About three years ago, a fellow reader named "Invincible Brother Wei" started writing a book. Being a newcomer, he felt helpless and very inexperienced. He was reluctant to promote his book name in the reader group, so he asked me for a chapter recommendation.
At that time, I was writing "Three Kingdoms: Dog Days," and I couldn't help with promotion. I had explained in a certain chapter that, being down-and-out, I couldn't push the book, lest it becomes awkward for both sides. That time I promoted a cheeky self-proclaimed master, and turned down the others politely.
Three years have passed, and I have started a new book. I have been through a tumultuous journey, both physically and mentally, with several series being abruptly cut, and the sudden shutdown of several major reader groups. My mindset now is a calm acceptance of whatever happens.
But then today, unexpectedly, he reached out to me!
I was so damn moved! This is a Level 5 in the fantasy section! Haven't I been striving these past years for a fantasy breakthrough that repeatedly failed? In spite of his parents' opposition, he gave up his old account after writing three books and succeeded!
I owed him a chapter recommendation years ago, and now I'm reciprocating the favor by recommending Invincible Brother Wei's current fantasy Level 5 masterpiece "Grape Fruit Vinegar" titled "Ancient Immortal Revival, Ten Thousand Foxes Worship Me as Their Master." A masterpiece with over a hundred thousand collections!
So inspirational, truly moving.
Now let's talk about myself, 43 years old. I was 40 when I was writing Three Kingdoms. Back then, I was still hoping to make a splash, but it was a flop. If you're curious about how badly it flopped, you can check out my starting subscription comment from when it was first published. I still haven't looked at my dashboard.
Yet, I sincerely wanted to write a Three Kingdoms book. No matter how much it flopped or how powerless I felt during the process, I roughly, basically, wrapped it up.
I've reconciled with my feelings. Flowers blossom again but youth never returns. At 43, I can't keep struggling; I'll write what I'm most adept at—no matter how outdated or disconnected from current trends it is, it's better than not writing anything.
So, dear readers, don't worry about whether I'll drop the ball. I won't. Three Kingdoms is proof.
Let's all persevere together! I also hope that my readers will take the time to write a book, and once you've made it, give me a chapter promotion! Wahaha~~~~