Hello! Is it Naan to whom I am speaking?

Thank you for the compliment. I love my fans! Aside from the fact that without them I wouldn’t be published and hence wouldn’t be posting now, I think my fans are the most amazing people. They come from all walks of life . . . doctors, truck drivers, students, teachers, waitresses, at-home-moms . . . but we all share a common trait: We believe in the inherent beauty of love in all of its myriad aspects. When I go to the Romantic Times convention . . . which I try to do annually . . . several people from my message board attend. One year there were 19 of us! Another year a reader I had met in Germany and her husband flew in from Austria. It was so much fun spending time with them - as well as all my other fans who attended RT - and there have been so many memorable moments. . . . However, a truly touching moment occurred in Spain at the formal presentation of GABRIEL’S WOMAN (La mujer de Gabriel) which I’d like to share, because I’ve never had any experience like it in America.

After the presentation, Montana - who I waved to earlier and who has been posting at my message board for awhile now - handed me a book to sign. When she introduced herself - and said she had driven over 400 miles to meet me - I was so thrilled that I stood up, leaned over the table and gave her “besos,” the traditional Spanish welcome. We chatted a little, and then Montana moved on so others could have me sign their books. Well, behind Montana was a little bit of a girl - she was so pretty, and so tiny, and so young! - who, after I signed her book, asked if she could have her photo taken with me. Absolutely! She came behind the table and sat down beside me. I moved closer. She was very silent for a moment, and then she asked in a tiny voice: “Can I have besos, too?” I was like, awwww. . . . I told her of course she could have besos, too, and I cupped her face and kissed her on either cheek. That was a first for me, and a very endearing moment. I also had a woman who came up with her daughter - she must have been 8 or 9 - and the mother asked if I would sign the book to both of them. I must have looked a little surprised, because the mother said when her daughter was older, she was going to pass down my books to her, so that she, too, could have the wonderful experience of reading my books. I thought that was majorly cool!

Thank all of you for your wonderful questions. I enjoyed spending time with you so much! You’ve created more memories for me to cherish. And because dear Maet . . . who made this interview possible . . . has been teaching me a little Italian, I will leave you with . . .

Grazie e tanti baci!