Thursday, April 10, 2014

Writing and the Ripple Effect


Another blog recently declared writing is not a waste of time http://christianwritersdownunder.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/its-not-waste-of-time-by-nola-passmore_31.html?showComment=1396393017724#c4508681362741438087 I found it, as I know others did, good to read because sometimes it can feel that way.  But often there a ripple effect from a piece of writing and God is working in ways we may not know about.
 
Several times I have bought a book after reading a review on either this site or one of the others Nola mentioned or on Goodreads. At one stage I bought several copies of one book, Deeper Places, after reading a review. I read it and loved it and hope those I gifted books to do too.

Just recently I gave a friend, two books for her birthday. One was the book mentioned above, which she hasn’t started yet. The other was Captured by Calvary by Ray Hawkins.  A little while after  her birthday I received a card from my friend  who said, ’Just had to drop you a line share how much Captured by Calvary has been such a source of enlightenment, conviction and challenges  this writer has given me these past 14 days. ‘  She intends buying ‘twelve copies of this book for others to be blessed also.’  She also said she had been able to use some of the thoughts expressed in the book in her devotional talks for Girls’ Brigade.

So sometimes after we’ve read a review or bought or gifted a book, we don’t know how God will choose to use that writer’s words and what impact it will make on others. When I posted the books off to my friend I hoped she would enjoy them, so I was thrilled to hear her response. I then asked her if I could pass this information onto the author to encourage him and she readily agreed. But why just email Ray Hawkins with the news?  Why not instead let others here know so we can see the effect one book can have on others?

Having been with me in prayer since the start of my writing journey, my friend knows what a roller coaster ride it can be. Some days you can feel on top of the world when a publisher says yes, or someone loves your book or you get an email telling you what a blessing it was. Other days a bad review, lack of sales or a rejection letter is enough to knock you flat and can leave you very much wondering if it is worth it. So I think it is important for us writers to try and encourage other writers, particularly Christian writers, so they do not get discouraged and give up. I’d love to hear how you have been able to encourage another writer or how  they have encouraged you.
 
Dale writes fiction, poetry and children’s fiction, and has written bible studies and Sunday school lessons. More information about Dale can be found at www.daleharcombe.com or on her Write and Read with Dale blog http://www.livejournal.com/users/orangedale/
 
 

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing that lovely way Ray's book has helped your friend, Dale. What a great story! And yes, your sharing in the way you have in this blog has definitely encouraged me. But also, I'd like to say how much your own comments on my personal blogs and on group blogs have encouraged me over these past few years. I can see you have a heart to encourage others, Dale--and I'm sure that delights God's heart. God bless!

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    1. Thanks for those encouraging words Jo-Anne.

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  2. I agree with Jo-Anne, Dale. I often see a "Dale likes your review" etc on Facebook and it is encouraging. So I'll add my thanks too.

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    1. Not on Facebook Rita so maybe on Goodreads? Either way I get the idea.

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  3. Hi Dale,
    That was a terrific ripple effect story. It's fun to think of others which may have happened, which we never hear about. It's great when we do, though.

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  4. What can I say Dale but a humble thank you for the 'ripple effect' article. I've been a firm believer in the power of literature since Bible College days. I believe we as writers in whatever genre can be God's 'co-labourers' in presenting various aspects of God's grace, glory and holiness. Last night I went to a Gideon's meeting and listened to a woman's testimony via DVD. She was a teacher at a school where the Gideon's were placing their N.T.'s She was angry and resentful for their presence but took a bible. It was unread for six years. A crisis arose in her life and that N.T was waiting for her. It literally saved and transformed her life. That's why I like the witten word. We may never know the good the Lord does through what we have written, even if it sits on someones shelf for an unknown length of time.

    Thank you for blessing me through your writing, especially this article.

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    1. My pleasure Ray. Who knows where your words will end up next?

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  5. Oh yes Dale, that ripple effect is wonderful. In November last year I went through one of those low patches you describe and wondered why on earth I did it. Out of the blue someone who was doing NaNoWriMo with me "happened" to go to my website and see I'd had a book published since we were last in contact. She immediately ordered it and let me know. A few weeks later she wrote and told me she'd ordered 12 copies to send to all the womenfolk in her family. WOW that was a great feeling. All the more so because she doesn't claim to be a Christian, yet she was blessed by the book. Now THAT'S why I write!

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    1. How lovely Shirley! Good that she let you know.

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  6. So true, Dale. We just have to be faithful to do what's before us and trust God for the results--so often ones we can't see.

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  7. You're right Donna, but sometimes that trusting is not easy.

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  8. Dale, I love this post. You are a wonderful encourager. Thanks for sharing this story with us :) I loved hearing Shirl's story, too.

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  9. So glad you liked it Narelle.

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  11. What a wonderful reminder! It is true we can't always see the results of what we do, but must be faithful to his call. Great post!

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