When I sat down that first day of writing, dripping from the shower, I Googled “How to write a romance novel” and found e-harlequin. Even though I’ve never targeted Harlequin or Silhouette, I found an amazing support group and friends from all over the world.

A couple of years later, some crazy chick named Kristen Painter started spreading the word about a new romance writing community she had co-founded with Jax Crane. They called it Romance Divas. Like a good little sheep, I joined up and haven’t regretted a single second. The Divas and Diva Dudes who frequent the boards there write across all genres of romance, from sweet inspirational to sizzling erotica. Anything you ever wanted to know about writing romance, you’ll find at Romance Divas.

Where would I be without my publishers?

• Samhain Publishing
• Freya’s Bower

For shaping characters (if you do a lot of pre-planning before you write) or for hours of time wasting (if you’re a wing it and we’ll see what happens type of writer), take the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. Just so you know, I’m an ESFP.

My friend, Michelle Styles, also swears by the Enneagram as an indicator of character types.

Miscellaneous Helpful Links for Writers:

• Dictionary.com
• Babel Fish Translator
• The Costumer’s Manifesto
• 20,000 Names
• MLA/APA style ~ Because you know you’re going to need it someday.
• The Elements of Style ~ No, it’s not fun and cute and interactive, but it’s well organized and it gets the job done.

I’m a wife and a mom, so I’ve found a few fun things on the web to help me out.

• Flylady
• Family Manager ~ Love her books!
• All About Herbs from HGTV. I’m a dedicated black thumb. It’s cruelty to give me a plant, but there are a few herbs I can grow.
• PBSKids.org
• Family Film Guide
• Enchanted Learning ~ Such cool stuff!

Foodies of the world, unite!

• Allrecipes.com
• Food Network ~ Anyone else have a geek crush on Alton Brown?
• Epicurious
• Food & Wine
• Cooks Illustrated ~ These are the people who do America’s Test Kitchen. Amazing recipes.

I also occasionally post recipes on my blog, so check in there, too.

Author Island.com is the place where fiction readers can find new treasures every day! Fun contests, author news and interviews, audio programs and our ezine, AuthorScene.com, make Author Island an unique experience for readers and writers alike.

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