Elaine, this is something I often take great hope in: "Hopefully someday you can look at this and realize it was the starting pint for something bigger and better." The idea of bucking trends is motivating, too—and knowing you're a fan and will buy my book. :) Thanks!

Rebecca, I really hope you're right, and that the publishing landscape hasn't changed so much that I can't look to the experiences of past writers and authors for guidance. Only time will tell. I guess I need to look at it all as an adventure, right?

mother shaffer, thanks for the support and encouragement, and for being someone who "gets it." You, in fact, were an "early adopter!" I love how you fit into that unexpected Halfway to Normal community.

talk to me, I have to start by saying how much I love your "handle," and how much it made me laugh! Particularly in light of this topic, and because talking to my mother is one of the things I want to do most when life's setbacks happen. Thanks for letting me know that you're out there, getting what I'm trying to do.