The Sacred Space of the Writer-Reader Connection. https://selar.co/splo
Have you ever wondered about the unique connection that exists between a writer and a reader within the pages of a book? It's a bond that goes beyond mere words, tapping into the deepest realms of the human mind. The reader is invited into the writer's world, a space created with the power of imagination. It is a bond that doesn't happen when you talk in any public forum.
The book, "How to Manage a Bad-Tempered Spouse - Psychological and Biblical Perspectives," took the form of a book for two compelling reasons:
1. To evade verbal discussions of the topic,
2. Because the written word seemed the most fitting conduit to deliver this crucial content to those who could benefit from it.
I pitch my tent with Steven Pressfield who affirms that the author-reader connection is deeply private and intimate, an exchange that transcends the pages. It's a sharing of souls.
In the book, I lay bare some of the most shadowed hours of my life and a lot of others. Beyond that, I thrust these moments before the readers, who undoubtedly have weathered similar ordeals, using them as a mirror to prompt self-confrontation.
This task is beyond my scope in a public space, and I have no urge to attempt it. It's too personal and private.
This book asks the readers, whispering, "Do you see yourself in these words? Are you familiar with this narrative?" If they do, it means they might be going in a bad direction and there is a need to change the course.
I find myself ill-equipped to express such a message to a room full of strangers—unfamiliar faces who probably have not read the book or know little about me or the subject matter.
Yet, concealed between book covers, I can address the readers candidly, employing a raw yet compassionate tone. The readers alone comprehend their thoughts after perusing the text —acceptance or rejection rests within their control. This moment is uniquely for them to examine the content if it fails to resonate or holds no value. They reserve the right to discard the book. This autonomy is ok—it assures me that I'm not forcing my views or monopolizing their time.
When I was going through tough times and uncertainty, I was blessed with the gift of wisdom, often shared by others. These moments, life-altering and impactful, consistently occurred privately and in intimate settings, frequently within the confines of one-on-one interactions.
During the secret dialogue between author and reader, transformative revelations were extended to me, embraced with profound gratitude. No audience bore witness, not even the writer. Yet, they had imparted something creative, altering the course of my life and offering salvation.
However, the role of the speaker is not one I can undertake on this profound subject. It strikes too close to the heart, the connection too intimate, and the topic too personal and critical.
A minister of God played a pivotal role in assisting me to share my book's message by facilitating the sale of copies. His support extended beyond the transactional, as he extended an invitation for me to accompany him on a tour across different churches. This tour aimed to create platforms for me to address audiences about the essence of the book. However, I candidly revealed my reservations about speaking engagements at that juncture.
Another respected man of God reached out to share his thoughts on the book after he organized a gathering on Family and Marriage Therapy. He also procured about 10 copies. His words resonated deeply, "I was thrilled when I read your book… I want to tell you that it's good work….There should be an integration of Psychology into Theology. I need those relevant fields of Psychology for the mission work. I give you kudos, you have made me see these aspects of Psychology."
These affirming words resonate deeply within me and they give me reasons to thank God. For me, some instances serve as a chance to create a positive impact, reaching hearts and minds through the fusion of spirituality and psychology.
You can procure a copy here: https://selar.co/splo
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sacred-space-writer-reader-connection-oluwaseun-afolabi-esq-


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