I thought when I published my first novel that I’d be scared.

I thought I’d be biting my nails and cringing behind a huge coffee mug, trying to convince myself to open one eye and look at the reviews.

Writing a book and putting it out into the world is kind of like going to a business meeting in only a bikini. And for this introvert, I wouldn’t feel comfortable on the beach in a bikini, much less in a boardroom where everyone else is in suits and dress pumps.

Because a book will tell you how I see the world. It will offer little hints into the things that I struggle with, or the things that make me sad. My imperfections. You, the reader, could pick me apart. Both for my art, and for my nakedness.

So vulnerable…so naked…to write a book and put it out there for EVERYONE to read.

I thought I would panic. Change my name.  Move to Zimbabwe. Develop a nervous twitch or nine.

But that’s not what happened. I sent the book out there, and then I discovered why I write.

I write because I have a song.  And a bird who has a song can’t be silent.

I write because I want my song to go out into the world, and I hope with everything within me that it brightens someone’s day.

I launched my book and didn’t bite my nails or panic.

Nope.  It felt like Christmas. It felt like I was sending a gift into the world. Not because the book is so fabulous or grand, but because it has laughter in it…I hope!

Why do I write?

Because the world needs laughter. And sunshine. Now, more than ever.

And if my little book is just one drop of sunshine in a dark world, that will make me happy.

I write because the world needs more happy. Because I want to make people happy. Even if it’s only for the few hours they are reading.

I can’t be happy…until I make you happy, too!