This whole book thing is so new to me! Steep learning curve! But I’ve really approached the entire publishing process as an education. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and enjoy it as much as I can.

Here are a few writing observations.

Certain books strike a nerve and I don’t think an author can control that. Books like The Prayer of Jabez or The Purpose-Driven Life or Blue Like Jazz or Wild At Heart seem to take on a life of their own. I’m learning that it’s a supernatural thing. It seems like In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is striking a nerve, but I have no idea how the book virus will spread. Few things are as difficult to manage as our expectations! All I can do is continue to live out one of our NCC core values: work like it depends on you AND pray like it depends on God.

Because I’m a first-time author bookstores didn’t buy many copies and I’m a no name in authorial terms. But I really believe that books sell books! In other words, while I don’t have a large pool of readers, if the book is good I’ve got to trust that readers will tell other readers. In fact, some people will be so excited about what they read that they’ll tell everybody they know. So first generation readers will tell second generation readers. Basically, this is a grassroots book. It’s not going to work its way down via marketing. It has to work its way up via word of mouth. I’ve been so encouraged by the way first generation readers are embracing the book!

Ultimately, I can’t control outcomes. And I really do write for intrinsic reasons. I’m learning that the best thing I can do is simply pray that every book is a blessing!