When I wrote God Bless the Child way back in 2002 my goal was to write a mainstream story that gave some insight to the plight of a transsexual. The story, which few would doubt is gripping, reads like a Lifetime- made for tv (good pun)- movie (still waiting on the deal).

There are drawbacks to writing a mainstream book featuring transsexuals, and that is there are a lot of hateful, closed minded people in the world. I have sold a lot of copies of the book in the last two months, targeting my marketing towards the mainstream crowd who like books like "A Child Called it" and the such. I have gotten a lot of good reviews, but it is the bad ones that real stick with you.

Then I get a 4 star review today. You think, oh, four stars, goodie. Then you read where they call your ending SICK.

Sick. I take it as an acronym

S ome

I diot

C alled

K atie

I do take things personally, but that's my issue. I knew the ending was controversial. It should be controversial in the TG community as well (even though I figured it would be more acceptable). So in a weeks time my book (and me through it) was called sick and dumb.

It's a lot to swallow.

But instead of fold my tent, I think I will do what I've always done and that is not persevere, but conquer.

I am not a good writer. I admit that. My books are simple, my endings are telegraphed, and my grammar and spelling are atrocious. I get by on having decent story lines that I follow through with and the ability to pull on the heartstrings. But there are people on this site who are good writers, excellent writers, and you know it. I don't mind forging into the mainstream with transgender characters and themes, but please, someone follow and join me.