Handling Praise

The thrill of receiving my own printed books in large boxes was rapidly replaced with nervousness. Would people like it? I've read it so many times, I can no longer imagine what a reader will experience, reading it for the first time. Suddenly, I was afraid they would not like it, and be too polite to say so.

Imagine my delight, then, when praise began rolling in. First from a friend who finds it difficult to read most books, who told me she had stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish my book. Then more of the same from others: "I can't put it down." "It's really good." "I love your character, Renata."

Now, praise is coming from people I do not know, people with no vested interest in being polite. To my joy and relief, they, too, are enthusing about my book, adding comments such as "she can really write," or "fabulous!"

And today, best yet, a comment from another writer who teaches at the college level, whose opinion I value highly: she loves it, too!

Suddenly, I realize I am truly an author. Not a wannabee any longer, but the real deal. I'm smiling a lot. Even taking a few trips to the bank after selling copies at various places. My big power point presentation is ready for the formal launch this coming Saturday, and my confidence has grown to the point where I'm thinking perhaps I'm ready to tackle my second book, left in limbo the past few months.

Thank you, dear readers. Please leave a review for me on Amazon or wherever you purchased the book. I love you all!