One of my favorite, all time daily devotion readings is the November 4th reading from Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. The devotion is titled “Return of the Goddess,” and in it, Sara Ban Breathnach gives the story of a book signing that she and her daughter attended, and the magnificence of how the writer, whom she refers to as “the goddess” is presented at the signing in an experience she refers to as “the rapture.” There’s really nothing spectacular about it, except that it is, to me, a great slice of life story of how writing can touch people, and have a profound impact on their lives.
This devotional inspired me in my early days of writing. At first, of course, I had stars in my eyes and hoped to one day be “the goddess” that touched lives so profoundly that people would set aside a day just for an opportunity to grab my latest book and celebrate the release through a signing. Things have changed a lot in the book industry since Simple Abundance was published in 1995, largely thanks to the advent and spread of ebooks, and I think it’s actually for the better. Writing is about creating stories that resonate with readers and live in their minds long after the last page is flipped, not about the pomp of fame and fortune. Over the years, my goal has shifted to creating stories that will resonate with readers, and ebooks give more room for experiences like the one described in this devotional. I think this is true with most writers, as it seems that the “big time” writers – and the book events they participate in – are diminishing in these days where technology makes having “the rapture” of a great book available anywhere. I think, in fact, that it’s best if writers integrate with life, and blend in with the readers they’re trying to communicate with. It doesn’t seem that the pedestals of yesteryear are conductive to creativity. In fact, being immersed in reality makes all writers better at their craft. You have to be a reader to connect with readers, and I imagine that would be difficult if you’re on a pedestal.
Yes, the book industry has changed, and I’ve changed as a writer. But that’s okay, and I think it’s a good change. Anything that makes it easier for readers to find what inspires and entertains them is a good thing.
That being said, I still enjoy this devotional. It’s a great slice of life story that reminds me of how important great books are to me, and to keep that in mind as I craft my own novels. My purpose is to add to the work they can enjoy and to inspire and entertain them, whether they think to look at who the author of the book is or not. It's about the story, not the writer. And that's okay with me - preferable, really. Because writing should be more focused on the reader and what they can gain from your story.
That’s all today. Have a great end of the week and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!
This devotional inspired me in my early days of writing. At first, of course, I had stars in my eyes and hoped to one day be “the goddess” that touched lives so profoundly that people would set aside a day just for an opportunity to grab my latest book and celebrate the release through a signing. Things have changed a lot in the book industry since Simple Abundance was published in 1995, largely thanks to the advent and spread of ebooks, and I think it’s actually for the better. Writing is about creating stories that resonate with readers and live in their minds long after the last page is flipped, not about the pomp of fame and fortune. Over the years, my goal has shifted to creating stories that will resonate with readers, and ebooks give more room for experiences like the one described in this devotional. I think this is true with most writers, as it seems that the “big time” writers – and the book events they participate in – are diminishing in these days where technology makes having “the rapture” of a great book available anywhere. I think, in fact, that it’s best if writers integrate with life, and blend in with the readers they’re trying to communicate with. It doesn’t seem that the pedestals of yesteryear are conductive to creativity. In fact, being immersed in reality makes all writers better at their craft. You have to be a reader to connect with readers, and I imagine that would be difficult if you’re on a pedestal.
Yes, the book industry has changed, and I’ve changed as a writer. But that’s okay, and I think it’s a good change. Anything that makes it easier for readers to find what inspires and entertains them is a good thing.
That being said, I still enjoy this devotional. It’s a great slice of life story that reminds me of how important great books are to me, and to keep that in mind as I craft my own novels. My purpose is to add to the work they can enjoy and to inspire and entertain them, whether they think to look at who the author of the book is or not. It's about the story, not the writer. And that's okay with me - preferable, really. Because writing should be more focused on the reader and what they can gain from your story.
That’s all today. Have a great end of the week and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!
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