I don’t know about you, but I often feel tiny, especially in the writing world. Sure, some people know who I am. I’ve got “connections” here, on Facebook, and several other places. But why would someone look at a biblical fiction book I wrote if they could read one by, say, Francine Rivers? Or Jill Eileen Smith? Or Bodie Thoene? And why would an agent or editor want to take a chance on a newbie like me when they have solid authors they can count on?
I have to improve my craft. I have to get my name out there. I have to make connections. I have to be willing to put myself out there. I need to listen to what God wants me to do.
September 26 is Johnny Appleseed Day. John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman would have been 237 years old today. (Did you know he was also a missionary?) He introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. One plant at a time.
And that’s what we need to do. Each improvement we make to our writing craft, each rewrite we do, each bit of criticism we take to heart, each connection we make, each lesson we learn is a seed. And it can bloom into a tree. And that tree can become an orchard: an orchard that agent, publisher, or reader just might notice. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be on that shelf next along with Francine Rivers. And/or many will be touched and moved by your writing. And, like John Chapman, you’ll make a difference – on both the physical and spiritual realm.
What seeds are you planting? What kind of orchard are you trying to grow? Are you beginning to see it bloom?
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8 Comments until now.
Oh! I forgot it was Johnny Appleseed Day!
(I need to make a post for my Polliwog Pages blog.)
Yes, I was just thinking that I don’t have any articles out, being reviewed by magazines right now. It’s time to get working on that.
I’m working on planting the seed of follow through – in my writing as well as outreach to those in need. To encourage others as well as be encouraged.
Love this, Joanne! What a great analogy, and something I need to hear RIGHT NOW! I’ve been working on a long-standing writing project and sometimes feel like the seeds are all chopped up, you know? Like they’re no longer capable of promoting life? And yet deep down I know that’s not true; the Lord is continuing to shed rain and sunshine on the project. Thanks for your encouragement!
This makes so much sense, Jo. I rebelled against blogging for a long time, due to time constraints. But I’m actually seeing people outside our writing circle starting to read it…and pass along to others. That encourages me when it’s so easy to feel like a little seed in the big scary apple tree of writing. Thanks.
Kim
I am one of those ‘newbies’n writing. Well publoation that is. I am so anxious about the story I am writing that I can’t wait until it is finally on it’s way to be published. It is my hope and dreams that my readers will begin reading…keep reading….reading until it is sheer torture to their mind to put it down. This may sound wierd, but I can’t wait to read this book myself. My friends and family ask ” what do you mean”? “Aren’t you the one who is writing the story?” My answer is short and sweet, “as fast as it is typed ,the words go drifting away as if these two hands of mine typing away, and researching everything needed to write with conviction was given in a dream. But, All us writer’s know this isn’t true. How could it be? Thank you for writing your blog. I have wondered a long time about whether to start one up. I spent the whole summer in two hospitals and two rehabs. I have this Story, which has to be read, All fired up and ready to go. I seem to keep finding ways to keep pecking at the chapters/titles/subtitles. I am the culprit standing in my way. How ironic is that? I guess I need a fire under me.
I am happy I have been able to express my worse fears to someone who will not shoot arrows to kill my dream.
It is the first thing I think about when I awake. Then All throughout the day I write inside my mind, and outside my fingers do the talking. lol. Before I lay my head down for rest, it is the last thing I think about, What will so and so say, do, etc.
Well, thank you for lending an ear.
Maybe it will take another writer to pull me out of my ‘comfort zone’.
The book is worth reading. Honestly it is.
Are you up for the job?
Sandy
Kim
If I didn’t mention it in my last email, I would like to set things straight now. The book I am writing is co-written w/ the Holy Spirit. It is His work. My hands.
I would like to get this project on it’s way, so that I can get going w/the next Holy Spirit project.
Sandy
Sandy
I’m LOVING reading about your seeds, and how you’re allowing them to grow! Praying for each of you.
I loved this post today! Our sermon on Sunday, was on planting seeds!
It ended with a challenge to plant: kindness, compassion & love!
be blessed,
melody