Into the Fire

Many years ago Jr. Walker and the Allstars* did a fabulous tune called “What Does It Take?” The saxophone he played in the song sent the emotional reactions to the wonderful lyrics soaring. The words which followed “What does it take” were “to win your love for me?” Then the song goes on to say: “How can I make this dream come true for me?” A little farther along, he sings, “I tried, I tried, I tried, I tried, in every way I could . . . to make you see how much I love you. I thought you understood.” Then finally, “So you gotta make me see, what does it take to win your love for me?” The lyrics aren’t complicated, but the music is moving and beautiful. It’s a great love song.

For those of us who’ve been writing awhile, we start to ask this very simple question: What does it take? We’ve tried and tried and tried and tried in every way we could rather to seek a way to engage someone in our work and we conclude with the slight modification: So you gotta make me see, what does it take to win your love for . . . my work?

There’s a reason for the . . . season. Whether we’re in a waiting season or the season of improvement or the season of establishing contentment, there is a reason for being ignored or rejected. Sometimes we concede it makes sense—maybe not willingly but deep inside we understand there are “things” which need to be done before we become an “established” author. Other times we are literally forced into accepting the plan God designed for us at this time. Trusting Him should be automatic but rarely is—and that’s a topic for another day.

Getting published is the usual dream for writers, and, actually, it’s easier today than it’s ever been. There are “free” opportunities for those who want to bypass expenses and quality. For those who can pay for publication, there are top drawer custom publishers available.

Most people hold out for being accepted by a good agent and contracted to a well known publisher. This provides validation for most writers. After all if you can get your work in the hands of a reputable agent who sells it to a recognized publisher, you’ve “made it”. Right? Well, it depends on the number of sales, and that depends a lot on good marketing, and that can depend on the amount of money you and your publisher spend to promote the book, and sales can depend on if it all combines to sell enough of your work for the consideration of future books. You might get two books contracted right off the bat, but vibrant sales will improve your ability to continue to write for your publisher.

I have no idea what it takes to “win the love” of an agent, editor, or publisher. That sultry saxophone can wail my tune all day long. I only know this: I’ve tried to win that love and failed to do so. And I’ve survived the experience. Yeah, I’ve been annoyed, hurt, and cemented the obvious factor of subjectivity into the equation. And I’ve determined it’s all okay. Keeping it in perspective reigns supreme.

Father, you hold the keys to all the doors. I only want to walk through the ones you open for me. Thank you that I can always trust you—even when it’s hard for me. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Allstars also appears as All Stars and All stars