Remember William Hung, the guy who became popular in 2004 for his audition on American Idol with the song “She Bangs”? Remember how he belted out the song, full of enthusiasm and pride when, clearly, his talent just wasn’t there? Remember how you felt when you watched his performance and thought something along the lines of, “Bless his heart, he’s trying”?

There are days when I feel like I’m the publishing industry equivalent of William Hung. I’m doing my best, but are people laughing at me? I’m writing my books, giving each one my full effort and, like the saying goes, my blood, sweat and tears. Some writers refer to their books as their babies, and I can understand that. I give each book months of my life. Writing takes me away from my husband and kids. It forces me to choose between getting the words down on the page each day, or spending time with friends, volunteering with the PTA, grocery shopping. But I do it because I need to write my stories. I yearn to positively impact a reader’s life like countless books have done for my life. I give each book I write my all and I send it out into the world to agents, editors and (gulp!) contests.

It was feedback from one particular contest that recently made me feel like I’m fooling myself thinking I have talent when really I should toss my laptop out the window. The judges comments were so scathing I felt like closing all my window blinds, turning off the porch light and hiding out from the world because, really, all my friends and family must be lying to me out of love as William Hung’s family must have lied to him. These well-meaning individuals tell us we are talented and have a real chance at fulfilling our dreams in our chosen careers, when really, we don’t.

Or do we?

I don’t know what William’s dream is, but maybe it was to be on the Today Show. He did that. Maybe it was to perform onstage in front of thousands of viewers with backup dancers performing behind him. He did that, too. Maybe he just wants to sing. He’s still doing that.

As for me, my dream is to become a published author. I want to see my name on a book on the bookstore shelves and know that someone somewhere is reading it and connecting to the story and characters I created. I dream of receiving letters telling me how my book helped, in some small way, the reader to get through her day. I don’t need to be a New York Times Bestseller (though that would be nice) and I don’t need to be the next Nora Roberts (though that would be doubly nice). I just want to write great books that get published and distributed to readers who emotionally connect with my stories and tell their friends about them.

So, I’ve decided to ignore that one judge’s comments and focus on all the positive feedback I’ve received from others. If you see me on the book shelf someday, please pick me up and, if you must, think, “Bless her heart, she never gave up.” Then, go buy it.