The final tale of Until I Break

Over the last 2 1/2 years, I've learned that it's nearly impossible to explain to others what it's like to be a writer, so I expect what I'm about to attempt to be even more difficult.

People write for different reasons and, from the very beginning, I've told y'all that I write for you, that it's more than just a paycheck.  Well, I'm about to prove that what I've said is true.

When I wrote Until I Break, I could've watered down the story, made it more palatable, easier to accept.  But as an artist, I didn't want to cheat Sam and Alec out of their story.  As I've said before, life isn't always pretty, but I had hoped that the majority of people would be able to see beyond the ugly to the wonderful story of love and acceptance and healing that was embedded in Until I Break.  Sadly, that hasn't turned out to be the case.

So, rather than risking people misunderstanding Sam and Alec and, therefore, me as a person and author, I'm pulling the book from publication. It will no longer be available in any format from any source after tomorrow.  Yes, I could leave it out there to earn money, but every cent would be bitter, knowing that there are some who not only don't "get" the story, but who are misunderstanding it in a disheartening way.

I would like to say a big ol' THANK YOU to everyone who read, loved and understood the twisted lives and beautiful love of Sam and Alec.  You gave me so much happiness with your outpouring of amazingly supportive words.  I'm truly, truly grateful.

I'll always have Sam and Alec, and I learned more from them as characters and from their story than I ever thought possible.  I've also learned a lot about people and friends and authors, and the world as a whole during this particular journey.

So what now?  Well, I am moving on to my next project.  And I hope to bring you better and better and better stories with each one I write and publish.  Maybe one day (I sincerely HOPE) the world will be ready for Sam and Alec.  Until then, I've got more fabulous characters and compelling stories to tell you.  I hope you'll hang around and listen:)

With much love,

Michelle

p.s.  For those who have bought a copy, no need to worry that it will disappear.  It will remain on your reading device as is:)

p.s.s.  I'd also like to mention that I could change parts of the story to make it more palatable to a larger group of people, but I won't.  I'd rather pull it and be true to Alec and Sam than betray them by softening their story.  I know that many of you understand and that means more to me than you'll ever know.

p.s.s.s.  As the day wears on and I get feedback on my decision, I'd just like to remind you all how very hard this decision was for me.  If you look at this from my perspective, from a financial as well as an artistic one, maybe, just maybe you might see that pulling the book and facing the backlash takes courage, too.