When one begins to write, it is natural to begin searching out how to write by watching others. As my younger sister watched me, some questions arose as she pondered what writing looks like for her. These questions are important and need practical, Biblical answers!

Can I be a writer without being called to it?

Absolutely! Most of us today think of a calling as a lifelong commitment to do that certain thing God called you to. However, our calling as Christians is to belong to Jesus and proclaim His Gospel (Romans 1:6 & Matthew 28:19-20). Having a story to pen doesn’t mean you are called to a lifelong pursuit of making books.

You may believe that God is leading you to write, and that is good. It doesn’t necessarily mean that God will want you to write books forever hereafter. Don’t let the idea of “being called” make you afraid to pen a story. Follow Jesus as He leads you, one day at a time.

Take a closer look at identity in Christ and our calling in Him through these blogs of mine: What You Do is Not Who You Are & What is My Calling?

Can I be a successful writer and do something else as well?

Of course! Because what you do is not who you are, you may excel in many talents and roles in life. All the while, being grounded in who you are in Christ. As much as it may look like “successful writers” must spend all their days plotting and penning, it simply isn’t true.

Everyone needs relationships and substance in life apart from a book. Time Away from the Desk  is what makes stories. So, do explore the other talents God has given you! 

How do I know that my book is the way I want it?

Settling on a clearly defined goal for your story will help. A goal may be defined by three things:
1) The theme (lesson learned or taught)
2) The plot (how the story happened)
3) The character (who it all happened to)

Write out your goal for these three things in a notebook or on a computer file where you can easily find it. Use a single sentence for each one. As an example,

Theme: God is the encourager of His people.
Plot: searching for a lost man, while meeting obstacles such as a proud sailor, a volcano, a shipwreck, and injuries that discourage the character…until God helps her.
Character: H.T.

Now, you have a tangible, yet flexible goal to reach. You know the general plot of your story, the character who will be involved, and the lesson you want to convey through it all.

You may set a goal before you start writing or in the middle of writing the book or when the first rough draft is finished. You may begin with a goal in mind and tweak it later. All good! 

So, when you have finished your manuscript and are wondering, is it ready? you can pull out your written goal.

Did you meet your goal? Or are there ways to edit the story so it aligns better with your objective?

Also, use beta readers. That’s a fancy term that means, have your family and friends read your manuscript and give you feedback. The story doesn’t even have to be finished for someone to read and give you some helpful ideas. Then, consider: what changes do you want to make based on their suggestions?

These two tools will help you in any stage of your writing to assess if your book is truly on-track!

Can my book be a good one if not all of my readers like it?

Yes! The Bible is the inspired Word of God – it is truth, wholesome and good – yet many despise its words. As Christians, we may expect that not everyone is going to like our books. That’s okay.

Each person is uniquely made by God. There are similarities, though, like what kinds of books we like. Some who like mysteries don’t enjoy romances. Some people like it all. Just because a person doesn’t enjoy your book, it doesn’t mean the integrity of your book needs to come into question.

Whether the book is good or not is actually not dependent on what readers say. It is based on your clear conscience before God. Have you prayed over this work? Have you incorporated a truthful, Scriptural message? Has your identity group (family and friends) approved of it? Are you at peace, knowing God is pleased with what you have written? 

If the answer to all those questions is “yes!” then take heart! Unhappy readers don’t have to define your work.

I truly hope these answers will help you more decidedly know what writing looks like for you. 

Blessed writing, friend!