Tryyyy It, You'll Liiiiike It!

I’m exhausted. Grateful, but exhausted.

I hope to look back on these days and laugh at the hoops that I’ve jumped through and the wheels that I’ve spun, all in the attempt to write a book, publish it, and launch it. (This is why it pays to... well, pay someone.)

I spent the better part of 2023 writing my second Christian Fiction Novel, The Evolution of Justus: A City of Refuge Story. I was finished writing by November, but the editing, re-editing, editing some more, sending it to trusted souls for proofreading and critique, then editing even more, formatting, battling with margins and page numbers, finding even more edits... you get the idea. Before I knew it, it was November of 2024, and having pushed back the release date three separate times, I was ready to get this puppy to the market.

If you haven’t heard, it’s an epic and heartwarming story set in the 13th century BC. It’s about a boy named Justus who’s on his journey to manhood in the absence of a father. Faced with tragedy, challenges, and struggles with anger, Justus must learn valuable life lessons about his identity and resilience. This tale highlights the power of self-discovery, the importance of healing, and the strength found in vulnerability. He must navigate the complexities of Yahweh, growing up, and ultimately, his place in the world.

“Heroic journey of discovery.” As one reader stated. (Nice, thanks!)

But as a nobody (that is not low self-esteem talking; I know who I am and Whose I am), with no major publishing house, extensive experience behind me, or money to pay others for the exposure and marketing, it falls back on these solid truths. I was called to write this book. I wrote it in partnership with the Holy Spirit, and His word does not return void (there is a TON of scripture in it), so... it’s already successful. Right?

So, on November 19th, after recruiting a grass-roots Street Team and taking all the Launch Blueprint steps to release a book, including media, money spent to two advertisers, etc... we launched! Today is November 20th, and for our Big Launch, we sold seven books. S-e-v-e-n. That’s Kindle and Physical versions. Now, don’t get me wrong; my Street Team got preview copies, so 35 units were sold before the launch. You got it... that’s 42 whole books! (Are you chuckling? Because when you think about it, it is laughable.) Again... this is why you pay people to get it out to a broad audience and major book retailers. So far, this is just Amazon.

But here’s the kicker. I’m grateful. Disappointed but truly grateful.

Seven is a holy number. The number of perfection. This is a humble beginning and reminds me that truly God alone can make anything happen in His timing. It reminds me of Judges 7:5-7 when God tests Gideon’s army. The point is that God eliminates so many men from the army that when they have victory, it is blatantly obvious that it was by His hand and not their own. So, when I wake up, check the numbers, and see only seven copies sold after all of our hard work (not just mine but loyal people who helped promote it on their social media) I feel like Gideon saying, “Uh, Lord... really?”

But He says, “Child, it is not about the quantity, but touching people’s lives- one at a time.” Amen and Hallelujah. (Amen- so be it. Hallelujah- to brag on Yahweh.) Yes, Amen and Hallelujah.

I receive these blessed seven copies as a seed and am deeply grateful for those who clicked the Buy Now button! I pray God’s richest blessings upon you and pray that your investment reaps a harvest neither of us could have imagined in Jesus’ name! Lives will be changed, and prodigals will return! So be it!

Joseph waited about 20 years from being sold to rising to power. Abraham waited 25 years. By faith, I started writing five years ago and have written two fiction novels, a small self-help book, and contributed to another book that made me an Amazon Best Selling Author, so... am I bummed with my seven units sold? Yeah, but is it the worst thing? Um, no. Even now, I’m talking to myself. Keep perspective, Leah! People are dying out there!!!

Look, I want you to read the book. Someone you know needs this book. “But, I’m not really a reader,” you say. Yes, I hear you. I’ll work on the audio addition... I will. But just tryyy it, you’ll liiiike it!

“It’s too expensive,” you say. Okay. I get it. $20 can be a lot. But may I ask you to examine that? The Kindle version is $10. A latte is $5. An afternoon at the movies for me and my husband with popcorn is easily $40 for two hours of entertainment, whereas this book will give you hours or weeks, depending on how fast you consume a good story. Also, you must know that when you pay $20 for a book, the author is not making $20. In total transparency- when you purchase this book for $20, I will make a few. Less than $5. For years of writing and preparation, for the sacrifice of those on my Street Team, and stress... oh, the stress. Look, I like a good deal and consider myself thrifty! But, there are many, many hands in the pocket that get your book to the shelf. This is not a complaint, truly. I just think it’s good to know.

My dental hygienist asked me last week, “So, how much do you make doing that?”

I laughed, “Ah, nothing. But, it’s what I’m supposed to do.”

Before this ends with what may feel like a rant, let me say how deeply privileged I am to have been chosen to write. I had the call as a child, but like many, the enemy wounded me in the very place that the Lord wanted to use. So, I quit. I didn’t know I was quitting. I was too young to discern that. But now, because of God’s perfect timing, my beloved Hero, Rudy, making it possible, and the courage to say, ‘Yes,’ here I am. Writing. And here you are... reading. Thank you. YOU are the WHY in this story. I write BECAUSE you read. I write because God doesn’t bring me into someone’s life unless He has something for them. I know this. So, friend, partner, beloved reader... would you care to join the journey?

The Evolution of Justus: A City of Refuge Story