Me and the bestest sister!

Several years ago, I finished an excellent book and did what I always do--I called my sister.  After we discussed the high points of the story, I voiced my desire to write.  My sister Debi pushed me to try and has encouraged me every step of the way.  She was there for the first word and she was there to celebrate my final in the Golden Heart. 

The bestest sister and her favorite author!

So, I've always known, even if I pen the perfect novel, I'll have to take second place on Debi's reading list.  Debi volunteered to greet Nora Robert's fans at the Literacy signing and had a blast!

Another favorite!

Long ago, I discovered Thea Devine and I've been hoarding her novels since!  She is just as nice as her novels are HOT! 

Janice Lynn, Beth Andrews, Tawny Weber and Stacey Kayne

Dressed to kill for the Harlequin party.  Beautiful, talented and incredible friends.

Me and my mentor!

Stacey Kayne, writer of amazing Western Romance for Harlequin Historicals, is my mentor, my critique partner and my friend.  I am a lucky girl!

What you can't see is the thirty minutes of laughter we shared prior to this photo. 

Amazing, talented, supportive and unique!

Not to worry, Jeff is in good company--Beth Andrews (Debut author for Harlequin SuperRomance) and Tawny Weber (Harlequin Blaze)

 Julie Garwood and me.

The RWA National Conference in 2006 marked the most special moment in my life as a reader.  My hero, my favorite of favorites, the woman I adore above all others (okay, you get the picture) spoke to a small audience.  And after, I met her.  I touched her hand.  I was inspired and in awe and I'm still enjoying the memory.

Stacey Kayne signed up as my mentor to teach me to write a synopsis.  From there she became one of my best friends and the critique partner who gets first crack (or in some cases, first hatchet)  at my work.  We live on opposite sides of the country but we finally met face-to-face in Atlanta.  Here's my favorite Western Romance writer with her bear celebrating her first sale,

MUSTANG WILD.

My sister Debi introduced me to historical romance and uttered those famous words -- "You can do it.  Write a book, I'll read it."  Little did she know I'd lure her to scenic places for research (but that's another story). 

She trekked to Atlanta with me this year and had the pleasure of meeting Nora Roberts. 

No, she still doesn't want to write a book.

 Yes, she is reading all the books we carted home.

  Yes, she does want to go to Dallas.

Heather's t-shirt says it all: 

Smart women read romance, we write it!

Many of my very favorite writers!   

Following the RITA awards, I had the great privilege of catching up with Nora Roberts.  She was gracious enough to pause for pictures.  Not only is she an incredible writer and my inspiration, she's also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

My first critique loop! 

Home:  Sheila-Raye, Romance Author

Completed Historical Manuscripts:  Destiny's Promise ~ Warrior's Promise ~ Wayfarer's Promise 

Completed Paranormal Manuscripts:  Time Treasure  ~ Siren's Song

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