Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Somewhere in my internet travels I saw people sharing what’s on their bookshelves. I have bookshelves in almost every room of my house housing collections gathered over many years. I have a fine collection of antiquarian children’s illustrated books, a complete collection of early editions of C. S. Lewis, nice collections of Madeleine L’Engle, Belloch, Bellaire, George MacDonald, Chesterton. . . well, I could on and on. But the shelf I photographed was the one that held my client books. That’s the collection that finds me bustin’ buttons with pride.
When I started agenting I adopted a philosophy from Henry Blackaby. I decided I wanted to find the writers where God was already at work and come alongside. That’s been the qualification and it’s stood me in good stead over this nearly a decade of agenting and I’m so proud of the work that has resulted from these partnerships. Yep, bustin’ buttons.
I blush to admit that I often post prideful-sounding boasts on my Facebook page about some of the exciting things happening to my clients. I have to trust that my friends will forgive what might look like a brag fest and just rejoice along with me.
I’ve long worried about pride. When I was a little girl admiring my braids in the mirror or showing off a drawing, my mother would repeat a Swedish Bible verse her mother used to say to her: högmod går före fall. It meant pride goeth before a fall. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized being proud of my work or taking pride in accomplishment was not the pride referred to in that verse at all.
The deadly sin version of pride is an altogether different animal. It’s thinking we can do things on our own. That we don’t need God, thankyouverymuch. It’s when we begin to think we’re pretty much on an equal footing with the Almighty that högmod går före fall.
Being a literary agent will quickly rid one of that kind of pride. It doesn’t take long to realize that we do nothing apart from God. Every sale, every success, even every seeming failure comes from his hand. As Mark Batterson said in his book, Draw the Circle, “After we pray like it depends on God, we need to work like it depends on us. But if we don’t pray first, our work won’t work. We can’t do something for God until we let God do something for us.”
All that to say this: There’s nothing wrong with being proud of our work. Bustin’ buttons is just another way of saying, “Look what God is doing.” Good thing because I’m so proud of what my clients accomplishments. Just look at that photo above.
So my questions for you today are these: Do you ever struggle with the idea of pride? Does self-promotion feel like a deadly sin? Is it okay to be proud of our work?
TWEETABLES:
Deadly sin? No. Nothing wrong with being proud of your work. Click to Tweet
Bustin’ buttons? Why writerly pride is no sin. Click to Tweet
Shirlee Abbott
I am reading Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God” for my morning devotions. Today’s topic: pride (God’s timing is awesome, again!).
“The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority . . . He knows he is as weak and helpless as God has declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is, in the sight of God, more important than angels. In himself, nothing; in God everything. That is his motto.”
In myself nothing; in God everything. I’m gonna tape that to my computer. My new motto.
Jeanne Takenaka
I love this, Shirlee! “In himself, nothing; in God everything.” What a great thought to remember!
Wendy Lawton
Love that motto and Tozer. Thanks for this, Shirlee.
Cynthia Ruchti
Shirlee, thank you for sharing that! Tozer’s thoughts describe it so well!
shelli littleton
Love that, Shirlee!
Kristen Joy Wilks
There was an interesting post over at the hartline agency blog this morning about authors spamming folks with info about their books. I think in the facebook world, the difference between friendly information and pride/spam is bringing me along on the journey. If you take the time to bring me along on the exciting journey of publishing with you, I feel privileged. I love to hear about your book or your clients book if I am a passenger with you on the ride. Gaining fun and new information and being a part of things through your detailed and informative writing. But if I just get a post of your cover again and a blip “buy my book” I am not pleased. Take me along as a friend, don’t treat me as a dollar sign. This is the difference between pride and spam for me.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
I agree – I get tired of the ‘buy this’ pitches.
It’s different when the cover’s used as a ‘trademark’ to go along with something of interest or value – a good quote or a meaningful expository paragraph.
Wendy Lawton
I agree, Kristen. As avid readers we want our author-heroes to share a bit of their lives with us. we get enough advertising already.
Cynthia Ruchti
And this can sometimes be as simple as, “Do you know a friend who’s dealing with (fill in the blank)? A novel that addresses that topic is available today only for $2.99.” Letting people know what will benefit THEM rather than what will benefit US as authors makes a difference. It sometimes still looks like salesmanship…but the heart of the author is often providing a service. Fine line. Even posting snippets of reviews can be ministry if the snippet chosen spotlights the takeaway from the book rather than the skill of the author. Yes? No?
Jenni Brummett
Great way to word it, Cynthia. And it speaks to the heart of our reader.
Becky Jones
Yes…that is the heart of it…connecting with folks who can find value in the book! Deftly done! 😉
Sheila King
I think John the Baptist had it right. Work hard – can you imagine how many people he baptised? Sacrifice – locust for dinner? But remember that the focus of all we do is to point others toward Christ. That should keep us humble. “I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.”
Then we can revel in our success because our accomplishments go beyond ourselves to serve the kingdom.
Wendy Lawton
Yes! I always think of Mother Theresa who managed to turn every bit of praise back to her Creator.
Cheryl Malandrinos
Amen.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
“Pride is like looking at your reflection in a mirror while driving down a mountain road.”
– Surpreet Singh
I’ve never had much of a problem with pride, generally because I had the capacity for it beaten out of me – sometimes literally – by various authority figures, starting quite early. Life experience played an even larger role.
If I accomplish something significant, I’m glad to have done it, and glad to have had a chance at participation, but that’s as far as it goes.
There’s another factor that’s operative in my life now – it’s that the only easy day was yesterday. Circumstances dictate that, barring a miracle, tomorrow will be harder than today, and that today’s achievements are merely prelude to tomorrow’s greater effort.
But perhaps the most deeply-rooted opposition to pride comes from this – the understanding, learned in a school that taught heartache, that life is not about rights, but responsibilities. It’s not about us, but about what we can give others.
As for self-promotion…I can promote my work, but it’s different from promoting myself. I believe in what I write, and have some empirical evidence that a certain group of readers may enjoy it. Author-name recognition goes with that, but it’s simply a means to an end.
Finally, the question of whether it’s OK to be proud of one’s work…sure. I’m just not too sure that it’s a good idea to be proud of oneself.
When I write, I have the strong sense that the story is “out there” in the ether, as it were, and that I’m merely the facilitator. I’m happy for the opportunity to write it down, and to try to bring it to others. There it ends.
Jenni Brummett
But people want connection with the facilitator, and I believe you provide that in unique and memorable ways, Andrew.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jenni, thank you. You’re right, of course.
Wendy Lawton
I agree, Jenni. when I discovered C. S. Lewis all those years ago I became like a literary stalker. I read everything I could about him and followed the listserv moderated by his stepson and collected tapes of his speaking, etc. etc. I wanted to know the writer as well as his writing.
The ironic thing? He held a view like Andrew’s. That writers should avoid the personality cult. That people should care about the writing and leave the writer alone. Good luck with that, Jack.
Wendy Lawton
Excellent points, Andrew. Savor the feeling of accomplishment instead of pride in oneself.
But your “tomorrow will be harder” is tough. I know this is something you are facing particularly but we are all heading to an eternal tomorrow that will make up for the tough times of today.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
The eternal tomorrow is that which makes everything worthwhile – and that which validates what we do here. Without God, how does any of it have meaning beyond that of a match-flame in the endless dark?
That’s really why I write to begin with, to say, Look, there is something beyond this, a tomorrow that’s worth believing in, and fighting for, where every tear will be dried, and every hope redeemed.
That mission brings nothing but humility, because of the Footsteps in which I try to walk. The trail’s been broken for me; I’m in Trail Maintenance. I just try to do my best.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Andrew, yes, you CAN be proud of your self. The wisdom and knowledge you bring to this blog family is INSANE!!!
Not too many others quote 12 Century Japanese warrior codes.
AND understand them.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Wow. I am overwhelmed. Totally.
Micky Wolf
Wow, Wendy, this one hit home. I have spent much time (too much?)in prayer and study hoping to understand the difference between ‘good pride’ and sinful pride. Your insights shine the light of Truth on this important aspect of living the (writing)Christian life. Thank you!
Wendy Lawton
You can tell I’ve struggled with it as well.
Jeanne Takenaka
I do struggle with the idea of pride. I like the way you differentiated the different kinds of pride. I have a son who is very gifted in many ways. He’s also prideful. We have had conversations about these different “prides” and it’s an interesting topic to discuss with a 9 year old. That being said, it also challenges me to think about pride. I find it easy to be behind the scenes about what I do/have done rather than being proud of it. This isn’t always a good thing. 🙂
I have a friend who chided me recently for not putting a contest final out on social media. How does one do this without sounding prideful? I’m still figuring that one out. 🙂
I think it is okay to be proud of our work as long as 1) We don’t take all the credit for accomplishing it (God plays a major role in my writing accomplishments and He deserves credit!) and 2) We don’t rest on our laurels when it comes to being proud of our work. I believe it’s important to keep learning, keep striving to improve as I write. I’ve figured out I’ll never “arrive.”
Thanks for this thought-provoking post, Wendy!
Sarah Thomas
You put your contest final out there not as a “look at me” kind of thing, but as a “celebrate with me” kind of thing. We WANT to clap and cheer mostly because–as Kristen said–you’ve invited us on this journey WITH you. Don’t deprive us of the best parts!
Heather Day Gilbert
I agree with Sarah–your friends/followers want to know about contest wins, kudos, etc. I believe they like to rejoice with you, especially when they’ve followed your writer journey for some time. It’s sort of like a victory for everyone who believed in you. “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” I know I’m glad when I see fellow authors receiving well-deserved awards and I love cheering them on. So share away, Jeanne!
Jenni Brummett
“keep learning, keep striving” to improve. Yes.
Wendy Lawton
Yes. What Sarah said. We love to hear about contest wins and milestones met. There’s nothing more fun than a FB friend sharing joy.
It’s like the old church prayer meetings. They could cause serious depression. We only heard about the sick and suffering. If good stuff happened, like a job promotion or a windfall of cash or kids accomplishing something noteworthy, everyone clammed up for fear of hurting the hurting or sounding prideful. (Or getting hit up for a donation. ;-))
Jeanne Takenaka
This all makes sense, and I appreciate the input on how to shift my perspective. 🙂 It’s very helpful! Thank you.
shelli littleton
Jeanne, I’m so proud of you. I saw you didn’t write anything about it just yet … and I knew you were probably struggling with how to balance it. I would be, too. But I’m enjoying the journey with you! It thrills my heart to hear good news, too.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Nobody who has spoken to you, ever, or read anything you’ve said on FB or anywhere else, would EVER interpret you calmly mentioning something you sort of kind of did…as prideful. Ever.
More like, when you win a massive contest, or publish your 12th book, WE will once again drag it out of YOU.
Sarah Thomas
Pride is probably my biggest struggle. The Great Sin chapter from Mere Christianity is such a help to me in clarifying what pride is and when it becomes dangerous. I’ve also found that if I pay attention, God will check my pride in gentle ways. I can’t tell you how many times during this journey to publication he’s tapped me on the shoulder and reminded me that it’s for HIS glory. And I’m so very grateful I get to come along.
Wendy Lawton
I’m guessing if it’s a struggle it’s a good sign. The blustery I-did-it-my-way sort of folk don’t have any struggle at all. Pride is a way of life. And they are proud of it. 😉
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
But then they fall down and go boom.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
You’re a very, very gracious and kind person. With a gentle ‘didn’t see that coming, did ya?’ wit that I love.
I’m thankful that God only taps you on the shoulder. That speaks well of you. 😉
Jim Lupis
“I’m so humble, I’m proud of it!” Only kidding. 🙂
When it comes to pride I take the coward’s way out. I run from it as fast as I can. Knowing first hand the damage it causes in not only my own life, but also in others.
I agree with you, Wendy, that there is a healthy pride. It is good to enjoy the fruit of our labor, and enjoy the blessings of others.
I must admit I’m very prideful when it comes to Jesus. I’m always bragging on Him. How can you not be?
Wendy Lawton
Yep. Pointing to the one who is the author of our success.
shelli littleton
That’s sweet, Jim. Prideful of Jesus. Just brag on Him. He so deserves it. I know when He does something good for me, something I can’t do on my own, like public speaking … I just clap for him and say, “Oh, you did so good!” That’s the best feeling of all … seeing God work in you.
Lori
No I don’t think pride is necessarily a bad thing. I was told early in my career by a friend who was a career counselor that if you didn’t take pride in your work who will.
I do take pride in my work. I love writing and editing for engineers, I love making their ideas and hard work a reality at least from a documentation standpoint. I love being part of a team and I am glad I am allow to come along for the journey. I am glad that they include me in executing their experiments because this shows that ALL our hard work is a reality. I am happy when members of my team will win an award because I know they deserve it.
PS, France was wonderful and I ended up reading “The Cleaner of Chartres” a novel by Salley Vickers which was recommended to me at the last minute before my trip. This was appropriate since I was in Chartres for a week for a class. Still need to add that mystery you recommended to my list.
Wendy Lawton
Taking pride in our work is a different sort of animal isn’t it. It’s not boastful– it’s caring for the quality of our work product. The Bible talks often about the work of our hands.
Jenni Brummett
Great reminder that caring for the quality of our work product takes time. If I rush the stages of making my MS the best it can be, I will regret it, and that is certainly not how I want to debut.
I think pride can nip at the heels, propelling us forward with our hands raised, and the chant of “Pick me, pick me!” chafing our throats.
Humility is the lozenge…
Meghan Carver
I so much appreciate that the agents at Books & Such base their lives and their business on Scripture. I have often puzzled over that verse, Wendy, and your explanation has made it all come clear. Thank you.
Wendy Lawton
I’m blessed to be in this agency because all of our agents chew over these kinds of things together.
Cheryl Malandrinos
Any success I have is because God opened those doors for me. If He wasn’t behind what I’m doing, those doors would remain closed. I firmly believe that works not only with my writing, but in other areas of my life as well. I hope and pray that my focus remains on His gifts and how God has worked in my life no matter what I do.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
There’s a Post-It I have on my computer –
“God Disposes”
His dispositions are His own, and while we may question them, He’s not obligated to enlighten us.
We are obligated to follow His bidding – the hardest of which may be the unashamed enjoyment of our success.
Wendy Lawton
Exactly, Cheryl.
Jennifer Smith
“Self”-promotion feels weird to me, but I agree with what you’ve said, Wendy. There is a different in being prideful and in taking pride in your work. If something’s worth doing, it really is worth doing right! And as those before me have stated, we only enjoy successes by the blessing and grace of God.
Jennifer Smith
And by saying that self-promotion — or promoting my own work — feels weird, I’m just saying that for me, personally, it’s awkward. I’m afraid that I’ll be perceived as being prideful or showing off…
Though that attitude in and of itself is probably prideful, because I’m worrying too much about others’ opinions of me. 🙂
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Self-promotion is awkward, Jennifer, but I don’t think your reticence is a function of pride, in the worry of what others will think. It’s your feeling of what’s appropriate that you’re assuming others might share, and that is quite different.
That being said, we’re usually far harder on ourselves in such matters than others might be, since we know both our motivations and the actions they engender. Others just see the actions – they get a diluted form of what we perceive, in our own hearts, as egotism…and they don’t see it that way at all.
Perhaps these two points might help.
1) If you’ve been faithful to God and the spreading of the Gospel in your work, then NOT promoting it would be ‘hiding your light under a basket’. Uncool, in God’s eyes. Promotion is part of the Christian walk…YOUR Christian walk.
2) Continuing the ‘stroll’ we just began, you’re supposed to step out boldly in faith, and might not promotion be part of that step? Again, if it’s driven by being a prism to focus God’s Glory in the world…shouldn’t you be stepping out into His light, and holding that prism aloft, confidently and without shame?
Wendy Lawton
I understand. Self-promotion is the toughest thing we ask writers to do. You have to have strong filters, a sense of self awareness and the ability to be charming and appropriate to do this job without sometimes veering into the cringeworthy.
I take heart, though, that so many of our authors are doing it and doing it beautifully. Winsome and inclusive.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
I tell people I’m great at misbehaving and getting attention when I’m NOT supposed to. But when I’m supposed to be behaving and promoting something? I get tongue tied, forget how to speak English, oh, and I and grow feathers, I’m that much of a chicken.
I’m proud of my accomplishments, but I’m also proud of my friends’ successes. And my kids’. Did I mention #3 can recite the first 100 digits of pi? It was his iPod password.
Mine’s, like, “OPEN”.
I don’t mind being proud of something or something, I LOATHE self-absorption, or the “I am awesome” mentality. We see it a lot in sports. The arrogant athletes on a team, no matter how good they are, quickly find themselves alone because nobody wants to play with someone who forgets the concept of playing on a TEAM.
I’m proud of all I’ve learned in my research and I hope it shines through in my work. But no matter how much I learn, I will never be as wise as a woman born to the culture. And to presume I ever could? Ha. That’s a quick way to get knocked off one’s self imposed pedestal.
shelli littleton
Jennifer, you are the sweetest cheerleader for others. That sweet quality makes me cherish you more and eager to read your works!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
But you ARE awesome!
Wendy Lawton
But Jennifer, I’d cite you method of pre-promotion absolutely brilliant. (I’ll bet you don’t even see it as pre-promotion.)
You come into online communities with side-splitting humor, encouraging others, making fast friends indiscriminately– across all boundaries– so that you have an army who fight to the death for you. You actively promote other people and their work.
When it comes time to promote your book you won’t have to do a thing. Your army will be on the march.
And I know it’s just who you are and you’d never see it as a method. But I’m just saying. . .
Jenni Brummett
I second what Wendy said.:-)
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Wow.
Insert crying jag now.
No, I don’t see it as anything other that me being me. I WANT to encourage others, I do, because that is me.
And I don’t feel comfortable seeing new people as opportunities, I just see friends I haven’t met yet.
Although,*some* people? Well, I need a driver for the getaway car and someone to post bail. 😉
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Agreed, Wendy. And you’ve hit on a pet peeve of mine. Authors, be they already published or not yet, need to be cheerleaders for other authors. Sometimes what we offer to readers is a great tip on others’ books they will enjoy. I try hard to be one of those cheerleaders, and I get really frustrated with those who only tout their own books and never mention anyone elses’.
And as for Jennifer, I second everything you said about my fellow hockey mom!
Kiersti
That is so very true, Wendy! Jennifer, you’re going to have a whole host of fans ready to go when you get published…and again, largely because you really haven’t been trying to gain them. You’ve just been being the wonderful you God made.
Wendy, thanks for a thought-provoking post, as always! I love your goal of seeking “to find the writers where God was already at work and come alongside.” So grateful for you.
Becky Jones
Yeah, I think writers wrestle with this. We’re introspective by design. We worry about what we’re saying, if it’s being heard correctly, if it’s eliciting the intended response…
I know a lot of us write to scratch some deep-seeded itch, or to clarify our own thinking, but at the end of the day, if we are brave enough to admit it, we also want this: to release a little bit of good into the world and hope that it nudges the planet along.
I guess, in that sense, it’s a parental kind of pride. Not all bad…
But it can sour quickly, if we identify ourselves to closely with our work…it’s hard, but we have to learn to see them as different things! This is something I struggle with…I tie up too much of my sense of self in who I am in writing…! We’re just the vessels, not the work…definite struggles here.
Wendy Lawton
Good words: “We’re just vessels, not the work.”
Elizabeth Kitchens
Thanks for this post, Wendy! I was told essentially the same thing growing up (though not in Swedish), and, as a little girl, I was confused as to how to be humble. Did it mean down playing my good grades? Ignoring compliments on good behavior? Never rejoicing in my test grade of 98 when others were praising their 90? Was it my responsibility to make sure others weren’t envious? It wasn’t until the last few years that I realized I could and should be happy with the gifts God gave me. Recognizing my gifts doesn’t make me prideful, so long as I remember that everyone has gifts. It’s only the world that puts some (particularly acting, science smarts, and athleticism) higher than others.
Heather Day Gilbert
Great way of putting it, Elizabeth, and I also grew up in a home with a high value on humility. So much so that I would downplay every compliment paid me in an almost martyr-ish way. Being a martyr just to look humble is just as self-absorbed as being proud. My hubby came at life from a different angle, saying that if God has blessed you with, say, intelligence, why wouldn’t you be happy and excited to have that gift and use it to help others? I think there is a balance there, and though we do have to market ourselves as authors, we can also go about that knowing we are using our talents to the best of our ability for God. Every author will receive some low reviews and some high ones. The key is pressing on when you know you are doing what God wants you to do. 🙂
Wendy Lawton
Exactly, Heather.
Elizabeth Kitchens
I agree. I attended a writer’s conference recently and was listening to a fellow attendee talk about her project and how it had been well-received by those who had read it. She mentioned her husband complimenting her and then stopped and said, “No, he encouraged me.” It made me so mad! I thought about interrupting and giving a lecture on acknowledging gifts versus pride, but I held my tongue.
Wendy Lawton
And the truth is you could bring up you score of 98 in one situation– say one-upping a braggart– and it would be wrong. Another situation where you tell the story of how hard you had to work to get to that 98 might be just the thing to encourage others and that would be perfect.
As with most things, it’s not so much in what we say but what’s in our hearts.
Janet Ann Collins
Wendy, you’ll never know until you get to Heaven the thousands of lives you’ve touched because of helping to get books to readers and what they’ve said and done differently as a result. But you do know you’re only one of the many it took to accomplish that. Humility doesn’t mean thinking you’re no good. It means knowing your place. And, by the way, your blog posts here may lead to lives being touched, too. Thank you for all the good advice you and the other Books & Such people share with us.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Amen!
Wendy Lawton
Thank you for your words, Janet. You are always affirming.
shelli littleton
Wendy, talking about bringing people along on the journey … I’m working on my first fiction work. I rarely mention it to Facebook friends. I would love to bring others along on the journey, but I have those thoughts … what if? What if no one likes it? What if nothing ever becomes of it? What if it’s no good. What if it is just my beginner work that stays on the computer? And those thoughts keep me silent … just sharing with my writer friends who understand. And I know that is probably also a form of pride. Don’t want to look like the fool you sometimes feel you are. The balance is really hard.
Jenni Brummett
“Don’t want to look like the fool you sometimes feel you are.” Yep, I get his, Shelli.
shelli littleton
Thank you, Jenni.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
And what if people really like it?
What if they want to read more?
What if they come to love the woman behind the words, and draw inspiration and strength from her love of the Lord?
You CAN write very well, and shouldn’t you trust us – the people who appreciate your skill and faith – to like what you do?
In team-building exercises, there’s the famous ‘falling backwards’ exercise, in which you trust the people you’re teamed with to catch you before you crack your head.
We’ll catch you, Shelli. We love you.
shelli littleton
Andrew … I will never forget this. Never. You just etched that on my heart. I have grown to love each and every one of you, too. I am here for you, too.
Wendy Lawton
I love what Andrew said, “We’ll catch you, Shelli. We love you.”
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Do not confuse genteel humility with soft, self-grinding…DOUBT.
Humility is a “I’m not sure I’m ready to share my work, yet” whereas doubt is “I suck like a Dyson on Red Bull!!!”
What if no one likes it? AS IF.
Sydney Avey
Sigh, yes self-promotion feels icky. That’s why I like the collaborative process–it gives you other people to credit. “Meet my new book designer friend who did such a great job” feels so much better, and you are adding value by connecting people. Win-win.
Wendy Lawton
Yep. Much easier, but sometimes that’s not enough and you just have to find other means of telling people about your work that feel comfortable.
Wanda Rosseland
“is it ok to be proud of our work?” made me think of God creating the universe and then all things afterwards, Wendy. Each time he finished up one session, the Bible tells us he looked at it and “saw it was good.” To me that means he studied it objectively, and then decided whether it was good, bad or in-between. I am quite certain his heart filled with pride when he beheld the great creations he’d wrought. And this is the type of pride we too should feel, whether our work is creating a book, or building a house, or putting together a business that will help people.
It is not pride of self, but of doing, and doing it well.
Wendy Lawton
Great observation, Wanda. Thank you for that.
Jenni Brummett
Self-promotion doesn’t feel like a deadly sin, but since I’m pre-pubbed, it does feel like a quandary. How to find balance and introduce future readers to my story world, how to explain to my family that this process can seem interminable, but that the hard work will come to fruition.
In the meantime, I bathe the process in prayer, and team up with critique partners who are honest and awesome!
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Sometimes we are blessed with people who Get It.
My husband is a tree scientist, and girl, trees do not speed up for anyone! Patience is expected. And yet God knew I’d need that kind of spouse to understand my work and the interminable (great word!)amount of time it takes to grow a book.
He’s published papers and so knows the ins and outs of the waiting.
Perhaps your description for your family could be something like this: it takes a while for the Pacific to pound enough salt water onto the rocks to smooth them. Few observe the process close enough to SEE the changes. And yet, there they are. Rocks so smooth, they feel like God Himself sanded them down. Only God knows the moment of perfection. Such is it with writing.
A good crit partner is worth her weight in sunken treasure. 😉
Wendy Lawton
Your pre-pub time is the investment period. It’s like a PhD in publishing. It’s like the first years of starting a business. Those that support you during these prep times will be your biggest champions when you are successful.
donnie nelson
. . . tis a Fine Line between bragging and self promotion.
Only God can show you where that Fine Line is.
Jim Lupis
I am so blessed by all the wonderful and caring comments made by everyone today.
Actually, you should be proud of yourselves…I know I am proud of you.
I am praying that each one of you sells so many books, they will have to open more bookstores!
Jack Bybee
Wendy:
Bookshelves of your own? You didn’t know the trend? THE trend? It’s called a SHELFIE (!) Selfies are sooo well, part of the non-literate types. [As a bookseller, I have my SHELFIES all over the place!]
SMILE… you’re on Shelfie!
Jack.
Elaine Manders
Wendy,
You and all these wonderful commenters have lifted my spirit today. I’m the type who hates tooting her own horn, but I’m aware this is a competitive business and you have to get your brand out there.
I see nothing prideful about announcing an accomplishment, but be as eager to announce someone else’s accomplishments.
Diane Stortz
Just want to say thank-you for this post and the conversation that followed … have been thinking about it since yesterday. I especially like the idea of learning to think of others’ needs as we position announcements and news and in how we promote others. I’ve already started down that road but can do much more. It doesn’t come naturally to some of us, so I really appreciate the reminder, encouragement, and push!