I'm not sure why my parents did this. Maybe it wasn't intentional. Maybe on some level my dad wanted to ensure that he would have an easy time manipulating me and shaping me to his desires, and there's no easier way than if someone cares intently what you think about them.

I've wished very, very often that I didn't care in the least how others saw me or what they thought about me. But I guess in the case of creative endeavors, namely writing, it can be a good thing.

I find myself responding to positive criticism in an interesting way. If I post a chapter on Facebook, for instance, and someone clicks "like" - just one click - it can fill me with motivation to keep writing, and writing well. The more people that click "become a fan" on my page and the more people that are interested in my work, the higher my own standards for my writing become and the more I feel compelled to write. I guess maybe it's wanting to know that my work is appreciated, that it inspires others, and maybe even brings some sense of beauty into their lives. That's what I'd find most rewarding of all.

Of course, to be sensitive to the opinions of others is a weakness. You know this, and so do I. I'm still growing in a lot of ways and that's one thing I want to change about myself. But until I do...

Thank you to everyone that's enjoyed my work. You've given me at least as much as I've given you, if not more.