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/