Into the Fire

Okay. We’ve decided covers can be enticing. Back cover copy might be the deciding factor. And then we mentioned reading the author’s first page or pages as a contributing factor.

I confessed I rarely read an author’s words before starting a novel. Perhaps it’s because if I’m intrigued by the storyline and the cover, I’ve already made the decision to read the book. So whatever style and/or voice prevail on those inside pages, I’m going to gut it out. Thus far in my years of reading, I’ve put down two novels. One because I had a deadline to meet with a review novel that arrived late and I’d started the book I had to put down to see if I could squeeze it in—I couldn’t. I have yet to pick it up again which is odd for me. Apparently, other books took priority. The second novel I put away I also started and tried to fit in but couldn’t. I may not ever pick it up again. This is a big deal for me. I’ve finished some bad novels where I had to force myself back to them for review purposes. I gave those authors my best and tried to find something redeeming about them. Couldn’t.

I think I’ve finally reached the point where, unless I’m obligated, I will not finish a book that makes me ache at the thought of getting through it. There are too many desirable books out there to read. And, after all, I need to finish a couple novels of my own. My two-year hiatus from finishing a book is over—or so I hope. I wrote seven novels, one right after the other basically. Getting two self-published came in between all that writing. I need to remember what it feels like to write The End again.

So, do you read a few paragraphs, a chapter, random pages, or, gasp and heaven forbid: the ending?!

Lord, help those of us who write for your glory to keep on doing what you have for us. Let us not grow weary. Let us not falter and become unfocused and distracted. It’s you we serve. Only you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.