This sort of encapsulates a dozen responses to three dozen blogs, tweets, etc
Nov
10
2011

Things I Don’t Do:

Apologize for my success. I worked for it, I still work for it. 95% of the year I don’t even have days off. But I’m fortunate enough to do what I do and make a living at it. I’m grateful, not ashamed.

Akin to number one – apologize for my career choices. If you’re happy with yours, I can’t imagine why you need to get on your blog or your buddy’s blog to yell about how happy you are and then attack everyone who doesn’t do it your way as an idiot. THERE IS NO ONE TRUE WAY. There are no magic beans. No tricks. It’s all hard work no matter how you go about it. So if you’re happy, go on and do your thing without tearing everyone else down to be that way.

Respond to hate mail. The world is a very big place. If you hate me, find something else to read. You decided you can’t just pick up a different book and thought to take your crappy day out on me. I’m judging you as a dick. Be hateful somewhere else. Better yet, be a human being and stop being so hateful.

Be embarrassed about writing romance. I write what I write. I own it. I love doing it. So often we’re supposed to be ashamed of things made for women by women. Fuck that. So often we’re made to think we’re stupid because we read or write about human relationships. As if we’re not smart enough to write other things? Why would I be embarrassed or worried strangers won’t think I’m smart? Pfft.

Be embarrassed to read whatever it is I’m reading. I don’t hide covers. I don’t give a crap what the clerk at the bookstore thinks when I buy my books either. I’m not ashamed of my preferences.

I am who I am. I fuck up and I own it too. I won’t own your feelings. I won’t own your insecurities, god knows I’ve got enough as it is, thanks. I have three kids, I’m not your mother. I won’t own your lack of hugs as a child, or the gaping hole in your self esteem that can only be filled by being snotty or dismissive of other people. I know a few things – I’m smart. I’m strong. I am capable of having a satisfying career while making my own choices and not apologizing.

Essentially it works this way – I’m a grown ass woman. I make my own choices. Sometimes they’re stupid choices. Most of the time I’ve reached a place in my life when they’re pretty good and make me happy. I’ll read what I want. I’ll write what I want. I’ll think what I want and feel what I want without apology.

23 comments to “This sort of encapsulates a dozen responses to three dozen blogs, tweets, etc”

  1. Mia
    November 10th, 2011 at 5:12 pm · Link

    Very well said! Go you!!! 😎



  2. Diane Sadler
    November 10th, 2011 at 5:38 pm · Link

    I’m with you whether reading steamy or erotic romances or my little Harlequin authors I still enjoy; I read what I enjoy!



  3. Vivi Anna
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:04 pm · Link

    Word. Mother effing word!



  4. Gladys Norton
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:24 pm · Link

    Amen sister!



  5. Eden Bradley-Eve Berlin
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:30 pm · Link

    I just love you for this. Totally needed to be said.



  6. Collette
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:32 pm · Link

    Sing it, sister.

    (Seriously Gladys, I didn’t see what you’d written until after I’d written this!)



  7. Sophia (FV)
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:50 pm · Link

    I loved every word of this blog post, but especially the last paragraph. 😉



  8. Julia Broadbooks
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:52 pm · Link

    *slow clap*

    Bravo.



  9. Diane Sallans
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:55 pm · Link

    Good for you – wish that could be taught to more kids so they could have the confidence to do what’s right for them & not be intimidated by others & believe that they can & should do whatever they want to in life that is positive.



  10. Jay
    November 10th, 2011 at 6:57 pm · Link

    I agree with everything here. I hate constantly having to defend my choice of books.



  11. Emily
    November 10th, 2011 at 9:59 pm · Link

    You have three kids! When do you find time to write? However that works, I’m REALLY glad you do 🙂

    I enjoyed your post immensely. The first time I heard you and Megan Hart do one of your chats where you talked about how people e-mailed you to tell you that they didn’t like your books I was confused. I don’t get a chance to e-mail the ones I like! When would I find time to denigrate other people’s work?



  12. Sherry
    November 11th, 2011 at 4:34 am · Link

    I love reading your books. Thank you for being you!



  13. maria
    November 11th, 2011 at 7:57 am · Link

    YOU GO GIRL!!!
    I love your books, keep them coming.



  14. Pamk
    November 11th, 2011 at 8:20 am · Link

    preach on sister. Love it absolutely love it.



  15. azteclady
    November 11th, 2011 at 8:47 am · Link

    On the one hand, bravo for not giving a damn what anyone else has to say about your life, your career and your choices.

    On the other, it’s a bit sad that enough people have brought it up that you wrote this.



  16. Mel
    November 11th, 2011 at 9:24 am · Link

    I love your optimism and how you don’t give a shit on what anyone else thinks of you!

    I love your books 🙂

    So don’t stop writing them!



  17. Louise
    November 11th, 2011 at 9:46 am · Link

    Keep up the wonderful writing and reading that you do! Those downers should STFU.



  18. Maryam
    November 11th, 2011 at 1:05 pm · Link

    Very well said! So let me say in response to thank you for being you and for providing us so many hours of reading pleasure. Tank for inspiring us all!



  19. Terri
    November 11th, 2011 at 1:17 pm · Link

    OMG. I love your post. I’m having a tough time with a SIL who treats me just… like… that. YOU GO GIRL! Wish I could verbalize to her just what you said and make her understand how shitty she makes me feel.

    on a more positive note… I LOVE your books. Have them all, every single one. You are definitely one of my favorite writers.

    THANKS !!!



  20. Lauren
    November 11th, 2011 at 5:42 pm · Link

    You’re here! *hugs* I’ve missed you 🙂



  21. ShellBell
    November 13th, 2011 at 3:16 am · Link

    well said!



  22. Liz Z
    November 14th, 2011 at 7:05 am · Link

    Ditto on the slow cap!! Perfectly said!



  23. Roni Loren
    November 19th, 2011 at 9:57 am · Link

    Thank you for this. My debut comes out in January and I’ve been having occasional freak outs about what people in my life will think because I write erotic romance. But you’re right, if they have an issue–it’s their issue, not mine.