Waiting for God’s Reason by Shawn Lamb

Shawn Lamb

We don’t often hear about true overnight success in publishing. It seems to take most authors a number of years to see their work in print, which can feel daunting if you’re not prepared to face a possible marathon. Discouraged today? You’ve come to the right place. You’ll find encouragement in what author Shawn Lamb shares about her personal journey to publication. ~ Dawn

Waiting for God’s Reason

Writing is something I started around ten years old. I wrote short stories and poems. I also wrote plays that my sister and I would perform for family and friends. Writing was a drive that I couldn’t ignore. 

After I became a Christian at age 14, I realized God gave me the gift of storytelling, but still didn’t know why? I only knew I had to keep writing. It took almost 40 years for God to reveal the reasons.

When my 13 year-old-daughter requested I write her a fantasy story I didn’t know what to do. Historical fiction was my genre. However, God has a way of linking the past with the present. Among my writings from childhood, I discovered the beginnings of a fantasy story. I had the map, all the character names and even a completed first chapter. I joked with my family that I felt like Moses, who waited 40 years before returning to Egypt to fulfill God’s calling. 

From my daughter’s request, and decades old writing, emerged the young adult series Allon. These stories point to God by using Biblical allegory. Shortly after publication, I learned the reasons went beyond a request. God wanted me to fill a surprising void: the need for clean reads aimed at teens and kids. This is not something I expected based upon my experiences as a young, avid reader. Back then books were safe. Things are much different today, not just in reading, but also in life.

With instant messaging, constant contact and immediate gratification, Christians often become impatient.  We start a ministry and expect it to take off within the first year. We want God to bless us with quick success, and are easily discouraged when it doesn’t happen. I experienced this with my first book. God reminded me that such expectation is opposite of what Scripture says.

Psalms 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit in its season.

Catch the last phrase fruit in its season. It can take up to 3 years for a fruit tree to bear fruit. The same is true of grape vines. It takes careful pruning and diligence of the vinedresser and husbandman to make the vine/trees fruitful. God has a purpose and time for everything. Our task is to be obedient and not rush ahead of Him.

I realize it’s hard to wait. Praying for patience is exactly what you’ll get—patience! I’ve learned in my 55 years of life, that it is better to wait for God’s plan then to push on with my own ideas.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil and your future and a hope.

Allon - Book1

Allon

The Kingdom of Allon was once an idyllic paradise, protected by the mighty immortal Guardians of Jor’el. Legend tells of a Great Battle and defeat, leaving the mortals defenseless against the Dark way.  The fulfillment of ancient prophecies brings hope of Jo’rel’s promise prince, and the return of the Guardians.

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Shawn Lamb is an award-winning author and former Hollywood screenwriter for children’s television. Her books range in age from 8 years old to adults, and feature fiction along with non-fiction study guides. Shawn is also an event speaker and workshop leader.

To learn more and connect with Shawn, please visit:

Author website: www.allonbooks.com

The Kingdom of Allon Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kingdom-of-Allon/153435971408175

 

An Author’s Observations on the Affects of Reviews on Purchasing by Shawn Lamb

One day I read a comment author Shawn Lamb made on another blog's post. As someone who reviews and tries to promote books on my personal site, it caught my attention. As writers, we're urged to have a social media presence, which is a good thing, but is there something better? I asked Shawn to share a version of that post comment here. -- Sandy

Shawn: To begin, my first book went into pre-release in late 2009, since then I have published more books in two different genres and in three age groups, children, YA and college age to adult. Of course, as a new author I followed the advice of becoming connected through all types of social media while my publicist set about getting reviews. 

After a while, the process became too much to handle as I traveled through 13 states across the East Coast, Southeast, Mid-west and Plains to conventions, book fairs and conferences. At these events, I talk to thousands of people, most of whom buy my books. As a result, I cut back on social media activity and stopped seeking reviews all together to concentrate on events.

This year, my husband and I went over the sample questions taken at all our events of how someone heard of me and/or my books. We always ask to determine the most effective marketing and analyzing each event for future participation. We were surprised by the findings. Not a single person said they heard of me and/or my books from reading a review or blog. The answer fell into four categories – 1) “word of mouth” from a friend or family member, 2) seeing my name on the speaker program and they attended my session, 3) visited my booth the previous year, checked out my website and now returned to buy my books, 4) their child saw my books at the event and became excited.

Yes, this is surprising - that in four years, we couldn’t find an answer where someone purchased my books based upon reviews, any particular blog or a social media site! For all the effort put into promotion and marketing in today’s technological society – word of mouth still rules! In conjunction with number two on the list of attending a workshop or speaking session, the words personal credibility came up frequently in answers.

Most authors are told to connect, to seek reviews, but I don’t recall my publisher, agent or publicist saying anything in regards to personal credibility! That’s not something a marketing or promotional campaign can manufacture, rather it's based solely on the personal integrity of the author. In some ways this is both a frightening and a humbling thought. Social media can fake this part, but not being in front of real people.

This discovery, and my years of experience, tells me people want to make a connection that is genuine. I encourage authors to go out into their local communities and establish a rapport. Some may argue social media is helpful in reaching a wider audience, but in my case, social media is more useful after making direct contact. 

What do you think about the social media aspect of marketing? What has been your experience with it? 

~~~

Shawn Lamb is an award-winning author and screenwriter, who once wrote for children’s television.

Her books span 2 genres, allegorical fantasy and Christian historical fiction, and 3 age groups, children, young adult, and college age thru adults.  Shawn is also a frequent speaker at homeschool conferences on topics dealing with reading, teaching and writing fiction.

Website:  http://www.allonbooks.com

Speaker page: http://www.balancingthesword.com/homeschool/speakers/speaker_detail.asp?ID=4631&Name=Shawn_Lamb