I used to assume that authors wrote one book and moved on to the next. Partly true. Once released, the writing part is over. In many ways, though, the real work has only begun.
With my first novel, I could focus all my attention on that one story. Whether I spent my limited writing time revising or researching or pitching to agents, I gave little thought to a second story. Why bother, until I knew I could write something people would buy?
Since then, I’m discovering the more books you have out, the busier you are. I currently have four books out in the world, a fifth releasing this summer, a sixth releasing in November, a seventh that my agent is pitching to publishers, an eighth sitting in my computer rejected and lonely, and a ninth still in its first draft.
So, in any one week I might be typing away on #9 when I need to lay it aside because my agent wants me to make some changes to #7, hoping to make it more appealing to potential publishers. Meanwhile, the editor who is preparing #5 for release needs me to collect endorsements from other authors. Then my cover designer for #6 sends his latest draft and needs a yes or no.
A local friend calls to ask if she can stop by for an autographed copy of #4 for her mom’s birthday present. Then I find out #2’s publisher is putting it on sale for the month, so I need to send out a newsletter and let readers know and spread the word on social media. Meanwhile, a book club is reading #1 and wants to know if I can join them on a Zoom call. Then our local bookstore calls to say they’ve sold out of my books. I pull some from my shelf, sign them, prepare an invoice, and cart them to the store.
When I return, I find an email inviting me to judge a writing contest. Another asks me to participate on a panel in a Zoom tutorial. I say no to one (this time) and yes to the other. I spend time creating memes to promote my books. Another day, I give my book launch team a virtual tour of my home office via Facebook just for fun.
Then there’s the relentless deadline of a weekly newspaper column.
And keeping track of income and expenses so I don’t run into trouble at tax time.
And continuing to develop my craft by reading good books and attending online conferences.
And growing a thick layer of skin to handle negative reviews and rejections.
Somehow, I figured retiring from my day job would allow all the writing time I needed and then some. But, as most retirees say, I’ve never been so busy. Some days I feel like a one-armed juggler. I could spend zero time on actual writing and still call it a full-time job.
Honestly? There’s little of this I don’t love. I thank God every day that I get to do this, and I ask Him to partner with me in all of it. To empower me, stabilize me, give me both confidence and humility. To use me and my work for his purposes. To grant me the grace to accept His outcomes when they don’t look the way I’d hoped—which happens a lot.
Seems like a full-time job for God, too. Thankfully, time is nothing to Him. He wants to partner with each of us—with you, in whatever you do, whatever your passion. Invite him into your world and your work. Watch what happens.
But be warned. You may become busier than you’ve ever been.
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