Know How to Set Writing Priorities with Confidence by Creating an Author Mission Statement

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Life is getting busier for all of us. And every writer I know is overwhelmed with the to-do list they’re facing and, beyond that, the opportunities to go many different directions. 

So how do we decide what to do first and which writing opportunities to pursue? 

The best answer is, “We follow God’s leading.” 

And while I agree one-hundred-percent with that answer. I also know that sometimes it’s hard to figure out which priority is God’s leading and which one isn’t. 

So let’s go a little deeper and look at what following God’s leading looks like when we live it out. 

Why Develop an Author Mission Statement

Developing an author (or writing) mission statement is one of the smartest things I’ve ever done to facilitate being certain about what God is saying. My mission statement has allowed me to boil down—through prayer and seeking God’s presence—what His specific calling is for my life. And now that I have this statement, it has acted as a filter. My author mission statement gives me a way to evaluate everything that comes my way—from opportunities to offer counsel to projects to work on. 

As I’ve said over and over on this blog, each of us is a unique creation. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives—and our writing. While it’s important to grow and explore, we flourish best from a foundation of being who God planned us to be. Today I’m going to share my own process of how to write an author mission statement. 

Crafting an author mission statement isn’t usually a quick project. But it’s vital that each writer has one. It will help us evaluate opportunities and give us confidence to move forward because we know who we are. 

The Process of Writing an Author Mission Statement

In your journal or notebook, begin the process by answering each question below in a single sentence.

• What do you do? Yes, you write. But go deeper than that. 
• Who do you do it for? 
• What makes you unique?
• What is the God-sized part of your calling? (Make it big—only God can attain it)
• What can your readers expect?

Play with the statements you’ve written. Some of them may meld together into a single sentence. After you’ve got an idea of where you’re headed, add an “I believe” statement to the beginning. 

Here is my author mission statement:

I believe God has a purpose for everyone’s unique story. I encourage others to live that story by telling stories of my own—through words and pictures. I’m a writer who feels lost without her camera and a card-carrying introvert who loves to encourage an audience. All my books point to the transformational possibilities inside each of us when we tap into our God-given strengths. 

This statement helps me evaluate opportunities, stay on track with my purpose, and lean into God as I become more of who He designed me to be.

There is also an excellent blog post from Cindy Sproles on Tips to Develop Your Own Writing Mission Statement. I recommend you also look at that for ideas. 

Finally, do you have an author (writing) mission statement? If so, how has it helped. If not, what is holding you back? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings, 

Edie

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.