Thankful Thursday
Nov
30
2006

For me, this has been a week of reflection. When I started on this road to “sort of see if writing seriously can work” I had no idea it would be like this. I’ve had wonderful successes and I’m so blessed in so many ways I honestly can’t comprehend it some days.

1. First and foremost I’m thankful for you all. An author could not possibly have a better, more supportive and enthusiastic group of friends/readers than I do. I would not be here without you and that’s the honest truth. Thank you for the notes of encouragement, the kind words you say here and elsewhere online, thank you for buying and reading my books!

2. My husband. For so many reasons, most of all because he is there at my side no matter what. Even through the rough patches he was there. He’s my best friend, my partner, my biggest fan and the father of my kiddos. All things he does exceedingly well.

3. My publishers. With EC and Samhain I have the freedom to write pretty much whatever I want. That is so huge, hell, I didn’t understand how huge it was until I started submitting to NY and realized most of us don’t have that kind of freedom there, especially as newbies. I’ve been able to push envelopes with my books and that’s incredibly satisfying. And Harlequin, wow, I’m going to be published with Harlequin!

4. My editors. Ann Leveille and Angie James kick ass. Marie with Whispers is also wonderful! Clicking with someone enough to trust them with your words and your voice is so important. Ann and Angie make me a better writer with every round of edits. I may not agree with every single change or suggestion they make but I’ll sure as hell take them seriously when I think about them because I respect them both immensely.

5. My parents. My mom and dad are in my corner no matter what I do. And they adore my kids and respect my life and choices. Seriously, that’s so important to me.

6. My friends – oh man, I don’t know what I would have done without them! I can’t express how much they mean to me. I’ve learned a lot in the last few years about what a true friend really is. I learned the hard way by being hurt by people who I thought were friends but weren’t there when I needed them more than once. I suppose the hardest lessons are the ones that hurt the most. But out of that I can see the people who are unflagging in their friendship – enough to pet me when I’m down and kick my ass if I get whiny.

7. My Kids – monsters each one, but dear, special little monsters who brighten my life even as they’ve probably taken a few years off it.

8. My success. My goodness, as I said above I didn’t have any idea and I’m so amazed and overwhelmed by how blessed I’ve been that people want to buy my books (publishers and readers) and that they seem to be liked and appreciated. I’m living my dream. I don’t know how many people can say that truly, I’m just amazed and thankful and giddy with it all.

9. Cupcakes – because what list is complete without that?

10. (ETA) My fabulous Agent, Laura Bradford. I can’t believe I didn’t list her yesterday! I simply adore her! She believes in me and I feel believed in and man oh man, that means a whole lot.

4 comments to “Thankful Thursday”

  1. Charlene
    November 30th, 2006 at 12:10 pm · Link

    What a great list, Lauren. Including the cupcakes! :mrgreen:



  2. Lauren
    November 30th, 2006 at 5:36 pm · Link

    LOL, Charli, no list is complete without them!



  3. Mechele Armstrong
    November 30th, 2006 at 9:09 pm · Link

    Congrats on everything Lauren. Well deserved.

    And I like your thinking. Cupcakes on every list.



  4. Lauren
    December 1st, 2006 at 11:00 am · Link

    LOL, Mechele! Sometimes it’s life’s little pleasures that make everything else worthwhile