When I decided to seriously pursue writing, I didn’t realize how treacherous the journey to publication would be or how few people would respond to my inquiries about promotional opportunities or how discouraged I would feel within a few years.
It’s been nine years since I started Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth. It’s been almost three years since Real Recovery was published. It’s been over a year since I started seeking a publisher for my second (yet-to-be-published) book. And while I certainly haven’t learned everything about writing, I have learned this: It’s. A. Long. Haul.
Staying the Course
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a long haul is “a considerable period of time.” That’s a decent definition, but I would expand it like this: “a considerable period of time filled with doubt, disillusionment, and despair.” Why would I expand it? Well, very few—if any—long hauls are marked by comfort, delight, or fulfillment.
My long haul has included lots of disappointment and discouragement. I had a recent experience at a local bookstore where I wanted to burst into tears (or scream in frustration) when the owner told me I needed to market myself. She was referring to Real Recovery and the efforts I’ve made to promote it since its publication. It wasn’t that her advice in particular bothered me. I’ve simply lost count of how many times I’ve heard her advice because (unfortunately) most people seem to believe what I once believed about writing—that it’s formulaic.
But I quickly discovered the opposite is true: The long haul isn’t a path to follow but a wilderness to wander. There is no formula. Being diligent and determined isn’t enough. In fact, on most days, it feels like nothing I do is enough.
Hope for the Long Haul
“‘For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.’” (Deuteronomy 2:7 NLT)
Moses is speaking to the Israelites in this verse, passing on what God instructed him to tell them (Deuteronomy 1:1). They hadn’t yet entered the Promised Land, even though they’d been wandering through the wilderness for decades. Their journey should’ve lasted 11 days, but it lasted 40 years instead (Deuteronomy 1:3-4). And only two of the Israelites who had initially set out on the journey—Caleb and Joshua—got to enter the Promised Land because the others had rebelled against God, complaining about Him and refusing to trust Him (Deuteronomy 1:19-39). I doubt the Israelites who did get to enter the Promised Land (i.e., the children of the “original” Israelite travelers, plus Caleb and Joshua) had anticipated that the journey would take four decades to complete.
I can’t help but feel like a fellow wanderer. For essentially a decade, I’ve wandered through my own wilderness. This wilderness has been filled with many unexpected obstacles—from fruitless promotional endeavors to uninterested publishing companies to inconvenient writer’s block. And yet the Lord has mercifully blessed me, carefully observed my steps, faithfully stayed with me, and generously met all my needs.
Yes, it’s true that when I decided to seriously pursue writing, I didn’t realize how treacherous the journey to publication would be or how few people would respond to my inquiries about promotional opportunities or how discouraged I would feel within a few years. I unknowingly signed up for the long haul. But now I know the One who has sustained me this far will sustain me yet.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 