You gotta believe

When you create something, you have to believe in it—even if you’re the only one.

I know the series I’m writing won’t be for everyone, and some people will dislike it for their own reasons. I’m okay with that. I think I’ve reached the point in life where I no longer feel that everything I do needs to be universally liked (I might have reached it only two days ago, but I’ve still reached it).

Deep down, I believe there’s a fandom out there for my stories. Somewhere, there’s a boy or girl who will be deeply moved by Flynn’s final speech in Book 1, or feel genuinely heartbroken over the revelation in the second chapter of Book 2. I believe there will be readers who, after finishing the third book, will debate online about whether the ending stays true to the spirit of the series, arguing over whether Zane did the right thing. I can picture someone saying I “just don’t get what the Protectorship is all about.” I love the thought that someday I’ll meet a person who knows my universe better than I do—and I’m thrilled by the idea.

When that happens, when my passionate fandom comes to life, it will mean I’ve done my job as a storyteller. Right now, there isn’t a shred of evidence that will happen.

But I believe. And for now, that’s enough.