Happy Birthday, Ginger Simpson!

I'm dedicating my blog today to a very special person. I've never met her in the flesh, but I feel amazingly close to her. This is despite the fact that we live half a world away from each other, have followed dramatically different paths in our lives, and would get into a huge fight if we ever decided to discuss politics (which we won't!)

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Ginger Jones Simpson – novelist, poet, blogger and humorist; teacher and corrections officer; wife, mother and grandmother; mentor for dozens of new authors; ageless and enduring sex symbol. Okay, I threw the last one for a laugh, but since she's started on hormones she's definitely turned into a red hot mama!

A prolific and versatile author, Ginger has tackled genres from historical romance to young adult, thrillers to erotica. Whatever she's writing, she manages to convey an emotional authenticity that draws readers into her characters' world. In her books, people matter. She makes you care about her heroines and heroes – makes them real.

She's enormously supportive of other authors, sharing space on her popular blog “Dishin' It Out”, offering marketing tips, doing reviews and generally offering encouragement. And when you're looking for a laugh, Ginger's the gal you need. She has the gift of seeing the funny side of every experience – even health challenges, and especially aging. No one demonstrates more convincingly that getting old is not for sissies.

Ginger, on your special day, I want to wish you the very best of everything. You inspire me, with your courage, your toughness, your sincerity and your persistence in the face of obstacles. I can only hope that when I reach your age (which won't be that long from now), I have your level of energy and your sense of commitment.

And if you ever want to collaborate on another erotica novel – I'm in!

Sending you a huge birthday hug,

Lisabet