One of the most joy-filled moments I have as an author is hearing from my readers. Nothing quite compares to this experience. I often receive messages such as:
"I just downloaded your book. Can't wait to start reading it!"
"I just started your book and love your writing style."
"Where can I find the next book in the series?"
Additionally, readers post pictures of themselves holding my books, messages about certain characters they like or dislike, and even links to the series to share with their friends in various social media outlets. It's all quite exciting for me, the author.
Some may think this is too simplistic or I care too much what others say and do. That's not the case at all. I respect and deeply appreciate my readers for choosing my books, taking the time to read them and offering comments or sharing with their friends. Readers give me motivation to write, to expand, to create, whether it be the next book in the series, a simple blog post, or book cover designs and artwork. For me, readers are motivation. Their excitement about my projects fills my heart and helps to kick start the creative juices. And when the creative juices start flowing, there's really no way to contain them...rather, I let them flow and can't wait to see where they lead me.