There I was one day last week, working away happily at my computer, when I heard a few dull thuds outside. Thinking it was the neighbours doing something in their yard, I didn’t investigate. Besides, it was a windy day—perhaps a few small branches were being tossed around. Later, however, when my husband opened our front door to go out, he almost fell over seven large cartons blocking his way. On each carton was a label saying ‘Leave at door of delivery if unattended’. Well, we had definitely been home all morning—but no one had rung the doorbell. Still, I guess the contractor thought we wouldn’t miss the little presents he left us.
My heart stood still when I gazed at those boxes. You see, I knew what they contained—my first copies of my brand new non-fiction book, Soul Friend, due for release next month!
Now this is my sixth book to be published, so one would think I’d be used to the whole process. But I find this moment when new books arrive to be rather daunting, for several reasons. Firstly, I always have to steel myself to open that first box and see what my book actually looks like. Of course I have seen the proposed cover online—but will the real thing look as good? On this occasion, I find myself a little shocked at the bright orange cover, which I expected would be much closer to a deep yellow/gold colour. But I’m still pleased with how it looks and feels as I quickly check through it.
Secondly, as I gaze at these seven boxes now on my study floor, I realise I need to decide yet again where to store them in our small house! Until I complete my new Soul Friend website and am able to offer them for sale nearer my launch date, these copies need to find a home here. Having juggled boxes of books for quite a few years now, I have become adept at turning them into coffee tables, benches and the like! It’s a challenge—but not insurmountable.
Much more formidable in my mind, however, is the challenge that lies ahead of promoting this book, not only via my website but at the various venues where I hope to speak or display my books. You see, I am well aware this will involve much hard work, lots of emails and many hours preparing for speaking engagements. It will include setbacks and doors closed to me—but it will also, by God’s grace, include many open doors and times of great encouragement.
And right now, that is where I need to focus—not on the potential difficulties, but on the wonderful opportunities ahead. From the very beginning of this Soul Friend project, God has been with me—and I know this will not change now. As I stand on the brink of this new adventure, I believe that if I continue to look to God for strength and guidance, I will not fall but stand firm, whatever happens.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
Congratulations, Jo-Anne. A new book is always a huge thrill. We sang that psalm the other day in church.
Thanks, Dale. It is a bit of a different journey this time as my book has arrived so early! We are scrambling a bit to have my new Soul Friend website ready to sell from etc and I don’t want to promote it too much before the launch date, but I’m sure it will all work out. Such a weird feeling though to be launching a non-fiction book this time instead of a novel! And I sure do need that firm rock beneath my feet. The Psalms are so great, aren’t they? God bless.
Congratulations Jo-Anne! I loved Chapter One and I’m looking forward to your blog tour with ACRBA next year 🙂
Thanks so much, Narelle. Yes, I haven’t forgotten the blog tour next year with ACRBA, although I’ll have to refresh my memory again re how it all works. But I HAD forgotten I had sent you Chapter One–easy to see I am a little befuddled right now! So glad you enjoyed it though. This is the moment when I begin to second guess myself and wonder if the book is all rubbish etc–but I know from past experience too that this is when I have to trust that firm Rock beneath my feet and press on in God’s strength! God bless.
Funny, I was thinking similar thoughts this morning about my new book too. (Not that I have my hands on any hard copies yet.) I wonder if perhaps some of the glory and excitement settles once an author has had several titles come out because we now know that having a book in print is only half the journey. But, I like you, have to refocus my thoughts on the positives, and the blessings and miracles from God that continue to make a book possible.
Congratulations on your new book. May it encourage many. (And may you find a convenient place to stock it till then:) )
Thanks, Penny! Yes, at this stage of the journey, I kind of swing between feeling exhausted at the thought of what lies ahead and excited and energised by it all! But it is another wonderful adventure with God and I know he will undertake for me. I continue to remember your own book, Penny. And I did send you an email the other day re possibly bringing your books to my launch–hope you received it. God bless.