Support From Friends and Family

When I decided to pursue writing as a profession, I expected to have my friends and family's full support. By full support, I mean that I expected my family and friends to buy my books, leave thoughtful, positive reviews, and tell their friends to read my books. That is not what happened.

 My family and friends disappeared much like the receding hairline of an old man. It was hurtful to my ego. If my tribe wouldn't encourage and help me as a self-published author, why would anyone else help or read my work? Don't get me wrong; I received words of encouragement. They said things like, "That's great. You're following your dreams. Wow, that is so cool."

 I look back on it now, and I'm glad that they weren't out shouting to the world to read my work. I'm pleased because I know now that the praise and success I've had is because I'm worthy of what I've achieved. Any reviews given from a reader who delighted in my stories are because they meant what they said. Whenever a person tells a friend that my books are worth reading, I know that they are sincere and not just being nice.