After the sting, the antidote. Case in point: Shortly after I got a bit of bad literary news (okay, fine--a rejection), I received this new, five-star review of my book by a British reader: "It is so refreshing to see the issues raised in this book - Alzheimer's - dysfunctional families, etc not done in a syrupy American way. Well done. The characters did not go out of their way to be liked which gave it a more realistic quality."
Did this reviewer just insult the syrupy state of American Letters? I don't bloody well care. The man has impeccable taste and insight.
Point is: Sometimes when you most need it, you're reminded of why you write. Thanks, British Reader. Cheers!
