The Buddy System

Finding something you enjoy is great.  Finding something you enjoy and someone that likes the same thing?  That kicks ass.

Take for instance books.

Like most writers, I’m a book junkie.  I can park my pajama-clad butt in a comfy chair and read for DAYS, only getting up for bathroom and food breaks.  Sadly, I only allow myself such an indulgence once or twice a year, settling for an hour or two a night instead.  But those marathons do happen.  And woe to my family if they try to pry me from my binge once I’ve started. The only bad thing about finding a book that ropes me in?

Not finding someone equally thrilled with a gem I’ve found.

Yeah, Goodreads lets me spread the word, but nothing feels better than, a) sharing your find with a live human being and, b) said human being buzzing on the same book shortly after.

Out of everyone I know, my sister is my one, tried and true book buddy.  The one who’s ears will prick in delight when I call her all frantic about a new book she just has to read.  We don’t always agree on what’s good and what isn’t—particularly when she’s on one of those damned biography kicks.  But when we do?

Sweet nirvana.

We giggle.  We coo.  We gush.  We sigh.  We frantically research when the next book in the series will be out and schedule our calendars accordingly.

Without her?

Think dead land line.  A mouthful of OMG and no one to listen.

The same buddy principle applies for <ahem> research.  (Pssst—That’s code for man watching.)

Look, I’m a romance writer.  The job description specifically calls for devoted and detailed study of the male species.  And, damn it, I take my job seriously.

But going out on research trips solo isn’t nearly as fun productive without a partner.  I need a Siskel for my Ebert!  So, when it’s time for me to start drawing up new characters, I call my writer pal, T.D. Hart, and we hit the town get to work.  And, I have to say, we’re a rockin’ research team–deeply dedicated to providing our reader’s with a cornucopia of descriptive delights.

What about you?  Are there certain things you love, love, love that are made better by sharing?  Who do you call?  Or do you prefer to protect your special somethings?  Maybe curl your arms around them like a teenage football player with a fully loaded plate of chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, refusing to share?

Tell me what thrills you!  You never know…I might be your perfect buddy!