I’ve written a new book, and I’m trying to find representation for it this time, rather than self-publishing as I did for Favored One. I’m not opposed to going the self-publishing route, but I’d like to try the traditional way first.
I’ll tell you more about the book at some point, but right now I’m wondering. I have recently been informed by a professional in the business that I need at least five times the social media following that I have. This feels impossible, both from a skillset perspective and because frankly, although I really believe in this book I’ve written (and the others I have up my sleeve–because there are a bunch!), and I’m willing to get out there and publicize it more than I have in the past, I pastor both a local church and an online community, and those are my priorities right now and maybe forever. The current books are emerging out of one of those communities and turning into resources for the other one, so without that context, there wouldn’t be the books at all, arguably.
But I am still wondering. What I’m wondering is whether, after all, I could return to blogging in some capacity–and a greater capacity than simply posting the technologically rough audio of my sermons each week. I’m wondering a lot of other things, too, pretty much all the time, including when I’m prepping my sermons. So I’m wondering if maybe I could just start writing about what I’m wondering when I’m studying for the sermons. Maybe it would even help that process.
Are you here for it?
I enjoy reading your comments. They can leave me with a nugget that turns into something more but they always leave me understanding how God is at work in your life. If you want to blog more, go for it. But don’t add to your already full list of to-do’s by publishing a blog for us if your ongoing journal conversation with Jesus is already fulfilling your wondering spot. Sometimes it’s okay to not do what the experts recommend 🙂
I love that point! (Your last one.) My journaling with Jesus does a lot for my “wondering spot,” but I’ve learned to not mix my sermon writing with my set-aside time with Him, so even though He’s present when I’m writing my sermons, the free-form wondering doesn’t happen in the same way. I guess I’m curious to see what He might do if I invite a few others into the process on the side.
Hi Jenn, I’m wondering a lot too, these days. I have also started writing a devotional,(tentatively called Conversation’s with God) It seems like He is doing quite a bit in the Tower household as of late. We are contemplating making a move possibly to RI and I have just started leading a Men’s Prayer group @ 6am on Tuesday mornings. Mary is also busy and has just been verified as a New Chapter of an organization called “Save One” and is running that program on Tuesday evenings twice a year for 13 weeks. I can’t really answer your social media dilemma as I have actually been intentional about being there less not more. I will say there is no shame in self publishing and if He is giving you books to share then perhaps He already has a plan to get them into the hands of others. God certainly is limited by anything ….even if we indeed do tend to place limits on Him. By His Grace, John
Thanks, John. So great to hear from you. Please keep me posted on your potential move and these other amazing things. This sounds exciting!
And you’re right–God’s not limited, and I really do believe He’s the one who got on my case earlier this year about finally writing these books, so I anticipate He’s got something in mind for them.
I would absolutely be interested in this. You are a very intelligent woman and your thoughts and insights will be helpful and spiritually strengthening for many.
100%! You got this Jenn 🙂