When a new book appears, it’s easy to imagine what the reader hopes. However, what is that author, that book’s creator, feeling?
I prospected this nugget of wisdom from author Randall Platt on Facebook. Her World War II novel, Incommunicado, inspires.
She does, too! Here she is, riffing on early expectations for a new title:
I have learned most things the hard way. I know it takes a healthy ego to presume to write books people will pay money to read. I remember getting a fat head when some earlier books got great reviews. Then I remember my first stinker review. (cue hair pin deflating swollen head!) I now treat all reviews (opinions) like they used to keep figure skating scores. Toss out the high one, toss out the low one and average everything in between. As I heard long ago in an old film about show business: ‘Your ego will always lie to you.’
A selfless, sharing author. An endangered species? Look, and be amazed. They’re still out there. Thanks, Randi!
Tom Owens, Writer 
I will line up to buy this book, Ms. Platt. I’ve known you since we both had little weasels tugging at our combat boots and have enjoyed your books and posts all this time. JB
Thanks for this very flattering post, Tom, and thanks Judy for reminding me how far we go back, boots and all!