Being an author is no small deal. It doesn't matter how many books you've published, if you're a published – traditionally, indie, vanity, etc. – author, you know what's required of you. And after a period of time and much effort, you can tell people when they ask what you do: "I write books." And usually they'll reply with some surprise, "You're an author?!" And some of us will admit uncomfortably, "Yes." Then the questions which result can range anywhere from impressed to suspicious to eventually, "You should write a book about fill-in-the-blank."
Everyone knows some authors are true celebrities and have earned their status regardless of how you or I might feel about their particular skills. Other authors are one-book-wonders. They wrote a bestseller that withstood time and readers. Others of us keep plugging away and hope our books reach/touch/amuse/affect/do something to those who pick them up to read.
Many people have no idea what goes into creating a book – especially fiction. Nor do they care. Non-fiction snobs think novels are beneath them and being an author of stories doesn't warrant anything resembling respect. Too bad for them.
Every author has their methodology, and though there are often things in common between novelists in the creation of their stories, there are probably just as many or more that are particular to them alone. Writing a book is a serious endeavor and requires many things from the author, some genres significantly more than others to be effective. No more, no less talent, just more incidentals whatever they might be.
Success is never a given. Satisfaction can be fleeting. Feedback comes too slowly at times and is unwelcome at others.
Ahhhh, the life of writing books.
Father, I love that you've allowed me to write. Thank you is never enough. Please continue to give me words and stories. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 