As an introvert growing up in a turbulent home, I quickly learned two important things about writing. First, it gave me a space to privately work out my feelings without having to worry about hurting someone or wishing I could take back words said in anger or pain. Second, I could create entire worlds—ones where justice and love conquered all—and every element of those worlds would be entirely within my control. When you dwell in chaos, any control (even if illusory) is a marvelous life raft. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that pouring my feelings into stories and poorly written poetry might very well have saved my sanity. Decades went by before I chose to pursue a career as an author. Luckily, there is an ample audience for romantic stories with happy endings. And with the world around us in such turmoil, writing continues to afford me that safe space to explore and examine my thoughts, emotions, and opinions. Of course, once published, those thoughts aren’t so private, but that, too, has brought something rich into my life. I feel blessed that anyone chooses to spend his or her time reading something I’ve written. The reader-author connection is a truly special bond. In fact, a fan letter is the very best paycheck I ever receive.

http://www.jamiebeck.com/

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