Reflections on Publishing

This afternoon, I received word from my editor that the book will be launched tomorrow morning.

It’s been nearly two months since I began this new novel. I want to thank all the brothers who have followed me from "Taoist Canon in America." Your unwavering support has truly moved me. I am also deeply grateful to new readers who are picking up my work for the first time—just by opening this book, you have already given me your support. During the early stage of this novel, so many of you have generously rewarded, reviewed, liked, saved, and recommended the book; this is the driving force behind my determination to craft a good story.

My last book, "Taoist Canon in America," performed fairly well, and I was at least satisfied with its results. But I have always felt there were areas where it fell short, as some readers have pointed out. With "The American Strange Hero," I wanted to make some changes, to make up for past regrets, and offer you all a more enjoyable and satisfying reading experience. Whether these changes will please everyone, I cannot say for certain.

This book’s performance so far has not been ideal—frankly, it hasn’t even been good. There is a significant gap compared to the results of "Taoist Canon in America." Still, I have a deep desire to tell a good story, to create a unique image of Qiu Fengyu as a strange hero. I want to show that even in ordinary life, sometimes doing something a little out of the ordinary—regardless of whether it is heroic—can highlight what makes Qiu Fengyu different. My greatest wish is to write this story well and see it gradually accepted by more readers.

Nevertheless, I do care about how this book performs. For writers, it’s the only bright spot amid our busy lives. So, I would like to say: if you are able, please consider subscribing to the official version of the book. The amount may not be much, but it would truly warm my heart and give me comfort. If you cannot subscribe, that’s perfectly fine—just help share the book, say a few kind words, and let more people discover it. The more people read, the more who might subscribe, and I will be just as grateful.

No matter how this book fares in the end, I am committed to giving you all a satisfying conclusion. With "Taoist Canon in America," I kept up a daily output of over 6,000 words for more than seven hundred days without a single break, and I believe I can do the same with this novel. Sometimes, persistence alone brings reward—I firmly believe this.

Once again, thank you, my loyal readers, for your support. The book launches tomorrow. Please give me your strongest support—I bow in gratitude!