The Question We Dread by Kathy Nickerson

The Question We Dread

Every writer faces the moment. You might be at a party, or a reunion, or even worse, a writers conference. Someone nods in your direction, motions with their glass of whatever and says, “So, how is the book doing?”

You know what they want. Sales figures, glowing reviews, a list of awards, and possible movie rights. You, of course would not release that information even if you had it. You aren’t about to play that game, because you are better than that. Besides, your current Amazon ranking has more zeros than your latest royalty check. Lots more zeros.

When I get this question, it is often from someone genuinely interested in my career. Even then, it is daunting. Much like the questions from well-meaning aunts and grandmothers about the progress of your toddler during toilet training.

Sometimes I try to deflect the question by saying, “Oh, thank you for asking! Did you enjoy it?” That usually backfires, though, because the questioner hasn’t actually read the book.

What I want to do is lean in closer, nod, and begin to explain that the book is doing more than I ever dreamed it could. I want to tell this person that readers laughed, and cried, and recognized themselves, their friends, and even their mothers-in-law. I want to say that someone discovered the power of prayer and someone else settled a family feud. I want to tell the questioner that readers are reevaluating their friendships, their decisions, and their eternal destinies as a result of reading this unassuming, little novel.

I want to say all that, but, of course, that would just be bragging. So, instead, I say, “It’s doing great, and I’m having a blast with it. Thanks for asking.”

Because, really, that’s all the other person wanted to know.

Kathy Nickerson is the author of Thirty Days to Glory, winner of the Fiction Book of the Year Award from the Christian Small Publishers Association. She writes from her home in rural Missouri, where she lives with her husband of forty years. They are the parents of four children who grew up to become their best friends and who have given them thirteen grandchildren, so far.

 Kathy’s writing credits also include magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Angels on Earth, Focus on the Family, Proto, and Kyria.com. Some of her stories have also been published in collected works by Bethany House and Guideposts Books. You can connect with Kathy through Facebook, Twitter, or her website.

www.kathynick.com

www.facebook.com/kathynick

www.twitter.com/kathynick_