Hello!
This month I joined the Black Writers Guild. The first event with the Guild was a book fair at Eastpoint Mall. I didn't sell a lot of books, but I met some great writers and I learned a lot about sales and marketing. I must admit at one point I felt a little defeated. As I stood there passing out fliers about my book and looking around at the other writers, I realized just how inexperienced I really was and how much I have to learn.
Even though this was my second book fair and I've had a very successful book signing, I haven't really done anything else to market my book. As you all know, that has been my struggle. I was so happy to have completed my book and gotten it published, that the thought of actually standing in front of a crowd or explaining to someone what my book was about just never crossed my mind.
Personally, just having a book was enough. Of course, selling my book is awesome and I can't even explain to you what it feels like every time someone says that my book has blessed them in some way, but I know God is calling me to do more than that. This book wasn't just for me and although I have given away way more than I've sold, there is still more work to be done.
I can't let myself feel defeated because I don't measure up to someone else. God let me see that I was using that as an excuse not to do anything. As long as I don't do anything, I can't look stupid. I can't mess up. I can't fail. God showed me that I was a unique creation and I am not going to do anything like anyone else. I can only do me. I have to use everything I have learned to do what God has called me to do and every time I represent Him at one of these events, I am planting seeds for Him--and He will handle the rest.
Until next time...
