At the RWA National "Readers for Life" Booksigning (Photo courtesy Jennifer Evans)

Toni Blake, author of Swept Away, and me at the Avon Family Dinner

Myself, new author Jocelyn Drake, and one of my faves Gayle Callen.

Me with long-time friend Barbara Pierce dressed up for the RITA Award ceremony.

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At the RWA National "Readers for Life" Booksigning (Photo courtesy Jennifer Evans)

To help me research my contemporary-set stories, I attended the Plano Citizens Police Academy.

Here I am decked out in the uniform of the Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.). I didn't have the strength to lift the shield, much less to hold it.

The week before, they took us through shoot-don't shoot scenarios. I lost track of the number of times that I was told, "Okay, you're dead. Here's what you should have done."

I highly recommend that you check with your city's police dept. and see if they offer a Citizens Police Academy. The 13-week course gave me insight into police procedures and the role of those who serve and protect. It left me with a greater appreciation for all aspects of the police department and the men and women who serve.

Photo courtesy of Plano Citizens Police Academy.

Here I am playing fireman. I couldn't believe how heavy the bunker gear was. During the course of the class, I had the opportunity to climb the aerial ladder and to drive the fire truck. I also spent time at two fire stations, getting to know the firemen/paramedics. At one station, the captain was an avid romance reader.

The most interesting moment for me was when the tactical paramedics returned to the station after helping the police during a drug bust. It's amazing to realize how much these men and women do that we seldom hear about.

Photo courtesy of Plano Citizens Fire Academy.