The Importance of Taking Time to Refocus My life as a Writer and a Christ-follower

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with a burnt offering. (Psalm 51:16 HCSB)

I don’t know about you, but I’m a doer. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to help myself. And while I have made some improvement over the years, unless I’m really focused, I’m going to judge my day, my progress, even my worth, on the things I’ve accomplished.

I know in my head that a check mark by everything on my to do list isn’t synonymous for how good I’m doing. Unfortunately, I just can’t seem to get my feelings to switch over to this way of thinking. This unhealthy outlook permeates every part of my life, especially spiritually. I keep acting like I can win God’s favor by doing more. 

There was a time in my writing life when I was working seven days a week. I was writing blogs, publishing articles, writing and submitting manuscripts to be turned into books, etc. I was a busy bee for God's kingdom. But my busyness had changed my focus of being with God to doing things for God. Inevitably that kind of pace and focus ended with me in a pile of exhaustion and chaos. 

Using God’s Blueprint to Face the Jericho Battles in Our Writing Lives

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

As I mentioned many of us are newly home from recent conferences like the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the Well, and Write to Publish. Today I’d like to amplify my post Coming off a Writing High is a Great Time for Soul Care with something God showed me after I published that post.

The other morning I was reminded of a truth from a friend (thank you Beth Vogt). We all encounter what she calls Jericho seasons—in life and in writing. 

Writer Beware—Don’t Compare

by Rachael M. Colby @RachaelColby7

Sometimes I think of other writers and chide myself for not being further along. Comparison is a wretched road that leads to self-doubt, discouragement, and discontent. When I compare my status with others, it drains my mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. I remind myself, start where you are. That’s where God meets us.

There is a chasm of difference between begrudging someone’s good fortune, abilities, or ministry, versus admiring and desiring their gifting and asking our heavenly Father to bless us likewise. Elisha asked for a double portion of the prophet Elijah’s spirit (a heart for God and His people, faith, anointing, and ministry) and received it. *1 To harbor envy because of someone else’s ability or success is like accusing God of denying what’s best for us. God is the good Father who delights in giving to His children and encourages us to bring all our requests to Him.

Reasons to Grow Your Author Subscriber List Through Your Newsletter

Edie here! Today I'm excited to introduce you to our newest columnist on The Write Conversation, Kate Huff. Kate is a good friend and someone who has a passion to help writers grow their visibility through newsletters and subscription marketing. I know you'll enjoy her valuable contributions. Please give her a warm TWC welcome! 

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

“Grow your newsletter subscriber list.”

These words are heard by every aspiring author at some point in his or her writing career. Usually, it’s heard fairly early in that career and can often cause many to wonder if writing is what they are called to do. 

When facing this question, you may ask yourself, “Why do I really need a newsletter, much less a certain number of subscribers? I don’t even have a book to promote!”

Write Anyway: Obedience in the Quiet Seasons

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

“Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.’” – Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV)

There is a sacred hush that sometimes falls over the writing life. Not writer’s block—but holy silence. The kind where you have shown up, pen in hand or cursor blinking, heart wide open… and nothing comes. You begin to wonder: “God, are You still calling me to this?”

You are not alone.

The Pursuit of Wisdom in the Writing Journey

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Finding wisdom is a blessing, and understanding is invaluable.

Recently, I’ve been immersed in my home recording studio—what some might call my version of a creative workspace, equipped with a microphone, computer, and a headset. Many might be surprised to find out that I write suspense and devotions. I’m also a freelance editor and coach. However, the thriller genre captivates me so much that I launched a podcast a few years ago titled Murder Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality. The show has gained listeners from around fifty-four countries, with a growing audience of nearly 3,000. I’ve had the privilege of hosting numerous talented, award-winning authors and experts, which has been a thrilling experience for me!

Yet, none of this happened by chance. My journey into writing and podcasting was paved with knowledge, mentorship, and dedicated training. Transitioning from a career in education to writing wasn’t an easy feat. Before starting my podcast and embracing my writing career, I participated in workshops, sought mentorships, and engaged with various writing communities. Some pivotal moments that helped shape my career came from attending writing conferences, especially the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC), and I’d like to share a few highlights.

Coming Off a Writing High is a Great Time for Soul Care

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Yep, you read that title correctly. 

Soul care isn’t just for times when life is difficult. 

I’m recently back from one of the highlights of my writing year—THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE. For me, this is a spiritual high. It’s a time when:

• I’ve heard from God 
• Gotten to witness what He’s doing in my life and in the lives of other writers 
• And a time when I’ve been able to fellowship with other believers who are also writers. 

I come back from this even like I do every year—overwhelmed, blessed, and absolutely exhausted.