Authors aren’t unique in finding their chosen field a bit of a roller coaster ride. I think everyone faces ups and downs. But let me tell you, the first few weeks of being a “published” author will give you vertigo.
Positive reviews from readers and national publications equal incredible highs. Negative reviews from readers and national publications equal ego-shattering lows. Someone you don’t even know writes the sweetest blog post and obviously “gets” what you are trying to say. Then someone you don’t even know suggests that if you’re going to call your book a romance you ought to include some actual romance.
You rocket into the valleys and tunnels and just when you think the ride must be over someone calls you their new favorite author. It’s kind of exhausting. And you kind of want to get off the ride, but as scary as it is, it’s also exhilarating.
I’m just really, really thankful that I’m ultimately writing for that audience of one. And God can use even my worst writing to accomplish his goals. Actually, I think he might be more likely to use my worst junk just so I’ll know for sure and certain it’s him and not me.
Earlier this week, my Facebook author page passed 900 likes. Whoa! That’s a lot, right? The roller coaster clicked up the hill. So I checked Debbie Macomber’s page. Um, that would be 205,000+ likes. Francine Rivers’ page has a mere 177,000+. Guess that wasn’t a hill so much as a bump.
Then I took a hammer and chisel to the third novel in the Appalachian Blessings series–that would be the first manuscript I completed. And just when I thought the stupid, dark tunnel of bad writing was permanent, a new writer friend messaged me on Facebook with encouragement. Seems most of us author-types are convinced we’ve forgotten how to write every now and then.
That’s why I don’t mind riding this roller coaster–I’m not riding it alone. God knows every twist, turn, mountaintop high, and stomach-churning drop. And he’s sent me angels disguised as friends to hold my hand when I get scared.
Thanks, friends.
Meet Sarah
Boy, howdy! When I clicked “show images” and that roller coaster picture popped up, I about lost my breakfast. I love your attitude; it calms my mother bear urge to throttle any negative review writers!
Yeah, that photo pretty well captures the feeling!
FYI, a lady at our church here in Roanoke bought “Miracle” on my recommendation, and loved it. She wants to know when the next one is coming out! I’m reading it now, and enjoying it very much–and not only because I’m mentioned in the Acknowledgements. Thanks! What a nice surprise! I didn’t know it until my friend here told me :)!
Glad you found your name! Gotta give the pray-ers some good credit. The next one comes out NEXT summer.
Oh girl, thank you for being so transparent during your journey! This is just around the next turn for me, and your wise counsel is helping me prepare my heart for the roller coaster!! I just had an experience this weekend where a young woman asked me about my book and the premise behiind it. I gave my “pitch” and she just stared at me with a blank look like it was the dumbest thing she had ever heard. Ugh. Thanks for the encouragement this morning! <3
I’m so glad it helped! Call me when you get your first bad review ; )
Sandra Bullock had some fairly pertinent advice when she said, “Never Google yourself.” I will keep that in mind when the time comes. Make sure you put your hands up when you get to the top of the rise, and always make sure your seat belt is securely fastened because those loop the loops of the publishing world can really throw you around!
Oh, the loops. Let’s not even talk about the loops!
This was the encouragement I needed today. Thank you, Sarah! I only have “157” likes … 🙂 Working on my first novel for middle grade … it’s been fun, but now that I’m editing, sometimes I get a little discouraged. I read the last chapter to my husband last night … and he started telling me what my next book should be in the series! Ha! That was encouraging. Now, I’m reading it on my iPad … just a different format. It’s coming together, and sometimes I feel a little hopeful. Anyway, it helps to know even established writers feel a little defeated … we press on.
You just made me feel really good by calling me an “established” writer! Aren’t encouraging husbands the BEST?!?