HelenKay Dimon Icon

[Note: If you read my entries here or on my blog or at Access Romance, you know that I try to keep blog entries upbeat. Life can be hard enough, right? Blog hopping should be informative and fun and interesting, even a bit provocative sometimes. But - you knew a "but" was coming - sometimes blogs need to be a bit serious too. Stick with me. There's a hopeful part, I think, but the getting there isn't so happy this time around. Sorry.]

Writing a book isn’t brain surgery. That’s not to say it’s easy or unimportant. It’s not even a little easy. While it’s not life or death, it can be meaningful. Some sad news over the last week helped to drive home that point. Reminders that, in the time of holiday celebration, there’s unhappiness out there. And, a small reminder about the power of words and the joy of escaping into a book.

[Note: Here is the sad part...]

First, my great uncle died. He was in his 80s and ill. It was one of those “for the best” situations to everyone but his wife of approximately 50 years. No words can ease her pain. Next, Brava editor Kate Duffy’s uncle, actor Peter Boyle (most recently known as the grandfather on Everybody Loves Raymond), died. Then yesterday, in a particularly harsh blow, fellow romance writer Ellen Fisher disclosed that her husband (who is all of thirty-nine and a father of four young kids) is very ill.

[Note: This part includes some uplifting stuff...]

I happened to talk with Kate Duffy shortly after her uncle’s death. She commented that in times like these she was happy to work in fiction. That sad times made her appreciate great writing, strong sexy romances and guaranteed happy endings. Really, how cool is she?

Likewise, when I asked Ellen what we could do to help, she joked that we should all continue to write great books for her to read so she could pick them up and forget her troubles for a short time. It was one of those comments that made me want to send her 1,000 books. What an amazing thing that during such a hard time she could find some comfort in a great read. Seems like such a small thing, yet it’s so huge.

[Note: This is the part where you can help...]

Ellen’s request for great reads is little enough to ask. I want to send her some. Question is, which reads to send? This is where you guys come in. I know it’s holiday time and busy and all that, but if you recommend some great romance reads for me to send her (remember, the goal is to help her escape and bring her comfort), I’ll pick three books from your comments and send you your choice of WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD BOYS or VIVA LAS BAD BOYS! as a thank you.

And, if you can keep these folks and their families in your thoughts during these difficult times, well, that would be great as well.