It is horribly difficult for me to let other people read what I write.
I know that sounds goofy. I am, after all, a writer trying to publish. To me, it’s intimidating the first time I ship off a new manuscript for someone else to read — especially if that person is someone I love. I fear being a disappointment. I fear being seen as lacking.
I was the type of kid who never got spanked. Well, ALMOST never. 
My parents evidently figured out pretty quickly that all they had to do was shake their heads and tell me they were disappointed in me. That would cause me more hurt than a whipping. I have kept that trait to this day. I want to please everyone. Let me tell you, it’s impossible!! But, nevertheless, I strive for that kind of perfection.
The reason I bring this up is because the reactions to the new manuscript are filtering in from the people I sent it to this weekend. My mother loved it. Of course, she is my mother… But she said I actually made her cry. There’s not a higher compliment in my eyes! Thanks, Mom!! Another friend emailed this morning telling me I was robbing his sleep — again — as he tried to finish the story.
My sincere thanks and love to all of you who are brave enough to “beta” read for me! I couldn’t do it without you! So, it looks like I’ll just have to suck it up and keep sending my stories out for other people to read.
Maybe, one day, an editor will love one!