I decided to keep my artwork on deviantART, so I deleted most my personal art-related posts. I kept my book covers though. I will still post any fanart I find and I’m keeping the posts I already have. I want to use my author site for just my stories and whatever news I have regarding them…which won’t be much. I’ve stopped writing and The Howling Heart won’t be published, so don’t expect to see many updates. I have a few pieces of literature on dA, but its main purpose is to showcase my graphic art. I did a little housekeeping there as well and deleted some of my work.

I received an email from a reader named Kimberley who told me she enjoyed my novels A Rose to the Fallen and The Howling Heart. She’s an aspiring romance author, and asked me what I like and don’t like the most about being an author.

What I Like the Most:

Inspiring other people. My work has inspired a book, role-playing game, fanart, fanfiction, song lyrics, poetry and fanvideos. I’m especially flattered when someone tells me I’ve inspired them to start writing. I was inspired to write after reading other authors’ stories, so I’m happy I’m able to do the same for someone else. I’m glad I made the decision to make my mark—as small as it may be—in the publishing business so I can continue to inspire others in the future. If I can do anything in this world, it’s to spark someone else’s creativity in a positive light.

What I Don’t Like the Most:

Critics with a sense of entitlement who lie about you, but feel you shouldn’t defend yourself or you should kiss their ass, and like-minded individuals who support them. Some anonymous readers are under the delusion that if they buy your book, that gives them the right to not only criticize it, but also lie about you and you have to accept it. I don’t read books as much as I used to, but when I did, I never entertained the idea of telling disparaging lies about an author in a review because I didn’t like their work. I definitely agree with those who say the Internet is a coward’s haven.

I don’t know if some of you are aware, but the guy on both the old and new covers of A Rose to the Fallen is a professional model from Germany named Lucas Buchwald. Two years ago, I mailed him a signed copy of my book and he sent me photos of himself with it. I spoke to him through email and he really is a sweetheart. He’s funny too! Anyway, I found a new photo of him still looking as gorgeous and “Tristan-y” as ever!