When I made this declaration last November, I had no idea what was in store! And P.S., after reading over the comments in that post I’ve been blessed and encouraged all over again! Thank you!
31 Days of Faith has indeed been birthed. And that second thing, that writing my story thing . . . I’ve put together a book proposal for a contest with Tyndale House Publishers. They’re offering one lucky winner a publishing deal. The finalists and winner were supposed to be announced by now, but the conference and contest have been pushed back ’til later this Fall. So no news on that just yet.
Today I’d like to share with you about this writing thing . . . it’s a funny thing . . . not the actual writing, but the writing “world.” Oh my. Like any other specialized hobby, sport, craft, or interest . . . writing is a planet unto itself and I’m still trying to figure out how to land on it.
I continue to do research in understanding the best way to go about writing a book. I’m finding a critical element is having a platform, a tribe, people who will be interested in what you have to say. It seems gone are the days where books sell because they’re good. In are the days where tweeting, retweeting, facebooking, and social media sell books.
It seems to be all about who you know and who knows you.
The release of 31 Days of Faith was a bit anticlimactic for me. Please . . . please know I’m beyond blessed to have it finished and out there for others to grow from . . . but allow me a moment to speak “aloud” what’s in my heart?
It was beyond exciting to finally release the book and see it climb in ranking. But equally disappointing to see it’s ranking plummet the very next day. When the book is being promoted and talked about, the ratings seem to go up . . . but one can only be so obnoxious with self-promoting before said person causes readers and followers to do the proverbial eye roll, while muttering, “Really?”
Okay. maybe that’s me and my fear. But still.
I’m not a salesman, and in this writing world, it almost seems you need to be. Or at least have a tribe of friends who’ll pitch it out for you.
The other day, a famous well-known blogger released an e-book and I watched as it burned up a planet called Social Media.
I will fully admit to you . . . in a very non-Christian, envious way, with the whine of a four old, I could be heard saying, “Why aren’t people talking about MY book!?” Yeah. I went there.
Truth is, at times I still do.
I think it’s the whole “please notice me, please notice me . . . I wanna be part of the club too!” school-girl mentality.
I need to be mindful, prayerful and remember, I’m writing His story, His heart. I’m writing for an audience of One. As long as I’m walking in obedience with what He’ll have of me . . . the rest will come. It may not come as a best seller or top ten. But it’ll happen just the way He planned it to happen. Nothing more, nothing less.
Anyway. There ya have it. My heart unveiled . . . the good, bad, and sometimes ugly.
But isn’t that the miracle of our God? If I ask, He’ll take my ugly and turn it into something beautiful.
His plan, His way and in His time – as you say, nothing more and nothing less … that doesn’t always make it easy to let go though. As always your courage and honesty are inspiring! :) Thank you.
Tracie, I am proud of you for publishing this post. :) Honestly, I have felt that same sting of jealousy many times in this crazy blogging world! It’s hard to admit it but it’s true! I am working on being content and at peace with where God has ME…I know His timing and His plan for my life are so unique and perfectly suited for me…but sometimes it’s hard when we don’t see the big picture that He sees!! :) Hugs to you today!! I feel your pain, sista!
P.S. Oh one more thing. :) I finally purchased the book just now – remember I told you my word of the year for 2012 is faith? Well I had to wait for a new month in the budget but I finally ordered it! can’t WAIT to dive into it. I purchased the pdf even though we have an ipad to read it on because i knew i would want it printed out. :)
Hopping over from Write It, Girl this morning, and love your blog! I treasured these words especially today: “He’ll take my ugly and turn it into something beautiful.” God is constantly working in our lives to do just that, yes?
Maybe, even in the releasing of “Faith” God is working it out even more in you! I think – the key is you were obedient to write it. And now, you leave the results to Him.
You just never know, what tomorrow holds for those that have faith….:)
“I’m writing His story, His heart. I’m writing for an audience of One.”
This is so true, and I pray it PENETRATES our hearts. I think it is oh-so-easy of every one of us to make our writing all about us, our stats, and our popularity.
{Lord, give us grace to remember why you’ve called us to write. Guard us from the trap of making it all about us!}
Thank you for sharing your heart!
My husband and I just had this same conversation last night. And in his pastoral wisdom he reminded me that just like the farmer we have to be obedient in the planting, watering and weeding and it is up to God how it all grows. All He asks is obedience in the other things. Nice to know i am not the only one in this boat. Good to meet you through Write it Girl.
Tracie, you might want to get the book HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL by James V. Smith, Jr. It is an excellent resource from start to finish. I pinned it on my Pinterest page (by the way, thanks for recommending this website…loving it). Have a blessed day.
“It seems to be all about who you know and who knows you”. <– THAT is what freaks me out !
Tracie, I want you to know that reading both of your e-books has helped me build up my faith immensely!
I love love how you articlate so honestly and openly!!! This is such a powerful statement… “I am writing for an audience of One. “. God knows, God cares, God thinks you are so amazing and wonderful, and He is the only audience that matters! I want to take that into every avenue of my life! Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart and soul!
It’s so hard not to fall into that trap but you have to know that your book, no matter what number it is on the list, IS reaching people & helping them in ways they didn’t even know they needed. God had you write it for a reason and whatever that reason is, it will be fulfilled. Rest in that knowledge and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You are one in a billion and, quite honestly, nobody can compare to you. Hugs!
This is applicable beyond the world of writing. I am not a writer yet, In my workplace, amongst friends, even, sadly, in my service in church sometimes, I find myself seeking recognition from peers and others and am disappointed when I feel like it is not there! Thanks for the reminder today that all of my life and my service are for an audience of ONE.
Your book may not become a best seller but I do believe it will find its way into the hands and hearts who need it. Not everyone is open to the idea that having faith and believing in “HIM” will guide the way to peace and happiness. What you have given us is a gift and for that I am grateful!
know you have touched the lives of so many people through your book, your blog, but really your whole life. God knows your heart and your intentions… Bless you my friend