I have always thought being an author is one of the most
humbling, vulnerable occupations ever. We know we cannot please everyone, yet
when those honest but critical editorial comments arrive, we often feel like
curling up in a ball in a corner, don’t we? And when we are finally published, then
comes the challenge of book promotion. And that can leave us feeling even more
foolish, depending on what ventures we tackle.
Soon after my first novel was released, I remember sitting at
a writers’ centre book fair behind a table on which I had placed a hopeful number
of those lovely, new copies I was so proud of. Beside me was another author with his
pile of books. And beside him was another … and another … and another. We
looked at one another’s books—and waited for those hordes of interested readers
who never came. In the end, after buying my neighbour’s book and selling him mine,
we all slunk off home, feeling more than a little foolish.
On another occasion, I sat at my book table in the hot sun for
hours at a church fete where no one much turned up—and certainly no one
interested in buying books. That day, I went home feeling both foolish and
exhausted, vowing never to do anything like that again.
Then there have been those customers at in-store book
signings who, when offered a free promotional bookmark, have looked at me as if
I were some weird, alien being and bluntly rejected me. And I remember others
too who, when I have shown them one of my novels, have turned their noses up
and said in a disparaging tone, ‘Oh, I don’t read novels!’
I could go on.
So … what have I learnt through such experiences? I have
learnt perseverance. I have learnt patience. I have learnt not to take things too
personally. I have learnt to smile and hopefully not judge others so readily.
But above all, I have learnt to ask God for the strength I need to tackle such
situations. So earlier this year, when faced with the daunting challenge of
holding a Facebook Live book launch for my latest novel, Down by the Water,
I decided I would try it. After all, what was the worst that could happen? Only
that I would look and sound a fool! Besides, there were some decided advantages
to an online launch—and perhaps God might be able to use it in ways I could
never have imagined. And that is what happened, despite the poor sound quality
on the day and despite my not knowing what I was doing.
I’m so glad we have a powerful, loving God who knows our
foolish ways and our weaknesses, yet still chooses to speak through those words we
write, aren’t you? See 1 Corinthians 1:27-29!
