Cracks in the Porcelain

A recent purchase of a new tea cup taught me a lesson about fragile beauty when I discovered a crack in the porcelain.

I couldn’t wait to have my first cup of English Breakfast tea in that beautiful vessel. The smoothness of the china beckoned my fingers to swirl around the edges and I imagined the lovely hue of the tea leaves leaving behind an inviting and invigorating start to my day. It seemed perfect.

It also made me excited that I’d purchased the lone cup from a clearance shelf in a popular Bath and Bed shop. Always on the hunt for a bargain, I treasured this piece of porcelain that appeared to be a worthy find.

When I poured the boiling water over the teabag, however, I noticed the tea began to ooze out onto the kitchen counter. I realized all too soon, there was a thin crack in the cup. Once the tea was inside it, the break in its beauty became visible.

I thought how our hopes and dreams as writers can be like buying that porcelain cup with a crack rather than enjoying our morning brew in simpler mugs. That china cup I bought appeared to be so perfect, promising moments of satisfying brew that would surpass the enjoyment of drinking from my Fiesta ware. In fact, my usual cup—less ornate and refined—turned out to be the dependable vessel. The one I could count on to brew that tea and sustain my need for caffeine. And we all know wordsmiths thrive on caffeine!

Ever since I’ve been a writer, I’ve seen and heard the idea that the biggest publishing houses with big contracts are the best way to publish. Some believe it’s the only way to publish—the ultimate goal. And there’s nothing at all wrong with “reaching for the stars,” as it were. But what about the wonderful contracts with the smaller publishers? What about the alternative ways to publish in the 21^st century that have opened up opportunities for authors to get their words in print? Are not these venues to publishing a golden opportunity for many?

I encourage each writer to pray that the Lord leads you to the perfect “cup,” whatever that vessel might be. Always seek His best goal for you. Don’t miss an opportunity to publish with a smaller house in your quest for “success.” Sometimes what we view as success might have hidden cracks.

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com