The Unread Book

On Wednesday I handed my newest book to two readers. They’re my favorite readers, such extremely generous friends, who have enjoyed and promoted my previous seven books. I wouldn’t say I was exactly worried that they won’t like my eighth, or will tell me it’s total crap. Well, maybe I am a little bit!

It’s a strange and vulnerable feeling to hand my untested new creation to someone to read and to judge. Of course I’m madly hoping they like it. Of course I hope it’s as good as I want it to be,...