Over the past decade, I've written many grant proposals and helped set up many businesses, many of which are still in operation today. I've met some amazing people with unbelievable stories. I've even had the joy of sharing in bringing wonderful books to the market through my publishing company. I've won awards, been celebrated and traveled over the country as a professional. However, in all of my successes, I've never been happier than I am today, right this moment.

I received an email, a photo and a 3 chapter sample from a young lady who read my book, THE RAPE OF INNOCENCE, three years ago and then immediately began writing her own. She finished her book a few weeks ago and guess who she wants to partner with her to get the word out there about date rape and date rape drugs? Yes, she chose me. The email touched my heart and I wanted to share a little piece of it, as pasted below.

... was painful and humiliating. I wanted to die to kill myself but fear of the unknown stopped me from trying. I happened upon your book when a friend gave it to me. She'd received it as a gift but didn't want to finish it since she'd never been abused. My life changed from chapter 1. Your story saved me. I cried with you and began to journal my own book as you said you did. I studied you and followed all your work until I felt strong enough to believe on my own. If you will, please consider my book for publication and be my partner in helping college students where the fight is still going on at Grambling and other colleges I'm sure.

As writers, you've probably already discovered the industry is challenging, albeit rewarding. A writer must find content, organize it properly and then relay it to the audience via the written word. There are all sorts of technical issues and to top it all off, there is the daunting task of marketing and promotions on a budget. I know your struggles, writers, and I feel your pain. But please finish this post if you hope to have a long career.

I know you feel overwhelmed with all your responsibilities. I know you want to connect with others because writing is such a lonely job. But don't lose your mystery with all the access readers, other writers and curious people in general demand through social media and GPS tracking and location services. Everyone wants to know everything about you, but it can be hazardous to your career to give them too much too soon.

We live in a time of fads that come and go overnight, literally. There were times when fads lasted for years, but now there are so many new things beckoning our attention, we move on more quickly. I'm not sure where this break neck pace is headed, but it can't be good. As an author or writer, it's difficult not to become a victim of a fad. By no means is it a bad thing to catch on during one and ride it out, but most of us want a lifelong career and income from our pieces. Thus, we have to find a way to outlive the fleeting fancies of readers today. If they get all of you in the first book, article or interview, there will be no reason to return. That's the beauty of mystery. It keeps us coming back. Mystery will cause you to outlive fads. Mystery boosts you to iconic levels. If you plan to last, you must maintain some mystery.

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Now that the book is finished, I have to decide on a cover. This one was designed by Wilburta Arrowood, a wonderful lady and friend. This is a rough draft, but I love the graphics, which I'm pretty much sold on. So, what do you think? Sound off because I'm listening.