Thoughts on Fame

Fame is a bee

It has a song

It has a sting

Ah, too, it has a wing.

~ Emily Dickinson ~

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely. ~ Albert Einstein ~ 

 

The image is one thing and the human being is another... It's very hard to live up to an image, put it that way. ~ Elvis Presley ~

Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other. ~ Erma Bombeck ~

- - -

Honey tastes sweet. In moderation, it can strengthen the body and brighten the eye. But honey can also make a person sick. So it goes with fame.

I write this as an introvert whose fear of success held up progress of my writing career. For a year after I sold my first short story I wrote nothing as I came to grips with the terrifying (and intriguing) idea I might become famous through my writing. After all, if I became famous, others might expect more from me than I could deliver. I did not volunteer the information that I was a published writer to many I knew. I had learned to dread the sudden inflection of interest in the voices of those I did tell, not to mention their questions and the way they looked at me as if I'd just sprouted wings. I wanted to shout, "Don't do that. I'm still me!"

I find it interesting that God often destines the shy ones for the spotlight. Hiding out proved difficult for me as the drive to write returned. In nonfiction, I often teach from my own experience (as now), thus baring my soul for all to see. That was somehow all right as long as I never met my readers. I can remember wanting to slink out the door of our church's foyer in embarrassment when a friend praised me to others while waving a magazine containing one of my published articles. Never mind that the article, which detailed my juvenile delinquency and subsequent salvation, had been distributed across the nation. That was different.

I've come a ways since those days. I've learned to overcome shyness by focusing on others. What is shyness, anyway, but self-focus? I've also learned to accept the possibility of fame with the courage and humility it requires, as my sacrifice to the Lord.

I've examined in detail the question of whether I should desire fame at all.

In one way, I don't believe I should. Fame is a lot like popularity in high school. Everyone knows the names of the popular people and jostles to get next to them. They are looked to as role models, but their morals may be less than exemplary. The same happens in our culture today, with the focus on Hollywood's A-Listers, whose lives often crumble from the pressures placed on them by fame.

In another way, maybe I should want fame. After all, becoming famous might bring me more readers. It would validate my efforts and provide new opportunities. Did I mention money? While it's not always (or even usually) the case that writers clean up financially, fame would probably provide more earnings.

So, should I or shouldn't I desire fame? After many years of introspection on this point, I can say: Yes and No. It depends on my motives.

If my motive is to advance my work and use my position to make a difference in the world, and I don't let it carry me into pride, then yes, it's not wrong to want that leverage. Desiring is not seeking, however. It's always best to take the low seat and let God elevate you, if He will.

I should not look to fame to help me belong, to matter, and to feel special, though. Fame, which is simply man's favor, can fly away on a whim like that fickle bee Emily Dickinson decries, leaving me high and dry. I'm better off to pursue God's favor, for He will never desert me. With that said, how much better it is to focus on the greatness of His name, rather than my own.

 

(Marlene Anderson normally posts on Thursdays but is dealing with a family emergency.)

Platform Building 101: Define True Success

Wherever you are in scaling the mountain known as "Platform Building," whether you're at the bottom looking way up, halfway to the top, or enjoying the view at one summit before looking toward a higher peak, you've come to the right place. We have a nice support community forming and even a therapist on board. :o) If you missed the news, scroll down to read about Marlene Anderson, my co-blogger. Author Haven will soon add a Pastor as a regular blogger, also. We're in good hands. I say "we" because I plan to apply each week's focus to my own life. Join me? Let's commit to this together and update one another on our progress. If you make a breakthrough, have valuable information to share, or even suffer setbacks, I hope you will comment.

Here's the good news: You will stretch and grow as a person and as a writer. Here's the bad news: Platform building takes time, effort and courage. Don't let that scare you off, though. It can be done, and by you.

Make no mistake - building your platform means altering your life. The business of writing takes discipline and sacrifice. I suspect many of you know this already first-hand, but we should pause at the outset and count the costs. Anything worth having is worth paying for. Only you can make the call: are the costs are worth the rewards? Before you decide, read on.

Building a platform is important, but it's not the most important thing in life. A relationship with God comes first. If you don't have one, that's where you start. Jesus Christ came to earth in the form of man and lived a sinless life so He could take the judgment for our sins on Himself at the cross. If you don't believe in sin, read the headlines. They will tell you we live in a fallen world in need of a Savior. Reach out to Him, accept His forgiveness and repent from your own sins and you will enter into a right relationship with God through His son. Let me know if you do this so I can encourage you.

If you have a relationship with God that's weak, you'll want to recommit your life. That puts you on the path God has designed for you. And, if you're on that path, don't feel like you have to find your way alone. God will meet you and strengthen you to do His purposes. You can go forward in His strength. In fact, it's impossible to succeed without Him. Yes, a writer can find publication and even make the bestseller lists without a relationship with God - some have - but that's only success as the world defines it.

So, what then, is godly success? True success lies in identifying God's purposes for you and applying them to your life in obedience. I've defined the wider goal (rather than focusing only on writing) because your writing purposes and goals will flow naturally from your life's purposes and goals. You can usually look to your areas of gifting and the remarks other people make about you to find them. Ask God to show you, and He will. Once you know your specific callings, they will illuminate everything you do.

To give you an example, here's one of my own life's purposes: I am to bathe Jesus' feet with my tears. While in prayer, I got a picture of myself doing just that. The comments of others have borne witness to the truth of this purpose for me. A group of my friends decided to define the particular characteristic of Christ most prominent in each of us, and my friends named mine as compassion. In fact, my giftings, purposes and goals all came together to create the Author Haven blog. Had I not defined my life's goals, I might not be making this post today.

I have other purposes in life that affect my writing too. For instance, I'm part of a family that needs to survive financially. So, another purpose for my writing is to provide for my family, and that's all right. Writing can be both work and ministry.

Once you know your life's purposes, it's easy to see what you're doing that doesn't line up, and to eliminate it as a time thief. We'll go further into that subject next week.

Homework  

This week's homework requires introspection, so you might want to schedule some time to think. Make sure your relationship with God is on track. Ask Him to help you define the purposes He has called you to in life and in your writing. Before long, you'll soar over the mountains.

Reach Out

Life can change in the blink of an eye; one minute you are living life to the fullest - the next you are hearing the physician say your loved one has an aggressive brain tumor with only months to live. At that moment you cry, "Oh God, No!" and reach out for a supporting hand to hold you up. Such was my personal story.

The need for support doesn't always require life shattering circumstances. When we begin to feel our life has become empty and meaningless, the underlying discontent nudges us to change directions. At those reflective times, we reach out for counsel and mentoring and our prayer becomes, "Lord, are you trying to tell me something here?"

As a new writer, I feel like I am entering a land of giants, a world of talented and gifted people who seem to have it all together; while I, on the other hand, struggle with putting down on paper my thoughts and ideas within the parameters of correct English, sentence construction and style. The path to publication seems like sand and rocks and raging rivers with obstacles huge and intimidating. This land of writing and publication is already inhabited by men and women who are successful in their trade. How can I hope to compete? And I ask, "God, is this really where you want me to go?"

But God doesn't just turn us in a new direction without the tools to accomplish any new task. He asked me to share my story and with fear and trepidation it was published through Xulon Press. God called me to change directions from counseling and teaching to writing and speaking. But He gave me a writing critique group and an association of writers and writing conferences to support the process.

When I get overwhelmed with the prospect of becoming a serious writer, I am reminded of young musicians and athletes. It takes hours of practice and discipline before they can run in the race or play with the orchestra. During those long hours of commitment, it also takes the encouragement of a patient and discerning teacher and the support of others.

So as I establish the work and dedication to develop a new skill and calling, I reach out and grab the reinforcing hand of other writers who struggle with similar anxieties, questions, fears of rejection and meaningful purpose, and in turn give back encouragement, support and constructive analysis of their work. As we reach out to one another, we become a support system, inspiring, validating, uplifting and sharing knowledge. When we lay our anxieties, fears and uncertainties at our Lord's feet, He gives us strength and courage. Together we move forward in faith in God and enter our land of giants and possibilities.

Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Author, "A Love so Great, A Grief so Deep"

www.MarleneAnderson-Focus.com

www.focuswithmarlene.blogspot.com/

Introducing My New Co-Blogger, Marlene Anderson

Fulfillment of Author Haven's stated goals lies beyond the ability of a single person. I'm honored to announce that Marlene Anderson has agreed to post to this blog on a weekly basis. I know Marlene personally and can vouch for her integrity and character. She is more than qualified to advise us. Marlene's insights will appear each Thursday.

Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Marlene is a licensed therapist/counselor, author, speaker and retreat/workshop leader. She has worked in both clinical and educational settings, as a college teacher and facilitator of psycho-educational classes on parenting, ADHD parenting, low esteem and couples communication. She has developed and delivered course material and workshops on stress management, grief and loss, communication, relationships, chronic illness and wellness.

Marlene has produced two relaxation/stress reduction CD's and is author of  A Love so Great, a Grief so Deep, which tells the story of her journey through grief at the loss of her husband from a fatal brain tumor. She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and can be booked through its Speakers Bureau. As a Christian, Marlene is passionate about sharing the love and grace of God through her speaking and writing. You can learn more about her workshops and speaking topics on her website: http://MarleneAnderson-Focus.com. Or visit her blog: http://focuswithmarlene.blogspot.com

Why I Need a Platform (or Bonding with Pumpkins)

Imagine, if you will, a farmer hauling a large, muddy pumpkin into an upscale grocery establishment, for which he is a commissioned contractor. He (or she if you prefer) plunks the pumpkin down on the counter with a "thump," stands back and says: "I grew that thing by the sweat of my brow. It's all yours now, and I expect you to do a good job selling it." What's wrong with this picture? And how does it relate to writing?

The reality for me as a writer, just as for this farmer, is that I am not an employee of the establishment. I, therefore, cannot expect to just drop off my "pumpkin" and be done with it. After all, didn't I just put in a sizable amount of blood, sweat and tears into growing the thing - not to mention finding the right grocery store to sell it through? (Now, I'm not sure how pumpkins are actually sold, but I'm bonding with pumpkins lately so please indulge me this illustration.J)

As writers, we enjoy many of the benefits of self-employment. We also carry its burdens. I'm the first to concede it would be wonderful not to have to deal with selling my work. I am, after all, an Artist. That does not disqualify me, however, from becoming a Salesman (or Saleswoman if you prefer). My creativity might even qualify me to do a good job. And who better than the grower of the "pumpkin" to know and sing its merits?" It would be strange for a grocer to be concerned about the amount of weeding a farmer had to do. In the same way, the fact that I've already put a lot of labor into my book is my problem, not my publishers. Just as a musician must train professional performance, so must a writer develop through many hours of hard work.

I bring up this subject because so often I've heard writers complain about having to develop a platform and marketing strategy for their books. But that's the next step, you guessed it, to pitching an agent or editor. Anyone who's attended a writers conference will recognize the song every agent and editor sings: "What's Your Platform?" This requirement applies to fiction as well as nonfiction writers, so don't think you're off the hook if you write fiction. "Platform" just translates to "Reader Base" for you - a different title for the same melody.

I've noticed the glassy eyes of many writers when the subject of platform arises. The thought of developing a platform can overwhelm a sensitive, artistic type like me. It's hard enough to write and edit a book, hunt an agent down and actually have a publisher give you the time of day. Good grief! What next? Now I'm supposed to have a reader base before I even have a book? Well (and I duck as I say this) - yes. It can be done, especially nowadays with the Internet as a low-cost marketing tool. But we won't limit ourselves just to use of the Internet. In the weeks to come, we'll go through various aspects of platform building and marketing strategies, in a kind of "group participation" exercise. Come along and we'll learn as we go. And, if you have thoughts that will help others going down this same road, be sure and comment. After all, we're all in this together.

One Step on the Road to Success.

Okay, so let's assume you've identified your call to write, studied and honed the craft of writing, joined at least one organization for writers, found a critique group, written a book or developed some article ideas and established an online presence. You're ready, aren't you, to pitch to an editor or agent at a conference?

Not so fast. There's more to think about first. Put yourself in an editor's shoes, in your mind's eye, and watch you - the expectant writer - approach. How do you come across at first sight? Do you hunch your shoulders and sidle in as if terrified or stand tall and square your shoulders? Do you smile and make eye contact? Do you speak up or mutter? Does your breath smell of mints or coffee? Is your hair and clothing bedraggled or neat? Are you dressed for business or movie night?
  
You learned in childhood not to judge a book by its cover, but its cover is the only way, at first sight, to judge a book. Even a masterpiece might remain unread without a compelling cover. The same applies to you. Fact is, if you don't look and act competent, no one is going to give you the chance to show what you can do.

So how do you conduct yourself? You'll want to present a confident (but not arrogant), friendly (but not manic) demeanor. If speaking skills aren't your forte, go to Toastmasters or train in public speaking some other way. Writers can't get away from the need to speak well. Address the problem before attempting to pitch your work.

Take care of any wardrobe or grooming needs now too. Believe me, there's enough to think about when you're preparing for a conference without having to worry about securing proper clothing too. Maybe a trip to the gym or joining a weight loss program is in order. Yes, published writers come in all sizes. They might even have hair that frizzes, scuff their shoes or wear unusual clothing. It's not about conforming to a business standard, unless that's what you feel is right for you. It's about doing for yourself those things that bring you confidence. As a writer, you don't just sell your work - you sell yourself as well. If you aren't sold on you, no one else will be either.

You'll want to present a good image in other ways too. Perhaps you should invest in a quality briefcase. I use a soft-sided leather briefcase to keep everything together at conferences. You'll need business cards, and perhaps stationery and thank you cards as well. You might want a nice pen, a planner, jewelry - whatever it takes within your means that will help you feel confident. If you don't have the means to buy anything extra, do the best you can with what you have. At least get business cards. You can buy quality business cards online as cheaply as $20 for a hundred. Several websites offer them free to writers or you can print your own, if nothing else. I don't recommend going the free or you-print route, however, as these cards tend to be on lighter paper and slightly smaller than average. Such things stand out, but not as badly as having no business cards at all.

It's up to you to present yourself in the best light so others will feel drawn to you. Developing a good image is one step over which you have complete control on your road to success.

Becoming a Public Person

There are a few social butterflies among us, but in the main, writers tend to prefer the cocoon. Go figure. After all, we are people who, as part of a perfectly respectable job description, make up stories inside our heads. I refer to fiction writers, but even nonfiction writers live in a world apart. We sometimes spend hours exploring a world of our own making. Afterwards, real life can come across as rather brutal.

Writers are, if nothing else, Communicators. I realize some write for self alone (bless you), but those of us who consider ourselves called to write professionally need an audience. We write to express ourselves and impart something of value. We write so others may read. And so we move into relationship with the real world and embrace it, warts and wrinkles and all. We embrace it when it gives nothing back but heartache. We embrace it even though we'd rather fold our wings and climb back into our cocoon, reweaving its silken threads about us.

But there's no going back. We've grown and the cocoon no longer fits us. There's grief and expectancy in that realization. The grief lies in the sacrifice of privacy - in becoming a public person. I know this because I'm addressing it in my own life. Where once I shrank from allowing strangers to view my picture, I display it willingly. I brand myself in an online identity. Pages of results now come up in a search of google.com for my name. I update complete strangers about digging in my garden or hiking or something funny my cat does. I add people I've never met as Facebook friends and create a separate, incognito page for my family posts. I dress up and go to conferences. I attend writers meetings and network.

It's needed that I put my personality out there, and I do. I even enjoy connecting with others (now). Through all of it, the "me" of me shelters inside. I don't know if the world is going to treat me right, so I watch and wait. That's when I remember that Jesus didn't know either, and He held nothing back but willingly embraced a hostile world - wrinkles and warts and all.