It's Black Friday--the official first day of Christmas shopping--and for some, the day brings on sweat and anxiety. I happen to be one of those who do NOT shop on this day--except for one year of madness when I was drawn in by a killer sale on southwestern snow globes. The anxiety (i.e., panic) that drives this day will either get you out there to wait in line with the masses at 7 a.m. or freeze you in your tracks.
A lot like marketing your books can do to you.
I've got a new book coming out with B&H Publishing Group in the summer, and I'm getting ready to write the second in the series. In other words, I'm in between books. It's in this sliver of down time that I should be carefully:
* mapping out all of my marketing duties
* deciding which to complete and which to pass on
* putting them on my calendar
* making contact with both in-house marketing and blogging friends who might want to help in the promotion of my next novel
*making sure that both my website and my promotional materials are up to date
*booking signings/events
But sometimes I get anxious. I worry so much that little gets accomplished. It's not a cliche to say that when I pray over my inability to complete everything I set out to do, the verse in Phil. 4:6 comes to mind: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Writing Friends, I'm convinced that this is the only way to combat the forces out there that drive us to anxiety over marketing (and shopping!) matters. Pray, then learn what needs to be done, then do it. Pray, learn, and do.
So, yeah, I'm staying in today, basking in the glow of Thanksgiving, feasting on leftovers, and not allowing Black Friday to overwhelm me. May even take a little walk at the beach. But I'm also praying and trusting that God will continue to help me take advantage of the best marketing opportunities available--and not worry about the rest!
This is my prayer for you as well. Have a beachy day--wherever you are!
Visit me at: www.juliecarobini.com
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