Success as a Writer? Stay Humble!

By nature, I really am shy. I’ve learned to be outgoing.  I was shy in school until I got to know someone. I was never one of the “beautiful” people in elementary school, but I always had lots of friends, got good grades, and teachers liked me.

Then along came high school. It was a huge school with over five hundred in the freshman class alone. I was a tiny fish in a large pond. Although I was a brainy kid, I’d always hung out with the average kids. In high school I was placed in all the accelerated classes for brainy kids. I was separated from my friends. My shyness and insecurities kicked in. There was a definite distinction between the popular, beautiful kids and everyone else.

She was a popular, beautiful freshman. She was running for class secretary. I didn’t know her. I was not part of her inner circle, nor would I ever be. But she started greeting me each time we passed in the halls. She’d gush, “Hi! How are you?” I was flattered.

The first time I greeted her after she won the election, she stared right through me. She never spoke to me again. *sigh* Lesson learned. She'd gotten my vote, so now I didn't exist. Sadly, this is all too common. People achieve some measure of fame, success, a position of authority, or some other notoriety, and pride creeps in.

Writers, beware. Do not let success separate you from the common folk. Be a friend to struggling writers and newbies. I can list many writers/authors I’ve become acquainted with, or crossed paths with, who are warm and kind, and genuinely care about helping others. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or hug and a “don’t give up” from you to make a difference to another writer who hasn’t “arrived” yet.

Stay humble, especially as Christian writers. If you don’t learn the beauty of true humility, God, because he loves us, has a way of helping his children be humble. It's better to work on it ourselves than having God do it for us.  

The Bible and Literature

From a 1931 textbook Good Reading For High School – English Writers, page 166 The Bible. “In addition to the fact that it is a sacred document, the Bible owes its place in literature (1) to its noble theme – God, man, and the universe; (2) to its superb but simple style; (3)and to the majestic music of its prose. The translation here followed is the work of forty-seven scholars appointed by King James I, and is consequently known as the King James Bible or the Authorized Version. It is the most famous book in the world.”

For years I was a Missionette Sponsor at church. It’s like the Christian version of Girl Scouts. Those girls had to memorize lots of scripture, and it was commonly understood that it’s easier to memorize the King James version of the Bible because of its poetic flow. Today, you would never find the Bible included in a school textbook, unless perhaps it’s some class on religions.

What a shame as a writer that the Bible isn’t used more as a teaching tool for the craft of writing. It is a plethora of the deeds, thoughts and actions of the human heart and mind. God includes the best of humanity and worst of humanity. Have you ever wondered why the worst. I have.

I think God didn’t want us to have unreal expectations of the capabilities of mankind. Who would want to be a Christian if the standard was perfection? There is only One who is perfect, and His name is Jesus. We are to pattern our lives after Him, and try to follow His example, but we’ll never be perfect. It’s impossible. That’s what makes the Bible great.

Don’t you appreciate that we are loved by Him despite our flaws, failures, and shortcomings?

Publishing That First Novel

    It’s that time of year that causes joy to arise in the heart of most parents – school has started! It’s always a little unsettling when it’s a child’s first day of school ever; unsettling for both the child and parent. Parents worry if people will love and appreciate the child like they do; will other kids pick on the child, are their bullies at the school, will others understand the child’s little quirks and qualities that you find endearing.
    My kids are grown and gone, have been for more years than I care to admit, but I remember the feeling of launching the child off to school. I did it five times. Now I am experiencing those same feelings, but not about my child. I’m feeling that way as I launch my first novel off to a publisher.
    Yikes! I am nervous and excited, I feel anxiety and apprehension. This is my “baby,” I have birthed this novel with sweat and tears, sleepless nights, second guessing, revision s, doubts and fears.
    It is time though. I have to do this. No more procrastinating. I’m starting the process tomorrow. Wish me luck. Better yet, pray for me, say a prayer. I don’t believe in luck, but I do believe that God orchestrates the lives of His children, and has His hand hovering over all that we do.