I’m still working on it, but know that it is NOT the writing. Alas, you are in dead-tree format and I’m reading almost ALL digital nowadays.

And just so you know, your depictions of the young mother and old woman are kinda heartbreaking (but I’m a sucker for angst).

I just wanted to thank you for the nice mention of my book. That was very kind and I’m glad you liked what you had read. I’m sorry your feelings got hurt–I’m the same way no matter how much I try to say I don’t care.

I once heard Elder Marlin Jenson give a talk during a training for something or other. He was talking about Sunday School teachers but said something I thought applied to authors and is another way of articulating your point. He said that faithfulness was wonderful, but we should also strive to be competent.

I don’t pretend to be there yet–there are a lot of things I’d do differently if I were to start my book again, things I’ve learned since. But, I think/hope am *more* competent than I used to be and I hope to be even moreso in the future. I agree–being clean is not enough. We should try to be good.

At any rate, your post gave me good things to think about.

Thanks!

When I enjoy an independent author like you I really want to write big reviews so that people can pick up on what I liked and didn’t work for me – and hopefully buy more of your books if they have similar tastes.

And I find your point-of-view so fascinating because it is so different but you don’t push it in my face – even when you explain about it in the books. I wouldn’t have thought I’d enjoy some one on the right side of the political spectrum, because when I think of the messages I would probably vote Democrat if I lived in the US – and it’s not as if you hide your beliefs there. But for some reason I havent’t felt preached to or talked down to (in your novels) because I have a different political persuasion, so I can agree to disagree with you there and enjoy your people and the storyline and a look at a very different life.

THANK YOU so much again. It’s a privilege to have you as a reader.

Bugger that. Some little prick without a name, with no record, slithers out from under the woodwork and it ruins your day? Why do you LET it?

Besides, I decided I don’t care anymore.