Into the Fire

Okay, I used that title because I wanted to get attention. The word means a desperate, dangerous criminal especially from the Western United States. I would add especially a long time ago. And to modify it even further, I would say I’m applying it to authors and choosing to leave off the “dangerous criminal especially from the Western United States”. Probably should have just titled it “Desperate”.

Regardless of my title, this is the word that comes to mind when I read the proclamations of current, multi-published authors. Making deadlines. Worrying over their failings to become “real” writers. Striving to come up with new marketing schemes. Traveling to promote. Traveling to conferences. New giveaways. New blogs for characters. New “more” creative websites. Hustle and flo. Over and over again. Some love it and some hate it. Some have marketing genius. Others just want to write.

It all sounds so . . . desperate.

Realizing and acknowledging that a number of these authors have chosen this profession—or it has chosen them—however you care to state it, somewhere along the road to and during publishing, a strange transformation takes place. From enthusiastic to excited, some downright bubbly, to leery, to watchful, to dreading, to desperate. Uncertain. And definitely insecure. Almost victims.

Understanding that being visible in “the arts” can make creative hearts go faint, what is the deal with authors anyway? Some of these “desperate” writers have written bestsellers or are on those kinds of lists and have won or been nominated for awards for certain books they’ve written. Some of them labor and stew over the exact words to fulfill this “noble” goal of story writing. Others crank out a book in a matter of weeks.

One thing I appreciate about Karen Kingsbury is she rarely mentions her writing struggles—if she even has any. And, admittedly, why would she? Her novels have captured the hearts of so many readers that she’s sold millions of her books. There is a hushed discussion about the “quality” of her writing occasionally. Those who prefer “literary” novels are prone to turn their noses up at her work, but in case you haven’t noticed, in the publishing industry: Sales rule, baby. And Karen tops everybody else in those. She’s a writing machine. She’s a premiere marketer. She’s uber-likable. She is the 21st century’s ideal author. She never seems desperate.

How could she be under the circumstances, you ask? Well, there are a lot of other authors who most of us would deem “successful” who do seem desperate. A lot. And I’m sorry, but I don’t get that.

As writers who are Christians, are we often challenged to stand up in our faith? Can we accept the writing road we’re on even if doesn’t lead to the worldview of success? Can we continue to do as God asks without all the bells and whistles of publishing prowess? I don’t know, can we?

I do understand insecurity. No doubt. And even more I understand inferiority. I’ve battled it my entire life. To a point. Jesus Christ has done wonders for leveling the playing field. However, we still can find ways to fuss over our looks, our accomplishments, our personalities, our influence, whatever is the trigger for a sudden rush of inferiority. I get it. Big time. But I don’t get the desperation.

If we serve the Lord, we might have to make the decision not to serve man in certain situations. Not to kowtow or grovel at “his” demands. And that’s not to say “he” is asking us to do something wrong or illegal. It’s to say what if that something someone is asking of us is contrary to what God has for us to do? And that’s the kicker. Can you discern that as a writer? And if you can and do, will you follow the Lord’s bidding or will you rationalize your choice to do what man has asked of you? The only way this is usually a difficult decision is if “the man” is seasoning his demands with a hefty prize, something that can be fairly irresistible. Like money, recognition, promotion. Hard to pass those up, wouldn’t you say? The rationalization is almost simultaneous with the offer. This must be from the Lord. I mean, He wants to bless me. He is good. This is His reward for my labor. Right? Uh-huh. Are you desperate?

The pre-published educated to the system writers usually have set goals for themselves. Those probably include a conference, a website/blog, perhaps some efforts at magazine articles, e-zine short stories, multiple other recommended-by-the-pros endeavors to establish a platform. So often, though, it seems the goals are self manufactured without a lot of Holy Spirit infusion. This doesn’t mean you don’t knock on doors without a 24 hour fast and prayer. What I’m saying is that there really does seem to be a lot of leaving God out of the mix and pursuing this thing solo. Now maybe that’s not you. And maybe that doesn’t sit well with your theology. It’s your decision to make.

This business, if you sit back and try to avoid any prejudice when examining it, is odd. Much like the movie business. Decisions are often based on trends, opinions, talent, ***-kissing, politics, who you know, and the ability to sell something or someone to a mass audience. And because of the “mass audience” part of it, there are a lot of gold diggers, flukes, overnight sensations, one trick ponies, and just plain die hard influencers that absolutely no one saw coming. People want a “mass audience”. That prospect brings out all kinds of flakes—American Idol comes to mind. Writing is no different. Yet waiting in the background are people with all kinds of talent who don’t make it into the limelight, and that mass audience never sees their work. Wow.

So, is it bad luck, bad karma, bad hair? What? Or is it God? In His infinite wisdom and purpose, is it He who directs the steps of His people . . . or not?

I can tell you this in all honesty: the only thing I’m “desperate” for is more of the Lord. That’s it.

Thank you, Jesus, that we can never get enough of you. You pour into us as often as we let you. Thank you for your endless love. Oh, God. I’m desperate for more of you. Holy Spirit, continue to teach and lead me in your ways everlasting. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.