Random Jottings: the blog of Richard L. Mabry, MD

Memorial Day, 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:49:00 +0000

This weekend we observe Memorial Day, an American holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It started out as Decoration Day, and originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.\
It is not a day for honoring those who previously served or are actively serving in our armed forces--there are other holidays for that, most typically Veterans' Day (formerly Armistice Day). And, although mattress and tire sales have seemed to come around on this three-day holiday, that's not what we celebrate. It's for honoring the gift given to all of us by those who didn't come home.

All gave some. Some gave all. Let's honor them.

Easter 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed...Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead'...."

(Matt 28:5-7a, The Message)

In the ancient world, the message was this: "Christos anesti; aléthos anesti."

In our modern language, the words are different, the message the same: "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!"

Have a blessed Easter.

Christmas 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

May you have God's peace in your heart, not just as you celebrate Christ's birthday, but every day in the year to come. Merry Christmas.

The First Christmas Without Them

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:01:00 +0000

It's been over 20 years now since the death of my first wife, but I still get requests for this piece that I wrote after my first Christmas without her. I've remarried and my wife has showed me that it's OK to smile, but it's still a tough time. I've been gratified at the continuing ministry of my book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death of a Spouse. Despite having had multiple novels and novellas published, this work of non-fiction remains the most satisfying among them all. I hope this piece ministers to those who are finding this season especially tough.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM

After the death of a loved one, every holiday that follows carries its own load of renewed grief, but there’s little doubt that Christmas—especially that first Christmas without him or her—is the loneliest time of the year.

After the death of my wife, Cynthia, in September, I was determined to keep things as “normal” as possible for that first Christmas. Since this was an impossible goal, the stress and depression I felt were simply multiplied by my efforts. My initial attempt to prepare the Christmas meal for my family was a disaster, yet I found myself terribly saddened by the sight of my daughter and daughters-in-law in the kitchen doing what Cynthia used to do. Putting the angel on the top of the tree, a job that had always been hers, brought more tears. It just wasn’t right—and it wasn’t ever going to be again.

Looking back now, I know that the sooner the grieving family can establish a “new normal,” the better things will be. Change the menu of the traditional meal. Get together at a different home. Introduce variety. Don’t strive for the impossible task of recreating Christmases past, but instead take comfort in the eternal meaning of the season.

The first Christmas will involve tears, but that’s an important part of recovery. Don’t avoid mentioning the loved one you’ve lost. Instead, talk about them freely. Share the good memories. And if you find yourself laughing, consider those smiles a cherished legacy of the person whom you miss so very much.

For most of us, grieving turns our focus inward. We grieve for ourselves, for what might have been, for what we once had that has been taken from us. The Christmas season offers an opportunity to direct our efforts outward. During this season for giving, do something for others. Make a memorial gift in memory of your loved one to your local food bank, the Salvation Army, or your favorite charity. Involve yourself in a project through your church. Consider a local emphasis like Toys for Tots or the Angel Tree--shop for a child whose smile you may not see but which will warm your heart nevertheless.

When you’re grieving, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by Christmas, especially the modern version. The echoes of angel voices are drowned out by music from iPods and cell phones. The story of Jesus’ birth gives way to reruns of “Frosty, The Snowman.” Gift cards from Best Buy and Wal-Mart replace the offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If you find the season getting you down, the burden of your loss too great to bear, read once more the Christmas story in Luke, chapter 2. Even if you celebrate it alone, you can remember the true meaning of Christmas.

A Texas Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000

It dawned on me that I haven't posted in a while. Hope it makes the Christmas season more real for you. It did for me while I was writing it.

The young couple knew the long trip would be difficult, but it was the Depression, and although there was no work in the small Texas town where they had started their married life, the husband had heard of work in California. So they packed up their car, praying that it would hold up for the trip. The wife’s father slipped a couple of crumpled bills into her hand and said, “In case of emergency, Honey.” Her mother stood nearby, twisting her apron, obviously worrying about her daughter but just as obviously trying not to show it.

The couple used up the last of the daylight driving. They had reached deep West Texas when they realized it was time to stop for the night. “We can’t spare the money for a hotel,” the husband said. “I’m going to see if the folks at one of these farms will put us up for the night.”

They pushed on between pastures marked by sagging barbed wire, the road a winding black ribbon in the flickering yellow headlights. At last the driver spied a cluster of lights in the distance. “I’ll try there.”

The man who came to the door wore overalls and a gray, long-sleeved undershirt. He didn’t seem to take to the idea of this couple spending the night, but his wife came up behind him and said, “Oh, can’t you see she’s pregnant. The hands are out in the north pasture with the herd, and the bunkhouse is empty. Let them stay there.”

In the middle of the night, the young husband was awakened by his wife’s cries. “I’m in labor.”

“But, you’re not due until—“

“Just get help. Please.”

He did. In a few minutes, the rancher’s wife bustled in, laden with towels and blankets. “Just put that down,” she said to her husband, who trailed her carrying a bucket of hot water in one hand. “Then you two men get out.”

Soon, the men tired of waiting outside and the rancher grudgingly invited the stranger into the kitchen. They’d almost exhausted a pot of extra strong coffee when they heard a faint cry. Then, “You men can come back now.”

The two men were halfway to the bunkhouse, following the faint light of a kerosene lantern, when three weary cowboys rode up and climbed off their mounts. “We saw lights on here. What’s going on?”

“Come and see,” the young husband said. And they did.

When he saw the mother holding a wrinkled, fussing newborn close to her, the gruff old rancher turned to his wife and said, “Well, Mother, I’m glad you talked me into letting these folks stay.”

“We had to,” she said. “It was a wonderful gift for me, seeing that little baby born. Who knows? Maybe he’ll grow up to be someone special.”

Now imagine that the scene wasn’t West Texas, it was Bethlehem. It didn’t take place in a bunkhouse, it occurred in a stable. And it wasn’t just a baby—this was God’s own Son--the Christ child was God in blue jeans, as one of my friends puts it. Does that make it more real to you? I hope so.

During this season, as you think about Jesus’ birth, don’t put him in spotless white swaddling clothes in the middle of a Christmas card. Picture him in the most humble surroundings your imagination can conjure up, the Son of God Himself in a diaper, born to give each of us the best gift we could ever imagine.

Merry Christmas.

Message That Speaks to Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:56:00 +0000

Being curious, I looked him up and found that he's an author living in Austin, TX. Don't know anything about him otherwise, but he certainly spoke to the writer in me. How about you?

Independence Day, 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Monday is July 4, the day we celebrate the independence of this great nation. Some people will take off for a varying length of time, either for a long weekend or as part of a vacation. Others will work. Some will head for sales. Others will go to the lake. But whatever we do, let's understand the meaning of the holiday. And be especially mindful of that meaning this year.

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies marked the signing of the Declaration of Independence, declaring themselves free from the British Empire.The framers of our documents of freedom--the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution--didn't all agree. And sometimes, their discourse wasn't very civil. But as Benjamin Franklin put it, "We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." They argued, but they didn't loot and burn.

Remember that these people put their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors on the line to help give us the independence we celebrate. This Independence Day, may we reflect on all that has gone before as we observe this day.

Memorial Day 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This weekend we observe Memorial Day, an American holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It started out as Decoration Day, and originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.

It is not a day for honoring those who previously served or are actively serving in our armed forces--there are other holidays for that, most typically Veterans' Day (formerly Armistice Day). And, although mattress and tire sales have seemed to come around on this three-day holiday, that's not what we celebrate. It's for honoring the gift given to all of us by those who didn't come home.

All gave some. Some gave all. Let's honor them.

I've Survived

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This meme didn't originate with me, but the longer I live, the more I laugh about it. Then again, I'm still around, relatively active probably a decade or more after I shouldn't be.

My idea of retirement was to retire at age 65 and be gone by 70. But I've exceeded that, and I have no explanation for it. God apparently decided that I shouldn't become a full-time golfer after stepping away from medicine, so He gave me enough talent to become sort of a writer. Even when the ideas were harder to come by and even harder to turn into novels and novellas, I kept at it.

Our wills are over 20 years old, so I'm in the process of gathering data to update them, which is a task that will bring you up short in a hurry. But it's also good to see where I've been, as well as what the future holds. I've started a couple of novellas, which may or may not be going anywhere, but then again, they may.

My dear, sweet wife (yes, I have been blessed by the love of two wonderful women, which is evidence of God's hand) assures me that the Lord isn't finished with me yet. So I guess I'll keep on writing.

If You Give Your Son A Baseball...

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I realize that this refers to just boys. It did not originate with me, but it brought back memories of my father (including what he did for me). Maybe that's why I, in turn, tried to watch as many of my sons' baseball games and swim meets as possible, why I served many times as judge for my daughter's speech events, why I chose to spend time doing it. Anyway, perhaps it will speak to you as it did to me.

If you give your son a baseball, he will want a bat to go with it.

You’ll buy him the best bat you can find, and then he will probably want some cleats too.

He will probably spend hours begging you to go out in the yard to play with him, even though you may want to sit on the couch and watch tv. He will insis, and nd his insistence will win. Then he will want a jersey. And when a boy gets a jersey, he will need pants and socks and a belt to go with it. And then a team. At that point, life as you know it will end.

There will be no more lazy weekends watching tv. You will see more sunrises than you ever thought possible. Every spare minute of your time will be spent hauling ball-buckets and bags and stinky cleats and crazy boys all over tarnation for hours to practice for a game.

And your house will be a mess. And your car will be dirty. All because you gave a boy a baseball.

Your weekends will be spent freezing or burning to death on a fold up chair. And his weekends will be spent gaining confidence and friends and learning new skills and having fun and getting dirty. And you will be there the day he hits his first home run, his first strikeout, and his first double play. And he will make you proud. The other parents will congratulate you. But you feel weird saying thank you because it's not you at bat or on the mound. It's all him, you’re merely the facilitator.

When you give a boy a baseball, you give him more than just a ball. You give him a sport, and a talent, and hope, and dreams, and friends, a new family, a place to learn about life, room to grow as a person where he can push his limits. And he will have all of these things, simply because you gave a boy a baseball.

Then one day, many years from today, he will be in his room and a baseball will roll out from an old dusty bat-bag underneath his bed. And he will pick it up and you realize instantly that when you gave that boy a baseball, you also gave him a childhood that he would never forget. And then he will hug you, and your eyes may leak – because you realize that everything you gave up along the way was worth it.

All because you gave a boy a baseball.

Easter 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The Importance of Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Why would someone keep on writing, even when it's no longer necessary? We've heard it said that a writer writes because he/she has to do it. I've seen interviews with writers who say that they write every day, even if it's only a few lines. Others say that their daily quota of writing may consist only of a grocery list, but even that contains a few strike-throughs and some editing.

I always thought of myself as a physician. I continue to read my journals, do my continuing education, even keep my license up-to-date (although I must confess that it's unlikely that I'll ever practice again)--but even though writing is something of a sideline that I got into after retirement, I find myself fighting the urge to write. Even if it's a list of some sort. Or a blog entry. Like this one.

So, if you find yourself at odds until you've put pen to paper or fingers to computer keys, then congratulations. You may be a writer.

Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The other day I thought about the rules and superstitions that some folks have. When I played baseball, although I didn't go as far as wearing the same pair of socks as long as we were winning (boy, I was ready to lose after the smell got too bad) in the locker room), I did try to avoid stepping on the foul lines when I went to the mound each inning. You don't see me pitching in the majors, so you see how it worked.

My daughter, while she was in the theatre world, taught me not to put shoes on the bed. It might have something to do with a closing of a play, moving on. It never made much sense to me. However, to this day I always refer to "the Scottish play." avoiding saying Macb*** aloud. No rhyme or reason to that superstition that I can see.

People...well, writers...are always looking for sure-fire "rules," that guarantee success. Writing in the first person is difficult, but some writers do it and carry it off well. Avoiding the passive voice does indeed make the reader identify more closely with the action. But avoiding opening with the weather? If it's done well, the weather can become a character in your action. Yes, Elmore Leonard said we shouldn't do it, but it's been done and done well by some writers.

I guess some of the "sure-fire rules" make as much sense as not stepping on a foul line or saying "the Scottish play." I have only one sure fire rule...well, maybe three. Write the best manuscript possible, edit it one more time than than you think it needs, and keep writing. Chances are, you'll hit it.

Audio Version of Medical Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 22:30:00 +0000

As I said in my last post, I've been advised that Medical Mystery is now available in print book format, a Kindle format, and the audio format (narrated by Bill Nevitt). I've been given a limited number of keys to free copies of the audio version, and if you would use them, I would be happy to send a key. Just ask for one and leave your email address in the comments. This offer is only good until Monday, so if you want one of these keys, let me hear from you. Thanks.

Medical Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 02:14:00 +0000

Was just notified that my latest book, Medical Mystery, is now available as an audio book, so it's available in 3 formats. Enjoy.

Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

When I left my position as full professor at the med school in 2002, I was looking forward to a life of retirement. But God decided that it was too soon for me to retire, and I wrote a dozen novels and eight novellas of romantic medical suspense. Along the way, I decreased my blogging to twice a week--"stuff" on Tuesday each week, and a writing related post every Friday. I thought I was through with writing, but earlier this year I published my latest (and possibly last) novella, Medical Mystery. And now, once again, I'm going into wind-down mode.

Blogs are no longer as important as they once were. I've managed to keep up with blogging, but have avoided getting into podcasts and some of the latest social media outlets--this old dog is getting too many years on him to learn some of those new tricks. I will blog when/if I have something to say. For those who will miss some of my early wisdom, I suggest the publication of some of my earliest blogs, First Lessons.

For now, I plan to sit around and stare at the walls. If the spirit moves me, I'll post something on my blog from time to time. Otherwise, it's been fun (mostly). Talk among yourselves. See you.

Writing: Pubishing An Audiobook

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

When you have written your book (personally, I mark the end with ###) and it's accepted, you might think your work is done. And, I guess, it's done if your goal is to produce a written book. But there's one more format for your book to be published in. If you have a publisher, they'll probably do this for you, but if you've cast your lot with those who publish the work independently, this is up to you. More and more people prefer to hear, rather than read, their books. And if your book isn't in audio format, say good-bye to those sales.

For all my novellas, including this latest one, I went through ACX to publish an audio format of them. I won't go through all the steps--you can read about them on the ACX website--but one of the last (and most important) steps will require you to visit the book just one more time. You should listen to it. Listen for errors in pronunciation, as well as other errors that might have slipped by you. You just thought you were through.

I had hoped to tell you that Medical Error is now available in audio format, and it may be by the time this post is up. And that is my final book. (But I've said that before, haven't I?) Well, stay tuned.

Thoughts About March

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

March 15--the "ides of March"--used to be the date when our income taxes were due. That has changed, but most of us (including me) like to have our material to our accountant well before the current due date of April 15. Interesting thought occurred to me as I gathered the information. Since I started my solo practice of medicine more than half a century ago, I have gone through five accountants! It's not that I'm a difficult client. I just literally wore out that many. That should tell me (and anyone else paying attention) that I'm too old for this foolishness. Unfortunately, the IRS doesn't agree.

Things have been sort of hectic around our place. We've had both the "grand-dogs" develop problems that required them to be put down. Fortunately, there was a puppy (another "rescue" dog) waiting between number one and two's departure. I suspect that there will be another one soon, and the quota of dogs at the home of two of my granddaughters will be filled once more. But for now, there are some tears.

Other than that, not much is new. Well, I am pondering something that I may be ready to share with you. Come back Friday and we'll see if it jells by then.

Writing: When Do You Write?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

What do writers do with their time? The majority of authors have "jobs," of whatever kind--housewife, teacher, clerk, lawyer, whatever--and they squeeze in writing because they want to, not because of other obligations. They write because they have something to say, so they do it when they can.

Even those authors who have "retired" have full lives. Writing demands concentration, and sometimes there just isn't time to fit it into the schedule. That's what I'm experiencing right now. Nothing bad--just the everyday things that we all have to do. And, since I'm retired, may wife and I are sometimes called upon to help. The difference, I suppose, lies in our ability to put family before almost anything else--even writing, or blogging, or any other activity.

Whatever is facing you, your writing may have to take a back seat for a short time, but that's okay. It's not a contest, and they don't shoot the losers. Take some time away from your writing if you need to. In the long run, it's worth it.

Life Got In The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:19:00 +0000

If you were expecting to read words of wisdom this morning, please accept my apologies. We've all heard the phrase, "life got in the way." Well, that's just what happened. Writers, just like all of us, have other obligations and things come up. I'll try to post something writing-related on Friday. Meanwhile, talk among yourselves.

Writing: Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

I dare you to look carefully at the next half-dozen books you read and find one without an error--either a minor one, like a punctuation mark that should be changed, or a really big goof such as referring to a character as Herbert in one place and Hubert in another.

Every manuscript undergoes a proofreading--actually, it is proofread many times, and by more than one pair of eyes. But no matter how rigorous the process, errors slip through. It doesn't matter whether the book is put out by a well-known publisher or is independently published, errors will end up on the printed page (or the electronic version).

When I began writing, I received lots of advice. But one bit of advice really stuck with me. It was that mistakes happen, and if the mistake doesn't contribute to the story line, let it go. In my latest novella, despite my best efforts, some mistakes have turned up. The average reader will let them slip by. Some people will call them to my attention. And that's okay. But unless they are major errors, the book is not going to be reprinted. Sorry about that.

Do you think that more errors turn up on an e-book as opposed to a printed copy? What has been your experience? And if they're relatively minor, do you want them corrected? I'd like to know.

Random Jottings: Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Ever been surprised because something has crept up on you? Just today, my wife asked if we had put the trash containers out, because a big truck was going down our alley and we hadn't put out our trash and recycle containers. Fortunately (or unfortunately) her question was followed by the sound of a jack-hammer, and a look at the garage door confirmed that the truck had stopped down the alley where our neighbor was having some repair work done on his pool. But that led me to think that, although it wasn't the day for putting our trash out for pickup, it was also time for me to write one of my blogs for the week. So, although I got out of one chore today, I found this one staring me in the face.

It was easy enough to write my blogs when I was getting ready to publish my last novella (and thanks for the nice words about it, by the way). I was ready to take things easy for a while afterward--not keep up my blogging. But like death and taxes, it's a certainty that this obligation has to be met.

By now, you've sort of grasped the idea that I have nothing in particular to write. I guess it's your turn. Anything you'd like to know about the "real, live author" behind this blog?

Writing: Advice From Years Ago

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In looking through my prior interviews, I saw that dates to years ago, and I wondered if my answers had changed. I don't think so. Do you?

Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey?

Many people may not know that I started on this road to writing to craft a book about my experiences following the death of my wife. After the publication of The Tender Scar, I struggled through four years/four novels/forty rejections before I gave up the idea of writing fiction. But through circumstances that only God could put in place, I received representation, got my first fiction contract, and got back to work.

How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?

My books reflect my own relationship with God—sometimes my faith is weak, sometimes I stumble, but He’s always there to set my feet back on the path, to bear me up in tough times. I want people to realize that, although God doesn’t cause bad things to happen, He can use even the worst of them to strengthen our faith and our witness.

Who/What spurs you to write? Where do your story and character ideas come from?

My ideas come from two factors—the things I see around me and the question Alton Gansky taught me to ask: “What if?” For example, my current novel began when another doctor at the medical school and I were talking about a resident who faced down a gunman in the emergency room. Then I asked, “What if the gunman was a member of a drug cartel?” The plot grew from there.

I’ll start with an idea of what I want to convey. Then I populate the story with characters who sometimes surprise me because they don’t behave the way I think they should. Finally, I determine a beginning, a twist in the middle (and maybe a few others along the way), and an ending that, as Jim Bell puts it, is a “knockout. “

Election Season (again)

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:00 +0000

Here in Texas, early voting has begun. We're deluged by candidate messages via mail, TV ads, and phone messages left (when the candidates get through.) We've downloaded a sample ballot and have made our decisions, and we'll be voting soon. But, unfortunately, the candidate messages will continue until it's all settled. Then, this fall, they'll start up again.

Of course, every candidate wants our money. As I've said before, it seems that the candidate or party that raises "just another $10" will win--for now. Then they repeat the appeal. And apparently the right hand and left hand aren't communicating well, since we usually get pleas for money several times during the same day, and often from the same candidate or party.

With all those ads, how do we know who to vote for? Our plan is to observe what the candidates do, not when that they say. This means paying attention throughout the year, not just at election time. What is your solution? I'd like to hear.

Writing: What Will It Cost?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Mabry) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In the back of the minds of most authors, at some time or another, is the question of cost. If you're fortunate enough to sign with a recognized publisher, the amount of an advance payment will come up. In addition, be aware that the publisher has come up with a figure for publicity, as well as payment to the people who will help you produce as good a book as possible. After all, even a Christian publisher isn't in business to lose money.

The figure for an advance payment will probably (but not always) be smaller that the amount a larger, more established house may be prepared to pay. And, although the exact figure may not be mentioned, the amount budgeted for publicity will (or should be) part of the package. Don't hesitate to ask.

What about the person who, for one reason or another, decides to publish independently. Will they get more money? Not necessarily. The author who chooses to "go indie" may get a larger paycheck from their sales because they have no royalty split to consider, but they should (please, please, please) choose to spend the money for a professional editor and have the cover professionally done.As for marketing, the phrase I've heard for many years (and have found to be true) is that no one cares as much about sales of your book as much as you do. And don't forget that the cost of those copies for review and as give-aways come out of your pocket.

There are many reasons to write. But you need to be aware of the underlying economics of the situation. If you go into it with your eyes wide open and with a firm understanding of the process, then go ahead and write. Many have said it, and I believe it to be true. An author writes because they can't NOT write. If you fall into this category, please write. If you are the only one who reads the words you put down, you may have fulfilled your purpose. Write on!