by David Rawlings, @DavidJRawlings

So I was looking at my next blog entry and realized it was on December 12. Twelve is a significant number in the story of Christmas; namely the 12 Days of Christmas. You know the song … “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me.”

“Gave to me.” Gifts. We often think about this song as what people give to us.  And, as writers, it would tempting to think about what gifts we could receive over these 12 days of Christmas. You know, an agent replying an email, the untangling of a plot point. A killer premise or a tight elevator pitch. A publishing house with a desperate need to bring our stories to the page.

But let’s turn that around. As writers, we often give gifts to our readers – and I mean beyond free copies of books. We provide much more to readers that go beyond the material; let’s look at the 12 Days of Christmas through what we can give to our current readers and those who just haven’t found us yet.

So, in the spirit of that (and I’ll spare you the whole song!): 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, an author gave to me,

“Twelve pages turning”

Your gripping story gives your reader the chance to lose themselves in a story they cannot put down.

“Eleven virtual vacations”

When you take time to craft that storyworld with attention to detail and paint in the scenery with the brush of your imagination, your reader can escape – for just a little while – to a magical place.

“Ten thoughts provoking”

This is a gift I love to give to my readers. When they finish The Baggage Handler, they are thinking about the baggage they may be carrying. When they put down The Camera Never Lies, they’re thinking about honesty. When readers identify with the struggles and challenges of your characters, it can get them reflecting on their own lives.

“Nine giggles ringing.”

As readers, we love it when you’re a little clever with your turn-of-phrase, or point out something in life we’ve all seen, but somehow missed.

“Eight gasps inhaling”

When you make your protagonist duck when we thought they would weave, or they open the door and find something we thought impossible … we are given the gift of intrigue and our curiosity is lit.

“Seven tears a-shedding”

Your investment in your characters is felt by your readers. We cry with your characters – either in joy or sympathy. For some readers, it can be a welcome release of emotion, or a connection to share with literary friends.

“Six praises singing”

The gift you can give a reader is the passion of recommending your work. And not just recommending, but head-to-Facebook-and-tell-everyone-with-passion type recommending.

“Five contented sighs”

When you expertly plot your book so the reader close the back cover, happy with the resolution, they are satisfied. In a world where satisfaction is fleeting, don’t underestimate how much readers appreciate this.

“Four great reviews” 

While we sometimes look at reviews at what people can give us, they can also be a gift to the reviewer. This is a chance to be a part of something they enjoyed, to join you on the journey.  And it gives them the chance to write themselves.

“Three new starts”

If you’re writing non-fiction – or parables/life lesson novels like me – then the gift you’re offering people is the chance to address issues in their lives that are holding them back. You’re giving them an external perspective and a chance to think. And,for a handful of my readers in 2019, who took the time to message me about reconnecting with disconnected family, addressing past hurts or finding forgiveness, the chance to start a part of their journey again.

“Two words of thanks”

When you respond to a reader, it helps them connect with you. I still remember those authors I admire who took a moment to connect with me. I cherish the books signed for me by Robert Ludlum and Frank Peretti, and I still smile when I think of messages I’ve received from Ted Dekker and James L Rubart. 

“And a chance to remember to read.”

Reading can seem like such a luxury in 2019 (soon to be 2020). Your well-crafted, well-researched and well-presented book makes reading attractive … and it also gives people a reason to keep reading. It draws them in, and keeps them in a world removed from their own; firing their imagination and settling in their soul. That sounds poetic, but that’s how readers describe it to me.

Don’t underestimate what your writing can do. It’s valuable, and it can give gifts to readers everywhere. I would encourage you in 2020 to keep writing, and to keep sharing the gift you’ve been given. Oh, and have a merry, safe and meaningful Christmas!

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