I’ve also been speculating about the waning popularity of books; although in my mind it’s more like “death of the written word.” The sheer number of texting shortcuts in chat and other online interactions makes me shudder to think of our language’s chances of existing for another few years unscathed. Still, I guess as long as communication is still occurring, then I probably shouldn’t be overly picky about how it occurs. The important thing is that we all understand each other, right?

I’ve also been doing my own how-to-get-published research and I’ve been knocking my forehead against some of the same walls. I think your plan to grab attention with niche fiction holds a great chance for success, especially if your main site is attractive to visitors.

I thought your first paragraph was especially funny; I had a birthday recently too and am looking at the mid-30′s mark myself. You’re right – it feels the same as 31 and 32 and mhrmlph… I have noticed however, that while I don’t *feel* any different, I do have a different perspective and understanding of certain things. I don’t know whether I should be grateful or horrified at the thought I might be (gasp!) growing up.

Ultimately, though, people like you have a gift. Whether or not you make a living from your gift, or turn a small profit now and then, the important thing is that you’re using that gift. When all’s said and done at the end of the day, even if nobody reads what you write, you honor that gift in the way it deserves by simply doing it. What other people think is secondary.

But I DO want to read your novels!!! =)