Blogger: Rachel Kent
Location: Books & Such main office; Santa Rosa, Calif.
Romans 12: 9-13 (NLT)–“9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
The community of believers is one of the best things about the CBA. I just love going to writers’ conferences with the amazing, kind, and generous people! I’d say helping others is a part of the Christian walk that many Christian authors have a good handle on. Thanks to all of you who have been so kind and welcoming at conferences and retreats!
I think the hard part here is in situations where we are very busy ourselves. When we’re swamped and we get an email from a fellow author asking for an endorsement or for a critique, or for help in some other time-consuming way, it can feel overwhelming. I understand there are times when we just absolutely can’t help someone or where we aren’t right for the endorsement, but if we find ourselves using busy-ness as an excuse to say no to helping someone we need to rethink our attitudes. Excuse is the key word there. 🙂
Also, I love how this verse starts out with “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” If we put this verse into practice the helping others part will come easily. When you love someone, you want to help them, even if it makes your day more difficult or is going to be hard work. I think that’s just how we’re wired.
And don’t forget to pray for each other too!
What are some nice things fellow authors have done for you? 🙂
What a great post, Rachel. I’ve really been enjoying this week.
One of the nicest things my fellow authors did for me is show me support when my book came out. Everyone seemed genuinely thrilled about it. I have been blessed with some of the greatest friends.
Thanks for the reminder to count my blessings today.
I’ve had an author who I knew was super busy take time to send me a list of comparable books when I became stuck. She also helped me polish my one-sheet before going to the conference as well as answer many questions. When she found out my good news, she sent me a thoughtful and encouraging email.
That’s just one person! I’ve had many other writers encourage and offer help when needed.
I’ve been blessed and I always pray when others need something from me, I’ll remember how I was treated and apply the golden rule; plus it just feels good to help someone out!
I couldn’t begin to list all the advice and encouragement I’ve gotten from other writers. At Mount Hermon I’ve often seen editors and agents refer people to their competition if they think it would be a better fit and that seldom happens at secular conferences.
I’ve had many authors help me. One read my first three chapters and help me see I needed to begin the book at chapter 2.
Another amazing author read my entire novel and critiqued it and help me write a proposal. All while still turning in two books on dead line.
I’m amazed at their love and help when the only return for them was helping someone else. I feel blessed to belong to a community of Christian authors.
Too many blessings to count, Rachel! But here are just a few: one sweet encourager prayed over me at the ACFW conference (in the ladies powder room, no less!), another precious lady spent considerable time walking me through the twitterverse, and still another kind soul taught me techy stuff about Facebook that would have taken me forever to figure out on my own.
What’s mindblowing to me: one day we’ll all dwell in paradise together–forever! Talk about a community of believers!
I was so happy to read your article, Rachel, and all the positive comments too! When my new children’s book was in the works, a fellow author in my Christian writer’s group walked me through setting up a blog and helped me do what had seemed so overwhelming. Just recently, I shared the published book with some friends who had helped pray me through the publication process. They were so excited for me, making suggestions for publicizing the book. They made me feel so special and blessed. We truly are blessed with the people God places in our life as cheerleaders.
Very nice post!