…submitting an erotic romance short story to a new publisher, on a lark, and having it contracted as an expanded 12,000-word novella three days later. And having the characters suddenly wake up and start *talking* to me about actual plot elements beyond the bedroom.
…realizing that a ten-year-old painting has the perfect theme to fit an upcoming art show AND online entry in the show is free! And it’s in a lovely neighboring city, so delivering it would be a great excuse for a road trip. And if I time everything right, also a perfect excuse to visit a great little spec-fic convention in that same city.
…knowing that somewhere out there, an editor is reading the fantasy novel that has been kicking my ass for almost twenty years.
…having absolutely incredible friends.
…surviving to 50.