If I Write it, They Will Come

Recently, an important bookseller commented on liking to plan events for authors they know will draw a crowd, even for their first book launch. And I was surprised by my own internal reaction to the discussion, because I know—absolutely—that regardless of what my book is about, or who publishes it, or what is the intended target audience of my work, people will come.

This is not me having a big ego or thinking a lot of myself (quite the contrary). This is me having confidence in the people who are important to me, and who I absolutely believe will be there for me—to support me—not just because they’re my fans, but because they either love me, or because I have shown up to support them. The very idea is truly, unbelievably humbling.

I have an enormous family. Seriously, huge. If I were to plan an event and even 25% of my family members were able to come, that would = a crowd.

But it’s not just about my family. There are people who are not related to me, who are my friends. True and loyal friends, in whose lives and/or careers I have become emotionally invested. Sometimes this means spreading myself thin, or driving long distances, or donating time, money, and other services or goods. Sometimes it means staying out late to lend a shoulder, or encouraging someone who needs a boost, or meeting an out of town friend for cupcakes and chatter. The point is, as my grandmother, and then my parents taught me, this is what it is to be a true friend. And because my friends matter to me, I believe I matter to them.

So when the bookseller talked about planning events for authors who can bring a crowd, I smiled, nodded, and thought, yeah, okay. I’m totally launching my next book here. Because I have the best friends and family in the world, and if I plan it, they will come.

I might not be able to talk without bawling, but the day is coming, peeps. Count on it. And you’re all invited.

Humbled, Grateful Thanks.

Last week I attended one of my all-time favorite gathering of writers, the LDStorymakers’ annual writer’s conference. I love this conference because a lot of my friends—fellow writers / authors—generally attend. It is run by the group of people who originally convinced me that I really can do this writing thing, and that it doesn’t matter if I’m a stay-at-home mom of four from a small town in Utah. They taught me early on that writing books isn’t scary and intimidating, nor is it impossible.

This year, I find myself a bit short on descriptive words, because when it comes to support from the writing community, I am truly rich. So many people have offered to take my hand and help me up whenever I need it—which seems to be more and more frequently lately. They are always there to give me renewed energy and help me to believe that I can do impossible things.

It leaves me more than grateful, and truly humbled.

I love my friends. So instead of talking about everything I’ve learned, I want to say thanks. To my blog readers, to my biggest supporters, to my true and ever-loyal friends.

You know who you are—all of you.

Wherever my path leads, I am beyond blessed to know each one of you.

So thanks. That’s all. Just thanks. It is because of you that I will never, ever give up.