Yesterday I received my first negative review on my ebook Simply Homeschool on Amazon.com. Basically the gist of the review was that my book was too "simple" and basic. For a $0.99 short ebook meant to encourage others to simplify, I say that is a success. Writing an over complicated process to simplifying our lives doesn't seem to make much sense to me.
Seriously though, at first though I felt disheartened. I mean its bound to happen at one time. With thousands of people reading my first ebook, I can't expect everyone to like it. It certainly isn't for everyone's taste. I wrote that book with the intention of my readers here reading it. I had no idea it would end up on amazon's best sellers for homeschool ebooks for months. Ack!
This morning I did some serious soul searching and praying about my blog and my writing. I am focusing on the purposes, and not on the world. You see, it is very easy to get caught up in doing things "right" and posting/writing so intentionally that you aren't really posting from the heart anymore. Or writing an ebook for the mere fact of selling books.
My ebooks are my heart. In words. My blog is. I may not be doing things "right" in the world's eyes but I can't market my heart. All I can do is write, pray, and let the Lord take it from there.
I started writing this blog to encourage others to live more simply. Since then even, the world has gotten even more complicated. The noise can be deafening at times telling us we need to do x,y,z in order to succeed.
While I write mainly about homeschooling, my heart to simplify spills out into every area of life. Home, family, spiritually, etc. Simplifying our lives in order to focus on the Lord. Not ourselves.
Sometimes the advice is so simple it takes us by surprise. We've known what to do all along but have gotten caught up in the distractions.
My next ebook will be available August 31st. It goes deeper into the heart of simplifying and letting God lead us in our homeschools.
I pray that it encourages many out there, but truly will have succeeded if just one person finds it helpful.
My prayer has been and always will be for this blog to focus on hearts and on Him.
Whatever the Lord has planned beyond that for this blog is up to him, and I will let Him lead wherever He takes me....
Called Home:
Finding Joy in Letting God Lead Your Homeschool
9 comments:
Well I loved the book and was greatly encouraged by it. One thing I was guilty of as a new homeschooler (and I'm still fairly new) was to expect all the details of "how do I do this" in every book I read! Thanks for pointing us back to God, Who is the One that called us to this journey in the first place. Looking forward to reading your new book.
I would like to thank you for your book. After homeschooling for the past 8 years with five adopted children, I was some place I shouldn't be. Your book reminded me of why I started homeschooling in the first place and who it was really all about. This year I am back to simply homeschooling before my God.
Thank you
Karen, thank you for sharing this with us. I have subscribed to a lot of blogs over the past year, and yours by far has really encouraged me to keep "grounded" in God's word and direction for us. Yes, your eBook was very simple......as is the title! I expected nothing less and love it! I have been so discouraged to start my own blog by looking at so many others that I thought were God-fearing, yet still post and share things that are certainly part of what the world deems okay as women. You and a few others have kept your focus of encouragement in the Lord, and I am so very grateful. Thank again and God bless!
I comletely enjoyed your last E-book! I also have your recordings from the ENOCH homeschool convention at which you spoke. I must tell you that even my children (ages 9-14) liked listening to the workshops! If that isn't high praise, then I don't know what is. I can't wait to read Called Home. Thank you for keeping it simple in a confused, hyper-busy rat race of a world. Blessings to you, your family, and your ministry.
thank you ALL for the encouraging comments. To God be the glory!
Karen, I just found your blog today after googling the phrase "less is more homeschool." Wow! I can't thank you enough for your book. I LOVE that it was simple straightforward advice I could sit down and read in one evening. I'm brand new to homeschooling and lately have felt like I'm drowning in a sea of too much information and "what should I do?!" Your book brought what's important back into focus and allowed me to stop. listen. breathe. It was much needed refreshment for my soul. I'm now looking forward to homeschool with joyful anticipation because you're right, it's ALL about Him! Thank you!
Thank you for your very kind words Rachel. I am humbled still that God has used my little words to encourage others. To God be all the glory! Be Blessed on your journey! It is truly an amazing one!
Karen
I just want you to know that I loved your ebook.
I just found your book on Amazon last night and was greatly encouraged. It confirms what The Lord has been speaking to me. Thank you so much!
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