In 2006, my husband, Andrew, was trying out a TAFE course in electronics. I remember seeing electric cables lying around for his course work, and sliced open to see what they look like inside. Basically, the outer plastic layer surrounds a myriad of delicate cords. You could easily bite through an individual one with your teeth. Each tiny cord is not capable of carrying more than a small surge of power, but together they form something strong, robust and reliable.
At the moment, I've been doing several little promotional things on my computer. I've been approaching magazines for guest articles to be written on my books, getting reviewed or interviewed on other peoples' blogs and continually updating this blog. I've had a radio interview or two. I've also been writing reviews for fellow authors as I want to see friends promoted too and also trust the law of sowing and reaping. During December and January, I've been updating my Face Book status with these links so regularly, I've possibly saturated the receptive capacity of some friends. Now that February has started, I sat back to try to evaluate how each of these small promotional 'wires' have fared.
To be honest, some of them have seemed to yield nothing more than a small sizzle of electricity. Guest blog interviews often pass with just a tiny stirring of interest or no comment at all. I guess it would be easy to look at individual ventures and assume they were a waste of time. I think the electric cable analogy is a good one for keeping discouragement at bay. Individually, each of the little ventures are tiny, delicate wires with not much of a surge, but together they are adding to the effect of a potentially powerful cable. You can't have a cable without each of its individual wires, no matter how small an impact they seem to create.
I like to think that the 'cable' I'm creating with all these tiny wires may, in turn, become a wire in an even larger cable; the Australian Christian Book industry.
In the same way, electric cables are created in all aspects of our lives. Each game, walk, smile, laugh and genuine listening time we spend with our children and spouses are small wires in a healthy cable of relationship. Let's keep refusing to underestimate the value of the small ones, because something significant is always formed of many of these.
Very true Paula. Our efforts, though they seems small, contribute to a much larger voice. And I for one and thankful to call you a friend among the collective Aussie Christian literary voice. xx By the way which colour wire are you?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Paula! Let's keep working on all those tiny wires together and make something big happen. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd as you weave your small threads and others add their weaved cords the impact grows. We are breaking through a barrier. Keep pushing girl. Your books are worth it.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your support, ladies, and noticed the fact that my 3 comments have been from other authors who are also feeling your way in the industry and know what I'm talking about. God Bless you all, I really do feel that we're united in a sort of family.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nicole, I think I'd be one of the yellow cords, which I've been told is a nice spiritual colour but also bold and peaceful.
I always loved those cables. :o)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, my dad once brought home old telephone cable. There were so many wires in it, all different colors, some had two-color stripes. My mom taught us how to weave wire baskets out of them. Imagine, one thin wire can be woven and interconnected into something solid. It took a while, but it was always worth the patience and work. :o)
It's always worth it to have patience and work hard at your craft.
Peace and Laughter!
I echo Cristina's words - keep at it, and don't give up. Every experience has something to learn from. So glad for the support shown to you from these fellow (sister?) writers here!
ReplyDelete- Kate
Those wire cable baskets would have been great, Cristina. What a good recycling story. Using something like that to make something strong and colourful.
ReplyDeleteKate, yes, when I first started blogging I felt virtually alone, but there are now a number of us from all across Australia making up the 'Aussie Christian book industry'. It's still small but the encouragement helps us to persevere.
I agree, Paula. Every little bit counts, and you are one of the hardest workers in this industry - not just for your own work - but for others.
ReplyDeletePaula, you reminded me of that commercial where the jingle goes...'from little things, big things grow.' You may not see a comment where you wish you had, but readers pop up all the time. Sometimes, well after you've checked. Rose was correct in saying you're a champion of the writing industry. Keep up the good work. The sowing will bring a harvest. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Dotti
Thanks Rose and Dotti,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your feedback as I've been feeling I should be doing more but haven't been able to figure out what it ought to be.
Our harvest is surely coming.