Tag Archives: trust

A Matter of Trust

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A Book by Yuri_B, Pixabay

I recently read a book by an author new to me—something I regularly do. About a third into the novel, I was struggling to invest in the hero. It wasn’t due to poor writing or a lack of interest in the storyline. The setting and description was adept and colourful, the struggles real and the villainous threat compelling. And yet, I felt next-to-nothing for the hero and was perplexed, instead of intrigued, by a parallel narrative that I wasn’t 100% certain the author could (or would) link back to the dominant plot.

As a persistent reader it takes a lot for me to hit a DNF (did not finish, for the uninitiated). I wasn’t at risk of that with this story, but found this disconnect unsettling. Fact was, it was making reading hard work—and it was not the first time I’d encountered this. Reflecting, there have been other new authors, highly decorated authors, whose heroes I’ve struggled to invest in. But then I had an “Aha” moment, as Lisa Cron would put it.

It’s a matter of trust.

As an emerging author there is much talk of building one’s platform and readership connection, but this moment was enlightening. I’ll explain why.

Trust by Lisa Caroselli, Pixabay

When a reader picks up one of my books for the first time, or a first time read of any other writer, they are engaging in an investment of time and emotions—and if they really like it, sleep debt! 😜😴 Like any “relationship”, we as readers take a risk. And with relationships, history is a significant factor. When there is no history [insert “never read this author before”], the level of trust is … well … non-existent.

I’ve seen this in reviews on my novels—readers saying they would have no patience for unrealistic “instant solutions”, and gratitude when they discover a hard-fought, satisfying resolution. But first-time readers don’t know if you can pull this off. There’s no history; no trust. Subconsciously they’re asking, “Is it worth investing time, energy and emotions into this story?” That’s why, on the rare occasions I have an opportunity to watch a movie, I’ll sometimes select a low-end romantic comedy—it’s minimal investment so I can pull out at any time, without any compulsion to return.

That’s what I was experiencing. Could the author really pull the story threads together? Were these increasingly insurmountable odds and, frankly, repeat dumb choices by the hero, able to be redeemed such that they could culminate into a heart-stopping, hero driven, but ultimately satisfying end?

I’m happy to report the author did pull this off, and next time I read one of their books I will be less wary, but it was a valuable learning experience for me as a writer. How about you? Have you ever found yourself doubting your first-time reading of an author, only to read to the end and discover a life-time favourite? Feel free to drop a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experiences. 😊

What an Amazing Adventure!

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAToday our Write Life series guest is the delightful, hugely inspiring, and always encouraging Anusha Atukorala. Anusha is one of those people who brighten the world wherever they go, and even when life offers lemons, she not only makes lemonade, she drops in a couple of ice cubes and makes it sparkle. It’s an absolute pleasure to host her today and I’m looking forward to reading about her ‘write’ amazing adventure!

 

My “Write Life” has been a remarkable journey – not without its bumps and twists but also with a cartload of joy and fun thrown in. It has been one of deep fulfillment not because of the millions I have yet to earn! But due to the immense satisfaction derived from the writing process. So … what have I learnt during this exciting voyage?

First. About life. Writing has forced me to reflect on my journey and what it’s all about. It has been a teacher in its own right. Rather than having it all sorted out in my brain and then verbalising it – I find that the writing process helps me organise my thoughts and learn new lessons from life. Putting it down helps me know myself better. Interesting. Further, it has reinforced my life values. That of working hard, of persistence, of refusing to give up against the odds, of not expecting instant results, of being faithful.

During the past few years, I’ve been challenged by my own writing – like an injection which turns back on the nurse administering it, to pierce her own skin instead, (ouch)! Or like a boomerang that returns to bop one on the head. I’ve often blogged, confident I was living true to what I’d written about. However, no sooner was my blog published than I’d be urgently challenged. If I’d written about forgiveness, there’d come a difficult person to trip me up. If I wrote about trusting God – there’d arrive a tough scenario where trusting didn’t come easy. Writing has forced me to own responsibility over my life and my actions. It has also shown me that just like my writing, I am still a work in progress.

And then, I’ve learnt the value of doing what’s important in life – not pleasing others or doing what brings outward reward – but doing what feeds my spirit and honours God. I’ve discovered that there is an important common thread in fiction and in real life. The depth of a good story is often the element of mystery in it. ‘Things are not what they seem.’ Life is much the same. Things are not what they seem. What happens to us and to those we love might seem meaningless. It may look as if evil is triumphing over goodness.

Ah! But there is hope. We are all part of the one amazing story of God. All will be revealed at the grand ending to our story. Till then – we can but hold onto the handlebars and enjoy the ride – perhaps screaming all the way, like relishing a Disneyworld adventure ride. The end will be worth it. So yes, my “Write Life” has been an exciting, fulfilling one – not without its challenges – but it has helped me know myself and to know what it is to be human. To grow in character through the power of words and to reach out gladly in the process so I can touch and bless my world.

Tied in Pink_JennyAnusha Atukorala has been in love with the English all her life. She’s also passionate about Jesus, life, family, friendship, reading, writing, music and the beauty of creation. Her first book ‘Enjoying the Journey‘ contains 75 stories of little lessons from everyday life. Her latest accomplishment is her first fiction story to be published in an Anthology called ‘Tied in Pink’ launched just yesterday – raising money for breast cancer research. (Follow links to find out more or purchase a copy.) Do drop in at her website, Dancing in the Rain, to say G’day – she’d love to connect with you.