I have issues with marketing my books. I tell Facebook and Twitter and Instagram when I have a new book coming out. I give away copies. But I don't do well at book signings. I don't do well telling people to buy my books and where they can go to get them.

This year I've made a concerted effort to try to be better about marketing. To be willing to share my writing challenges and successes. When appropriate, I try to share my journey with my students at school. Today, we talked about the word 'credibility' and how we should write arguments using 'credible' sources. As an example, I said I would be a terrible source to use in an argument about rocks and minerals and what should be done with them, but that I would be a credible source for arguments regarding Christian romance writing, not an expert, but credible.

One student said, "Mrs. Johnson, you're always bragging on your writing."

Okay. That statement really made me step back and think. Do I share TOO much of my writing ins and outs with my students...and others? Though I am in no way marketing my books to my students, my intent is to share things I have learned about the art of writing, but where is the balance between sharing and bragging?

Now, I'm sure people will say, "Jennifer, it's your intent." Well, I'm not so sure about that. If I stick out my foot in an aisle and your fall and bust your nose, I might not have meant for you to get hurt, but you're still hurt. I might not mean to be bragging, but to the other person, I might be bragging.

I don't want to brag. I have no right to brag. Without God, I am nothing. I couldn't write the first word, couldn't share the first bit of learning...I'm not sure I'd be able to get out of bed. I have absolutely nothing to brag about.

Very big sigh...

Does this pondering solve my dilemma on my feelings about pride and marketing? Not really. I'll still let my peers know when a book releases, but that will probably be about it. Maybe I'll miss out on great sales. After all, in today's society, with so many people self-publishing, I HAVE to be a vocal promoter of my work.

Or maybe not. God is in control of who picks up my stories and who doesn't. I'll let Him take care of the marketing. My life 'tends' to turn out better when I've relinquished my facade of control.