Ants.
I've got ants again. It must be the result of sitting in one place for too long -- the last time I was swarmed by ants was when I sat for a couple weeks in Southern California. I don't know if Texas ants are somehow heartier, but they sure are crunchier when I squish them. ;)
I just returned from meeting Tim Baker, the youth pastor at my aunt and uncle's church. He's authored 15 books and graciously talked to me for about an hour during their car wash/garage sale youth fundraiser. Sweat dripped down my back as I took notes and tried to soak up as much as possible. The best <and worst> part -- he affirmed my frustration and the fact that I'm not alone in feeling totally alone trying to market myself.
Sadly, he wasn't the brother of someone famous who'd just called asking if he knew any up-and-coming Christian authors they could interview...but other than that he had some great suggestions. ;) One I've heard several times before -- that I should hire a publicist and try to get an agent. Of course, if I could afford a publicist and attract an agent, chances are I wouldn't be quite so desperate for either one. :p
He also had great suggestions for doing some legwork before my upcoming appearance at the International Christian Retailing Association Conference (formally CBA). As I listened to him talk I knew it was all good stuff, but I couldn't help the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach at the thought of trying to arrange meet-n-greets with editors and agents and etc.
Sometimes I wonder how in the world I got myself into this situation. Maybe I would have been better off keeping my manuscript in the drawer! Intellectually I know that's not true, that this process is good for me -- character and faith building and all that. But I do occasionally whine to God about the injustice of having to market my own material when I have the stereotypical author persona, more attracted to a hermit's life than public speaking or cults of celebrity.
Regardless of my feelings of complete inadequacy, this is the path He has me on right now so I'll try to charge <or stumble> forward. The most recent iTunes purchase I made was Kutless' Strong Tower and it's speaking to me this morning:
You are my strong tower
Shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty
Everlasting King
You are my strong tower
Fortress when I'm weak
Your name is true and holy
And Your face is all I seek
Comments
Hi Jodi,I have been enjoying your wonderful writing and the travelogs!! I had to write about your ant problem. When I did some motorhoming many years ago, if we were to be parked for more than a day, especially in our desert climates, we would put a ring of powdered cleanser (like AJAX) on the ground around the tires. We learned the trick from seeing the "rings" in campgrounds and asking about them. Hope to see you if you get back to SOCAL. Karen
Posted by: Karen Brown | May 1, 2007 08:14 AM
Hi Jodi,I have been enjoying your wonderful writing and the travelogs!! I had to write about your ant problem. When I did some motorhoming many years ago, if we were to be parked for more than a day, especially in our desert climates, we would put a ring of powdered cleanser (like AJAX) on the ground around the tires. We learned the trick from seeing the "rings" in campgrounds and asking about them. Hope to see you if you get back to SOCAL. Karen
Posted by: Karen Brown | May 1, 2007 08:13 AM