by Heidi Gray McGill
How do I stand out and reach the top in the Christian Indie world when I’m average? There are
authors with English degrees and years of experience under their belt. Others don’t need to
choose between paying for an editor or rent. I have a decent number of followers on social
media, but Twitter and TikTok are more than my technically challenged and slower-paced brain
can manage. I’m average.
Average: The result obtained by adding several quantities and dividing this total by the number of quantities.
Some days, it seems everyone is jockeying for position in the author world, and my horse has a
lame leg. My Facebook engagement is low, but my newsletter list is a decent size and has a solid
open and click rate. That’s something. But divide it out with my less-than-engaged Instagram
account, and I’m average.
It’s easy to get discouraged when an author friend’s post goes viral. Jealously creeps in when
another author’s book gets fifty reviews within the first week, and my reviews come in like
molasses flowing uphill in January during a nor’easter in Maine.
Add my strong qualities and divide them by areas where I am lacking, and the result is average. I
may not be extraordinary in the author world, but I am in God’s eyes. And THAT changes the
equation.
“Each one should test their actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing
themselves to someone else.” Galatians 6:4 NIV
When I started this writing journey, I had one goal—to honor my commitment to the Lord to
spread the gospel. Writing became my platform to share my faith. To succeed, I only needed to
be obedient.
When sharing Christ, there is no competition in who does it better. It doesn’t matter if you share
one-on-one or with a large crowd. It only matters that you fulfill the calling God placed on your
heart.
Being a writer isn’t easy. That is one thing every author shares. I have yet to meet an author who
excels at writing, editing, publishing, promoting, and marketing and enjoys every facet. In this,
we are all average and likely discouraged.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I
will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
This verse leaves no room for wishy-washy “I don’t measure up” feelings. The verse says there
is no need to be discouraged. God is walking this path with us and will provide the strength
needed when we see ourselves lacking.
Remember your mission and why you work hard to make it as an author. You don’t need to be
number one. You just need to be obedient.
Heidi Gray McGill is an award-winning ACFW QIP who began writing in March 2020. She is both independently and traditionally published, with eight books in print. You’ll find her Discerning God’s Best series consistently on the best-seller list, with the first in the series having over 1,000 five-star reviews. Visit Heidi on her website or Fiction Finder.
Comments 9
Yes! Beautifully expressed! Spreading His word is not a competition. May we all rejoice and support each other as we follow our calling of telling others of the Lord’s love. Encouragement from our writing communities is a blessing.
I love everything about this!! It’s hard NOT to get discouraged when you feel “just average” in a world of “I have to be above average to succeed”! Whether it’s writing, cooking, teaching etc. Knowing that God sees us so differently than we see ourselves is enough to make that next step towards sharing truth about Him!
Absolutely love this woman and her writing. Everything is for the Glory of God.
One day, my very sweet friend, we will meet in person
I absolutely love your writing as it brings peace to me. I’ve always loved books from an early age and now that I’ve found your books I can’t read them fast enough. Don’t ever worry what others write as each writer has their own style. You my friend include Faith in God in your books and you are reaching a big audience. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
So true. Thank you for the encouragement. I’m new to the author community and came across your article. I have been feeling so overwhelmed by trying to set goals while seeking to educate myself in this field. This article is a morsel to a hungry soul. It gives me hope that I am unique and I hope that someday I can inspire others to continue in their journey. God bless!
Thank you Heidi for these beautiful words of encouragement and reminding us that we serve an audience of one and He does change everything!
Heidi, this is spot on, my friend! When I read non-Inspirational books and read the author blurbs, competition jumps off the page! This is a wonderful reminder for everyone.
I hear you! Amen!
Oh, praise God for all us average.:)