Susanna Carr

While girls her age were playing with Barbie and playing dress-up, Susanna Carr opted to glue herself to every romance novel she could get her hands on, even if it meant perusing her sister's hidden collection. Later, the Seattle author wooed audiences with novels such as Confessions of a "Wicked" Woman and her latest, Lip Lock, writing with an edgy, modern style. So if you're feeling slightly timid about spilling your feelings out loud for the love of your life, jot down a few of Carr's love letter tips.

Ideal writing environment: "Emphasizing one of the five senses." Carr likes to blast a little classic hard rock.

Love letter writing tips: "Keep it simple and direct!" You're not writing a novel here. Avoid parody, and write a first draft to get all your feelings on paper. "Soon you will be writing fast and furious, which is where you want to be. . . . Then clean it up."

The three essential parts of a love letter: (1) name of recipient; (2) expression of affection; (3) your name.

Best medium: Utilize e-mail, text messaging, online chats, whatever. "The method of delivery is not as important as what you have to say."

When to write a love letter: Every day. Write a sweet e-mail during your lunch break or stick a love Post-it on the mirror before you leave for work. Don't limit the expression of your love to special occasions.

What to avoid: Don't be Mr./Mrs. Sickeningly Sensitive. "A heartfelt 'I love you' is going to mean more than rhapsodizing about eye color."

Ditch the secret admirer act: Wimpy! "Do you think the object of your affections will appreciate that you can't own up to your feelings?" It might scream "stalker!"

Most romantic language: "They all sound good when you're whispering sweet nothings."

Most romantic word in the English language: Yes.