From Almost to Real

What if you write for a website called “Almost An Author” and then you actually get a book contract? And that book is ready to be published? Are you no longer Almost An Author? Do look for a new website to write for—“Real Author Now” or something like that?

That’s the predicament I find myself in as the dream has become reality. I co-authored a book with fellow A3 writer Holland Webb, and Adventures in Fatherhood, a 60-day devotional, releases April 7 (If you’re reading this post on the day it publishes, that’s TOMORROW).

EEEK!!!!

That’s a squeal of excitement and fear. Birthing a book and getting it out there is a wild ride, and, to paraphrase, “I don’t know nothing ‘bout birthin’ no books.” But I am learning.

Having a dream is a wonderful thing, especially if it’s a God-given dream. This book represents that for me, and my co-author and I have frequently said to each other, “I can’t believe this is really happening!” I pinch myself on a regular basis.

In honor of my transition from “Almost” to “Real,” I want to share some thoughts:

1. To make the transition, you must do the work and pay your dues. There’s no shortcut, no substitute, no magic formula.
2. Writing the book usually comes easy, or at least it did for me when I got a deadline. We are inspired writers, aren’t we? We panic at deadlines, don’t we? I learned I am much more motivated to the butt-in-chair time when a due date is looming.
3. Marketing is scary—but not as scary as you think. I have been taught that writers have to market, market, market themselves and build platform, platform, platform. While true, I have found that publishers are more than willing to do their part and to help with your part. My co-author and I have received nothing but support and encouragement for this piece of the process.
4. Platform is important but ever-changing. If you have noticed, I don’t have a blog with a kajillion followers. The Pioneer Woman has no need to worry. What I do have is a loyal number of supporters on this blog and other group blogs I contribute to, as well as tons of friends on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and (shocking, I know) in person. I’m still building the platform and it’s not as rickety as before, and my publisher understands that.
5. God is good.
6. If you don’t give up, the dream will come true—probably not in the way you envisioned. I did not set out to be a devotional writer, but “Surprise!” God is like that.
7. I really want you to buy a copy of the book. Or twelve.

Just kidding on that last one. Sort of.

Here’s to all of you who are still on the “Almost” path. May your journey to “Real” be focused and blessed.

Now, quit reading here and get that butt in the chair. You have writing to do!

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate–all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.