Who doesn’t want to write . . .
. . . a best-selling novel? Oh I know. The elitist literary crowd loves to insist that exquisite words in dizzyingly unique storytelling won’t draw the “average reader”, which is code for the largely illiterate or unable to recognize excellent writing when they read it. The writing of such rare authors could never appeal to the masses because they (the masses) are too—uh, hey, stupid—to know the value of such profundity as these writers produce. [Not unlike the current government thinks.]
But, seriously—as if I wasn’t—some writers recognize their limitations and write to the audience who will support them. Whether or not their publisher’s efforts, or their own, can reach the target readers, these authors know to whom they intend to aim with their novels. Some writers simplify matters by merely desiring to entertain. They don’t make grandiose claims to minister through their pages. They want to tell a story to appeal to X, Y, and Z readers, not necessarily to A, B, and C readers. Some writers want to tackle humor and tickle the funny bones of readers who like quirky, dry wit, or slapstick stories. Others attempt to capture male and female readers with adult tales, suspense, mystery, and thriller novels. Some write only to women. Others primarily for men.
Whatever the case, the “success” factor in publishing is spelled out in S A L E S. So let’s not kid ourselves. How thrilled would we be as writers if our novel(s) showed up on the NYT Bestseller List? If we wanted to continue to be published? Very thrilled.
Writing as a Christian complicates the matter. Some will argue the point, but it’s truthful that you can’t serve two masters. Jesus made it quite clear. One of those masters will own you. So who will it be? God or . . . ? And who is the one who defines success for you as a writer? God or . . . ? This is tough for a writer. Whether or not it should be, it can be.
One form of reasoning is expressed in the philosophy that being “the best” writer one can be, by studying his craft, by adhering to whatever is supposed to make writing “shine”, said writer will attain recognition, publication, abundant sales. Throw in as the add-on that God will be pleased with my hard work and the results of my labor.
I would counter that with God will be pleased with the obedience to work hard for Him however He instructs and to be content with the results of your labor whether or not you achieve your interpretation of success. Not always what we want to hear, is it? I mean, c’mon. Is it?
Who doesn’t want major sales, some acclaim, some respect from our peers if no one else? We work hard to put together stories. To perfect them—or attempt to do so. So the obvious hope lends itself to interpret success as the standard publishing contract with mucho sales. Right?
Or not? What are your thoughts? Or rants?
Lord, teach me contentment. Always. Everyday. The real blessing is in following you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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