In for the long haul

 

I began my writing journey in earnest almost twenty years ago now. Back then, if you had told me I would have ten books published by 2024, I would not have believed you. I thought I had one novel burning inside me, but that turned out to be seven in the end. I also remember declaring back then that I could never see myself writing non-fiction. Yet, just last week, my third non-fiction book, Swansong, was released.

Some have asked me why – and how – I keep going with all my writing and speaking. I usually respond by saying that I still feel I have things to say that I hope will encourage and draw others closer to God. Also, I still enjoy both – so why stop? As to the ‘how’ question, I can honestly say I would not still be writing if it were not for God’s guidance and strengthening over the years through the words of Scripture, through others and directly into my spirit. While I did not know I would still be writing all these years later, God knew and has constantly given me the impetus to keep going and the opportunities to be published.

I remember with gratitude how, when I was struggling to find a traditional publisher for my first novel, a young mum in a group I was part of prayed earnestly that my novel would indeed see the light of day. Later, she told me she thought she had seen a new Christian publisher advertised in a magazine at her mother’s place. She promised to email me the relevant information and I thanked her – but, in my heart, I was sure she would forget. A few days later, however, her email arrived – and, eventually, this was the publisher who released my first manuscript.

Fast forward to around eighteen years later when I was again looking for a publisher, this time for my third non-fiction book, Swansong. In October 2022 at the Omega Christian Writers’ Conference in Kingscliff, at what I believe was God’s prompting, I booked a Zoom interview with a representative of an overseas non-fiction publisher, Authentic Media UK. A wonderful online meeting ensued – and, soon after, I was offered a contract with Authentic.

When I started my writing journey, I did not fully believe those who told me writing is a ‘long haul’ undertaking. Yet, they were right. After all, it can take months or years for one book to emerge – and it can take even longer to build up any significant body of writing and gain a wide readership. But God of course knows that – and God also knows what shape our writing journeys will take. Perhaps God has just one book for you to write – and that is absolutely fine. But perhaps God wants you in for the long haul too and has given you many ideas that are waiting to see the light of day. In this case, I want to encourage you to keep trusting and walking with God, who is more than able to strengthen and guide and bring the right publishing opportunities your way. Our role is to listen, to obey, to persevere and to give of our best, whatever shape our writing journey may take.

May God enable us all to do exactly that in 2024.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through the written and spoken word. She is the author of seven published novels and three non-fiction works, ‘Soul Friend’,  ‘Becoming Me’ and ‘Swansong’.. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.

Riding those writing waves - Jo-Anne Berthelsen

No, I have never been a surfer! But over the years, I have had to learn how to ride the highs and lows of those writing waves and the ever-changing, often choppy seas of publication and book promotion. I am so thankful to God for keeping me afloat, guiding me around those dangerous rifts and preventing me from being wiped out along the way!

Perhaps my current writing and speaking week will serve as an example of those ever-changing waters for me.

·         Last Saturday, I held the launch of my latest book, Becoming Me. I combined it with a visit to our church’s Art Installation, where a piece of my writing on the theme of solitude was on display. The waters I have had to navigate with this book were certainly quite choppy at times. Then organising the launch, preparing the food (not my strength!) and speaking as well caused a few more waves!  Yet in the end, everything flowed well and I truly enjoyed myself.

·         On Sunday, with the cancellation of the Sydney Book Expo, I instead met with the publisher of two of my previous books, along with other authors and an illustrator. It was so good to encourage one another and to realise we are riding similar, yet uniquely different waves.

·         On Monday, I spoke to around ninety men and women at a Probus Club about my writing journey and the joys and challenges of being published. What a privilege to address such an attentive group of older folk and later to answer their varied questions! Yes, I was tired, yet I felt God carrying me along on a lovely, warm current as I spoke and giving me strength.

·         On Tuesday, I met up with a friend who was unable to attend my book launch but couldn’t wait to buy my new book. And today (Thursday), I will be meeting up with some other old friends who likewise will want to hear all about my new book. I do not take this loving support for granted and am so thankful for it.

·         On Saturday, I am to speak at a women’s ‘Bookfest Breakfast’ at a church not far away. I am so looking forward to riding this particular wave. I don’t know where it will carry me—I have never met the women at this church—but I know I can trust God to navigate me in the right direction.

·         On Sunday, I will attend the 25^th birthday celebrations of the NSW Writers’ Centre, where I will receive a book package and free membership of the Centre for a year! I am one of five winners of a writing competition in which we were asked to share something of our experiences at the Centre. What a great little wave to ride to the shore, where yet another interesting writing week will begin!

Of course, some periods of my writing journey have been much calmer, with little happening at all. Perhaps that is where you are at right now. Or perhaps you’re struggling in some muddy, turbulent writing waters and feel you are in well over your head. Yet whatever is happening, may you be aware of God’s gracious presence with you and experience God’s peace and strengthening to keep swimming—and writing!

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of six published novels and two non-fiction works, Soul Friend and Becoming Me. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.

A timely reminder - Jo-Anne Berthelsen

I stood at the counter of the Christian bookstore, fuming. Not a good scenario, whichever way one looks at it! Before leaving home, I had checked on the store’s website to make sure the book I wanted—one of my own earlier novels—was in stock. I had none left and needed a copy in a hurry. I also decided I would see if my current novel, of which the store seemed to have plenty, was on display.

At the store, I discovered that the one copy left of my earlier novel was already set aside for another customer. Sigh. I then went to find my latest novel--but alas, it was nowhere in sight.Yet there were supposed to be fifteen in stock. Where could they be? A staff member helped me look for a bit but then gave up.

‘You’ve come at an awkward time,’ she informed me. ‘Our books are being moved around our different stores and we’re also tidying up after the sale.’

I understood totally on both counts. And I think it’s a good idea to shuffle those books around the different stores so they are available across the country. Still, it seemed odd there were no copies at all to be found in this large, busy bookstore in the meanwhile. There was nothing I could do about it, however, so, in very grumpy author mode by now, I gave up and left.

I drove home—and then a long way to another bookstore, after discovering two copies of my earlier novel still available there. Soon, self-pity set in big-time. How come that staff member could not find those copies for me ... and also did not seem too worried about it? How can my books sell if they aren’t even on the shelves? Clearly too, I was just some crazy old author lady to be humoured but not taken seriously! Humph!

After a while, as I covered those kilometres to the other bookstore at just under the speed limit, I began to calm down a little. Then I heard that gentle whisper of God somewhere in my spirit.

‘Firstly, Jo-Anne ... isn’t it a good thing someone had already ordered that only copy of your earlier novel remaining in the first bookstore? That novel came out almost seven years ago—that’s amazing it’s still selling at all. Secondly, while that young staff member couldn’t locate those stocks of your current novel, the fact they are in the process of being moved around different stores is surely a good thing too? Could you perhaps look at the positives in all this and be thankful?’

I took a deep breath. Yes, I decided, I could. I needed to forget my gripes and grumbles. I needed to be thankful the bookstore in question has stocked my books for years now. In fact, I needed to remember all the blessings of my writing journey—and be so thankful for it all.

How about you? What things are you thankful for in your writing journey?

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of six published novels and one non-fiction work, Soul Friend: the story of a shared spiritual journey. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.