I picked up a new book, Divergent, today based on the short blurb on the back:

  • One choice decides your friends
  • One choice defines your beliefs
  • One choice determines your loyalties — forever
  • One choice can transform you

I was hooked even before I looked inside to learn that this first novel by Veronica Roth is about a “dystopian Chicago society that is divided into five faction, each one dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue.”
But, as I often do before starting a book, I zipped over to Amazon to check out the reviews, which is where I found the following Q&A that blew me away even further:
Q: What advice would you offer to young aspiring writers, who long to live a success story like your own?
Roth: One piece of advice I have is: Want something else more than success. Success is a lovely thing, but your desire to say something, your worth, and your identity shouldn’t rely on it, because it’s not guaranteed and it’s not permanent and it’s not sufficient. So work hard, fall in love with the writing—the characters, the story, the words, the themes—and make sure that you are who you are regardless of your life circumstances. That way, when the good things come, they don’t warp you, and when the bad things hit you, you don’t fall apart.
 
This little bit of wisdom from a young writer who looks to be no older than 25. I’m impressed. Thanks Veronica for the insightful comment.  I only hope your book is even half as insightful. If the reviews are any indication, I’m sure it will be.
By the way, Veronica also has a blog.