I was asking a dear group of authors why book signings and events tend to not be well attended. Why after working hard to promote an event, only a few show up? They said… jokingly, but maybe not so much… “bring in a big name!” At first, I thought that must be the answer, but later after praying and contemplation, I thought NO! The “big names” don’t need a humble bookstore in Lacey, WA to find a corner to show their life’s work. They already have their platform. I am here to give opportunity for those who God has called to write, to have a place to bring their masterpiece to the public to share.
Did you know that behind works of fiction or non-fiction there is a person who writes because they can’t NOT write? That God fills them with stories, ideas, poems, songs….
That name on the front of the book is a person with a family, a career (trying to make a living), and struggles, just like the rest of us! They need our support to share their message. Just like any ministry we need to lift each other up. We need to encourage each other to press on!
Do we have book signing events to put a particular person on a higher level because they happened to have written a book? Do we have book events because these authors are more important or special than other laborers for the Kingdom? No. We do these book signings to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ who write. To help get the message of their writing to those who would benefit from it. We do these events to help a fellow Christian earn a living as they minister to our souls with great words.
Authors are amazing individuals. I have had several author events, and know many authors and I consider them my friends. They are some of the kindest people I have ever met. They aren’t prideful people, as some might assume, but quite the opposite. They are humble and grateful.
So the moral of this story is… consider supporting and encouraging an author today! Email the author of that great book you just read and let them know you were blessed by their words. Find an author on Facebook and “friend” them… and watch their lives. Go to book signings and events when they are in your area. Buy a book! And best of all, PRAY for these writers that God will continue to bless and inspire them, as they bless and inspire us!
