The recent passing of my cousin has reminded me of one important thing in this life, never stop. It doesn't matter what it is; writing a book, making a quilt, caring for an ill family member or baking the worlds best chocolate cake according to your best friends. What ever it is, never stop giving it your best.
A few weeks ago I received a hurtful book review. It took my breath away and for a brief moment, it made me not want to write another book, article or even a note to a friend. But after a deep cleansing breath and a conversation with another author friend of mine, I realized that if I had stopped writing I would be miserable. I have been writing as long as I can remember. It has always been the only thing that really mattered in my life besides reading.
Like an actor, musician, scientist or one of a million things that a person does in his or her life, you push yourself to become better, stronger, wiser. The thing that you love is not work but a joy to do.
So when my cousin Freddie passed away unexpectedly, all I could remember were the messages of encouragement he would leave on my Facebook page or speak to me in person.
So to the critics and naysayers of my books I say, "Sorry but I'm going to be around for awhile. I don't plan to stop writing. My goal is to become a better writer each and every time. To you I say, no, I will never, ever stop."