For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
I have two distinct categories of content in today’s post. The first is an update on the progress of the hydrangea; the second is an important question (well, important to me) about writing.
Regarding the back garden, I have hardly been able to contain my excitement and anticipation concerning the gathering mass of hydrangea blooms. It has been several years since the last time we enjoyed more than an isolated, scraggly flower here or there, so this is a special treat.
They likely won’t peak for a couple of weeks, but I have to share a few examples along the way.
blue hydrangea 
lilac hydrangea 
oakleaf hydrangea 
lacecap hydrangea 
oakleaf 
developing border
Do blogs hurt books?
I first started this blog at the urging of my publisher, Upper Room Books. They felt that an increased social media presence would be good for book sales.
URB have published five of my books (two are currently out of print) plus a couple of study guides. While I estimate somewhere around 40,000 copies have moved over time, at this point sales have pretty much dried up. This is disappointing because I feel my work is not only relevant but significantly better – and more readable – than much of what is out there.
So here is my question (and I have wondered about this since the very beginning): Does reading this blog make it more likely that you will purchase one or more of my books? Or – and I worry about this – is it more a case of, “Why bother buying a book when I can read DerekMaul.blog for free?”
Is the work I put in to making these daily posts into some of my best writing in point of fact working against sales of my books?
I would value your honest responses.
In the meanwhile (and just in case you did not realize that I write books), here is a link to my author page on Amazon (Derek Maul, author). And, yes, I highly recommend buying yourself, and your friends, and family members, a complete set!
Peace and blessings, always – DEREK
Here are the books, in order of publication date (my only novel is “Suddenly the Light Was Gone“).
I think your Blog enhances the probability of book purchases. Otherwise we would not necessarily know what you have published.
Good point.
I’ll keep making information available (but without being pushy!)
Derek, I already own In My Heart I Carry a Star
and Reaching Toward Easter. I just ordered (from Amazon) your novel (I taught middle school English for years and still enjoy reading books written for that age group) and also ordered The Unmaking of a Part-time Christian. So, yes, I read your books as something separate from the blog. Blogs seem a bit ephemeral, while books are more “permanent”.
Keep doing both, if you like doing it and as God gives you the words to share. Blessings!
Permanent is good!
My challenge is to include the immediacy of a blog in the permanency of a book…
Blog enhances books for me!!!!
Good.
I think it’s time to write another one… If I could just find the time…. 🙂
I own four of your books and would feel very deprived if you stopped writing your blog. One enhances the other!
and I would feel deprived if you stopped reading! Thanks for the helpful affirmation.
I own several of your books and have used them for small group study at church. Your blog definitely enhances the book study experience. Sometimes I forward your blog to members of my class to give them something further to ponder when we are studying one of your books.
That’s a good perspective. The two working together.
Thanks!