Romance Weekly

Let’s talk about “Firsts.” Everyone can choose their top three “First” memories and write about those (they don’t have to be on the list here). Some suggestions are: First book you remember reading (or being read to you). First romance novel you fell in love with. First “big” trip (eg. out of country, out of state/province, without parents). First love/kiss. First pet. First Christmas/other holiday (eg. when you were a child, after you were married, after your first child.)

Firsts…Well, I remember the first romance novel I ever read. It was given to me by a friend and I shall be ever in her debt. The book was “The Flame and the Flower” by the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss. And thus began my romance with romance.

My first pet was a mutt named Susie. My father bought her from a pet store for me, since I was deathly afraid of dogs (I was five) and he wanted me to get over it. There has never been a more gentle soul than that pup. Her bed was outside the kitchen door and one day, after much bravery on my part, I reached out the screen door to touch her back. She didn’t move. So, I touched her again. And she turned her head, a little bit. And we progressed from there. She became my best friend and I would come home every day from first grade and read to her. She loved it and so did I. When my parents divorced and my mother moved us away, we had to give Susie to a neighbor. I still miss her. But I have loved dogs ever since.

My first contract for a novel was a happy day. I was reading my emails and there was one from a publisher which began in the traditional way of the rejection. “Thank you for submitting…” Usually that goes on to say…unfortunately… But this one, THIS ONE, said…”I was delighted with it”. I had to read it over and over through the tears of joy coursing down my cheeks. And I have to say that each time I am offered a contract for one of my manuscripts, it is a fantastic feeling. But I don’t think anything will every top the first time.

and coming soon….