Into the Fire

Do you write for a niche audience? Fantasy? Historical? Thriller? Some niche audiences are bigger than others such as the Romance crowd. Yet even within niches, writers and readers can be broken down into groups or categories. Some groups cross over into others while some won't mesh. Think about the audience you hope to attract. Who might actually be drawn to your novel might not coincide with who you hope to entice. Sometimes unpredictable.

Classifications can work well if they're accurate. I've noticed a trend lately to attach the "Thriller" label to novels that barely give credence to "Suspense". Why? Because it sounds more exciting? Because it might attract more readers? Seasoned readers grow wise to "false advertising" and can leave authors behind if they don't measure up to what's expected.

. . .

So you've published your first novel. Got some good reviews. Maybe your second novel is on the way. And perhaps you've got one or two on file waiting for another go round with the red pen and several more swimming around in your subconscious. Confidence begins to assert itself like the sun rising through clouds. People in the biz recognize your name now. With it comes the gratitude. You studied, read, wrote, worked. Hard. Maybe you hold a degree or maybe you somehow managed to graduate from high school. No matter. You've achieved a goal, a level of "success", and you're moving forward instead of residing in the limbo of the unpublished. There's a notch in your belt, soon to be two. You grin when no one sees you. You assess what you've learned and accomplished and where you intend to go next. Unstoppable. That's how you feel although you'd never admit it to anybody.

. . .

Nada. Nothing. Zippo. Zero. Zilch. Apart from God, you can do nothing. There's a scripture that brings our status into perspective. Romans 12:3 states "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Realize your success isn't totally dependent on what you did to accomplish it. God paved the road that led you to the right address. You persevered. Made your efforts to excel. You're not alone. People just like you wait. Unnoticed. Every bit as good. How you handle your success speaks loud, actually shouts out who you are at your core. In the flesh we justify, rationalize, and invent our own form of glory. In the Spirit we bow down to the One who brings us notice and pray we will reflect Him, not ourselves.

Monday's musings . . .

Father, you're at the helm. Through still and thunderous seas. Life belongs to you. May mine honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.