All work and no play may indeed make Jack a dull boy, but reward rarely comes without effort.

And effort is our topic.

Is it futile?

Is it misdirected?

Is it sufficient?

All these and many more questions rush through the mind of a scribbler of fanciful adventures.

Yes, it is indeed true that some shockingly bad books are both published, and some are even successful – does that negate my need to focus on producing a quality product?

I think not.

Exceptions never prove the rule, well rarely…

The market has a place for my wares, there is a gap that my piece of the jigsaw is perfectly matched to fill.

It’s not the delusion of the mad, it’s not.

I cannot sell, but I CAN write a good page turner!

Amy, when read, would be enjoyed.

She has substance, she has agency, she is a character that you can invest in – if only she was read.

So, we type away, we send out our applications and we patently wait for that near mythical letter.

We continue her tale, further her adventures, we lay out a bountiful feast, sumptuous indulgences for those with inquiring imagination – we do this, we continue to do this because despite the frustrations of the unpublished we still have faith.

We still have hope.

Effort still goes in.

One day the result will come out!

Stay safe and remain sane.