In my years as a writer, I have been asked some interesting
questions. At first, some of these used to annoy me – or even offend. But more
recently, I have learnt to laugh instead or at least smile inwardly. At this stage,
I have realised it is silly to expect that everyone will understand how the
whole writing process works and how books are produced. After all, I know
nothing about so many fields of endeavour I have never had the opportunity to
explore.
I can laugh now at some interesting questions put to me once
while meeting someone new:
‘Have you two met before? Mary, this is Jo-Anne – she’s a
writer.’
‘Oh, so what do you write, Jo-Anne?
‘I’ve written several novels and some non-fiction too.’
‘So … should I know you? Er, I mean … are you famous?’
How would you answer that? I think I explained that the sort
of books I write will probably never be best sellers, so there was no reason
this person should feel bad that she had never heard of me! Then again, perhaps
it could depend on our definition of ‘famous’ – or on the circles in which we
move?
On another occasion, I found myself trying to explain to
someone how I write fiction and non-fiction, including a weekly blog, and how I
also get to talk quite often on writing and other topics. At that point, this
lady looked at me blankly and blurted out in an almost scathing, accusatory
tone, ‘But … but what would you write about – or speak about?’
Her question may seem innocuous – after all, she may well
have been thinking how she herself would hate to do such things. Yet I found
myself rather gobsmacked at how incredulous she sounded. ‘Surely this woman
must be exaggerating?’ her tone clearly said.
Then there is the obvious, natural question I have been
asked many times: ‘Who’s your publisher?’ As it happens, I have had three
different publishers and have also self-published two books. Usually, the
person asking has never heard of any of my publishers, so my answers do not
help. Instead, they want to hear the name of some large, well-known, secular
publishing house so they can nod wisely in response.
Such interesting questions – and others – can still easily
cause me to begin questioning myself, something I suspect writers in general are
quite experienced at anyway! Is my writing really any good? Will anyone want to
publish it? Will anyone ever even read it? Will it make a difference in this
world? On it goes.
These days, my personal response to such self-doubting
questions has become more and more grounded in why I write and how God views me.
I believe God created me with the ability to write and called me to do so. I
believe God has also given me things to say and all those opportunities too to share
them wherever I speak. In God’s strength, knowing who I am in God, I can therefore
face those curly questions with peace in my heart – and I hope and pray you can
too.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not
be afraid. John 14:27
Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and three non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger.
