Here I am, about to send my manuscript THE HORNED EDGE to the publisher, and what thoughts go through my head?
On the positive side, I’m thinking, “Hooray! It’s done! Celebrate!” “Years of work and I’ve got a great sci-fi thriller!”
On the negative side, doubts creep in like, “My work is stupid.” Or, “It will won’t sell.”
So, which shall I listen to? How can I lift up my soul and be refreshed?
What are some thoughts that you have about your work? How will you encourage yourself?
Let me know.
Last Saturday, I joined my writers group, the Southern Christian Writers Guild, at the book-selling tables along the sidewalk of the plaza of Louisiana’s state capital, Baton Rouge. It was a gorgeous day, with plenty of sunshine and a little breeze. I felt energetic and hopeful.
My friends around me had tables; I shared mine with author Pearline Wells. She sold her devotions and journals. I sold my Christian thriller sci-fi novels.
I had stacks of THE HOT MARBLE and THE CAVE CHAMBER. Freebies included color brochures, my business cards, and Pauline added some very popular mints. Plus my daughter had a large poster created for me.
Hundreds of people walked by: individuals of all ages, and lots of families with kids. Over the course of the 9 am to 4 pm Saturday festival, I sold three books and gave away one. I’m told that’s good. But I knew I could do better.
The author at the table next to mine was selling his thriller book like hotcakes. I noticed that he had three small posters with just the cover of his book and … QR codes so that people could pay INSTANTLY. Also, he engaged people easily in conversation. Plus he has a neat, succinct “hook” blurb to lead people into his novel’s story.
I can do that next time! Plus …
Another bookseller sold his children’s books fast and often. he engaged conversation with questions, handed out stickers to kids, and talked to parents while the man who helped him made balloon 🎈 dogs 🐕 or cats 🐈
I can do that, too, next time. Plus …
The Horned Edge is going to the publisher this TUESDAY, Nov. 7., and I’ll have three books to sell, not just two. For accounts of my writing adventures, subscribe to my forever free monthly newsletter here:
Meanwhile, if you are interested in my books THE HOT MARBLE and THE CAVE CHAMBER in the Christian sci-fi thriller series, A Soul’s Warfare, you can buy them at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Just search for my name, Rosemary Althoff or press the book covers below.
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?
Ironic, isn’t it, that I taught public speaking for years at the college level, but I’m afraid to make the appointments to talk about my books and “God Active in Science—and Story”?
In due time, in due time, I shall make the calls. And speak. And sign books.
Book 3 in the Soul’s Warfare series, The Horned Edge, goes to the publisher on November 7, 2023.
I’ll start the countdown on October 28.
In The Horned Edge, Lewis, a crazy-in-love young physicist with post-traumatic stress disorder and seizures, has the key to instant space travel literally in his back pocket. The pervasive, insidious organization, The Horned Edge, wants it … and him.
The point of the story is that recovery from psychological trauma is painful, like recovery from a physical wound. But healing is possible!
I don’t write all day. I’ve got some administrative duties, home chores, reading, exercise, cooking, … and I like naps. Yes, I like to walk and hike, too.
So I concentrate on writing during my optimum time of day: Morning, 10 am. I can write with concentration for about 3 to 4 hours in a block, and then I’m done.After 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon I get tired and can’t produce.
Now I’m getting more efficient and faster with producing books. I’m wrapping up THE HORNED EDGE, and planning two more books in the next year. I want to entertain the reader with thrilling stories, and also show them what happiness looks like.
Dear Jesus, may you be glorified in my life.
Rosemary Althoff, Author 