Excitement Finally Triumphs
22 June 2009
Allison Koelzer is one of my favorite people in the entire world.
Yesterday, I was invited to LifeStream Christian Church in Gardner, Kansas to talk about Skylar and God’s presence in my journey as a writer. If you’re in the Gardner area and looking for a church, you should totally check out LifeStream. The people there are warm and real, the worship music is authentic, and Russ Koelzer, the pastor, gave an awesome sermon.
Everyone seemed very enthusiastic about my book and said lots of wonderful, encouraging things to me. My favorite, however, was Allison Koelzer, who’s the pastor’s oldest daughter. I’d brought a book for Russ and his wife, Heather, as a thank you for having me. Apparently Allison had read the first chapter on-line and has wanted to read more. After service, she bounded up to me, book in hand, and started chattering excitedly about reading it. About five minutes later, I spotted her sitting on a bench with her sister, Katie, the book open and her gaze hungrily moving across the page.
Through this whole process—the process of selling and waiting for my book to hit shelves—I’ve been surprised to find that I feel more nervous than excited. I kept expecting the excitement to hit, but instead I’ve just fretted. About lousy reviews, the book flopping, letting down the team at Revell, who’s worked so hard and taken a risk on a newbie like me. Each milestone that I thought would bring a thrill—my first check, cover art, page proofs, even the book landing in my hands—have brought more nerves than excitement.
Yesterday, watching Allison, was my first moment of pure joy throughout this whole process. I was reminded during worship time, as we sang David Crowder’s “You Are My Joy,” that this isn’t about me, this is about doing what God asked me to do. And I’m so thankful that He gave me an encouraging glimpse yesterday at how sweet the rewards can be. (Though I’m a little embarrassed to admit that as I watched Allison’s enthusiasm, a little part of my brain was thinking, “Suck on that very-long-list-of-people-who-discouraged-me-all-these-years.” Sigh. One step forward, two steps back.)
So thank you to LifeStream for having me and for reminding me that this book-thing is exciting because He’s in charge.
Hi! How are you? I have a funny story for you, just about ten miniutes ago, I was looking for somthing to do and decided to google my name,and guess what came up? Stepanie Morrill’s Blog, Allison Koelzer is one of my favorite people. I imeadiatly clicked on it and read your blog. From June! I have to tell you that, that book really inspired me to not care about what people think of you and how this world today affects your realationship with God, and following him. Allison Koelzer
Please get back to me! :)
Posted by Allison Koelzer on 30 September 2009