YOU’RE GETTING a book published?? Well, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
In response, I mutter to myself, Congratulations—for WHAT? You have now graduated from sandbox play to managing a herd of cats. A sample:
YOU ARE YOUR BOOK’S PRIME MARKETER!!!!! Ergo:
- Update your profile on ten different sites.
- Post social media updates.
- Run multi-author promotions.
- Show readers glimpses of your author life.
- Convince them to post a review on Amazon.
Get the picture? For me, the hard work of writing a book has just begun. But aren’t the rewards good—and profitable?
Maybe, but mostly—no.
Some authors bask in the limelight, but for me, writing and publishing is a humbling affair.
- I don’t have a big name or much of a following.
- Financially, I’ll be lucky to break even.
- With all the new books out there, who really cares about mine?
I have only this great passion to share what God has been teaching me. Things like:
- What is the nature of love?
- How does a person relate deeply with the Lord?
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is the matter of TRUST—a good, solid, Christian word we bandy about but seldom put into practice. I’m talking REAL trust here, the sort modeled by missionary heroes and believers in hostile countries; the trust that operates in the middle of spiritual opposition; the trust that refuses to react to petty grievances that constantly hiss and scratch.
In short, I need to live what I write about.
Herding cats is not a bad way to learn the art of TOTAL dependence on God.
GOD’S GLORY. Please tell me about your cat-herding experiences and how God has used them in your life. I love hearing your stories. Comment below, or email egus@me.com
And don’t forget the .99 ebook sale this month on Amazon! Here’s the link: https://tinyurl.com/y9lpft6a By most accounts, it’s a page-turner.
Keep herding those cats, Ellie! One of these days one of them might escape and become a lion!
Hi Ellie,
Here’s an anti-social, hissing cat to add to your mix. I bought your book, read it, enjoyed it, and wrote a review. It seems as a fellow author, I’m not allowed to post on Amazon. Very frustrating. Appears we can’t create stories as well as enjoys those done by others. Uggh. I’d like to know if you’ve had the same experience…
“There, there sweet Ellie!” I can assure you that your efforts have NOT been in vain! Just relax for a moment and let God take care of those discouraging details. (You DO know “who” is always busy working to undermine your good works?!? And he DOES work in the details!!)
The thing is… the REAL work is already done! Mission accomplished!!
God called you to write this novel, packed full of His truth. It is suspenseful and compelling reading. I am entering chapter 11 now with great eagerness. The book is here to stay and God will decide how to best use it for His glory.
So, you just go tend to those bawling kittens, one at a time. There will be no rushing on a glorious summer day like this!
Herding cats simply CAN’T be done, as evidenced by my Mother’s assertion that 6 girls wearing 12 clean, white gloves AND getting to church on time was equally implausible!!!
ONE STEP AT A TIME!! In trust!!!
Agreed??
Reading your bio was just as interesting as your blog article, Ellie. Story plays a huge role in my spiritual journey, too. And the herding…oh, do I hear you!
Each book you faithfully write, dear Ellie, the more you show you know this truth from The Chronicles of Narnia: “If you do one good deed your reward usually is to be set to do another and harder and better one” (The Horse and His Boy–The Hermit of the Southern March chapter).
This is so beautiful and perfectly timed. I’m very interested in getting to know more about your journey! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
Great read Ellie! Keep herding those cats…one step at a time! God will tame those pesky little ferals and use them for His glory!