I wrote a grand book full of passion and plot,
But it gathered dust because most people forgot.
The cover was pretty. The font was just right.
But no one wanted to read, neither day nor night.
I shouted, “It’s brilliant.” I wrote with such flair,
But the silence replied, “Sorry, nobody cares.”
I winked at the dark, still hopeful like most,
But a book without readers is much like a ghost.
“You need a big platform,” the publishers said.
We want celebrities whose names are widely spread.”
“But I’m not that famous,” I cried in dismay.
“Then good luck with sales.” They all walked away.
The truth is quite harsh, but it needs to be said.
Most published books are only partially read.
Bought by the millions, they’re seldom discussed.
All that hope for success is just gathering dust.
“But my story is strong,” I said once more.
“That’s great,” my mentor said, “but here’s what’s in store:
If you want it to sparkle, to dazzle and shine,
You must craft every word, every paragraph and line.”
“The writing you learned in your school days of old
Will miss modern readers, putting them all on hold.
They’ll skim the pages, missing much of the content,
So you must speak to their hearts with strong intent.”
“What should I do?” I said with a shout.
“You will learn,” my mentor said, “what writing’s about.
It takes more than passion. It takes skill and grace—
Lots of time and good coaching and finding your pace.”
“Most writers think an editor will fix it all.
But patchwork won’t save what is destined to fall.
You must craft every story to breathe life from the start,
With a rhythm that grips readers like the beat of a heart.”
“But it costs so much to get the words right,” I said.
“Are you saying I have no choice if I want to be read?”
I was told to invest with intention and care.
Writing something lasting was truly rare.
“And what of success?” I asked, eyes aglow.
“Will I make a big splash? Will the royalties flow?”
My mentor just smiled, saying, “Success isn’t fame.
It’s the soul that is touched after seeing your name.”
God doesn’t care for the sales or the charts,
He wants books that satisfy the hungry hearts.
If one life is changed by the truth that you send,
That’s glory eternal. That’s winning, my friend.
So sharpen your pencils and rework every line.
Keep studying and stumbling, but learning over time.
Maybe your book won’t be sold coast-to-coast,
But it might be read by the one who needs it most.
