Today I received another great review for my first novel. I don’t know if one ever gets used to this. Each time a good review comes along, or someone says a good word about my work, I am overwhelmed as though it is a first. Do readers know the magnitude of their power when it comes to a writer’s success? I doubt they do, and I doubt even more if most writers are aware of it.

I’m not simply talking about how a review or word of mouth helps the book sales. Writing is art. The energy in a reader’s positive remark is what empowers a writer to become more creative. Remarks can make us or they can indeed break us. Take me for example. I’ve been at my computer ever since I read that review, trying to give my next novel the best I have to offer, and I’ve done so with a happy heart.

A Persian verse says, “It is the audience that gives a speaker dynamism!” Indeed, what would I be doing at this moment if a reader had not energized me? Why am I writing this after a full day of work on my novel? Why does it feel so good to ignore how tired I am?

So this note is for all you loving readers out there. Your good words, your applaud, and this incredible surge of support is a gift I can’t put a value on. All I can offer in return is to write and write. For as long as you provide the fuel, I will continue to be “The little engine that could!” Keep those good comments coming, pass the word around and give me the will to entrust you with all the stories I have safely kept inside!