There are times in my life when I feel like God is hitting me over the head with a message.
I remember, a few years ago, I watched a movie that lead me to believe that both the popular scientific view AND the Bible could be both right about creation. I mentioned it to my daughter who said flat out, “No, Mom. That’s wrong. The days of creation are literal 24 hour periods.”
Then, I went to a pastor who went through the Bible with me and assured me it was a literal 24 hour period.
That very week, there happened to be debate between Bill Nye the Science Guy and Ken Ham, CEO and found of Answers in Genesis (you can watch it here if you’re interested).
Even after I was thoroughly convinced that the Bible spoke of a literal 24 hour period in the days of creation, it seemed every podcast I listened to discussed the matter. It was crazy! I was like, “Okay, God. I get it!”
God seems to be hitting me over the head again. This time, not to assure me of a Biblical truth, but to motivate me to act – to make Astray an audiobook. Then Adrift. Then Aloft.
There are so many people who don’t have time to read, but love listening to audio books. I listened to many podcasts with guest speakers who strongly suggest that authors should have their books on audio. I know I’m missing reaching many people as there are probably more listeners these days than readers. I can’t tell you how many times someone has told me they don’t have time to read a book. And I’ve been asked if my books are available on audio. I hate saying no.
But it’s much too expensive (between $2,500-$3,000) if I want to do it the way I believe it needs to be done. Not something I could afford. Still, I prayed about it.
Fast forward a few months, I can’t escape the idea. So, I created a Kickstarter (crowdfunding) campaign and emailed my clan (my newsletter subscribers). This was the first I’d mentioned to anyone outside my immediate family that I’d even considered making an audio book.
The response was incredible. People I don’t know responded, letting me know they were excited about this. A woman on a small, fixed income pledged a dollar, letting me know she was praying for me. Her generous offer brought me to tears.
The next day, I sent an email to my friends and family. My youth pastor responded with, “I’m SO excited about this!!!” My Kickstarter seemed to be filling up quick with 11 backers in two days.
Then it stalled.
Can you hear the chirping crickets?
And I received no further response from friends and family. The lack of response left me wondering…was I was wrong?
How quick I am to forget the initial response!
All throughout the week, every podcast I listened to on writing touched on audio…assuring me that every author with published books should have their books on audio, especially with the technology changes coming down the road with voice technologies gaining momentum. People are listening to audio far more than they’re reading these days, and that will likely increase.
Then, this past weekend, another pastor told me he just backed my Kickstarter. My 12th backer! I was blown away that one of my pastors would financially support the project.
Okay, God. I hear You. You want Astray to become an audio book.
But I don’t think Kickstarter is the means. At the current trajectory, there’s no way it will become fully funded by the end date. Don’t get me wrong. God could perform a miracle. I don’t doubt that He can. I doubt that He will.
And that’s okay!
I got the message. And it will happen. It’s just a matter of time. And, I have an idea. 🙂
I’m going to start selling my books directly, on my website. I’ll offer paperbacks for less than they’re currently sold at other retailers. And I’ll offer signed copies at a higher price. Not because my signature is worth a lot of money, but because it’s a way to support me so I can keep creating content, particularly more expensive content like audio books.
So stay tuned for a store starting up on this website. If you want to be among the first to know when that happens, join my clan (you’ll even get a free novella – The Redeemed: Pepin’s Tale).
I know this is more of an informational post regarding my works as opposed to the spiritual posts you’re used to, so I’ll leave you with these scriptures that encourage me as I seek to bring the curious into communion with Christ through fantasy.
“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:4
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
And, of course, I can’t leave out my life verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
You are loved,
J F Rogers