"Please don’t refer to yourself or what you say as “pathetic,” “boring,” “stupid,” “ordinary,”..."

“Please don’t refer to yourself or what you say as “pathetic,” “boring,” “stupid,” “ordinary,” “insignificant,” “weird,” “strange,” that I might be “sick of hearing” anything—you catch my drift. In this wonderful world, there will be people lining up to put you down, belittle you, and treat you badly. Please don’t give them a head start by talking that way about yourself (nobody can help what we think about ourselves in our own minds [sigh]). Also, please don’t thank me for “taking the time” or “bothering” to read your mail. It’s my honor and pleasure to read mails. With a packed schedule, I rarely get to reply, but not because I am contemptuous of the mails or their writers. You people pay me compliments; you also pay my bills. I am always glad to hear from you, even if I don’t answer.”

- Tamora Pierce (via justomnivagant)