Readers & Reviews

As some of you may already know, my book was released on Kindle this past Friday (February 27th). As you can imagine, this whole thing has been a big deal to me and my family. The past nine years of my life has been dedicated to writing and getting this book published. And I hope, it is only the beginning.

I thank those who have been supportive and have bought the book. Some may begin reading it shortly, while others already are reading it. Again, I thank you. Like I said many months ago in an old blog post:

No matter how talented a writer is, he needs other people to help him: an agent, an editor, a publisher, and even more than that, readers.

Without other people, a writer is only a lonely person typing on a computer or writing in a notebook.

Without other people, a writer’s work is destined for deletion, dust, or a wastebasket.

Without other people, a writer is a bitter person with nothing more than memories of a dream he or she once held.

Without other people, a writer is a confused person who mutters to him or herself a lot.

Without other people, a writer has many stories, but only one reader.

The Reader is the connector. In the knowledge that someone has taken the time to read the words that I put to the page, I feel honored and humbled. We are connected now, in the same way that you feel a connection to people who listen to your personal story.

I’ve noticed something. When I share my innermost thoughts and feelings with loved ones and friends, they tend to open up about their own thoughts and feelings.  And that’s sort of what a writer craves when someone reads his or her book – a response. A reaction. 

That’s why reviews are important. You leave a review, and you offer support.  My wife likes to read blogs a lot and pointed me toward one a while back, which I want to share here. It is from Modern Mrs. Darcy. In this particular post, a writer shares about the best gift that a reader can give a writer.  I encourage you to read it, I really identified with it.

The guest writer of this blog post, Andi Cumbo-Floyd, writes, “In our marketing-saturated, money-oriented culture, readers can often be swayed to think that the best way to support a writer is to buy her books. Purchasing books is certainly one important method for giving a writer the boost she needs for her career. But simply reading a book makes a world of difference to the spirit of a writer who needs – fundamentally – to be reminded that her work is worth doing.”

As a writer, you spend so much time in isolation that when someone reads your book, it's as if they're joining you. Keeping you company. It makes the time spent alone worth it. Reading a book is a time commitment. So when they crack that cover, they're saying, "I will invest time into what you have to say." Isn't that why writers write? So others will read.