One of the handiest qualities any aspiring writer needs to have, in my opinion, is a good dose of humility. In the very uncertain book publishing world, an author may well have to survive endless assessments and editing of his or her precious manuscript, not to mention possible multiple rejections from potential publishers. Then comes the reader feedback, encouraging or otherwise, along with favourable or unfavourable reviews. And of course there are the times when others’ books are released while yours is still waiting for that publishing contract or when friends’ books win awards and yours doesn’t or when your books do not sell nearly as well as someone else’s.
In my writing journey thus far, I have experienced all of the above at one point or another. I think I have learnt a little more humility in the process—although perhaps that could be too proud a claim to make! And I hope I have sincerely rejoiced with those who rejoice when their books have been released and when they have achieved some sort of success. But I must admit my abilities in this area have been tried a little of late.
Recently, the publishers who earlier this year accepted my sixth and latest novel for publication let me know they had changed their minds! In contrast, three of my friends were enjoying varying degrees of publishing success. For one, her first book was launched after a long wait and many edits—a wonderful achievement. For another, a secular publisher has shown interest in her manuscript—an encouragement for both of us, since I have had some input into this her first work. I hope and pray it is published—my friend deserves it and has written a great, true story. Then another friend I have tried to encourage on her writing journey succeeded in having a story included in a very professional compilation released by a big publishing house. I was genuinely excited for them all. But … what about my own writing journey? Where is it heading?
Then I read John 13—the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet—and things began to fall into perspective again. I love verses 3-4 where John writes:
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Jesus knew who he was. He knew he had all power and authority. He knew where he came from and where he was going. And on the strength of that knowledge and out of his great love for his disciples, Jesus proceeds to wash their feet.
Now I don’t have all power and authority—especially when it comes to publishers! But I do know I am a child of God. And I do know where I came from and where I am going. So I can choose to walk my writing journey with humility and in the strength of God’s Spirit, whatever is happening or not happening. And out of love for my friends, I can choose to support them well in their writing journeys and sincerely celebrate their successes.
How about you? Is humility a challenge for you too?
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
I know how it feels to think a book is going to be published and then have it not happen. It’s so discouraging. I hope that you can be encouraged to keep the book and perhaps see if someone else would be interested in it. This has been my story – and I’m just beginning to believe the book will see the light of day beyond my shelves. 🙂
Sometimes I find myself pausing at a point and thinking “does the world really need my story?” I think that is the most humbling one for me at the moment.
Thanks so much for your understanding comments, Penny. I’m so glad your book WILL see the light of day after such a long wait. I noticed the cover on Facebook yesterday and was so glad you are happy with it.
I totally understand your comment re whether the world needs our story or not–it’s one I often have too–especially coming from a ministry background where I can easily see so many needs around me and so many things I could do to help. But it’s YOUR story, Penny, and no one else is going to write it quite like you. And I’m sure, knowing you, you have felt this was what God wanted you to do and to write, as with me.
Re this sixth novel of mine, I have now tried another publisher who really liked it but just wants me to attend to a few style issues and then re-submit it, which I’m happy to do. Another lesson in humility!! So I hope and pray it will soon see the light of day too. I feel it’s my best novel yet, so hope it does.
What a great assessment, Jo-Anne. Thank you again and again for your generosity to me, in time, love and expertise. Our Lord God WILL honour you. Marion
Thanks, Marion–but it was a pleasure to be able to be part of your publishing journey for sure. And you did all the hard work. In a couple of weeks, I’m taking your book when I speak to a group of 25 men in a secular setting on ‘Sharing Stories, Spinning Yarns’. The group leader wants me to encourage them to write their experiences down for their families, so I plan to mention how your dad wrote on the back of all those photos and then how you wrote his story etc to encourage them. So having a book out there is like ripples in a pond, isn’t it? It’s impact can go much further than we think. God bless.
Should have written ‘its impact’ without the apostrophe!! Oops! I edit such things out of others’ writing all the time and then do it myself!