Unexpected outcomes in Christian writing

I'd say, if/when this happens, your book is already a Success. In the best possible way.

That's awesome ABekah! Those seeds are so important.

I'm glad to hear that. God can turn a negative thing into a positive thing.

Deb Kinnard said:

I'd say, if/when this happens, your book is already a Success. In the best possible way.

Click to expand...

Agreed! That's why we're writing, after all.

He works in ways we can never fully see at the time. WTG

Inspiewriter said:

Agreed! That's why we're writing, after all.

Click to expand...

And I'll chime in and third this. Christian writing is all about communicating truth to change lives for God's glory and purposes. Sometimes that = traditional publishing, but sometimes that seed scattering takes other forms. One of the most "successful" things I ever wrote--in that respect--was a simple 2-page talk I gave in a cathedral in Uganda, due to how God used that message in shaping the spiritual future of the women of Uganda. (PM me if you want details; don't want to derail ABekah's thread.)

Awesome story!! May God continue to use you and your words for His glory!

ABekah said:

Please, I'd like to hear about it. Do you do missions work in Uganda?

Click to expand...

Yes, I first went in November 2001 (right after 9/11), and it was utterly life-changing. We remain in constant contact with the bishop and his wife, who have invited me back (and have promised a safari this time ). I almost went again last summer, but at the last minute it conflicted with urgent family plans. I'm planning to get back there when God opens the door again.

I really empathize with your first post, Abekah, because some of the writing dearest to my heart has not been published in book form--the first, because I 'packaged' it all wrong (noobs should never start out with book-writing!), and the second "unpublishable" (i.e. un-sellable) book is my poetry devotional. But, you know, God moves...continually. Publishing is essentially peripheral to His work--He scatters the seed where He will in the manner that best suits His purposes, and I'm thrilled just to be a part of that in whatever way it suits Him.

Sending you a PM.

Pat~ said:

Publishing is essentially peripheral to His work--He scatters the seed where He will in the manner that best suits His purposes, and I'm thrilled just to be a part of that in whatever way it suits Him.
.

Click to expand...

I feel that way too! (And it's one aspect of Christian writing that is waaaay better than any other kind--the smallest thing could mean our success, but our values are different than the Average-Bear-Writer!)

This is awesome ABekah! I agree with Deb who said that your book is already a Success.

Are you querying Christian or secular agents for it?

Very nice. I'm happy for the both of you.

Hey Abekah,

I appreciated your post because I'm in the same boat right now with my book, The Road to Damascus. Everyone who reads it thinks it's wonderful(nothing like nepatism, right?), and since it took me seven years of planning before I actually sat down to write, it's my baby!!!

The funny thing was last year I was helping a student who was writing a book. She's 16. At the time, I hadn't written my YA yet. She saw the book in my classroom one day, and said, "Hey, can I read that?" I was reluctant at first, but then I said okay.

She came to me the next day and told me she could't put it down....that she usually didn't like books like mine, but she loved it. Later, she said, "You know it really got me to thinking about my own experience with God and my time and place." I was floored. I hadn't expected that at ALL, especially from a 16 year old.

I also have a teacher friend like your friend who is very anti religious. She kept saying she wanted to read it. Finally, I said I'd let her read the opening maybe thirty pages. I was floored by her reaction. She didn't grumble about the religious aspect...she just had wonderful things to say! It is ironic, isn't it!

I've prayed many times over this book, and I've gotten an answer. But even though I get my peace, I go right back to doubting.

As you can see by my stats, it's not whipping it up in the Christian world. Most of the agents I've found aren't taking on clients unless you go to a conference, or you don't hear back from them. The two publishers are secular--for the Southern flair, more than the Christian.

This is an awesome thread and something I've recently experienced, too.
My Uncle, who is a self-proclaimed athiest, recently asked to read my novel and said he greatly enjoyed it. He called it "engaging". But even better, he actually called to ask some questions about the Theology and Biblical ideas behind it.
Needless to say, it was an awesome conversation and showed that my book did exactly what I wanted it do: Leave readers (Christian or not) asking questions and thinking about God.
And isn't that what we all want our work to do anyway?

I don't know why Christian agents / agencies seem to be closed for submissions. Perhaps it is because they are dealing with a smaller market. We clearly have some good books here, books that touch lives. They will make it to the readers someday!

ABekah, that sounds very encouraging. Although I will confess quite freely that I hope to make money by writing (hey, we have financial needs) what I am really looking forward to more than anything else is getting feedback like that.

Leigh86 said:

This is an awesome thread and something I've recently experienced, too.
My Uncle, who is a self-proclaimed athiest, recently asked to read my novel and said he greatly enjoyed it. He called it "engaging". But even better, he actually called to ask some questions about the Theology and Biblical ideas behind it.
Needless to say, it was an awesome conversation and showed that my book did exactly what I wanted it do: Leave readers (Christian or not) asking questions and thinking about God.
And isn't that what we all want our work to do anyway?

Click to expand...

That is fantastic!

everyone is being so supportive of you, what could i say; well, maybe a little something. lol. i've always had that heart. a pastor once set that within me: one person saved would make the book a success. and God told jeremiah to 'write for himself in a book'. writing starts at home and then begins to touch those closest to us, spreading through humanity like chocolate in a blenderful of ice-cream. thanks for the inspiration.

rudolph

Ahh, this thread warms my heart. Thanks for sharing success stories everyone!

In situations like this where God turns a disappointment into a triumph, I like to imagine the order was reversed. You could think, "Well, I reached my [agnostic] brother, but it's disappointing I wasn't published." Instead, think of Christ looking you in the eye before you started writing and saying, "I've got a plan for the best way to reach your brother. Would you be willing to write a book to do it?" My answer would then be an enthusiastic "yes" without the disappointment attached.