I have talked about this a lot; so many of you know
that I have my debut novel coming out HOPEFULLY at the end of November. I leave
that to the editing Gods.
(If you have no idea what I'm talking about it's called Snow Falling under my pen name Davidson King)
This is a huge thing for me. Anyone who has ever
released a book understands this accomplishment. Hell, anyone who has ever worked
their ass off for anything and gotten it understands.
I’ve explained how I was told for years from
counselors and teachers that something of this magnitude just wasn’t achievable
for me. If you know me then you know if I’m told I can’t, then I do.
Why am I talking about this? What’s my point?
On the other side of this dream is my everyday love, my blog Diverse Reader. This is
something I am not only ridiculously proud of but recognize it’s grown into
something I never believed possible. Almost four years later I see what it
means to the LGBTQA+ community. I pride myself on the slogan it stands for:
Celebrating books, love, and community. Diverse Reader is a beacon. One of many
in this thriving community and I know it will continue to grow for a long time.
I’ve talked about this in length, so what’s one more
time right? Authors reviewing. I honestly STILL have zero issue with that. I
hope many authors read my book (s) and review. We learn from others and that
means our peers/colleagues as well. Originally, in one of my Facebook live
videos, I stated I would continue to review on Diverse Reader. I have received
support and I have also received resistance on this front. So what’s the call
I’m going to make?
I am not 100% sure. But here’s what I do know. In a
month’s time, give or take, I will fulfill a dream that I denied for years.
What I want more than anything is to be allowed to enjoy that. THIS moment. I
want to sit back and cry over this. Not because I’m sad but because I flippin’
did it! It has not been easy. It’s one of the most difficult things I’ve ever
done and I truly loved every second of it. If this book doesn’t do well I’m
still going to write because I HAVE to.
A decision will have to be made and it will be made.
I ask you to trust me on this. I can say that I have review commitments until
the end of November that I will absolutely keep but I, personally, have not
signed on to review any in December because I will take this VERY seriously.
If I choose to step down from the reviewing aspect
of the blog I will take on more reviewers to join our rainbow family. I will
always be the owner, I will continue to do promotion, excerpts, mass giveaways,
all the fun but if I choose to step down it will just be from reviewing.
I can’t ignore the fact I am the OWNER of this blog.
I can’t ignore I am stepping into the other side of that and questions of bias
and favoritism is a serious issue discussed and I am absolutely hearing you and
will take this seriously.
Understand that.
I am simply asking this; let me have this moment.
That’s all. Let me celebrate this without judgment.
That’s all I ask.
Thank you.
***
I want you all to help me celebrate this time so of
course in Diverse Reader tradition there is a giveaway lol.
A $5.00 Amazon gift card. Just fill out the
rafflecopter below!
Contest ends November 3rd!
Thank you all SO much.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
