Doubts

Generally speaking, I normally stay away from reviews or overall sales for my books. They just have a tendency to depress me and make me question why I do this in the first place. Yes, it's always been a dream of mine, but when others slam it or provide harsh critiques, it just leaves me questioning myself. Why do I set myself up for failure? I know they're not all bad. Some are really positive, but my mind has a tendency to focus on the negative.

I have to take time and remember why I do this in the first place. It's not for others. It's because I enjoy writing. But this time around, I feel more stuck by others' opinions of my books. I hate advertising, yet become discouraged when no one reads them. But then when they read my books, I don't want to know what they think because, like everyone else, I value their opinions over my own, which in turn, affects my writing. It's a vicious circle and I'm left wondering: Do I keep writing because I enjoy it or do I give up because what's the use? What advice would you give me if you saw me on the streets?