You Need to Remember Your Unique Writing Journey

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

“Life is a story. What does yours say?” 

~Unknown

I read through the Bible last month.

Yes, you read that sentence correctly: I read from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 in 30 days.

My dear friend (and our brilliant leader here at The Write Conversation), Edie Melson, inspired me to do this. When Edie mentioned she was reading through the Bible in April, I applauded her plan. Then God nudged me in a “You do it too, Beth” kind of way. I ignored the first nudge—but not the second. 

You’re probably wondering, “What’s the point, Beth?”

I promise this post applies to our writing lives.

One of things I noticed as I read through both the Old Testament and New Testament—and most of April was spent in the Old Testament—was how often the prophets retold the Israelites’ history. Remembered what has happened. Remembered who God is. Remembered the people’s choices, both the good and the not-so-good, and the consequences of their actions.

We need to remember, my friends. 

We’re writers. We know the importance of story. And yet, how often do we take the time to remember our story, the specifics of our writing journey, and learn from it?

I talked with a friend just the other day and we both admitted our journey along the writing road has looked nothing like we’ve expected. (Anyone else nodding their heads?) 

For me, there have been unexpected bends in the road. Unexpected moments where God clearly said, “We’re going this way now, Beth” —and I had to hurry and catch up with where God was leading.

There have been successes. Contracts. Awards.

There have been disappointments. Times when I’ve asked God, “Really? This?” And even times when I’ve asked, “Really? This again?”

The important thing—possibly the most important thing—is to take the time to remember my writing story. To see my good choices. To acknowledge my mistakes. To see God’s leading. To see his provision. 

Remembering will help me stay close to God as he leads me in the future.What about you? When did you stop writing long enough to remember your writing journey—how God has provided for you all along the way. Consider these questions to help you begin. You could even set aside time to journal your answers. 

Questions to ask yourself about your writing journey

• How did God lead you in your early years as a writer? (Any specific Bible verses?)

• What lessons have you learned in the past year?

• What successes have you had as a writer?

• What disappointments have you faced?

• How has God surprised you along the writing road?

• How has your writing motivation changed since you first started writing?

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You Need to Remember Your Unique Writing Journey from @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, released June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at BETHVOGT.COM.