It's really interesting how two groups who are supposed to fit hand in glove -- namely authors and readers -- seem to have a decidedly love-hate relationship.

Authors are angry at readers or potential readers if they are not picking up their books or, worse yet, if they are not effusive with praise.

By the same token, readers who claim to want to find new items are edgy at best when discussing authors or, in some case, hostile toward them. So far, I have been blessed with folks being very kind to both me and my work. But, what I read various forums, message boards, or profiles makes me cringe.

I get it. I am not particularly a people person...my students would attest to that. I love my family, my friends, my dogs, and pretty much anything centered around my home. Other than that, I try to do what I can to be a credit rather than a debit in the universal transaction, but from the comfy confines of Casa Atchisson.

I have chosen, though, to write and share my stories. While I have no delusions of grandeur, I do hope as many people find my work as possible -- both because it is satisfying and because a portion of proceeds go to Living Water, a phenomenal group.

But, I can't help thinking that should no one purchase my books, (one now, five more en route soon), I would be alright. I have stories to tell and will. If someone picks them up, that would be great. If not, that's okay too because I have my family, friends, dogs, and home.

Still, I worry about the growing antagonism I am witnessing in others within this symbiotic community. Maybe they should put the phone away at dinner and ask a loved one about their day, take an old friend to coffee, or even visit the local shelter to save a furry friend. Who knows? Maybe it will help take some of the edge off.

I'm only saying...it works for me.

True story.