My nightmares usually involve something chaotic: fog that splinters into a million pieces, cylinders that appear at random intervals, imposing pine trees with branches that aim to mutilate, shots of color that seem to cover everything. I’m not sure where the dreams originate, and I don’t have them too often, but when I do, I get to thinking about all the things I’ve feared in my lifetime. The list isn’t too long, and some fears I’ve conquered, others, I haven’t. But recently, another fear popped onto my list, and it surprised me by being there.

That fear? Being judged.

I don’t fear judgment in my everyday life. I’m great at what I do, and even when I’m not, I’m confident that I can learn from my mistakes and from other people. But my debut novel, REWRITE THE STARS, is ready for preorder now over at Black Rose Writing. And do you know what that means? Yes, I’m one step closer to realizing a goal. I’m also one step closer to having people read my work. And that, my friends, is where the fear comes in. What will they think? Will they judge me by my writing? By the premise? By the lack of detail or inclusion of too many details? What if they don’t like my characters? And—

I could go on, but I won’t. Because inside, I know my book isn’t for everyone—no story is. But I spent so much time, so much energy, so much heart on this book, I’d like for a few of you to appreciate it as much as I do. And what I’d really like—for my mom to read it—can’t happen. So I’ll have to be content with the knowledge that at some basic level, my fabulous news (look, Mom, my book is almost ready!) will reach her.

In the meantime, if you’d like to preorder my book, please grab the discount that goes with it by using this code: PREORDER2020.

Image of abstract background by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay.com.