You aren't the only author saying this, Sandra. It's a sad message but one that we, as readers, need to fight by refusing to support stolen content on internet sites and making choices like purchasing books as gifts. A book can take you places that you would never get to go in real life, in a safe way, as though the author is holding your hand for the journey.
Thank you for the post and the contest! =) Here is hoping it all improves.
Excellent post, thank you! I agree that humor would have to be much more difficult to write. As in real life, if you try to be funny all the time, you just seem like a goof, whereas a well placed humorous line can life the spirits of the reader.