Facts I Cannot Change
12:18 PM
Facts are unchangeable. Oh, you can twist them this way and that to give different reasons, motivations, or perspectives on those facts but the basic fact remains the same.
George Washington was president of the United States. That is a fact. Of course, we read and decide if we think he was a good president or not. We can have our opinions about his policies, but that doesn't change the basic fact that he was president.
Some facts are a lot harder to deal with. Lately, I've been dealing with a lot of them when it comes to my writing.
On social media, it's a fact that most people spend their time enjoying videos, some quite clever, creators put together. The hard fact for me to swallow is I'm not good at making those videos and I'm not good in front of the camera.
Here is another fact I'm facing: It seems that most people want to read romantic comedy, magical fantasy, or historical books that delve into mature/sexual themes. That runs right smack-dab into the fact that I, for various reasons, won't write any of these.
In recent years, better cover design and print-on-demand merchandise have placed a lot of high expectations on authors for spectacular covers and swag for each release. That bumps up against my budget as well as my lack of time to make everything spectacular all the time.
One of the most humbling facts I've faced is that most of the promotional ventures I've tried, personally and with groups, have not gone as well as I had hoped. I don't like it but it's another undeniable fact.
So where is this leading? Before you panic, this is not my farewell address in which I say I'm never publishing another book. After all, I have two more books in the Kate's Case Files Series to publish and I will not disappoint my fans. I'm busy writing them, I promise. What this is is an honest admission and a humbling one.
I have hit a point I'm unable to change with the marketing tide. It's not because I don't care enough to learn, or because I don't love my readers, I just have limitations. Those limitations are facts, just as the expectations are facts. So where do all these facts leave me?
While I haven't figured out all of what it means, I do know that it will mean I'll be publishing less in the years to come. Again, I'm not leaving. I'm already well on my way to making 2024 the year I complete the Kate's Case Files series. And I have other stories on my heart I want to write and share. However, I think it will take less of my time.
I also know I'm going to stop trying so hard on social media. I'm so incredibly weary of spending so much time working to create content, only to have algorithms make it so my followers don't see it. I'm weary of being pushed to make reels or videos. I'm weary of people only seeming to like the posts that are staged to amaze. So I'm not going to try anymore. I'm not leaving social media, but I'm done trying to be impressive or meet the expectations. I'm done trying to reduce my thoughts into social media-sized bites.
I'm returning to blogging. I know I've said that a few times before, but this time, I mean it. I'll share about my life, my thoughts, my heart, even if no one reads it. Because I love writing. I love sharing. Even this post, which isn't upbeat, has been a joy to write. It took me three tries to get the right starting point and format, but that doesn't bother me. That is why I love writing - you spend your time figuring out how to present the heart of what you want to communicate.
So, for any of you who still read my blog, thank you. And I hope you enjoy my return to this world. I can't promise you that you will see a lot of nicely staged photos where the lighting is perfect, but you will see photos of my home and life that capture how I love to bring beauty into my world. I can't promise you I will be a faithful blogger because the internet isn't my life. I also can't promise what my writing/publishing will look like because I don't even know.
Can I ask a favor of you now? Would you pray for me? I have a lot of decisions and I want to honor Jesus with each one. I also want to honor the trust and time readers have put into me.
Lastly, to each of you who read to the end, thank you. I don't think I say often enough how much it means to me each time someone chooses to spend their time reading a post or book I've written instead of watching a video. Thank you!
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7 comments
I enjoy your posts, Sarah! And I don't make videos or post brilliant images on social media. (Don't have social media.) It's hard at times to be okay being and doing something different even in the writing world.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the rest of the Kate series!
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I relate to a lot of this, especially the weariness with social media, the time it takes to post, and the frustration of algorithms. It can be hard to reach the right people. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with all these questions and I'm definitely sending prayers and hugs as you find out what storytelling etc. means moving forward. Best wishes however you decide to go forward, and I'm excited about the Kate books and the other stories on your heart that I hope you will still write! I don't always keep up on reading blogs (or social media, for that matter!) but I love that blogging has so much more room for expression, and I enjoy your posts when I get to read them. I value the stories you write and the thoughts you share and I hope you receive reward for continuing to do both as to the Lord. Thank you again for sharing. God bless. <3
ReplyDeleteSarah, I appreciate your honesty. I'm sorry about the difficulties you've faced; but I'm glad you're seeking the Lord and what He would have you do. I just prayed for you! May God give you His peace. In Him,
ReplyDeleteValentine
Sarah, this post resonates with me as well. Even if our writings don't reach as many people as we would like, they are still worthwhile because we are doing it for God's glory, and if they reach even one person, the time and effort is worth it. I'm grateful for your writings (not to mention your friendship!), and I always enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteI dont have social media and I love, love, love reading blogs! I'll be super happy to see more blog posts! And I cannot wait for the Kate books coming soon! But I wish it wasn't the *last* two🥲 I'll be praying for you! Thank you for sharing and for just being so real in a time where I feel like everybody tries to be so fake and unrealisticly perfect.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about this blog since I don't get notifications, but I'll be checking it now. Love seeing your posts, always, Sarah! I'm sorry things are so hard for you and I'll be praying <3
ReplyDeleteI must say, I'm excited for your return to the blogging world! I don't *do* social media, and as more and more "blogging friends" head into the world of social media, I've totally lost track of them. I appreciated your honesty and vulnerability written here, and it'll be refreshing to see an honest perspective of life, and not the made-to-impress versions people are always sharing anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've had a difficult time of it -- as someone who's also had trials and difficulties and agonized at times over what the Lord would have me to do in particular situations, know that I'm praying for you.
So, welcome back!