Worry, worry, worry. Some days I feel like the Mad Hatter
rushing around with my head full of all the things I need to do. As the
publication date for my novel approaches, I’ve been feeling a fair bit of
anxiety. I worry whether anyone will read the book; I worry about marketing
tactics and book and blog tours; I worry about following this novel with
another one that’s even better. And on and on.
Yesterday, the Lord reminded me to REST in Him. If this book
is truly to glorify Him, then I needn’t worry about all of these things;
instead, I should leave all worries at His feet. He alone knows who needs to
read this book, and He will get it into their hands. Resting in Him is about
putting aside my own selfish desires and allowing the Lord to work. Often
times, my fear stands in the way of God’s blessings in my life.
Come to
me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. –Matthew 11:28
That's it! All the things I worry about summed up in one paragraph! I didn't find the blog tours really provided a return on the time investment, and I hear that a lot from published authors. I think giveaways help a little...but often you end up (both with blog tours and giveaways) getting exposure with people who won't buy your book. They'll take it if it's free, but even then...will they read it and tell others? Mailing out bookmarks to librarians and schoolteachers was the tactic I took (I write for children) but it costs $$$ to do that. Over and over, I keep hearing the only thing we can really do is keep writing good books.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I really appreciate the pointers and honesty. Also, it's nice to know other authors feel the same way. I agree that we can only write for the love of writing. Afterall, isn't that why we do this? I look forward to reading your book, and I plan on ordering it today. I love the title, as I remember all too well what the gossip was like in middle school.
DeleteThank you! You know what's funny? We spend perfecting our craft and reaching for that lofty "published" goal. We achieve that goal and realize, wait...now what? There aren't even books out there to help. Most successful authors did nothing more than just write really good books that generated word of mouth. Either that or the publisher got behind it and pushed with all its might (Stephenie Meyer). There's only so much we can do to "move the needle," as a newly-published author said recently! Of course, even if your book is the best book ever written, it has to get in the right hands for that buzz to get started.
ReplyDeleteSigh...this is true. I can only concentrate on what I can control--the rest is up to God. Thanks for the commiseration!
DeleteIt always helps me to worry about one thing at a time. I make a list and I don't start worrying about the second thing on the list until I've dealt with the first. It takes time to learn how to do it, but it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteJohn Holton
http://thesoundofonehandtyping.wordpress.com
Thanks, John. Yes, that is wise advice!
DeleteWhy is it worry is so easy and rest is so hard?!
ReplyDeleteL--yes, why is that??? It's so frustrating.
DeleteHi Megan, I spotlight authors and books on my blogs, so let me know how I can help.. see resting provides solutions and less worry. At this point I usually give the no Erotica warning but as you mentioned The Lord I am sure that is not necessary! I have a few commitments in May for other authors but there are still plenty of open dates. As I get older I have come to the conclusion that worry is wasted energy, and it is hard not to with a teenage son and elderly parents... but I am getting good at detaching from worry of things I cannot control and being pro-active in things I can . I hope it helps, and would love to spotlight and interview you, all the best #AtoZchallenge ☮Peace ☮ ღ ONE ℒℴνℯ ღ ☼ Light ☼ visiting from http://4covert2overt.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi M.C.V., thanks so much for the encouragement. I will contact you closer to time for the book to be released in August! I appreciate your offer!
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