by guest author Carrie Lofty

I know that Book End Babes is all about girlfriends, especially with regard to reading. But I wonder if readers understand just how important girlfriends are to writing books, too!

My best friend and college roommate used to read my partially completed manuscripts. She would get upset when I’d inevitably stop around page one hundred. She believed in my stories and wanted more! In December 2008, upon the publication of my debut, What a Scoundrel Wants, she left messages on my phone whenever she found my book on the shelves. Meijer, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble–I practically figured out her route through town by those calls. Her faith in me over all these years has been immeasurable.

For my newest release, Scoundrel’s Kiss, I have nothing but love and appreciation for the women who form my critique group. These girlfriends are not only supportive but talented! Their dedication to my success rivals my own, and they offer wonderfully insightful perspectives on my work. After all the hard work is done writing and editing, then comes the reward of my friendship with these women. Like my college roommate with her phone calls, they send me links to great reviews, send their positive vibes when poor reviews get me down, and generally celebrate in the accomplishment.

Here at home, my non-writing friends and family are equally supportive. People who don’t even read romance, such as my mother-in-law and my husband’s co-workers, pick up the book. Some may just buy it as a show of financial support, but many have expressed their admiration for what I’ve created. Maybe, in a small way, my friendship with them was enough to turn them on to romance! I love that idea.

http://www.carrielofty.com
Follow Carrie on Twitter here!
Get Scoundrel’s Kiss.