Not Until Forever (book 1 in my Hope Springs series) turns ONE later this month! Which means I’ve now been on this indie publishing journey for a year. When I first started last January, I have to confess that I had no idea what would happen or how it would turn out. But after much prayer and consideration, I took the leap and trusted God to bless it in the way He knew was best. I couldn’t have imagined then how richly blessed I would be through this journey or how God would shape and grow me through it.
As I look back over the past year, here’s what I’ve learned about indie publishing:
1. Readers are amazing people. Seriously. One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been meeting readers from all around the world, including each one of you here at Inspy Romance. Before I started publishing these books, I didn’t realize that people I’d never met in *real* life could become such wonderful friends. But it’s such an amazing feeling to know that readers are willing to take the time out of their day to review my books, send me a note of encouragement, share my books with their friends, and even pray for me. What a wonderful community of people to be a part of!
2. Other authors also wonderful people. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating—the Christian indie writing world is a close-knit community and everyone is there to lift each other up. I’ve been so grateful especially for the authors who are much more experienced with all of this who have taken me under their wings and offered their advice, guidance, and support (special shout-out here to Valerie Comer, Alexa Verde, and Autumn Macarthur). I know none of them *have* to do that. They do it out of their kindness and their genuine desire to help other authors succeed.
3. I couldn’t do this alone. I am so not the kind of person who likes to ask for help. Honestly, I’d rather muddle through and take twice as long to do something than ask someone else to help me (I think I may have a bit of a stubborn streak…better work on that). But as much as the writing process itself is solo, getting a book into the world is a team effort, and I’m thankful for everyone who is willing to join in making that possible, from my cover designer (who also happens to be my husband) to my amazing team of advance readers.
4. God is faithful. I knew this already, of course, but wow—He’s really used this year to show me that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). When I started writing these books, my prayer was that God would let them find at least a few readers and touch their hearts with His love. Well, He has done abundantly more than that. The books have found more readers than I could have ever imagined, and every time I read a review or receive a note that says, “This was the book I needed to read right now,” I know: that wasn’t me, that was all God. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring all at once.
5. Writing and publishing are hard work. I think this is probably a given, but what I’ve really learned is that even on the hard days, it’s a blessing to get to do what I love and to use the gifts God has given me to serve Him. I am thankful for that privilege every day.
Coincidentally, I also celebrated my birthday this month. It was a bit of a milestone birthday, as I turned 40. I have to confess that this was a birthday I had been dreading from the time I turned 30. But now that I’m here, I have to say, the view is pretty good. God has abundantly blessed me, and I feel like He used my 30s to grow my faith and to bring me right to where he wants me to be. I’m excited to see what he has in store for my 40s.
As I look back on my past decade, here are a few things I’ve learned:
1. It’s not about me. Younger me was ambitious. I wanted to do big things and win people’s approval or praise. Sometimes I worried that people would look at my life and see it as “small.” But now I realize that my life isn’t about me at all. It’s about glorifying God. That’s what we’re here for.
2. Worry and fear don’t do any good. I confess, I’ve always been a worrier, and with four kids, it seems like there’s always something to worry about. But how many times in His Word does God tell us not to worry, to cast all our anxieties and cares on Him? He is always in control, He is always with us, and He always knows the plans He has for us.
3. God gives good gifts. I used to get so caught up in comparing my gifts to other people’s—and inevitably feeling like I came up short, especially as a pastor’s wife. I am not super-outgoing (like many writers, I’m quite the introvert), I don’t play the piano or the organ, I don’t sing in the choir. But what I’ve come to realize over the past decade is that God has equipped me with my own gifts to serve Him in my own way. And that is true of every single member of the body of Christ.
4. Time in God’s Word and prayer are necessary. Not necessary as in we must do it or else we will be punished. Necessary as in we need God’s Word and presence in our life in the same way as we need food and water. It nourishes us. It strengthens us and grows our faith. It sees us through the hard days and the wonderful days. It is our lifeblood.
5. Contentment comes from God, not from things or even experiences. I’m not big into having the newest car or the latest gadgets, but I have to admit that sometimes when I see other people going on vacations left and right, I feel that old sin of envy rear its head. But more and more, God is showing me that I can be content right where I am (even if that’s in snowy Wisconsin in the middle of winter). Because the secret to contentment has nothing to do with what we have or what we do in this world. It’s all about knowing Him.
6. The end isn’t the end. Birthdays inevitably make us think about the fact that we’re one year closer to the end of our time on this earth, however many years the Lord may choose to grant us. But that in itself is a blessing, since the end of our earthly life brings us to eternal glory in heaven. As Paul says, “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Okay, this post has gotten rather longer than I’d intended. I’ll blame it on the fact that turning 40 has put me in a rather reflective mood.
But let’s close this out with a #giveaway! I’d love to know how you enjoy celebrating your birthday. One person who comments by January 22 will be chosen at random to win an ebook of Not Until Forever.
Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after in Wisconsin with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get a free story.
Happy Birthday. Its interesting as I had a friend who dreaded her 40th felt like her life was ending. she and her husband had a party as both turned 40 about 5 weeks apart and had it in the middle on a long weekend.
For me 30 was the bad birthday. I was still single (still am) and it was a Saturday. No one rang or visited (and no mail as we don’t get mail on a Saturday) til about 5pm when a neighbouring neighbour came. I was already to watch the Ice Skating from the winter Olympics at about 7.30 when a couple dropped in. I did get a gift but they spent the whole time visiting with mum not me. By this time I was over it. I did get cards etc on the Monday. But I decided from then on I would plan something for my birthday. I organised to go out for either lunch or Dinner on my birthday. I still do that most years or go out somewhere. I even organised my own 50th birthday party it was a morning tea with several friends. Then had friends from away came for the evening. This year I am hoping to organise to go shopping in the town an hour away (I am in a smaller country town without a lot of variety and from loyalty card often get offers for my birthday like 10% off or a $5 gift voucher etc)
I turned 40 in 2000. As a young person, I had thought about turning 40 but never anything beyond. It was like entering an unimagined country. I hope yours brings you more joy and happiness in knowing God and His blessings. These days, I don’t do anything special for birthdays but I do see them as days to celebrate the specialness of what God had made me to be. His gifts are awesome. To give you an idea of what my thoughts lean toward, one of my favorite books since childhood has been Dr. Suess’ Happy Birthday to You :)
Welcome to the 40’s! (Says she who turned 50 last year!) I loved reading your post; it was not long at all! I am not one for celebrating my own birthdays – if I have things my way, it will be just another day and if I get to craft or read on that day then it will be 100%. When I was younger (and pre the little people) we used to organise hiking weekends in the mountains for my birthday, those were magic. Maybe we can look at doing that again soon, my littles are turning 9 this year…
Congratulations on the 1 year Indie Publishing celebration, that is a milestone! I have not read your book (s) so will go and search you out on Amazon now! Thank you Valerie and Inspyromance for a pleasant break from work! All the best for the future birthdays Valerie!
Happy Birthday! I personally don’t like to make a big deal about my own birthday, I would rather ignore it, lol. 30 was.my horrible birthday, I was a mess….lol! On my 40th hubs surprised me with a trip to Atlanta….no other birthday stands out for me, hahaha
Happy 40th Birthday Valerie and congratulations on your 1 year Indie Publishing celebration. You are a new author to this retired avid reader. 2020 is also a milestone for me. My youngest son celebrated his 30th birthday last Thursday and in May I celebrate the big 70. I have celebrated birthday in different ways – with family, weekend get aways or relaxing at home. Celebrated my 40th birthday with a 6 month old on my arm. My husband had a surprise party and a local volunteer fireman put on full gear when I blew out my candles. For my 50th Birthday, I got my ears pierced. Celebrated my 60th birthday with my colleagues at school. Always teased my high school students that I am declaring a National Holiday for my Memorial Day Weekend birthday. Loved seeing their puzzled expressions. Best wishes. Enjoy your special day!
Happy Birthday!🎉🎂 We don’t usually make a big deal about birthdays. I spend mine with my family and we have a nice dinner. We will be celebrating my dad’s 95th birthday in April which will be exciting.
Thank you for the many nuggets of truth in this beautiful post. Great reminders! And happy birthday.
I don’t really celebrate my birthday. I did have hubby take me to the movies a week before. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎁
Happy Birthday and Happy Book Birthday! I usually celebrate my birthday at home with the family, nothing fancy. We have a special dinner, dessert, and togetherness.
I prefer a quiet celebration at home with loved ones. TYSM
Happy birthday, Valerie, on both counts! I’m right there with you, both on turning 40 my last birthday, and adoring the indie writing community. Congratulations on your bookiversary. I’ve read the whole series and love them all. I was especially impressed with how you handled some of the more difficult topics. I look forward to getting to know you better as we continue on this indie journey!
Happy 40th birthday and congrats on the one year Indie anniversary! Since myself and my son share the same June birthday, it is always some type of celebration! Last year I turned 55 and retired from my job of 30 years! Had a big retirement celebration, that was the only time we didn’t celebrate our birthdays together. He said we only focusing on YOU! He turned 36.
I think it’s a great idea that you started planning to do something for your birthday every year! It’s nice to mark the occasion in some special way. A morning tea sounds lovely. And I hope your shopping day works out for your birthday this year–sounds like fun!
Isn’t that funny–when we’re younger it’s hard to imagine anything beyond 40, but now that we’re here, it’s actually pretty amazing! Especially taking the time to see God’s gifts in our lives. Somehow, I didn’t discover Dr. Seuss’ Happy Birthday to You until I was an adult–but I do love it now. :)
Thanks so much, Charmaine! I love those little ways to celebrate birthdays too. And hiking in the mountains does sound magical. Like you, I’m finding that now that my kiddos are a bit older, we can go back to doing some of the things we loved before they were born (no mountains here, but we do love to camp!). It’s so fun sharing those adventures with them.
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Paula Marie! I think I did have a harder time with my 30th too–and then I started thinking about my 40th and dreading that, lol. :) But it always ends up being less of a big deal than we build it up to be. Just another number. :) How sweet of your hubby to surprise you with a trip to Atlanta for your 40th!
Thank you, Renate! And happy 30th to your son and 70th to you this May! It sounds like you know how to celebrate a birthday in style. Too funny that a fireman put on full gear when you blew out the candles for your 40th!
Thank you, Lori! Spending time with family is such a lovely way to celebrate a birthday. And what an awesome blessing to be able to celebrate your dad’s 95th birthday in April!
Thank you, Laurie! I really enjoyed being able to pause and reflect on these things.
Thank you for the birthday wishes! It’s always a treat to go to the movies–birthday or no birthday. :)
Thank you, Bernice! I think the family togetherness is the best part! We stayed home for my birthday and watched a movie all together–my favorite way to celebrate!
Same here, Kelley! Quiet time at home with family is the best!
Valerie, happy birthday. My younger daughter turned 40 last year. You all are making me feel old. Ha! I forget how old I am until I look in the mirror and see that wrinkled woman looking back at me. I really think it’s true about being only as old as you feel. Staying active keeps one young. Thanks for sharing these inspirational thoughts.
Thank you, Jaycee! And happy belated 40th to you! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the books, and I’m grateful to be part of the indie community with you. I look forward to getting to know you better as well!
Thank you, Mary! That’s so cool that you and your son share the same birthday–what an awesome birthday gift for you the year he was born! I’m sure it’s fun to celebrate together too. Congratulations on your retirement–how sweet of your son to insist that the focus be on you.
Any more, all I want for my Birthday is something I don’t have to cook!! And, I have to have a cake! So, last year, my cake came from Publix (the BEST!!!), and Mom and I went out to eat so I didn’t have to cook. I remember turning 40! I thought my 40th would bother me, it didn’t. My 30th was nothing. I thought my 46th would bother me since my oldest nephew would be 30 that year. Nope!! I can honestly say, none of them bother me, and none of them send to “old” anymore, either. Maybe that’s because Mom is 95. Now, that is seeming to be a tad old, as she’s started slowing down. However, she still goes! So, age is only a number, and that’s it. You can be “old” at 40, or you can be “old” at 75, or beyond!!
Thank you, Merrillee! It’s so funny–when I was a kid, I used to think of 40 as old, but now I don’t really consider any age “old” anymore because I see so many people who are so active at all ages. I think you’re absolutely right about only being as old as you feel!
Isn’t it funny how our idea of “old” changes over time. I was just saying that 40 used to seem old to me, and now there really isn’t any age that seems old because you see so many people who are still active even in their 90s, like your Mom–that’s so awesome! You’re so right that age is only a number. :)
First of all happy birthday and congrats on your book’s bday too.
I’m also celebrating a milestone this January (35 in less than 2 weeks) and I’ve dreaded my 30’s just as much as I think I’ll dread turning 40. I have had two blessings since turning 30 though (Samuel and Matias) and I’m more than happy to have come so far (which means 30’s were good too me).
I love celebrating my birthday, usually this means summer vacation and very few people in town, but my parents made it sound great because I’d have 2-3 parties with few people instead of one like my sister. My favorite was always when we got to the beach and could invite all my neighboring friends for hotdogs and pie. So much fun. My grandmother was always waiting for us. (I also had usually some celebration at home with friends who were in town and at my other grandparents home, including aunts, uncles, and cousins).
Thank you, Priscila! And happy early birthday! I feel like my 30s were really a time of growth, so even though I dreaded them when I was in my 20s, I have been amazed by what God did during those years. Sounds like your 30s have been a wonderful blessing as well! Enjoy the rest of them–and don’t worry, I fully trust our 40s will be equally as wonderful.
That was smart of your parents to talk up your birthday and focusing on how you got to have 2-3 parties instead of only 1. I bet that made you feel extra special. :)
I usually go out to dinner with my family to celebrate.
That’s a great way to celebrate! :)
We always got to have whatever our favorite meal is for our birthdays. That always makes it fun because sometimes what I like other people don’t, but on my birthday they will eat it anyway. :) Cake is always good too.
Sure did feel extra special. And now I get to repeat this tradition with my eldest whose bday is just two days after mine. I hope he can feel special too and not forgotten.
Oh, I’m sure he will! How fun that your birthdays are so close together!
That’s a great idea! And it’s sweet that you get to have what you like with no complaints from anyone else at least for that day. :)
I will be 40 this year as well and we don’t normally do much but this year myself and 4 friends from high school are going to go away for a weekend. No kids, no spouses just 5 old friends it’s gonna be so much fun as we all live oceans apart (we might let spouses join us for the second day). As our birthdays are all at different times we will have it at a time that is close but doesn’t clash with any birthdays so everyone can still celebrate with friends and family.
Happy 40th🎁
Thanks so much, Carolyn! And happy early 40th to you. :) Your getaway sounds so fun! I hope you have a great time relaxing, catching up, and celebrating!
Thanks, I don’t drive so its nice to have a day out. It may happen a day early or a week later. but it will happen and even if I go later I will still do something on the day even if its just treating myself to a milkshake.
Oooh, a milkshake sounds good! :) Enjoy the day whatever you do!
Happy Birthday Valerie! May you have a blessed year! Every year on my birthday is blessed for me, I’m 76 years old and try to live each day as if it will be my last! Reading is my passion! When I was very little my mom gave me the gift of loving to read. Every night before bed she would read to me! After I learned to read, every week on Saturday, we would go to the library and choose books together. I’m an avid reader, thanks to her. And she loved hearing me read to her when she was sick in bed. Sadly my mom passed away when I was nineeen. I will always be eternally grateful for her passing on the love of reading to me. Her passing is incredibly sad but her memory lives on with every book that I pick up to read!
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Rebecca! You’re so right that every birthday is a blessing. What a gift that your mom passed on her love of reading to you and that you have those special memories of reading with her.
I enjoy celebrating my birthday with my family. We usually go out to eat and get ice cream afterwards.
That sounds like a lovely way to celebrate. Nothing beats family time!
Happy Birthday! If I am lucky, my son cooks me dinner. Sometimes he forgets it completely. It’s okay though. I’ve had plenty of them. I don’t mind.
I celebrate every birthday happily. When my older brother turned 25, I thought ” That’s OLD!” Two years later it didn’t seem so old for me
When we were in our early 30s, our son described someone as being”MIDDLE AGED”, like you are!” When I was about to turn 70, I thought ,” I’m going to be 70! “😀 I am happy to embrace my age every year.
Happy Birthday to you.. Mine and my grandsons birthday is next month. We celebrate the whole month because his is at the beginning mine is at the end of the month. We celebrate with the whole family with cake and ice cream.. And gifts too. We love being surprised..
Happy birthday, and congratulations on your book birthday. I don’t plan anything for my birthday but my son and family take me out to eat, wherever I want to go. I’ll be 68 next month; no birthdays bothered me. But 50 was special, my son bought me a mother’s ring. I still love it.
Thank you, Linda! How sweet of your son to cook you dinner–and that you don’t mind when he forgets. :)
That’s a great attitude to have! It’s so funny how a certain age can seem old until we get to it–and then we turn that age and realize it’s not old at all. :)
Thank you, Tina! How sweet that you and your grandson share a birthday month and that you get to celebrate all month long! Happy early birthday–enjoy your cake and ice cream!
Thank you, Kathy! I’m sure you treasure getting to spend that time with your son and family. Happy early birthday!
Happy birthday, my grand daughter and I share the same birthday. So we go out to dinner, then back home for cake and ice cream. Congratulations on your book birthday, I enjoyed reading your blog, it was very entertaining. I love to read any thing I can get my hands on.
Thanks so much, Bonnie! How fun that you share a birthday with your granddaughter and that you get to celebrate together! Glad you enjoyed the blog. :)
Happy Birthday! I like to celebrate my birthday by going out to eat with my husband. My preference is Red Robin for a great burger. But haven’t been able to go there in quite some time. So we spend as much time as possible together and go out to eat (somewhere) if we can.
I am glad to have been introduced to your writing recently. I read “Not Until Christmas” and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Thank you for sharing your talent with us. (I’ve been trying to write for several years now and keep getting stuck.)
May this year continue to be a blessing to you.
Thank you, DJ! Going out for birthdays is always special (and we love Red Robin too). So glad you’re enjoying my books. :) Don’t worry, getting stuck while writing happens to all of us, no matter how long we’ve been doing it or how many books we’ve published. Keep at it! Blessings!
i like to go to dinner and a movie with my husband and then have cake when we get home. that’s my favorite way to spend my birthday.
That sounds like a perfect way to spend a birthday, Susan!
My birthday is in February at the peak of cold and flu season so it seems like am sick on least half my birthdays. When I am healthy my favourite way to celebrate is to go out to eat. My husband spends every birthday making notes about the past year in his life and reading over the notes from his prior birthdays. Now he is in his sixties so he can’t read them all every year, so he will read the ones with the same last digit (for example, if he is turning 62 he will read notes from when he turned 22, 32, 42, and 52 {and yes I still believe in the Oxford comma haha}).
Happy almost birthday to you! I hear you on the cold and flu season–I have three of four kids home sick today. :( Hope you’ll be healthy enough to go out to eat this year! That’s really neat that your husband makes notes about the past year on his birthday and then reads the ones from each decade before. I love that idea because it’s so easy to forget what has happened in our lives (and when exactly it happened) as we get so caught up in the day-to-day. Have a blessed day (from a fellow Oxford comma fan!).