Writing can be an exhilarating experience on some days, and a depressing malaise on others. I had one of those saddening moments the other day. I had to face the hard truth that about half of my meager sales could be attributed to either family or friends.

I appreciate their support, but when I realize that I’m not really reaching an audience, it’s time to stop writing, turn on the TV, and reach for the potato chips.  While I was noshing on the chips and channel surfing I remembered an important bit of wisdom that I received back in mid-December at a writer’s guild award dinner.

I had a pretty good night that evening. My short story “Stasis” had received an award, and I also got another award in the First Chapter category for my novel “The First Light”.

Everything is done in secret, the writers and the judges don’t…