When You Wonder If Anybody Is Listening…and that nasty 5 letter word

/ Dora Hiers

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if anybody is listening…

When that beloved friend or family member interrupts and continues on as if what I was saying doesn’t matter or they weren’t interested enough to listen. Everybody has one, right? Or am I the only one?

Or those rare times when I peek at my reviews, and I’m kind of shocked at the low number, especially for my books that have been out there for years. Granted, I probably don’t spend enough time seeking out reviews on the front end, before a book releases. But you’d think that just the sheer amount of time would generate some feedback. Even just a sentence?

Then, DOUBT…

That nasty five letter word slithers in. Seriously, that word, friends. It’s from the enemy. It makes me wonder if anybody is listening. If anybody even wants to read my stories. If what I’m pouring my heart and soul into is even worth my time. As a writer, am I doing enough? As a person, am I enough?

faith quote Dora Hiers Tori Kayson Fiction Faith & Foodies

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I sent it. Isa 55:11 (NLT)

Frustrated and discouraged, I skim over a few reviews, and this one snags my attention.

“Her stories are exciting and I find myself staying up late to finish reading – a sure sign of a great book.”

And this one.

“A very well written story of grace and forgiveness.”

So, I may not ever figure out how to stop that loved one from barreling right over my spoken words. Or maybe, with this particular person, I’m to practice listening rather than talking.

And as for my written words, what I need to focus more on is…

TRUST

Trusting my heavenly Father. That what He’s placed in my heart will bear fruit. That my work will accomplish all He wants, that He holds my time in His hands. That the message of His amazing love and His limitless grace will prosper and blossom wherever He plants it.

What about you? Do you struggle with doubt and trust? Wonder if anybody’s listening? I’m here. I’m listening…

14 thoughts on “When You Wonder If Anybody Is Listening…and that nasty 5 letter word”

  1. “That the message of His amazing love and His limitless grace will prosper and blossom wherever He plants it!” Yes. I have doubt and trust issues! Especially after reading other writers. I wonder what I am thinking to even try! But then, I remember we all bring a different offering and most people will read and not review. And in the end, all that matters is the seed He plants. You, my beautiful friend, have a crazy gift of description! I marvel when reading your words. You can’t quit. 😊 Your friends won’t let you. Lol. Now about those who can’t wait their turn…I don’t have any advice on that one. I have a few of those in my family! Love you, Tori! ❤

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  2. Your friend Gail is right. Most readers don’t leave reviews, most probably because they don’t know that they can. Especially the ones above a certain age who did not grow up with the internet and Amazon.com as such an integral part of their lives. 😉

    So you will never know how many times your books are read and shared and thought about. You won’t see the smiles and tears that your words inspire. You will never know how many hearts are touched, lives changed because of what you wrote.

    That is not fair to you but, as Gail also mentioned, you can’t quit! Your stories are needed. There is a special place in this world for sweet romance stories. Everything that you pour into each of your books gives hope and uplifts your readers with a pure message of love. We need that! That it is delivered with your delightful humor makes reading your stories such a delight!

    Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us. I can’t wait to read your next wonderful story! 🙂

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    • Oh, I can’t quit, Sandra. Not while the fire to write still burns. 🙂 Thanks bunches for the encouraging words, my friend. xo

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    • You’re so right, Jill. His is the only One that matters. Appreciate you and your encouraging words, sweet friend. Hope your day is awesome! ❤

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  4. Doubt will always be a part of what we do and it’s easy to see and feel. What isn’t always so easy to see–through the doubt–is God’s encouragement. But you looked and found some. That will keep you writing. A very good thing, my friend! 🙂

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    • Of course, I will need extra coffee to write. With these pups, I am caffeine deprived. As soon as I can trust the big guy not to tear up the utility room if I leave him longer than a couple hours, let’s do it! 🙂

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  5. Oh, my, I know the feeling of being cut off while talking. I work hard at not letting it hurt my feelings as it is a constant in my house!

    I recently was “chatting” with someone about all my reviews. I had mentioned that I read way more than I reviewed and had fallen into the trap of only reviewing the books either sent to me or for blog tours I’m involved in. This lead to me saying, “I need to at least leave a one or two line review for the others on retail sites.” To which they replied, “You can do that???” I think that question answers some questions.

    So many with blogs now, focus on reviewing books, and those same reviews are posted on retail sites. Readers who go to those sites see longer, more detailed reviews and get intimidated. I’m not sure what the answer is. However, I assured her that one or two lines were enough and that authors love having the feedback.

    Now, having said that I need to practice what I preach, LOL!

    Dear friend, I enjoy your books immensely! I greatly enjoy your blogs, too. I am sure there are many others like me out there. We just don’t always take the time to tell you and/or comment. For that I am sorry. I know how much even a click on like means to me, I will try to be better about posting one or two line reviews because even though I don’t know some of the other authors I read, I’m sure, like you, they would appreciate it, too.

    Sorry, I got so carried away!

    Have a wonderful week.

    Blessings~

    Liked by 1 person

    • Oh, RobbyeFaye, I’m so sorry you have to deal with that every day in your own house!! It must be exasperating and quite humbling. ❤
      Yes, I’m sure you’re right. Time is a valuable commodity for all, and not everyone realizes how important reviews are to authors. I really appreciate you and your kind words, dear friend. Not just for popping in to comment, but also for your sweet reviews. Wishing you a Son-kissed week! xo

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      • Thanks, it is very frustrating! My word for this year is Trust, so I’m hanging on!!
        I know from talking to several people, they don’t realize how much the reviews mean to authors. Maybe I’ll do a blog post to draw attention to it. I’m planning on doing one about why I read romance (in conjunction with Angela Ruth Strong’s blog about Why Write Romance), so a post on reviews would tie into that nicely I think.
        If I do, would you be willing to let me quote from your blog or “interview” and quote you?
        Thanks for the sweet words!
        Blessings ❤

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