Last week I filmed the curriculum for Sacred Pathways, a book that was first published 25 years ago. It was such a satisfying feeling to walk into the studio and see the lights set up, so let me provide the back story.
For “big name” authors, the curriculum for a new book is usually released simultaneously with the book, but at the time Sacred Pathways was published I had virtually no platform. Sacred Pathways was published with such a small advance ($3,000) that it received literally no marketing support. My acquisitions editor called me at the time to apologize: “It’s so well-written and creative, Gary,” she said. “There’s nothing else out there like it. But we paid a lot of advance money for this Fall’s new release, so Sacred Pathways got completely passed over.” She knew at the time (though I had hopes otherwise) that this marketing decision would crush any chance Sacred Pathways had to find an audience. And she was right—in the short term.
Predictably, Sacred Pathways went out of print after selling less than 10,000 copies. Zondervan re-released it when they published their first book of mine (Sacred Marriage), and Sacred Pathways slowly found its own platform. A hugely influential pastor taught out of it at the largest (at the time) pastor’s conference in the U.S. Rick Warren featured the book in one of his chapters for his mega-selling Purpose Driven Life. Other well-known pastors and writers discovered it and began referring to it.
Sacred Pathways was never a “best-seller” in the sense that it never sold quickly, but it did keep selling steadily. After 25 years it finally reached over 100,000 copies sold, a sales figure that less than one percent of books ever reach. And now it has a video curriculum to go with it. I’m carrying a bit more weight and a lot less hair than I had in 1996, so the messenger on film won’t look quite so appealing, but hey, at least the teaching will soon be out there for small groups to use!
Aspiring and frustrated writers, I want to encourage you. I know (trust me, I know) how excruciating and heartbreaking it is to watch a book (or manuscript that isn’t even published) go unnoticed. You pour so much of yourself into it and you have such high hopes. Don’t give up. You never know. Make your writing an act of worship and the release of your book an act of surrender.
I told one first-time writer that I view a book like a Father’s Day present to my heavenly Father. It might be an ugly tie or an unfashionable belt, but He’ll still appreciate the effort and gesture. No effort on God’s behalf is ever wasted. Even if no one ever reads it, God still receives it with a smile. And sometimes, that old tie or belt gets pulled out of the back of a drawer or closet and is actually worn, making the child smile all day long, as I did all last week.
“The Lord humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” 1 Samuel 2:7-8.
I have recently retired from 26 years in the military; 17 as a chaplain and regularly feel a compulsion to put so many thoughts, experiences, insights, failures, successes, relationships, ministry and more and more down on paper and so many, “oh, that would make a great book,” ideas — but don’t even know how, or where, to begin.
I love your books and have ravaged them personally and shamelessly promoted them professionally as a chaplain-pastor-counselor.
This is so encouraging, Gary. It speak to my heart today.
And may God grow your influence more and more!
“Make your writing an act of worship and the release of your book an act of surrender.“
This 👆!!!!!
. I needed that sentence!
Thank you for this encouragement
Thank you. I’m a “new” writer. This comes at a very good time as I begin to have confidence and need lots of encouragement to have faith in myself and what God wants. It is an act of love and surrender to God. If He wants it it will grow; if not, it will have its time and then end. Either way, it’s His.
Thank you, Gary! This was the encouragement I needed today. I love the idea of my writing being my gift to the God who made me and gives me the gift of being able to write.
Keep writing!
Thanks again!
Thank you for this. You have spoken to me today.
Thank you! This is such wise encouragement.
Oh, Gary, Thank you for this. I really needed to read this. Yes, your writing, our writing is for God, and He loves it whether anyone else does or not. Bless you and Lisa. I am so glad that Ally is doing better. God has blessed so many couples through Sacred Marriage and Cherish. My husband and I have led many husbands and wives through these two books and studies. God has used you tremendously. Thank you.
Thanks, Gary, for the encouragement! You are a blessing to so many. Thank YOU for using your gifts. Keep going! And I will keep working on another Father’s Day Present.
I remember well finding Sacred Pathways on a shelf in a bookstore after we had stopped working with CAC/CareNet and bought it immediately. I loved it by the way and was so blessed by it. You are a gifted writer Gary and I am so happy the book is reaching a new audience now.
Thank you, Gary. Good encouragement. I get it. 😉
Thank you so much for this encouragement. As I work on my first non-fiction book, having abandoned work on three novels, I am comforted by the image of giving my father an ugly tie. Thank you. That ugly tie is all I have to give and may God’s grace transform that humble offering into something God can use for the establishment of the reign of Christ.
Gary, thank you for this timely message! It’s easy to get discouraged as a writer. I made a note to myself with your quote, “Make your writing an act of worship and the release of your book an act of surrender.” I love this!
Blessings!
Lenette
That’s funny, I always refer to my writing and speaking as a picture a little girl makes for her Daddy to hang on His fridge, and if He ever chooses to do anything else with it, that’s up to Him. (Why my page is called For His Fridge). You framing your work as a father’s day gift is kind of the same. Keeping in focus who you’re doing this for. Thank you for the encouragement.