I write romance because I am a dreamer and I love love. The concept of forever is a beautiful thing. Getting that to happen is the journey. I like discovering characters and watching them blossom in a story I'm writing. Right now, I'm in the middle of Listen and my character is severely flawed. She has anxiety to the point it affects her every single day. I'm anxious to find out how she turns out. I'm obviously going to steer her in the right direction, but learning her quirks and struggles is fascinating.
Writers are often introverts. We struggle with constant contact with people. A lot of the time, we need to get away from the noise so we can settle down. I enjoy spending time with my friends, but I have to really work at socializing during events I attend. That's why it's so important to me to talk to readers. Then we have a bond and I'm not so nervous during a reading or panel discussion. We are just as nervous as you are. You have to make the first move though. I'd hate to approach a reader and find out that she doesn't like my style of writing or just doesn't read me. We are at your mercy.
GCLS is a few months away. Lone Star Lesfic is next month. I encourage you to meet the writers you want to. We love hearing how our stories affected you. We are there to meet you and be heard. So, come find us and let's talk!