It’s that time of year where notes, cards, and gifts are exchanged. A family and friends list of names is one thing (my wife wonderfully handles those), but it is that list of clients where I spend a lot of time. Yes it is considerable work but quite satisfying.

Recite the Story

When going through the client list it is fun to stop and think about each author before writing their card. Every author has a story and I mentally recite that story.

There are authors with various personal situations like recovering from brain surgery, or a car accident, debilitating illness, a difficult family move, a wayward child, and more.

There are authors with various levels of success like winning a coveted award for the first time, breakthrough sales for a debut title, a new contract after five years of work, and more.

There are authors with various levels of disappointment like multiple rejections of what was thought to be the perfect idea, being gently kicked to the curb by an existing publisher, disappointing sales on a debut title, and more.

As I opened the card to write each author’s name their situation flashed across my mind. While the sentiment written in the card may have been short and simple, it came with a clear picture of that author.

Reflecting Hope

Silently accompanying that card is a prayer of grace and hope for the recipient. It is easy in business to take our “customers” for granted or feel that this convention of card or gift exchange is a waste of time. (I’ve actually heard that said in hallways in places I’ve worked.) But when else will you slow down enough to look at every single customer or client?

May you take the time to appreciate the non-family/friends with whom you work. Whether you are traditionally published or indie published you have people with whom you interact all year. Take a moment to write a handwritten note (I know I said that last week, but in case you didn’t get the message, I repeat myself) and simply express a “Merry Christmas.”