tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post8922112496544445387..comments2024-02-17T17:59:25.010+10:00Comments on Christian Writers Downunder: Answering those curly questionsJeanette O'Haganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-28338087700599986082012-07-30T08:57:11.567+10:002012-07-30T08:57:11.567+10:00Yes, I think that's the secret, Carol, to have...Yes, I think that's the secret, Carol, to have that sense of privilege and gratitude about our whole writing journey, including being able to answer those curly questions! It's so easy to lose perspective at times. God bless.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-80606129134052788062012-07-30T07:00:09.030+10:002012-07-30T07:00:09.030+10:00Yes, I've had these experiences too, Jo-Anne, ...Yes, I've had these experiences too, Jo-Anne, and always with a sense of privilege and gratitude. It's a great experience to be able to share about my writing and hopefully about my reliance on God. I love this part of the journey of writing.Carol Preston https://www.blogger.com/profile/00306981583283008014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-91075285470795846112012-07-27T14:23:07.620+10:002012-07-27T14:23:07.620+10:00Yes, Paula, I totally agree with you that we don&#...Yes, Paula, I totally agree with you that we don't want to mislead anyone. I usually joke about not giving up your day job, but then add that even wellknown authors often need to lecture in some aspect of writing somewhere or offer short courses at writing centres or edit other people's work as well, in order to earn enough.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-75558811133410910832012-07-27T14:18:31.079+10:002012-07-27T14:18:31.079+10:00Thanks for your comments, Anusha. I think wherever...Thanks for your comments, Anusha. I think wherever we speak, it's good to remember God is there and to listen for what the Spirit wants us to say. And I hope you do get to read my book one day - it will be released at the Writers' Getaway in Qld in October. God bless.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-48605857900919445672012-07-27T14:16:07.761+10:002012-07-27T14:16:07.761+10:00Love your description of the way you handle those ...Love your description of the way you handle those curly questions, Margaret! That's exactly what I try to do. I never want to make someone feel stupid for asking what they really want to know, that's for sure.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-48561153959483474932012-07-27T12:57:42.310+10:002012-07-27T12:57:42.310+10:00Hi Jo-Anne,
I agree, secular or Christian, it'...Hi Jo-Anne,<br />I agree, secular or Christian, it's always an honour to share. I am asked similar questions to those you listed. About the money one, I always think it fair to tell people that, except for the notable few, writing full time is probably impossible if you're the family's chief bread winner. Got to be honest, in case they quit everything based on some idea they have from us.<br />Thanks,<br />PaulaPaula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-75079364637266330052012-07-27T12:40:51.440+10:002012-07-27T12:40:51.440+10:00Thanks for your post Jo-Anne and well done on all ...Thanks for your post Jo-Anne and well done on all the books you've published to date. I agree with you that there isn't a division between the sacred and the secular. God has it all together under His control and care doesn't He? It's a pity we've divided the world when ALL of it is His and all of it should give glory to Him! I was most intrigued at your new book - it sounds like something I'd love to read.<br />Blessings,<br />AnushaAnusha Atukoralahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859837228901127984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-65888854599714564082012-07-27T12:21:50.764+10:002012-07-27T12:21:50.764+10:00I get curly questions too, but thankfully not abou...I get curly questions too, but thankfully not about selling books. As with you, I've found diplomacy the best way to go - truthfulness without specificity, sometimes deflection, but always with an extra measure of warmth and interest toward the person asking the question. Thanks for the post, Jo-Anne.Margaret Lepkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08147233663724759684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-82021228358199072012-07-27T12:09:12.430+10:002012-07-27T12:09:12.430+10:00Thanks for your comments, Rita. I wonder where tha...Thanks for your comments, Rita. I wonder where that lovely drawing of yours is now? Maybe it has touched many people along the way in the years since you drew it. Whenever I sell a book, I try to remember to ask if I can write 'God bless' in it, as well as signing my name. To me, this is like a little prayer that God will bless and encourage whoever gets to read it. I particularly love doing this at secular venues and have been knocked back only once.Jo-Anne Berthelsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775045057529728396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-47005342397238034722012-07-27T11:33:09.246+10:002012-07-27T11:33:09.246+10:00I think it's great you get to these secular ve...I think it's great you get to these secular venues, Jo. It's another way for a Christian to be a light in this world. A few years back my husband and I were invited as speakers to a Rotary night in WA. They understood we were evangelists and probably wanted to "suss' us out. We gave our usual presentation with George speaking and my artwork. The leader who the local Christians were a bit nervous about warmly responded by giving me a peck on the cheek, and he auctioned the drawing off for a decent sum. Thankfully I've never been asked about the money side of writing, because a money-maker it isn't!!!Rita Galiehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586506137798711397noreply@blogger.com