‘You have plenty of courage, I am sure,” answered Oz. “All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.’”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The writing, publishing journey is very much like following the yellow brick road.
When that famed Kansas cyclone whisked Dorothy from her dull, grey Midwestern farmhouse and into a magical, marvelous country filled with odd little Munchkins, everything in her world changed. The familiar faded into the shadows and Dorothy had to see with new eyes.
We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
At one time or another, we’ve all felt like Dorothy. When the cyclone of change whirls us into new, unfamiliar territory, we have to see with new eyes. Orient ourselves in order to gather our senses and acclimate.
[bctt tweet=”The world of publishing is a whole new world. Orient yourself in order to gather your senses and acclimate.”]
I remember my first Dorothy-like-experience [in the publishing world] at the ICRS (International Christian Retail Show, formerly knows as the CBA). It was the year 2005. I was attending the CLASS Graduate Seminar and was ripe and ready to meet with agents and editors. With fresh, hot-off-the-press one sheets in hand and a heaping dose of big dreams in my heart, I made my way to the first event.
When I walked through the doors to the massive hall where the ICRS was taking place, I hesitated. Greeted by looming life-size banners of familiar Christian authors hanging from the rafters, I immediately felt “a little feeling” I hadn’t felt in awhile.
Orienting to a New Normal
Later, in the first session, I found myself with about fifty first-time-author wannabes. One by one, agents and editors spoke to us about what they were looking for in an author and his/her manuscript. Some were highly encouraging, others, well, let’s say, not so much.
“We won’t even look at you or your manuscript unless you can sell at least 30,000 copies,” one editor remarked. “You know, like Joyce Meyer.”
We all looked at each other. Does he know he is in a room full of first-time hopefuls? How on earth would we know if we can sell 30,000 books?
[bctt tweet=”Every new journey requires courage, heart and wisdom.”]
I went back to my hotel room and cried. No, sobbed. Having grown up in the competitive world of dance, baton twirling, and beauty pageants, I wasn’t quite prepared to experience the same heightened competitiveness in this arena.
This is Christian publishing, right? No competitiveness or jealousy or comparison here.
A Whole New World
“Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get.”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
After a quick phone call home to my husband, a little pep talk with myself, and a prayer to God, I realized I had to see with new eyes.
The publishing world is indeed a whole new world.
It’s one thing to sit behind my computer, writing what my friends and family think is the next bestseller, yet another to place it before industry professionals whose fingers rest on the pulse of marketability, cultural trends and ultimately, sales.
My familiar faded into the shadows of seeing writing as both business and ministry.
Three “Heart Lifting Tips” for Your Journey Down the Yellow Brick Road
The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick,” said the Witch of the North, “so you cannot miss it. When you get to Oz do not be afraid of him, but tell your story and ask him to help you. Good-bye, my dear.”
-Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
I’d like to invite you to join me as I follow the yellow brick road of writing and publishing. Over the next few posts, we will be looking at heart lifting tips sure to give you courage, heart, and a whole lot of wisdom.
[bctt tweet=”Believe in the Giver of your gift. He is with you on this journey.”]
- Before you take your first step on the yellow brick road, remember you are not in Kansas anymore. Believe in your calling and your capacity and potential as a gifted writer. You are up to this challenging journey. Every little detail of your life has brought you right here. This truth will empower you as you move through the dark forests and deadly poppy fields.
- When you meet the lions and tigers and bears of rejection, oh my, keep going. Their scare tactics, discouraging, often-well-intended voices and intimidating schemes are meant to thwart your progress. Yes, you’ll feel overwhelmed and fatigued and on the verge of quitting, but you can’t.
- Remember you are not alone on this journey. There are others. Find support at quality writing conferences and seminars (we’ll talk more about this later), online sites like A3Authors and local/regional writing critique groups.
