While my neighbors to the south are celebrating Thanksgiving, I find my thoughts turning toward being grateful. Of course I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my health, the income from my day job. But I’m also thankful for my writing.

In no particular order, here are a few writing things in particular I’m grateful for:

1. Being published – I know most successful authors write for the love of it first. I never have. Yes, I love it — but that love is secondary to the end goal.

2. Being e-published – We’re hearing so many stories of NY publishers having trouble, folding or simply closing to submissions. I’m grateful for the freedom I have, for the encouragement to express my creativity, and for the steady paychecks.

3. Recovering my writing mojo – I thought my motivation, drive and ambition had all dried up. They hadn’t. They just went into hiding for 18 months, while I discovered I wasn’t being true to myself. It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn, but I’m grateful for it.

4. My editors – I’m a lucky, lucky author. I have supportive, encouraging editors who demand the best I can give them. I’ve learned more from Mary, Cathy and Maryam than from all the writing books I’ve ever read put together.

5. My support system – The Creative Frenzy ladies, the Total Exposure gang… you all keep me going when I want to give up for good. I’m grateful you haven’t let me. And of course, my husband. I couldn’t write if he didn’t provide the inspiration and environment to do so.

6. The 2,000 books in my TBR pile - In my world, writing begets writing. Reading begets even more writing. The less I read, the less I write. It’s a simple equation.

7. My computer - I’m not a fan of writing by hand. Electronic tools, like my computer, my word processing software and the Internet, all make my job much, much easier.

8. Authors who share their experience with the rest of us – I learn a lot by listening to other authors. I take courses, I lurk on writing forums, I read blogs, and I’m tremendously grateful for every bit of information other authors are willing to share.

9. My critique partners - My books wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if not for my wonderful, supportive, patient CPs. I’m so grateful for you.

I know there are many more items I’m forgetting, so let’s hear yours. What writing-related things are you grateful for?

Isabel Warren wouldn’t dream of defying the morality statutes that forbid women over 40 from ever making love again. As a medical practitioner, she understands the need for laws preventing ‘dirty love’. The S.O.S. virus of 2030 left most of the male population infertile and turned human DNA into something resembling a microscopic jigsaw puzzle. The virus itself is undoubtedly dangerous, but older women are perhaps the most significant threat humanity has ever faced.

Yet knowing what’s forbidden and keeping her feminine urges under lock and key are two different things. Especially when Isy’s most recent assignment requires her to run intimate tests on Connor Flynn, a man sixteen years her junior who seems determined to prove she’s not the monster everyone else thinks she is. And if such delicious temptation wasn’t bad enough, she’s also got Trevor Jones to worry about. It seems he, too, is willing to risk everything to be with her.

Two men. One woman who could destroy them both… if they don’t destroy her first.

Look for it in January, at Amber Heat!

Image via WikipediaAll right, it’s official. I’m registered for next year’s Romantic Times Convention. My plane ticket’s been bought. I’m all set.

I’m not staying as long as most RT goers. As I learned last year, 4 or 5 days is too much for me.

I’ll be arriving in Orlando on Tuesday, at 3pm. I’ll be heading back home on Friday, at 3pm. That should be perfect for me. I’m not going to be participating in any of the book signings, or promo lane. I’m attending to see friends, sit in on some publisher panels, and network.

I’m really looking forward to it!

Anyone else going?

Image by masochismtango via FlickrTo be perfectly honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of sex in public. Sure, it may look hot in the movies. In books, it’s either over-the-top-erotic (which I can certainly appreciate) or a little embarrassing, but well worth the risk. In real life, it’s a little more complicated. You’ve got to balance risk and reward, and sometimes, it’s just not worth it.

But let’s talk about those times it is worth it. When your flight has been delayed for the fifth time, and nothing short of a trip to the airport bathroom with your lover will ease the frustration. Or when you’ve spent all night studying for your final exam, and in the morning, a quickie between the accounting books and the tomes on tax law is just what the professor ordered.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re going to make the most of sex in public:

1. Wear a skirt - Not only is hiking up your skirt way more convenient than having to wobble with your jeans around your ankles, but you can also hide any evidence of your wild adventure much faster than you could otherwise.

2. Choose the right place - There’s sex in public (an elevator, the stall of a bathroom, the far end of a parking lot) and then there’s sex in public (a stairwell in a busy office building, the ice cream section of your supermarket, a bus stop). Choose wisely. Unless you like getting charged with public indecency — or worse.

3. Keep it down - By its very nature, sex in public involves other people. Uhh… that didn’t sound right. You know what I mean. There will be folks nearby, sometimes only a foot or two away. So keep the loud moaning, groaning, and name-shouting to yourself until you get home and do it again.

4. Be quick - This isn’t the time for you to show your lover how long you can go without stopping. Get in the elevator, have a wild ride (literally), and be done by the time you reach the 20th floor.

5. Watch what you touch - I know it’s hard to believe, but you’re probably not the first horny person to think of having sex… well, wherever you’re having sex. And most public places aren’t nearly as clean as you think.

So the next time you’re toying with the idea of being a little adventurous, keep these tips in mind. And if you can think of any I’ve missed, leave me a comment and let me know.

Go forth and fornicate!