Publishing my debut novel, An Anchor On Her Heart, earlier this summer brought many fun surprises, but this past week I experienced an event I’d never imagined. I participated in an author panel at a Christian bookstore where customers came to purchase books and have them signed by the author. Eight authors were present, their genres ranging from historical romance, contemporary adventure, contemporary romance to dystopian fiction, children’s books, and memoir.
The discussion stayed lively throughout the three-hour time frame, each of the authors weighing in on the theme of perseverance in writing. As a group we spoke from a Christian perspective, giving God the final say in our publishing timeline. With him, we can move forward with boldness, even if we can’t see the final outcome.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) says: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
For those in the audience who entertained the idea of writing themselves, we spoke of the fears and challenges facing the new writer. One author reminded all of us that rejection of a work by a publisher is not a personal rebuff of the writer, but more accurately an honest appraisal of the manuscript’s fit in their publishing line. Not all manuscripts fit all publishing houses. That is a fact of life.
I felt like the newbie on the block, learning as much as those who listened in the audience. But the evening was a good learning experience and I anticipate attending more in the future. As I travel this journey, I will send my thanks heavenward to the One who makes all things possible in His time.