Reading has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My favorite way to spend the day is to get up, start a new book and read it cover to cover, stopping only when nature call or I'm interrupted by life.

When I find a book I love, I tell others about it. I might even loan the book if it's someone I trust and know where to find if I need to reclaim said book.

When I find authors I love, I let them know how much I love their books and how much I appreciate the work they've done in developing something I can use as an escape, something that takes me out of my head and transports me to a new world where I have all the feels.

I've laughed out loud, I've cried, I've grinned, I've sighed, I've turned to goo on the inside, and I've been angry at any character who treats the beloved hero and heroine terribly. I've even been so grossed out by an author's descriptions that I've had to put a book down before I passed out. (I'm very squeamish with a vivid imagination.) If a book can do any of that, it's given me an amazing experience.

Since publishing my book, I've discovered just how important this kind of thing is to an author. I've had a blast interacting with readers who share my love of the written word. I've loved reading their reviews and hearing them share with others how they've enjoyed my book. I've been searching out other books and authors they've read and loved to add to my own TBR list.

What I've learned from my interaction with other writers is that as a norm, we are an introverted group who write because the characters in our imagination won't let us rest until we do. But we also pour a part of ourselves into everything we write. The books may be fiction, but they are a part of us. Waiting to see how our readers receive them is like a teenager waiting for that first date. We're a bundle of nerves and anxiety, and secretly we're wondering what our readers ever saw in us in the first place.

And yet, we've learned to develop a thick skin, to ignore those who are malicious in their reviews and to listen to the ones who share honest, constructive criticism. It's a must, because at our core, we yearn to be better, and the constructive criticism helps us to recognize ways to improve.

So I encourage you, as a reader, to show authors love. First, if you enjoy their books, share them with others, or simply tell others about them. Some of the best books I've read were recommendations from others. Don't keep those treasures to yourself. Good books were meant to be shared and read by many.

Second, if you enjoyed a book, leave a review. It doesn't have to be lengthy or give an entire recap on the book. In fact, as a reader, I prefer reviews that don't include spoilers. Your review can be simple and to the point, but it goes a long way to helping an author out.

Third, if you didn't enjoy a book and you leave a review, be kind. In fact, in all we do, let us all be kind. We can share our opinions without making someone else feel small. No one is the best at what they do on their own. We all need help and encouragement along the way. Anything we do has a learning curve attached to it, and we can ease someone along on the journey with a show of kindness, even a small one.

I'm going to close with a simple thank you! Sometimes those two words do not seem to adequately express my gratitude, but it's all I've got for now. Thank you for reading my book, for engaging with me, for the reviews that have encouraged me, for the times you've shared my book with others, and for so much more than I can list here. Thank you! You have made this journey so much fun for me!