So I am feeling a mix of emotions right now because I am questioning whether or not my book is good enough. Consequently, I am wondering if I should even continue on this journey as a writer. I realize that I am getting ahead of myself, but I tend to get a little overly-dramatic sometimes so bear with me.

This overflow of emotion is coming on the heels of two really bad reviews; one and two stars to be exact, and both on prominent internet-retail outlets. A one-star review? I mean, people really give those out?? I know that I'm no Toni Morrison, but give me a break!

I mean, don't get me wrong, I fully understand from a logical standpoint that everyone will not enjoy the book; however, this was a labor of love for me and quite honestly, it hurts. I will admit that when I typed "The End" and closed my laptop, I allowed myself a delicious moment to romanticize how my first book would be received: rave reviews, countless awards, and finally the coup de grâce a run on the New York Times Bestsellers list. However, reality can be a cruel bastard sometimes (slow sales, marketing nightmares, self- publishing disasters) and so is that one-star review.

Admittedly, I wrote the book for me, there was no particular audience in mind but I was always told, do what you love and your bliss will follow. That saying should have come with a disclaimer: "bliss is not immediately guaranteed and comes with unexpected side effects, such as: irritation, hurt, pain, lapses of happiness, sleeplessness, and fatigue."