Encouragement in Today’s Publishing Climate by JoAnn Durgin

Encouragement in Today’s Publishing Climate

When writing fiction, I’ve never suffered from that dreaded anomaly known as “writer’s block.” Not once. My early writing habits might shed some light on why that is. As a young mother and pastor’s wife, I dabbled in writing novels while our kids were napping. When the children were older and I “got serious” about submitting my manuscripts, I was busy with a demanding full-time job as well as a part-time job. My characters and stories percolated as I went about my life, and I tucked away snippets of dialogue, ideas, and plot points in my mind. As you might imagine, when I finally sat down at the computer, my fingers could barely keep up with the virtual flood of words!

During that period, I drafted out all eleven of the original books in what is now my “signature” series. I labored into the wee hours nearly every night and forced myself to stop at two in the morning. Sure, I was younger with more energy (and required less sleep), but I was focused, determined, and disciplined. Why did I push myself so hard? Yes, I hoped to be published, but it was more than that. Writing was my passion, and it still is.

A natural extension of that passion is that I love encouraging authors, especially new writers. Sure, doling out advice is easy when it pertains to the actual process of writing. However, the landscape of Christian publishing has changed so rapidly in the last decade that, as I face the blank screen to write a blog, I sometimes wonder what I can say to encourage others. While staying optimistic, we also need to be realistic about what’s happening.

First, the straight-talk. A number of established, traditional Christian publishers are being gobbled up or merging with bigger secular houses. Smaller publishing houses are folding or moving away from the Christian market. As a consequence, the career path for a number of traditionally published authors has been altered or redirected. Sadly, some have lost contracts. Many have had their rights reverted and are now independently publishing their backlists. Others have found success with smaller publishing houses and/or gone “hybrid” with both traditional and independent projects.

Now for the good news! In spite of it all, I like to believe the Christian publishing industry is alive and well. With all the different avenues of publishing available today, there is a place for everyone. New authors are still signing traditional contracts, and the explosion of independent publishing in recent years has made it possible for almost anyone to publish their work.

My mother used to say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” If you’re called by God to write for His glory, if it’s your passion, then let Him handle the details and keep forging ahead. You won’t be able to walk if you don’t take that first step. Especially in today’s fluctuating book market, Christians need to make their voices heard. Whether you write from a Christian worldview or from a stronger spiritual stance, what you write is valid and someone’s out there who needs to hear your message. If you’re in the category of not yet published, that doesn’t mean you’re not an author. Your voice just hasn’t been heard—yet.

This point can’t be stressed enough (and I see it often here on Seriously Write): pray over your writing. Ask God to help you to write in such a way as to bring honor and glory to Him, not you. When we take the focus off “self” and redirect it to the One who makes all things possible, He will bless your efforts. Not necessarily in terms of monetary success, glory, or awards (but that can happen, of course), but with the soul-filling satisfaction of a job well done.

Blessings to all during this joyous Christmas season, and onward and forward into 2020!

~JoAnn

"Writing was my passion, and it still is." ~JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Straight-talk about Christian publishing from JoAnn Durgin #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Starlight Book 1

Jacob Marston, Starlight, Iowa’s hometown hero made a long-ago promise to the Lord: he won’t kiss a woman until he knows she’s “the one.” Now at age twenty-eight, the rugged firefighter questions if it’ll ever happen. Then, he meets his best friend’s sister, and Jake believes he’s found the woman of his dreams. But what will she think when she discovers his vow? 

When Julia makes an unexpected confession on Christmas Day, Jake shares his secret with her, and it looks as though happily-ever-after will make a holiday appearance. But somehow, everyone in the tiny town of Starlight learns Jake’s secret, and he’s instantly transformed from town hero to laughingstock. Did Julia reveal his secret? Can Jake forget the humiliation and find his way under the mistletoe to share a forever kiss with Julia?

JoAnn Durgin

JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary Christian romance novels, including her signature Lewis Legacy Series. A native of southern Indiana, JoAnn likes to say she’s “been around in the nicest sense of the word” after living in four states across the country before returning to her hometown with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, JoAnn loves to travel and spend time with their first grandchild, Amelia Grace.

Feel free to connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin or via her website at https://joanndurgin.com.