I’m a published author.
Did you think to yourself: that’s so amazing! Her life must be awesome.
If so, let me take you inside to the not-so glamorous life of writing. Now, I’m not trying to be a downer or ignore how blessed I am to be a published author. I’d just like to give you a glimpse into my world on the days where I wonder how did I ever get into this position.
For instance, the past year and a half, I have consistently managed to get my deadlines about a month a part. I’m talking about NO wriggle room whatsoever. Instead of being able to take a breather and refuel, I go full steam ahead and when one deadline is over, immediately jump into the next. It’s made me into some sort of not-nearly-as-caffeinated-as-I-need-to-be writer. Not to mention all the other hats I still have to wear as a wife and mom.
Then there’s the time when my characters decide they could care less about my writing deadlines and refuse to tell me how they feel. We’re talking about hours looking at a blank scream, with time breaking up the stare to whine to anyone who will listen, send GIFs to my closest friends in a form of a whine, and bemoaning my fate to the Lord and asking for all the words. Don’t forget the social media distractions or the desire to clean a house you’ve successful ignored for the past month. Oh did I mention that this was a recent development?
Then there are the times you feel the need to increase your social media followers, grow your newsletter (this one really makes me want to pull my teeth), pay for ads, pay your taxes, and all the other painful things that can fall under the business side of things.
Oh and did I mention you get to write a first draft, go through critiques of that draft, revise and edit that manuscript, all the while reading it countless times to make sure that no error slips through! But don’t worry, someone will notice that error and let you know all about it. :)
So why does anyone want to be a writer? Glad you asked.
Because when the story is FINALLY finished there are certain things that happen.
- You realize that God was with you every step of the way and you now accomplished something He called you to do.
- When you hold that book baby in your hand, the sense of wonder you feel knowing you wrote that is amazing.
- When readers review your book (or send you a message) telling you how the book ministered to them or they just plain enjoyed it, you realize that you’re not half bad at this writing stuff and maybe even doing exactly what you’re supposed to do.
- The first time you see an actual fan and realize that someone is following your career because they believe in you, you’re humbled.
- Because despite all the roller coaster of dislikes that can crop up, the highs are way too spectacular to keep you dwelling on the lows.
This year I’ll be releasing four new books. Fortunately, they’re already written and all I have to do is promote them when their turn comes around. Instead, I find myself writing books to be published in 2023. It’s amazing that God has allowed me to count my blessings before they’re even here. Knowing these books will come to fruition and fall into the person’s hands it needs to be in. So even though I hit my pity party moments, I know that book baby will be worth all the prayers, tears, and whines that came out of my mouth. After all, going through trials always makes the victory all the sweeter.
Giveaway:
Because I’m so thankful for you, the reader, I’d like to offer a giveaway to any of my books on my backlist. If you are international, please know I can only offer you an ebook copy of my books. To enter, tell me something that’s not very glamorous about what you love but why you keep doing it. Enter by 5/13/22 11:59pm EDT and I’ll pick one random winner.
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
I love giving Bible Studies. I love presenting them, although there are only five in our group. I love the “wow!” of new insights but I don’t love the hard grind behind it all. The hours of research which only leads to something that everyone already knows, the sheer routine of reading and re-reading to make sure what I am saying is from God and not my ego!
Hi Toni! Over my 7 decades of life and 5 decades working, there was the daily grind of life. Work, family, church and more. I always tease my grandchildren that their Oma was a slow learner, since I attended school for 50 years (first as a student and then teaching for 30 years). Even though I have been retired for a decade, I am finally retired. I was caregiver for my dad, aging pets, my infant granddaughters. Now I still get up early to take my granddaughter to school 4 days a week. While I am an early riser, I do not enjoy the rush of being at my son’s house by 7:20 am. But I enjoy the one on one time, as we wait in the school drop off line. Maddie is special because after living with males (dad, brother, hubby, 3 sons, & 2 grandsons), she is the first girl. I was her caregiver for her baby, toddler, & preschool years. So yes – early to rise. Enjoy your day. Off to take Maddie to school.
I love gardening but no matter how hard I try to avoid poison ivy it always has a knack for finding me. Every year!
I feel like our years are going similar directions right now, Toni. This post resounded with me so hard. It’s nice to know I am not the only one. 😊
I read and review books for authors and publishers. Therefore, I am somewhat of a hermit. But I’m retired and enjoy reading quality Christian Fiction like yours, Toni! You always give me something to ponder.
Ha ha, same unglamorous boat over here! Apart from having all my 2022 books already written. :-D But I’m doing exactly what I want to do and what God has gifted me to do.
welcome today and for feeling free to be vulnerable. when we are vulnerable with each other, we tend to learn more and figure something out that was elusive. we are no longer hiding behind doors. I love to quilt. I love the colors and patterns and putting it all together for that one special person. but I really dont love the final part of putting the three layers together. my machine is not big enough so I have to take it to a professional and pray and hope they do a great job.
I am an introvert, yet I sell health insurance. I hate being in front of a crowd, yet a facilitate at our ladies’ Bible study. I never dreamed I’d be selling insurance! However, circumstances showed I could do it, Mom and I prayed about it, and the rest is history. God blessed me with my proofreading/editing business, and both “jobs” support me. I thank Him everyday for both!
That makes complete sense! It must be draining but definitely something that has great rewards.
Sounds like your a huge blessing to your family!
Oh no! Praying it keeps away this year.
You’re definitely not. Hugs!
I’m glad. Thank you for reading my books!
Yes! It’s so amazing when we do what He’s gifted us to do. Sending you lots of prayers!
Thank you!
And I didn’t know how many layers were involved. That’s amazing you put that together.
So happy for you!
I have a Cotton candy and snowcone buisness that I do in the spring/summer that I love doing
That’s awesome! Love snowcones.
I love caring for the children I work with at the daycare but I don’t love changing their diapers. However I love interacting with them and watching them grow.
Diapers are definitely not-so-glamorous work.
Same, girl, same.
When I was working full time, I always thought it would be nice not to work. Now that I am disabled, I miss interacting with people face to face. I miss not being able to go for a walk. I miss not being able to roam around a book store or a library. I am bless the Lord has met our needs. I am blessed to have a home. We are able to see the stray cats, raccoons and possum come to eat. Tonight, my husband were able to see two baby kittens. God has given me all that I need. God bless you.
I love napping and watching cartoons! It’s not cool or glamorous for a 25 year old but I really like it.
I remember seeing Sofia the first when she appeared on TV hahaha.
I love to read & camp but to read I can get tired more easy at times of the day due to medication with my epilepsy & need someone with me camping due to my health.
I like to enjoy fishing but don’t get to do it as often as I’d like with family & work
I feel for you Amy I had to use some epilepsy medication for my nerve pain (head pain) and I know that tired feeling.
I use to clean for people cant say I loved it but I did love knowing I was needed and appreciated. While I enjoyed doing things like ironing, even the washing the one thing I hated (ok 2 but one I didn’t do much) was Cleaning the toilets of one particular house. The other thing I don’t like even at my own house is washing dishes.
I love my job because I get to help Breast Cancer patients but I hate going into the office because I have to wake up at 5:45. When it is cold it is the absolute worst. I do not want to leave my warm bed.
Thank you so much for the books you write. I love that I get to read stories about my people and the relate and interact with their family, friends and other people.
Blessings to you as well!
Cartoons are relaxing!
Health issues definitely take shine off of some things. Prayers!
I get that.
I’m not a fan of washing dishes either.
I love nursing, and my patients! I can say dealing with the insurance companies and suppliers is not the most fun part of my job!
That is super earlier! I’d feel like a zombie at that hour.
Thank you for reading them!!
I bet!
can’t think of anything