LinYang
This. You wrote so beautifully.
What you've said mirrors me exactly why I started to write, and continue to write.
As long as my story can even touch one person, that is enough.
Views, collections, etc: it used to be what propelled me at first but as time went on, I don't look at it anymore because it didn't give me joy (esp when one drops the book). When you put your focus on something else, you find your passion for writing does not dwindle.
So much so that even when one person announces they have dropped your book, you don't get upset anymore. You don't like my book, even as far as hate it? No book is loved by all. It's fine, but I still don't see the need for you to tell the Author you are doing so. It's so passive aggressive.
I'm even happy you dropped the book. I want to spread joy and happiness from my writing, so if you don't like it, it's fine.
For all, continue writing. Continue what you love.