Thanks for such a frank comment. One reason I think our demons have power is that we deny them. I've learned to just own up to mine, and it helps. I always think knowing most of us suffer from some form of them is a strange comfort.

You're welcome, Ekta. I don't think writers get to hear that nearly often enough. You wrote a book! That's huge and magical, and very worthy of some kudos.

Oh my goodness, Jenny. Thank you SO much! ♥️

Thanks again, Tiffany! Your encouragement is invaluable. I deeply appreciate it!

Congrats on your release! That's a huge accomplishment. I know it can feel like a hamster wheel for "what's next," but I'm so glad you're taking a moment to relish what you've achieved, and realizing that it's always yours. I get caught up in in proving myself all the time--the goalpost always moves--and like you, try to remind myself to savor the victories and the things I'm proud of. Thanks for sharing this, and your candor. And congratulations again!

I know I speak for all of us when I say:

You earned this.
You deserve this.
You've got this.

Thank you. Thank you, so much, for this timely article and the reminder that any success I've earned will be mine to keep forever. It's not a "returnable" item in a store. It's mine, fair and square. And it won't run out or decrease with time, because while I'm working on new story ideas I'm also contributing to the writing community in other ways that all reaffirm and establish, rock solid, my place in the world as a writer.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Oh, bless you, Yvonne--this really resonates. Not the English part (but that's impressive that you write in a second language), but all those feelings of self-doubt and how they spiral. I agree--all the external praise in the world doesn't quite reach those demons, does it? I find it has to come from me, and it's an ongoing battle. Thanks for your candor in sharing this.