F.O.C.U.S. Tips for Writers

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Are you one of those writers with a word that guides your year? I am and have been doing so since God called me to write. Each December, I pray for a word and a Scripture verse to guide my focus. I must admit that the word He gives is not always welcome, such as my 2020 word, “train.” I knew that word meant a year of training. And boy, was it! You recall what 2020 was like, don’t you? 

For 2025, God gave me the word “focus” and the verse, “We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith...” Hebrews 12:2 (GW). He knew my eyes often looked around at all the things to busy myself with, such as errands, chores, or anything other than sitting quietly with my eyes only on Him. If you are a person of action like me and become impatient while waiting, here are some tips He’s taught me that improve my focus.

Tips for Writers to Improve F.O.C.U.S.

F - FIXATE means to “focus almost obsessive attention on something" or “direct one’s gaze on something.” The NIV version of my 2025 verse reads, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Wow! Isn’t that a powerful reminder to hold our eyes steadily upon the face of Jesus, no matter the circumstances, pain, or strife surrounding us? Do not look around at the crumbled papers on the floor and think yourself a failure; gaze constantly at Jesus and press on with your writing.

O - ON is an often overlooked yet powerful word meaning "physically in contact with" or "continuation of an action or movement." As a physical therapist, I understand the physical world and the importance of movement to people. When we strive to stay in contact with Jesus and continue moving toward Him in our calling, it is easier to continue writing when it becomes difficult, and it will. Staying grounded upon our Rock provides the firm surface we need to move forward.

C - CHRIST. He is the reason I write. My desire is to please Him, yet I frequently fall into a pit of quicksand by comparing my audience and body of work with others. Pleading forgiveness for this sin of comparison has led me to recall all He sacrificed for me. He never once expressed that dying for one person, me, was not reason enough. He endured unimaginable pain and public disgrace because His eyes saw me. If Christ could do that, then I can write for one person even if the world cares not.

U - UNTIL means “up to the point in time or the event mentioned.” In other words, it means waiting, and I don't like to wait. I'm a person of action, movement, and results. Knowing where I’m going or what my goal is, such as walking three miles, makes it easier to train and do the work needed to meet the goal. However, writing has been a more challenging path to figure out. What is the goal? How does one measure achievement? How does one establish a plan to meet an unclear goal? In Hebrews 11:8 NIV, we are reminded, "By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” When we focus on Jesus, we write in faith until He reveals our destination.

S - SATISFIED comes to mind. We write to satisfy the desire He has placed in our hearts. When we focus our words on satisfying Jesus, it becomes easier to write in faith until He reveals the audience and purpose of each piece. My curiosity about whether anyone is helped by the words I’ve written is often not satisfied. Yet, my need to complete goals and move toward His destination keeps me writing even when it is unclear where I am on the map of my journey.

When your eyes shift to other things, remember to Fixate On Christ Until Satisfied. Wherever you are on your journey, focus on Jesus regularly and be still in His presence. Do not look around at what needs doing, who is doing what, and what awards others have won. Look only at Him and go where He leads, no matter how long it takes. Focus, focus, focus on Christ until both of you are satisfied. And do it over and over as needed.

When you lose focus and become discouraged, what Scriptures do you lean on that satisfy your soul?

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F.O.C.U.S. Tips for Writers from Ginny Cruz on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and award-winning author. Her writing encourages and teaches moms simple and effective ways to help their baby meet developmental milestones. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, reading, and camping with her husband. Find out more at ginnycruz.com, Instagram, or Facebook.