I read an article the other day that said, “It’s a whole lot easier to get someone to buy your book than for them to actually read it.” I am guilty of this myself with my ever-growing stack of books on my bedside table, so I know that statement is absolutely true.

However, slow but sure, I am receiving a growing number of emails and texts that say, “Just finished your book and I really enjoyed it.”

I even heard from an old friend today who wrote, “I really enjoyed reading something so unpredictable and non-formulaic. I love your writing, Len!”

Of course, those words make my heart sing.

This author thing is new to me. I’ve never published a book before, and it was hard enough to overcome my fear to actually send this little fellow out into the world. However, I will say that it has been quite a treat hearing from a wide range of people about their reactions to the story. If anyone ever says that your positive reaction to a book is not important to the author, then please ignore them. Or better said, if someone tells you that your positive response is not important to this author, then be assured that is definitely not the case. I treasure hearing how a reader has reacted to Hope in a Time of Dying and what stood out to them in the story. As for negative reactions, well, the truth be told, I’m not dying to be pummeled with a bunch of haters. So, if it’s not your cup of tea, then that’s fine. It’s a tough story about a flawed family facing a tragic time, and it is certainly not for everyone.

The bottom line is a thank you to all who have put in the time and energy to buy the book. And if you also happened to read it, then that’s even better, whether you liked it or not.

From my point of view, publishing my book is the outward and visible sign of me pushing past my perfectionism and moving forward for better or worse. As you may well imagine, that feels like freedom.