We’re all sisters in the romance publishing field, yes?  We love each other, support each other—look out for each other.  Peace be the rule, harmony the goal.  Romance authors/readers have been known to get enough grief from people outside the field.  We don’t need to add our own.

Considering all the different personalities, the fact that the net as a medium is somewhat impersonal, and the competitiveness, I think we do fairly well.  But once in a while, someone slips up, says something that might be taken the wrong way (unintentionally, of course…)  :razz:

PLACES YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO:

Do not insinuate that if a sister writer’s stuff is not as hot–or inspirational–as yours, she must lack some sort of moral fiber or honesty or courage.  Free to be, you and me!  (everybody can’t be a slut/holy roller, y’know…) 

If you’re sitting at home 24/7 munching bon-bons, do NOT ask your working sisters why they’re not spending more time on their writing.  (women forced to wear high heels for hours on end can be a dangerous lot…)

If you have no little ones of your own, do NOT preach to your sisters about budgeting their time, being more organized, or sacrificing what little sleep they get for their writing.  (women with sore nipples or car pooling disease can be a dangerous lot…)

If it seems like that bidding between those three publishers on your latest blockbuster is taking FOREVER, whine to your agent.  We don’t want to hear the shit.  (but wishing you nothin’ but love, sistah, nothin’ but love…)

If you sold your first book on the first try and made big $$$, it does NOT make you some kind of diva Dear Abby.  Come back when you’ve sold a few more, at least.  Respect is something you earn in this fiercely fickle field.

Remember—this business is the Anti-Vegas.  What goes on here becomes known EVERYWHERE, and stays in the collective memory a long, long time.