This week marks my 3 year anniversary since I first sold to Blaze (yay, cue balloons and confetti). 
Depending on how you count, it was either Monday or tomorrow 
See, I sold on Memorial Day, but the date was May 29. So… this is party week. And a great time to acknowledge what great support I’ve been given since that fabulous day.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I had incredible support before I sold. My family is awesome, my hubby my biggest cheerleader and my critique partner the most amazingly patient and amazing woman on earth (just ask her). I belonged to incredible RWA chapters and some wildly awesome writing groups. So I had support.
But then I became one of the Blaze Babes. What a group!! Not only did they warmly welcome me – they made the whole scary process of transitioning from unsold to sold to published to multi-published so much easier! They’ve invited me to blog with them, included me in series/anthologies, rallied together when anyone needed help and, well tons of other stuff. Bottom line, the Blaze authors are great gals (and Tony 
) and inspirations. 
So when I tossed out the idea of a Blaze Author blog, it wasn’t just to promote the sexy fabulousness that is Blaze, but also to share this cool community of authors – all different, but all coming together That our editors jumped on board just goes to show that they rock, too! (Okay, I’ll stop before we all have to hands and sing Kumbaya).
Okay, so I admit, I have a reason behind all the rah-rah cheering. Sarah Mayberry reminded me last week that a number of our authors, and editors, have once again stepped up to the plate and contributed to community. Every year, HQN author Brenda Novak holds an auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes. And every year, the authors and editors contribute. Time, books, critiques and more – it’s all there for the bidding. And what are some of the things our authors are donated this year? Funny you should ask 
Sarah Mayberry
A full set of autographed books
A critique of a synopsis and first three chapters
Leslie Kelly
The complete Santoris of Chicago series
An ARC of her first Leslie Parrish novel: FADE TO BLACK
A 15 minute brainstorming session which includes a read of a synopsis &3 chapter proposal
Samantha Hunter
A handmade purse filled with books and goodies
A handmade purse in pink filled with books and goodies
The Soapbox Queens – aka Rhonda Nelson, Jennifer LeBrecque and Vicki Lewis Thompson
A career planning session
Julie Leto
An autographed copy of Phantom Pleasures
Stephanie Bond
An autographed copy of WATCH AND LEARN
Tawny Weber
A personalized altered motivational clipboard and copies of GOING DOWN HARD and COMING ON STRONG
A personalized accordion album brag book of photos or book covers and autographed copies of DOUBLE DARE and DOES SHE DARE?
And the amazing Brenda Chin
A read of a book proposal and a telephone conference –within 2 WEEKS!!!
and there are tons more awesome items and critiques or services to check out.
So my question to you is- what community do you belong to that makes your life that much brighter? And have you checked out the auction? There’s an autographed Johnny Depp picture I’m eyeing… what’s on your radar?
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That’s some good (pirate) loot. Love the Johnny Depp photo!
Margay
Isn’t Johnny yummy?! I have one autographed picture already- I’m working my way up to an autographed him
Congratulazione, Tawny! Your Bella friends at RBTB couldn’t agree more that you deserve all the good things that come your way. And we dig your books, too. You’re welcome round our joint anytime. Folks always tend to draw to themselves the good things they deserve, and it’s super to hear you’ve found a community of support among the Blaze family. Awesome of you to give props to Brenda’s auction, where you also kindly offered items in our RBTB & Friends section. The auction’s a bit low in the tally this year, since we’re all experiencing the effects of the sketchy economy. But if everyone keeps bringing attention to the Auction like you and your fellow authors are, at least Brenda’s message about awareness of diabetes issues and research keeps getting out. Enjoy your special day/s!
Oh man, Michelle, I totally forgot about those!!!
Coming On Strong
Going Down Hard
Romance B(u)y The Book is a great community, too. You’ve really built a warm, welcoming energy and its so fun to drop in and visit there
Thak you tons for the congrats and good wishes!!!
Hey, I’d like to donate something. Is it too late? Who do I talk to? Brenda?
Congrats on your anniversary, Tawny! And I agree, Blaze Babes Rock!
Incredibly supportive and so nice to newbies.
Hey Jillian
Brenda holds the auction every year in May. I know she’d love you to participate for the next one!
I donated last year. This year I wasn’t prepared enough and missed it, but I will again next year. It’s a fantastic auction with tons of neat things and the money raised is for a good cause.
I have my eye on a couple Blaze donations
We’ll see how it goes. 
Hey NightMusic (love that name, btw) – I’d hoped to have a few other things ready but somehow time flew by too fast. There is definitely always next year!
I hope you get those Blaze donations!!!
You’re right, Tawny, writers do rock.
I think belonging to the romance writing community and the writing community at large is an amazing thing. Look forward to all of the chat on blogs, Twitter, FB each day to get the day rolling; what a generous group!
I did an article on volunteerism in the romance community a few years ago for RWR, and it’s amazing how generous everyone is — Brenda’s auction is a huge event, but big and small, for large events and in everyday life, for writing issues and for a variety of causes, in terms of time, talent, money, this is a great community to be a part of.
Sam
Sam, the romance community –writers, readers, editors, etc– is an amazing group. I’ve rarely seen such support and genuine interest in helping each other succeed as I have here. Isn’t it awesome!
Yep, you all do rock! I’ve been bidding (but keep getting outbid–stop it, all of you!)
As for community, I’ve definitely found the romance community (writers and readers) very warm and generous. And I’ve a group of fellow moms who help keep me sane
Friends who have your back are so precious!
LOL, I’ve been outbid a couple times too, Fedora. Drives me nuts! And I’m not one of those smart, savvy bidders who sets a limit and sticks with it. Me, I’m all about the instant gratification.
I love how you put that, btw – “Friends who have your back are so precious”. YES!!! Exactly.
Yep, me, too–I *want* to be all self-controlled, but in the heat of the moment, I get a little crazy. I can usually be enticed to spend far too much because I’ve determined that I MUST OWN THAT!! How embarrassing!
LOL Think of it this way… its only embarrassing if you get caught, Fedora.
I’ve been bidding on an author critique by one of my fave Harlequin authors. I also post comments on eHarl community board.
It’s great to hear how much support you have.
Fingers crossed, Marcie, that you win that critique. In one of the first ever online writer’s auctions I bid and won a critique by Vicki Lewis Thompson. It was an amazing experience.
I’m so glad you brought up eHarlequin. Man -that’s one of the best communities ever, isn’t it? Great people and tons of fabulous information.
Hi Tawny–
Congratulations on your anniversary! Woo-hoo! I LOVE the clipboard and brag book you’ve donated. You’re soooo crafty!!!
I’ve got my eye on one particular Blaze item. Fingers crossed I get it! 
Hmmm, I think I know which one, Virna. Fingers crossed tight that you get it, too!!!
and thank you for the congrats!!! I can’t believe its been 3 years already!!!
I’ve won items every year from Brenda’s auction. Just seeing the amount of items donated so unselfishly tears me up. I’m such a sap for do-gooders
This year I have several items I’m keeping watch on. Here’s hoping for another record breaking year for Brenda’s auction!
On a side note: Keep putting out those fun, sexy Blazes. (Giving Tawny a huge shout out)
Lindsey, really? You win every year? You are so much better than I am LOL – I can’t recall the last time I’d won. You’re so right -the giving and support there is such an inspiration.
And thank you!!!! Heard any good books lately?
Shopping? And for a good cause? I’m so there! Happy Anniversary Tawny! Love your books – looking forward to many, many more!
McKenna
HER BIG BAD WOLF – Wild Rose Press
Thank you so much, McKenna!!! And hey, I love the title of yours. What a fun sounding story
Congratulations Tawny love your books, I love the Johnny picture too.
Penney
Hi Penney!!! Thank you so much
You’re such a sweetie. And isn’t Johnny yummy?! I can’t wait to see Public Enemies in July. Ohhh yummy.
I love romance novels! These days it’s the only way I get any romance! It’s tough being over 70 and alone! As for communities, I belong to the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. We help the local police department keep our community safe.
Wow, Barbara – you rock! Talk about awesome communities to belong to. What a great group – its people like you who really make a difference.
I’m so glad you love romance novels and they fill that romance requirement
I remember feeling exactly the same way in my many single years
Hey Tawny! Nice article sweetie.
Support is so important. I belong to a large writing group The Writin’Wombats, and it’s both encouraging and fun. Wonderful rah-rah section made up of writers–both published and unpubbed. Strong friendships, lots of laughter, lots of support in the process of writing.
Since I’ve started my blog this year, I’ve met so many wonderful authors who are also supportive and willing to share ideas. I’ve learn a lot from them. When I first stared writing seriously, two years ago, my husband wasn’t that supportive–my little hobby, lol! But he’s now a big support, which helps–especially on Mondays and Wednesdays when I’m working hard online and usually am at my computer from early morning to 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Not much gets done around the house then and dinner is sometimes late. Or when my current story is riding me in the late evenings. Without support? It wouldn’t be as easy.
Thanks to you and others, I’m now discovering how well the Blaze stories are and I look for them when buying books. So thank YOU for the wonderful stories that have opened that door of pleasure.
Hey Sia
I’m so thrilled that you’re reading Blaze! and thanks right back 
Your blog itself is such an incredible place of support. You’ve got this wonderful vibe going on there and its so fun to visit and check it out. I’m just so glad your husband is in your corner now. It helps so much to have that understanding and belief that what you’re doing is not only important, but that you’re going to succeed at it.
btw, I love that name – Writin’ Wombats
Hey Tawny! First, I just have to say WOW your new books are FAB!!!! I came out of the cave and dove into the TBR pile….yummmy. :>
Like you, I’m a Romance Bandit, so I’d have to cite that as one of the biggest, most fabulous group of supportive writers I know.
They’re a real gift! I think my local chapter and RWA in general have a huge number os really supportive people; people who are just as happy when YOU succeed as they are at their own success. :>
I’m doubly glad that you’ve got such great support though…I want more Tawny books! Bwah-ha-ha!
and thank you
I can’t wait to read Dark and Deadly – its on my ‘turn in the book’ treat list!
my critique partner the most amazingly patient and amazing woman on earth (just ask her).
OMG! LOL! You are so biased
Love you!
Great post, Tawny. I’m blessed to be a part of some amazing groups – Romance Bandits and Writers at Play as well as the Super Authors loop. I also try to pop on eHarlequin (usually the Supers loop which is tons of fun *g*) but have been swamped lately with this WIP.
Love all the items up for auction! I’ve been eyeing some jewelry but I’m one of those who waits to bid until almost the end
Anyone else wait?
Ooh, you, too, Beth?
I’m mostly eyeing more books (which, really, I need like I need a hole in my head, right?) Hasn’t stopped me, of course… Sorry to hear you’ve been swamped–hope you get unswamped, and of course, yay, more reading for us! 
Hey, there is no bias in the truth!!! Although that sentence probably should have been critiqued for repetitive words
You’re so good at keeping up with all the great groups, Beth. And swamped is good, since your WIP is awesome.
You certainly have done well for yourself, Miz Tawny. I am so proud of everything you accomplish.
My most supportive group is Writers at Play. Just by being around you all I have become a better person and oodles better at writing.
Brenda’s auction is awesome to participate in. I have a flannel crib size baby blanket up there. It is a pleasure to support both Brenda Novak and also the Childhood Diabetes Assn.
Smooches, Ms. Paisley and thank you!!! I feel the same as you about WAP and the incredible love there. I mean, 5 years of togetherness is definitely a good thing, huh?
Your quilts are so amazing. I’m sure the blanket will be a lovely blessing for whoever wins it. Me? I’m holding out for my own someday
Hey Tawny !
I belong to a couple of awesome groups, but I think my favorite is “my group of friends” in my home town ! Awesome women that come together regularly and have lots of fun !
I will definitely check-out the auction
*sigh* That Johnny sooo hot
Petro, isn’t it fabulous getting together with the girls. guys are great, and all, but its always fun to have girl night and just hang out and enjoy!!
and yeah… isn’t he gorgeous?! I can’t wait to see what he does with the Mad Hatter role he’s got coming up.
Tawny, I got to donate items again this year – some books and other items – and I have a bid out that’s holding right now. Fingers crossed!
My RWA chaptermates are wonderful sources of support and fun, and so are the small, independent groups I’m in. Fellow writers are a blessing!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
Nancy!!! How are you
Aren’t those groups just amazing at keeping you going through it all? Kinda like a sisterhood, huh? 
Fingers crossed you win your bid!! I’ve got a couple that I’ve been outbid on and have to get back in there and see what I can do about that.
Oh, Tawny, you wicked, wicked girl! Having decided the bidding was getting too hot for me, I’d retired gracefully. But now I’m back mud wrestling my rivals for a few things and currently I’m the highest bidder. Wish me luck (especially with Sarah’s pack of books – Sarah’s a new discovery for me and she’s absolutely fabulous). Our dollar’s up a little bit at the moment, so I tell myself I’d be silly not to try, huh?
I love Brenda’s auction. It’s amazing what heavy hitters she gets to donate! I hope this year is a smashing success.
Communities? I can’t go past my wonderful Romance Bandits!
Heeheehee… C’mon Anna, what are you saying? That I’m a bad influence? ME???
I’m so glad you’re loving Sarah’s books. Shes a fave author of mine and totally rocks, huh.
As do the Bandits!!!
I’ve found the romance community to be soooo welcoming. Especially to newbie writers, everyone is so nice to help and show the way. I love Brenda’s auction even though I never win anything.
LOL Jill. Never? Bid more, girl!!!
You’re so right about the welcoming community -there are so many people willing to offer a hand up, its inspiring.
I’ve got several items on my watch list, but I’m trying to win Leslie’s Fade to Black right now. I’m so excited about her new series and can’t wait to read her first Black CATS book.
Leslie’s books rock, huh, Liza?! I don’t blame you for stalking Fade to Black – fingers crossed you win it!!!
Congrats Tawny you know how much I love your books and all of the Blaze books I have read they are hot and steamy and such wonderful stories.
I have been watching the auction and am so glad it is doing well unfortunatley my credit card wasn’t accepted but there were a few things I was really looking at more books of course.
I have a great bunch of friends at work and we call ourselves the Steel Magnolias we are always there for each other and it is really good to be able to laugh and vent with people that really know what it is like at work and of course there is my family and all the “friends” I have made from the blogs I go to your are all great.
Have Fun
Helen
Oh man, Helen, what a bummer on the card issue – probably the different country?
I’m loving Steel Magnolias – what a fun and descriptive name for you and your friends!! Just the name alone evokes such images of laughter, strength and friendship!!
and thank you
I appreciate you so much.
Bless you for doing this, Tawny! I, too, am eyeing off items on the website. I get very excited/nervous about auctions, so shall have to control my trigger finger. My support community are my friends and family. I have a couple of writer friends who help me brainstorm and weed out problems (hey ya Joan and Sammas) and other friends who listen to me moan and groan and offer cake at all the right intervals. Then there’s my man and my ed, both of whom are The Best. And I also want to send a shout out to all the readers who take the time to write into us authors. I cannot tell you how lovely it is to wake up and find a letter from someone who has been touched by one of my books in my inbox. It makes my day, sometimes my week, and it goes a long way toward helping me battle the Evil Forces of The Blank Page. So, thank you, readers, one and all.
Oh, man, Sarah!! I can’t believe I didn’t include our readers. You’re so totally spot on. They are what it’s all about. Like you say, their letters, their feedback, just totally makes it all special and real and doable – no matter what!
and thanks for the nudge on the topic
Good luck with that trigger finger 
As a new Blaze author I’m quite enamoured of the lot of you! And to be included on this blog is such a wonderful treat.
I have a group I go to retreats with: we whine for a total of 15 minutes then get to work. Too many books to count have been created at our Red Door retreats.
There’s no more giving group of ladies than readers and writers of romance and I’m pleased to be a member of both sides.
Am reading a Hope Tarr Blaze historical right now and LOVE it. I’m behind on my reading though…too much writing to be done.
Congrats Tawny on 3 years with Blaze!
Next year, I’ll have a Blaze to donate to Brenda’s auction.
Bonnie
AWww, I’d blush if I could find the smiley, Bonnie
and I’m so glad you’re included in the blog, too!
What a fun rule – 15 minutes of whining. I wonder if I can get that to work with my kids? Prolly not, huh? But your group sounds amazing!
Thank you for the congrats and congrats right back to you on your first Blaze. I’m excited for you!!!
Great blog, Tawny! A community of supportive friends and family is one of the best tools for success I can think of. My daughters are now old enough to form my community of gal-pals and the Romance Bandits are the best writing community I could find.
Jo
I am so in awe of the incredible relationships you have with your daughters. Its definitely an inspiration. And oh yeah, baby!! Another high five for the Romance Bandits 
Any of the purses catch my attention in a hurry, and of course Johnny is always drool worthy, add the autograph and that just takes it over the top.
Dianna, aren’t those purses Sam created cool! She’s got talent, that girl. But I’m with you, anything Johnny and I’m all over it.
Happy anniversary, Tawny!
Thank you, Heather
I still get a little giddy when I realize I’m here with some of my absolute fave authors (ahem
)
Happy Anniversary, Tawny! Love your books — actually I’ve enjoyed all the Blaze books I’ve read. There are some wonderful writers in this line. I bid on Sarah Mayberry’s critique and actually held the high bid for a few days. Unfortunately, it didn’t last.
I do have a couple of things I’m watching too. And I bought some raffle tickets – great prizes. 
As far as wonderful communties, my buds at The Romance Roundtable (and forum Writers of the Roundtable) are the greatest! And my CP’s!!
— life just wouldn’t be the same without them! Everyone is so supportive in the romance writing community.
This is the first I’ve seen of this blog. I’m glad to find it!
Laurie
Whohoooooooooo Laurie – I’m so glad you found us!!! And thrilled that you love Blaze (and my books
) Bummer on losing out on Sarah – its a fabulous donation, isn’t it?!
The Romance Roundtable sounds like a fabulous group and awesome support! I’m right there with you in the CP love. I know I couldn’t do it without mine!!
Thanks so much, Laurie, for stopping by the blog – I hope you’ll stick around!!
Congratulations!!!