Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Anybody out there have dreams of publication? I imagine you’re here because you dream of sharing your words with others, whether they’re words of story to entertain and inspire people, or perhaps words of non-fiction to share some truth that might help others live better lives.
But the difficult publishing industry constantly threatens our dreams. Rejection letters bombard us and messages of impossibility abound.
Therefore if you have a deep, burning passion to share your written words with the world, then you—and only you—have to believe with everything in you that it will happen.
The sky is always falling in the publishing industry. But the truth remains:
Our options continue to expand, not diminish.
First of all, we live in a content-hungry society. We voraciously consume the written word for education, enlightenment, and entertainment. The endless hunger out there means we will continue to need writers like you to satiate the appetite.
Furthermore, with online publications and independent publishing added to the traditional world of publishing, more and more opportunities exist to share your words with the world.
You may need to change your preconceived notion of how that’s going to happen, and you may need to get realistic about whether or not you can make a living doing it. But you’ve got to believe you can do this.
Be encouraged!
The news about traditional publishing may confuse us and scare us. But people still want to read.
Here are some ways to “believe.”
- Do not allow all the “competition” from other writers to discourage you. Understand that there is room for everyone.
- Respond to rejection with gratitude that you’ve learned something.
- Be grateful for your passion and ability to write.
- Be overwhelmed with thankfulness that millions of people love to read.
- Sing praises for everyone in this business who loves to help writers’ dreams come true.
- Know you’ve been given this passion for a reason.
- Accept that you have to work to bring it to fruition—but you’ve also been given the energy and enthusiasm and time you need to make it happen.
Believe that you can do this!
I believe it for you.
I believe it for every single one of my clients. But you’ve got to believe it too. God gave you something powerful—a story or a message, and the desire to share it. God is not in the business of tricking people, or of squandering anything—not talent, not passion, not time. Pursue your God-given passions with an unwavering faith. Praise and bless the obstacles. And keep believing.
What are you believing for today?
Image credit: magicinfoto / 123RF Stock Photo
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Great post, Rachelle! You’re a world-class encourager, and we need you.
* What do I believe? This:
– The night will be dreadful, but I will see the sun rise with renewed hope and resolve to meet the day as it comes, and write that of which I am able.
– I will have the opportunity to support and encourage others
– I will build up the courage to blog about things I would rather not face for the people who need to hear them
– God will put my message into the hands of the right people, if that is indeed His pleasure. My hard work ends where His Grace begins, and I accept that.
– Finally, I believe that I will finally figure out how to use Twitter and FB effectively. Well, OK, that’s a longshot, but hey…ya gotta believe!
Michael Emmanuel
Andrew, I’m stuck on Twitter too. I’ve gotten more positive response from Instagram.
Shelli Littleton
Me too, Michael. I love Instagram.
Jeanne Takenaka
Andrew, I love your “I will . . . ” statements. God has given you encouraging things to share, and I for one am glad you share them.
And, I agree. Figuring out Twitter is a bit tricky. 🙂
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jeanne, thank you! And about Twitter…yeah. I do pick up follows, but they can be from the oddest places.
Rachelle Gardner
Andrew, I love how you use your time and energy in service to others. You are such a wonderful encourager yourself, and you bring so much wisdom on top of it!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Thank you so much, Rachelle. Your words mean the world to me.
Terrance Leon Austin
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Bless you.
Carol Ashby
This is so encouraging and so true, Rachelle! The first step to accomplishing anything difficult is to believe it’s worth doing and that God will help you do it.
* I know (believe without a doubt) that I’m supposed to be writing stories about human conflict and difficult friendships that grow into love as characters discover their own faith in Christ.
* I believe it’s possible for me to learn to do everything necessary to get those stories out where people can read them.
* I believe that the characters and stories have the potential to encourage deeper faith for someone who already believes and to inspire someone who doesn’t to think about whether they should.
*But believing isn’t enough. We must be willing to work hard to turn belief into reality.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Never seen anyone as dedicated as you, Carol. Truly.
Carol
Look in a mirror, Andrew, and you’ll see someone way past me in dedication.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Carol, I have no words but ‘thank you’.
Michael Emmanuel
These words encourage.
I believe…
* God is always with me. This have I found to be the most fundamental for me. I can’t expect to write stories that uplift if I daily question my standing.
* God has blessed me with so much. From reading my first Christian fiction three Christmas back to learning about this transformative industry to meeting wonderful people in online communities.
* Agents, editors, and every other professional involved in the publishing industry are human guiders positioned by God. Not all of them are for me. I gotta find mine.
* The place of hard work can’t be shortchanged. Never.
* My story will be heard, and I alone can pen it.
* I’m not giving up on platform. I can learn the things I need to do and do them well.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Michael, from where I sit…YOU are your platform. Your faith and cheerful encouragement are Jesus’ heart writ large in our world.
Rachelle Gardner
Great thoughts, Michael. I especially love the idea that you *alone* can pen your story. Very true!
Nicholas Faran
This is a timely post for me. Right now I am thinking “why am I wasting my precious time? Why do I think I could possibly write anything anyone would want to read?”
Even reading your blog I am failing to be encouraged.
My work of 5 years is being met with a growing pile of form rejections. I no-longer believe in it myself. I have learned a lot about writing along this adventure, but now I believe it could be nearing it’s end.
Alas the rejections have tough me nothing. Is it the writing? Is it the plot? Is it the characterisations? Is it a combination? I often read that writing is subjective, but I did my homework and carefully selected the agents to query. If none of them think it good enough, no-one else will.
I don’t understand why God gave me the story he did. It does not have a particularly strong christian message, and before I had no desire or inclination to write, let alone get published. What was/is his purpose?
I’ll finish my current wip (a different genre and age group), try to make it the best that I can and try again, but I don’t hold a lot of hope.
Please don’t think that I am moping around feeling sorry for myself. I am not. I am full of the Christmas spirit. I am only feeling resigned to be coming to the end of this chapter in my life and tin story hasn’t quite gone where I hoped it would. The ending is all too inevitable!
Shirlee Abbott
As I read your comment, Nicholas, I sensed the words, “wrong audience.” You mention “form rejections.” Is that a call to a different forum?
*Over the years, different writers here have mentioned (and I too have experienced) the blessing of just one person telling how our words touched them.
*Lord God, open Nicholas’s eyes and heart to every door cracked open to his words. If that is a non-traditional door, open it wider. You called him to write, Lord, and we trust that you are calling someone to read what he’s written. Connect them, in your power. Send our writer friend the blessing of a grateful reader. Amen.
Nicholas Faran
Thank you for your prayer. Appreciated.
And Christmas blessings to all. 🙂
Form rejection: a rejection using only standard wording sent to everyone. They carry no hint as to if you are “close, keep working” or “you’re so far out you’re beyond the galactic rim!”
Carol Ashy
I don’t think the ending is inevitable at all unless you decide to quit. Quitting is the only decision that guarantees ending in failure.
If God’s calling you to write (and it sounds to me like he is), it would be such a shame for you to quit now.
Success in fly fishing can be only a single cast away. I think that’s a good metaphor for writers. You keep flicking that fly out to the next spot you think the lunker might be lurking. It only takes one strike, one set, and one landing to put a tasty trout on the table.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Nicholas, I hope this chapter doesn’t end for you…and for us. I am sure that everyone here values your comments and your insight, and would count it as a painful loss were you to fade away. We need your voice. You’re one of us.
* As a writer who’s also not found the path for which he hoped, I truly sympathize. What was God’s purpose? One thing I have come to realize – painfully, at times – is that God’s plan for my writing was to help me understand. It wasn’t about my success; it was about softening my heart to the message He wanted me to hear.
* And that message translated into something I could pass on through my blog, that life, even in the face of physically challenging adversities, is still worth living, and that in the end my life was never about me. It was about the encouragement I could offer to others.
* I truly hope that you’ll stay with it, and not let the message that is uniquely yours fade into limbo. If you don’t say it, it won’t be said. Ever, by anyone.
Rachelle Gardner
Nicholas, thanks for sharing part of your journey with us. I can’t claim to know where this is all leading, or what it’s supposed to teach you. But I trust you’re listening to the spirit’s prompting and you will know what to do, each and every step of the way. Blessings on your path!
Shirlee Abbott
You’ve brought us tidings of comfort and joy, Rachelle. Thank you!
Sheila King
After a rough summer and fall (death of a parent, estate stress, personal illness) I finally got back to my manuscript. My first thought? “This is good!”
I am back at it. Met a famous author who gave me POV tips and pointed to chapter 3 and said “THIS is where you story starts.” After a rewrite and bang your head on the wall timeline change, I am nearly ready to query again.
I don’t feel “called” to write. I have always felt called to be obedient in whatever place God has plunked me down. For now this seems to be it.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Sheila, I have never felt called to write either. I have resolved to quit on many mornings, but by the end of the day the Almighty has convinced me to keep going.
Rachelle Gardner
Sheila, the fact that you liked your manuscript after a break from it is good! Stay encouraged.
Jeanne Takenaka
I so appreciate this post, Rachelle. Yes, first, we must believe. When life comes up and overwhelms, it’s easy to overlook or forget this truth.
*I believe God is using this journey to draw me into deeper dependence on Him.
*I believe He is guiding each step of my journey. And, He’s giving me opportunities to use my words to encourage others on my blog.
*I believe God’s plan for my writing is bigger than I can see right now.
*I have my hopes and I have my dreams, but I need to believe that God is working in the midst of those and His plan will be perfect as He fulfills it in my life.
Rachelle Gardner
Keep believing it, Jeanne! I’ve seen God use this writing journey to draw so many people closer to Him.
Nicholas Faran
If I may be so bold. I don’t have many avenues for prayerful support (at last not from those not close to myself and my family). Please could you pray for my family. Something serious has come up that I cannot give details about, but prayer for guidance on the right conversations and the Lord’s comfort will be most appreciated.
Thank you and God Bless
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Prayers up. May God’s strength and comfort surround you and yours, Nicholas, and may His Grace and Wisdom be your light in the darkness.
Shelli Littleton
Praying for you.
Carol Ashby
Absolutely! I’ll be praying.
Rachelle Gardner
It is our privilege to pray for your family, Nicholas.
Janet Ann Collins
I’m praying.
Shelli Littleton
This is so timely for me. I love the man in the Bible who said something along the lines of: “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” Yes.
I believe …
I can’t say those words without a song in my head and heart …
In this time of desperation
All we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation …
We believe … We believe
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life.
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
and He’s coming back again.
We believe
Shelli Littleton
I, too, covet your prayers for a family situation. It’s very serious. And we need strength.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Praying for you, dear Shelli. May the God of our Hope cover you with His Love, Grace, and Strength. May you find shelter and safety in His Mighty and Everlasting Arms.
Carol Ashby
Praying for you, Shelli.
Rachelle Gardner
You have a praying community here, Shelli. We are honored.
Nicholas Faran
As is often the case, it is easier to pray for others than for ourselves. I will remember you, shelli, in mine. I pray that God will be a pillar to your family, a central column of support that will provide shelter in the storms and keep the roof from falling in. God Bless
Janet Ann Collins
Got mine.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you all, so much. xo
Michael Emmanuel
I’ve been learning the song this month, and it’s just the perfect antidote to the junk filling the world around. Praying for you.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Michael.
Gabrielle Meyer
Rachelle, I couldn’t agree more. I was just having a conversation with another published friend about this last weekend. First, we have to want it so bad, we’re willing to sacrifice and give it our all, no matter how difficult it becomes (rejections, competition, bad reviews, etc.). Second, we have to truly believe it will happen and not just hope it will happen. When I signed my first three-book contract, a family member said to me: “This must feel so unbelievable for you.” I smiled and said: “Truthfully, it isn’t unbelievable to me. I’ve believed it would happen since I was a little girl. It’s amazing, humbling, and wonderful–but it’s not unbelievable.” I didn’t say that because I’m pompous–I said it because that’s how I’ve always felt.
Because of my belief, I was willing to fight and keep going, even after rejections and setbacks. I had to change my preconceived ideas about what publishing might look like for me and I had to persevere, even when the road ahead looked impossible. I could only do that because I believed. If I had simply hoped it would happen, I would have given up after the second or third rejection.
The belief in the dream doesn’t end when you sign a contract, either. It’s on-going as you conquer each milestone and set your eyes to the next one.
Shelli Littleton
I can be a pretty persistent person when I try to accomplish something. I don’t give up easily. I try every avenue possible. But I need to be persistent with my belief. It’s always been in a state of limbo. Dear Lord, help me. 🙂
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Even when you don’t believe, Shelli, HE believes in you. So do we.
Rachelle Gardner
Gabrielle, you’re so right – that level of belief is necessary in order to push through the obstacles! So glad you believed. 🙂
Carole Lehr Johnson
Rachelle, thank you for this uplifting post. I met you at the ACFW conference in Dallas last year and appreciated your encouragement then as well.
God bless.
Rachelle Gardner
Thanks for being here, Carole!
Norma Brumbaugh
Be encouraged. Those are good words. Thank you for them. God made us for this world. Eyes, that we might see it. Ears, that we might hear it. A nose, that we might smell it, A sense of touch that we might feel and experience it. A mouth that we might taste of it. Long ago, Herbert Spencer said that life is “in correspondence with environment,” meaning, each of our five senses and organs correspond with something in our environment. We were made by God as a compliment to and important part of His creation. That’s an exciting concept to ponder! We as a people are incredibly blessed. Thank you.
Janet Ann Collins
There really is power in positive thinking.
Annette
I know my book is going to go out some day. And I believe God is going to have me be a public speaker to further share the message He’s given me. Unless something changes, right now I’m planning to self-publish my book. The most important value I have is that I have control of the message. I think this is the best way. I just can’t see publishers wanting to take a risk with me or the message, so it’s better for me to assume the risk. Also, it’s non-fiction, and I don’t have a well-established platform yet. I keep moving forward. I have some guesses to some of perhaps how God may do it, but I don’t really know. But somehow it will happen–this I know with all my heart.
Richard Mabry
Rachelle, thanks for the encouragement (which all of us need at times, and I need right now). Of course, you remember what happened when I decided to quite writing, then gave it one more chance–I gained representation by an agent who continues to believe in me. I’ve decided that my decisions aren’t nearly as good as what God has planned, so I guess I’ll stick with His.
Cortney Whiting
Thank you Rachelle for this post. The timing was perfect.