Cynthia Heimel is the author of seven books and numerous columns and articles. She lives in Oakland, California, with her boyfriend, his son and too many dogs.

The New York Times Like Dorothy Parker, Ms. Heimel is an urban romantic with scathing X-ray vision that penetrates her most deeply cherished fantasies.

Cynthia Heimel is the author of seven books and numerous columns and articles. She lives in Oakland, California, with her boyfriend, his son and too many dogs.

The New York Times Like Dorothy Parker, Ms. Heimel is an urban romantic with scathing X-ray vision that penetrates her most deeply cherished fantasies.

Cynthia Heimel is the author of seven books and numerous columns and articles. She lives in Oakland, California, with her boyfriend, his son and too many dogs.

The New York Times Like Dorothy Parker, Ms. Heimel is an urban romantic with scathing X-ray vision that penetrates her most deeply cherished fantasies.