Giving Respect by Suzanne D. Williams

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There are a few rules of author-reader relationship that bear repeating from time to time. Recently, one of these came to my attention when a popular author was berated for being “snippy.” Frankly, after reading her reason, I sided with the author.

A friend in a conversation about it later said we sit on the sidelines calling judgment and foul. This is so true, and here’s a good rule of thumb – if you can’t do what you’re criticizing someone else for, then its best to not speak at all. In other words, don’t tell a skydiver how to jump when you’re afraid of heights.

You’d think that’d be common sense, but people do it all the time. They correct preachers when they’ve never been in the pulpit. They correct musicians when they can’t play an instrument or sing one note on key. It’s as if the internet has given anyone license to say anything at all simply because they’re able.

Wait up there, folks! What does the Bible say about that?  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23) And in another location:  “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” (Col 3:12-13)

That’s a tall order and a lot to do at once. It’s also easy to forget them individually. The Bible calls this “neglect” of our salvation. (Heb 2:3) I like that word because the fact is, we can’t say whatever we want to anyone we want, whether that’s family or friends or internet acquaintances.

But how does this apply to authors and readers? Well, respect the time and effort it takes an author to write a book. The popular author I mentioned was criticized when someone asked where to find her books for free. Stop right there. When did that become polite to ask? Why not buy the book and support the author so she can continue writing? Also, why not leave the author a kind review after reading the book, especially if you received it for free? That five minutes of your time will mean the world to him or her.

We, as the body of Christ, are called to live above the mandates of the world. We are to be lights in the darkness helping hurting people. How can we do that if we’re too busy tearing each other apart? As the Scripture says, “These things ought not so to be.” (Jas 3:10)

Support an author this Christmas. Buy a book.

A Sweet Teen Romance for Christmas

99 Cents

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OW97EJK

Secret Admirer 

(Click the image to see the book on Amazon)

He turned his back to her and stepped away, then halted and revolved on one heel. “I can’t,” he said. He returned to where he’d been, and the quiet seemed to enclose them, his breath and hers the only noises besides the whisper of falling snow.

“I can’t just walk away.”

 —–

When a mysterious package marked “secret admirer” arrives, Esther Parrish is less interested in what’s in the box and more in Weston Cutter, the delivery boy. He’s handsome and charming.

A second encounter the following day seems to seal their mutual interest. They have a date.

But as her feelings for him grow, a series of unusual circumstances and the suspicions of her older brother begin to cast doubt on the man who’s captured her heart, and it all returns to the unknown gift. Whatever is in that box under the Christmas tree holds the key to a happy holiday.

Or does it?

A sweet teenage romance with the promise of the Christmas season by best-selling author, SUZANNE D. WILLIAMS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Suzanne D. Williams

Best-selling author, Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books. She writes a monthly column for Steves-Digicams.com on the subject of digital photography, as well as devotionals and instructional articles for various blogs. She also does graphic design for self-publishing authors. She is co-founder of THE EDGE.

To learn more about what she’s doing and check out her extensive catalogue of stories, visit http://suzanne-williams-photography.blogspot.com/ or link with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/suzannedwilliamsauthor.

 

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1 Comment

  1. Very good post, Suzanne! I get a lot of free books and I always make sure to post at least 1 review and share on FB too.

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