As I dictate this email, I'm pushing Master Liam on a swing at our local park while our car undergoes its annual MOT test.
It's funny because no matter how many times your car passes, there's always that slithering voice in your head that says…
"This will be the one she fails."
That voice is even louder when you've got an older car (like our Suzuki is) and a new mechanic. We could so very easily be driving a newer car that can massage our backs and spot a hazard four blocks away, but out of all the vehicles we've owned, this one has been the most reliable by FAR.
So why replace something that isn't causing us trouble?
So we can impress strangers we'll never see again, or get annoyed every time we find a new scratch on it?
No thanks.
As the adage goes:
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
And another one:
New doesn't always mean better.
Does that mean our 4×4 isn't showing her age? Of course not. She has her fair share of bumps and bruises that I affectionately remark as "having character." And yes, on occasion, she does make weird noises that a bump in radio volume can't fix.
Otherwise, for a car approaching 100,000 miles on the clock, she's got the heart of a stallion.
But we shall see.
You never know whether a new mechanic might see something previous ones haven't. In any case, I will trust their judgement if for no other reason than that they have…
STELLAR CUSTOMER REVIEWS.
They aren't foolproof, but they sure help to sniff out cowboys and allay some of your concerns, whether that be for mechanics, plumbers, restaurants, and, yes…
Even books.
While authors don't fix ailing engines or replace alternators, there's often a considerable time investment involved, and some readers simply want to know if a series is worth it before they dive head-first into it.
Totally fair. Totally valid.
It's also why I periodically go around and scoop up reviews for my current series, The Divided Region. Yes, my ego loves the warm words, but more than that, it helps the folks on the fence who would otherwise love my work if they just had someone nudge them off it.
And I can think of no better person to do that nudging than YOU – the customer.
So if you've read or listened to this series, and you found it worthy of the time and financial investment, then I would appreciate it if you could leave a review.
It need not be long or overly gushing (though I'll never refuse it) – just a few lines about what you liked is more than enough.
If you purchased from my Storehouse, simply:
– Type in "The Divided Region"
– Select the bundle, and you can review it there.
If you purchased through retailers, you can select the store here:
https://djjwatson.com/books/exiled
DJJW