This week's blog challenge writing prompt is "Worst writing advice I've gotten."

That would have come from a close family member who strongly suggested I relinquish my dreams and stop writing: "No one will ever want to read what you write."

That hurt. It still stings, because that person still feels the same way. However, I refuse to give up my dreams and I continue to write. If I don't write, my brain will explode.

How difficult is it to explain why I write? I describe it as a compulsion: the voices in my head want expression. It gets pretty damned crowded in there, you know. My mind seldom shuts down--which makes for many, many sleepless nights and a cranky you-know-who--because it's always working on a story. I might never write many of those stories, but that doesn't mean they're not occupying my brain.

I cannot think of the last time I ever asked someone for writing advice. Probably because I don't. I'll seek advice regarding publishing, freelance business, etc., but not about writing. I learn from the advice given to others, cherry-picking those nuggets that strike me as particularly cogent and wise. I give advice. But I don't ask it.

I know my craft. I fancy my skills have reached the pretty damned good stage. And I write what I want. I write because I need to write. And those who don't want to read it certainly don't have to. Luckily, some folks do and I appreciate them.

$0.99 BOOK PROMOTION  March 1st - 7th 

ULFBEHRT'S LEGACY 
By Holly Bargo 


Fleeing horrific abuse and an uncaring legal system in the USA, Zoe lands in Norway to study archeology, specifically pre-Viking civilization. With the nightclub where she worked closed down and her apartment building condemned, she needs a new job and a new place to live.

Her roommate and fellow student Tabetha comes to the rescue and invites her to move in with her family. Zoe's grateful for the offer and the warm welcome Tabetha's family extends to her, even though Tabetha's oldest brother discomfits her.

Wounded in battle against eco-terrorists who attempted to wrest control of an oil platform, elite sailor Lars moves back in with his family while he recuperates. Upon seeing his sister's roommate, he discovers that his father's "pow" theory of love isn't just a cute story: Zoe stirs his blood like nothing else.

Zoe's not looking for a relationship, but Lars' gentle persistence shows her that she can trust him. However, an enemy wants to make Lars suffer by harming what will hurt him most, and one of Zoe's abusers wants her back. She saved herself once, she'll have to do it again. 

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