The Fear Behind the Smiles

Figured Out Why There's a Lack of Reviews on Amazon and Other Places...

While looking at some stats for my novels on Amazon, and seeing sales go up and up, but reviews staying sadly flat, I bemoaned my fate as an unknown. Granted, I could now buy a drink or two with the royalty checks, but in my drama-queen way I wanted the kudos more than the cash.

I hosted the usual Literary Night on Wednesday in Second Life and had a bit of an epiphany about the whole situation.

I wasn't unknown at all. The folks who've read my work and enjoyed it have friended me on Facebook and Goodreads and told me personally how much they loved my work. They've come out to Literary Night to chat in electric person as well. I've gotten to know every one of them pretty well, and I'm happy that they got in touch with me and best of all keep in touch with me. I like reading the news feeds about the everyday fun stuff, and I like to give an electronic hug when it seems like they need it. I love the interaction, and feel like I've known some of them forever.

So I smile broadly when I say I've got something better than numbers, I've got friends. After that mini-revalation, I realized I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reading and From the Darkness, a Heartbeat

Yesterday I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time at the doc's office. So it's official, my kid-to-be is not a zombie. That's good news.

So as not to over-do it, I've been reading a LOT. Gone through a couple of books in a couple of weeks. My Kindle is loving me right now. As is my bizarre addiction to all formats of solitaire. No idea how that happened, but there you have it: solitaire. I guess it's like breakfast, a delicious mystery.

Started teaching again, and it's wonderfully rewarding. I find I have to curb my emotions in the day to day, however. Damned hormones keep going up and down, and some days I want to hug people and the next I want to never speak to them again... or worse.

For now I have enough presence of mind to know it's the horrormones surging, but it's like a sickness. I know it will get worse before it gets better, and I know I'LL get worse and am helpless to stop it. It makes me wonder... is this how it feels to turn into a werewolf?

Will I dread the next full moon?