Why I write

For the past couple weeks, I’ve been breaking a lot of rules. Namely: don’t read your reviews.

Authors say that because it’s so easy to take the negative criticisms to heart. And it’s so easy to remember those above all the positive comments. But I’ve been reading them anyway. Partially because I’m masochistic, and partially because, well, I love my readers. Even if they don’t love me.

Now that the full book of THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS has been released, things are starting to feel real. Sure, it may be hard to find my book on the shelves in your local store, but you could if you asked. (And I’d be happy if you did.) The important thing, however, is finally getting your feedback.

Nothing makes me happier than having readers say my book ‘transported’ them, or ‘inspired’ them, or any other term I’ve used toward other authors over the past few years. It means I’m doing my job and doing it well. It means the collective uncounted hours I’ve spent in front of a computer were worth it. It’s not about the sales. It’s not about the rankings. It’s about hearing from people, connecting to people.

It’s about giving the world another story.

And the best part? I get to keep doing this. The love and support I’ve received from my editors and fans means I get to keep writing. I get to keep giving you guys stories. I get to keep giving back by doing what I love.

And that cycle, that getting by giving, is precisely why I write.

 

So thank you, a thousand times over, for being a part of that.