Absolutely. It is advised by the best authors to write what you know. When you write about what you actually experienced, you can't get any more real than that.
I like to read all the reviews, the good and the not so good. I am humbled by the effects my stories have on others, I am thrilled when I see readers understanding my intentions for writing, and I take the opportunity to learn from all reviews. I have yet to get a bad review so I can only hypothesize, but it would make me feel bad for a minute and then I hope to get past it with the understanding that not every book is for everyone.
I would encourage my younger writing self to get used to self-promotion if the goal is to become published. Had I been more comfortable with the idea of self-publishing and self-promotion, I'd maybe have been a published author a lot sooner.
I still suffer from Imposter Syndrome so the few times I have been recognized, I am surprised and then thrilled. I love to hear people say they were inspired or moved by my story.
