I’m not going to be the least bit shy about admitting what a huge Twilight fan I am.

Hey, there is even a group called Twi-Moms. So, I’m not such an oddity after all! Having mentioned that, I’ll have to assure my hubby I haven’t joined. The man is getting an extreme amount of satisfaction in teasing me about my obsession. But I can’t help it!

I’m sure there are other mamas out there who have seen New Moon way more than my measly three times. And, yes, I was one of those goofy fans who stood in line for two hours to see a movie I already owned, but it was FUN! (Of course, I say two hours and hubs says five. He seems to think watching Twilight first should factor into the grand total wait time to see the second film, but what the heck does he know! lol)

The whole pexerience was a blast! I had never been to a movie premiere where I’d enjoyed myself more. My BFF and I chatted with complete strangers about the characters, the story, and of course our Team choices. The excitement was tangible! By the time we got into our seats to watch the first movie, we’d whipped ourselves into a frenzy. Plus, I was very happy to report to my mother that I wasn’t the oldest person there either!

I’ve always been a historical romance reader. I cut my teeth on Regencies and Westerns. Branching out was a foreign concept. I knew what I liked and read nothing else.

Then, I started writing.

The funny thing about learning to write is you have to be a good reader, too. Eighteen months ago, I wouldn’t have taken a chance on reading something different- let alone looking at the time spent as research! It’s kind of like making cookies and forgetting the baking soda. Knowing what makes a good story is key! So what have I gained from my two-week-reading fest last summer and my three visits to the box office? (Besides providing chuckles to my friends and family, that is!)

I’ve never been more inspired.

Trying to balance being a mom, a writer, and a wife had left me feeling VERY overwhelmed. I’d high-centered myself with my own good intentions. Very similar to what the lovely Kris Kennedy was dishing about yesterday. I had worried myself into a state of spinning in circles. It was amazing what a couple of nights out with other like-minded mothers did for my resolve. Within a couple of days, I had thrown down 2K on my WIP- a feat I hadn’t managed in a while. That kind of break-through is worth all the teasing!

Yes, there is a lot of hub-a-ba-loo about the literary savvy of Ms. Meyers and her version of what “vampire” means. But looking at the situation as an aspiring writer, all I see is something I know all of us try to channel every time we plunk our booties in the office chair . . .the ability to write a kick a** story that will leave fans hooked and hungry for the next book. What more could an author possibly ask for?

Give us the low down! When was the last time you found inspiration in the most unlikely situation or place?

To learn more about Sarah Simas, check out her blog: The Lovestruck Novice and her critique group’s blog: Friday Night Write