen from my twitter posts, the more focused I am on writing, the less energy I have for the outside world. My kids are young enough not to expect any better of me, but my husband is starting to take it personally. :) I’ll have to direct him to this post.
It’s SO wonderful to know my quirks are universal to those with the writing bug.
Thanks again!
Jodi
Comment
I’ve learned that the heroine, no matter how independent or headstrong, will swoon at least once per book.
Comment
I’ve learned that people can and do fall in love and most often to the opposite of themselves; there are some kick-a$$ heroines out there; there are some very strong independent women in this world and I’ve learned that a HEA is out there for all who look for it.
Comment
Julie, these are all great lessons. I especially identify with #13. It’s easy to feel productive without really being productive.
Oops, gotta go. TweetDeck just beeped.