Toddler Training

You’d think that after one child, I would “get it” by now. I would realize that toilet training is completely individual and one size does NOT fit all. (An aside–why is the lowest size in training pants 2 T? Do they not think 18-month-olds can figure it out anymore?)

I got the bright idea that YES! I would try to begin the toilet training process because:
A) I have successfully managed to get my daughter to pee five times in the porcelain bowl of wonder
(Okay, so technically most of those times were moments when I discovered a dry diaper and fled at top speed into the bathroom, ripping off her diaper while the theme to “Rocky” played in my head.)and
B) Because she’s a girl (and everybody says girls are easier)


It started out well, with her clapping each time she went on the toilet. I armed her with those triple-ply cloth training pants and prayed to the toilet-training gods for a happy experience.

I have since been humbled. Why, you may ask? Because I have learned that girls do not wet training pants in the same way. My daughter resembles a puppy in that, small puddles follow in her wake.

But she can say, “Potty” now (or at least Pah-ee). And she’ll beam, point to it, and after I take her off again (after three minutes of endless waiting for something to happen), she’ll proudly baptize the floor.

Sigh. Back to the Pampers.

P.S.–I have posted links on the For Writers page to my notes on the guidelines for Bantam/Dell and also for St. Martin’s Press. The booksellers listing will be updated as people send me more information.

Calling all Booksellers!

I think I may be out of my mind, but last night I thought of an idea that could potentially benefit a LOT of the romance community: An online database of romance-friendly booksellers.

Many new authors want to host book signings or give away promotional items but don’t know which booksellers to contact. More seasoned authors might already know which booksellers love romance authors and who would love to receive items for their customers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a nationwide listing of stores to benefit both authors and booksellers?

If we got a listing of even 5 stores per state, we’d have 250 resources. Imagine the possibilities! I’m especially interested in some of the smaller stores, who might not be as well-known. Here’s our chance to support them.

If you would be interested in helping out with this project and you have a few local bookstores where the managers have been particularly kind to romance authors, please e-mail me with the following information:
Store name, address, phone number, contact person, list of items they enjoy receiving, and whether they like to host signings. I’ll take care of the rest and I’ll post it online when we have enough information.

Please pass this onto other authors you know, and let’s see what we can create!