Top 10 Things I’ve Heard As a Romance Writer/Reader

I've been working in the romance publishing industry for over seven years now, and with three published books and three more on the go, I frequently encounter the same questions, accusations and truisms with many people I meet. Here are my responses to the top 10.

1. Where do you find the time to write?

You don’t find time. You make time for what’s important.

2. How do you write a book?

BICHOK: Butt In Chair, Hands On Keyboard. Finish what you write. Treat it like a job. Learn the business. Learn the craft. Perfect it.

3. Have you ever met Fabio?

No.

4. Writing romance is just a formula, isn’t it?

I think of it more as a recipe. Like, there are all kinds of soups you can make, but most recipes have a few traits in common. We don’t all like or make the same kinds of soups, either.

5. Are you aroused, like, all the time?

No, I’m dead below the waist. (And why would anyone think this was an appropriate question?)

6. How do you read that stuff?

Diligently and with respect.

7. Are your characters you?

About as much as your mother, father, best friend or criminally insane third cousin is you.

8. You’re an author? You must be rolling in it.

The closest thing to "rolling in it" is when I empty my change jar onto my mattress and pick out the quarters so I can tip the pizza guy.

9. You must have really high standards for men. That’s why so many romance readers are single, you know.

There’s nothing wrong with having high standards. Just ask my husband.

10. I’ve always wanted to write a romance book. I never read that stuff, though.

I’ve always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I hate kids, though. Think that’ll be an issue?

What do you get asked as a romance reader/writer? How do you respond? Let me know in the comments!