Writer, It’s a Matter of Trust
By Andrea Merrell
“I’m skeptical,”
the woman said as she sat across the table from me at a writers’ conference
during an appointment. “The rules keep changing. I just don’t
trust the process.”
It was clear this
lady was not there to pitch her book. She needed to vent. So, for fifteen
minutes I gave a listening ear and let her vent. She talked about the varied
opinions on her writing and how everyone’s guidelines differed. She complained
about all the rejections she had received. And she had strong opinions about
how her former publisher handled—or rather mishandled, as she said—her
project.
She was
discouraged and had definitely lost her trust, not only in the process, but in
everyone involved. More than anything, I gathered she had lost trust in
herself.
The writing and
publishing industry has changed dramatically over the past twenty-plus years. And
it continues to evolve. Many of the changes are good. Others, not so much. It’s
hard to predict what the face of this industry—not to mention social media—will
look like in five, ten, or twenty years. And it’s certainly not something any
of us can control.
Bookstores are
closing at a rapid rate. E-books and audio books are in a race against the
print book. And self-publishing has become the rule instead of the exception.
Unfortunately, many writers have given up, saying they can’t keep up and can’t
compete.
I believe it comes
down to a matter of trust. But where should our trust be? Should it be in an ever-changing industry or in the One who gifted us and called us to pen words
of life, hope, and encouragement?
I’ve seen doors
open for others—and even in my own life—that only God could open. We’re all
familiar with Jeremiah 29:11. This is how the Message puts it: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned
out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future
you hope for.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. Some say where He guides, He provides. Let’s add where He calls, He equips. When we choose to
follow the Lord and use the gifts He’s given to us for His glory, we don’t have
to be in control. And we don’t have to understand. His thoughts are not our
thoughts and His ways are much higher than we can comprehend. When things look
impossible, that’s when God does His best work.
If God has given you words to share, don’t hold back. Trust
the gift He has given you. Trust yourself. But most of all, Trust in
the Lord with all your
heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs
3:5-6 NKJV).
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
Jeremiah 29:11 has called to me for quite a while now, so much so that I've made it my life verse. I recently, and unexpectedly, received it on a card in the mail, and now in your post. Thank you for this much needed encouragement. I receive it as a blessing.
ReplyDeleteThat's so encouraging, Laura. Thanks for sharing. Blessings! :)
DeleteTimely reminder. Thank you, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise. It's something I have to remind myself often. Blessings! :)
DeleteAmen. Trust in the Lord. He has a plan for our writing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thanks for sharing, Melissa. Blessings! :)
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