From Edie: Discover 10 key traits every Christian writer needs to thrive. Learn how faith, resilience, and community strengthen your writing journey in a changing world.
Becoming a Resilient Writer: 10 Traits Every Christian Author Needs in Today’s Publishing World
By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
When we say out loud, “I am a writer,” we do more than describe what we do — we step into a calling. And like every calling, the writing life is not for the faint of heart. The publishing world is shifting faster than ever. Algorithms change. Marketing strategies evolve. Platforms rise and fall. Some doors close while new ones open.
But here’s the good news: you do not walk this journey alone.
I have seen the way many of you show up with courage, devotion, creativity, and grace — even when the path winds unexpectedly. You inspire me. You inspire one another. And most importantly, you reflect the One who called you to write in the first place.
Today, I’m sharing ten traits that strengthen, sustain, and steady us — especially in this modern writing landscape. These are not just habits to develop — they are spiritual anchors for the writer God is shaping you to be.
10 Traits of a Spirit-Led, Well-Equipped Writer
1. We Know Who Leads the Journey
Trends shift. Markets fluctuate. But God does not.
What looks like a slowdown or setback is often preparation for something better than we imagined. We create, but God directs.
2. We Adapt with Grace
Publishing changes constantly — from book proposal expectations to social media strategy to email deliverability standards.
The writers who thrive are not the ones with the most talent — but the ones who stay flexible.
3. We Look for Solutions, Not Roadblocks
Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” a resilient writer asks:
- What is this situation teaching me?
- How can this help me grow — creatively, spiritually, professionally?
4. We Know Our Strengths and We Keep Sharpening Our Skills
God gives each of us unique voice, tone, and storytelling instincts.
But excellence requires practice — and humility to improve.
5. We Don’t Let Rejection Define Us
Rejection is not failure — it is direction.
We take a moment to feel the sting…
…then we return to the calling that first stirred our hearts.
6. We Learn From Our Missteps
And we learn from the missteps of others, too.
Failure is not wasted when it becomes wisdom.
7. We Build Community — We Don’t Walk Alone
Writing may be solitary, but successful writing requires connection.
Critique partners, writing groups, conferences, mentors — they strengthen us.
8. We Stay the Course When Life Presses In
Illness, grief, family strain, job stress — I’ve seen many of you write through seasons that would stop lesser souls.
Your endurance is holy.
9. We Stay Anchored to the Creator
We don’t create from exhaustion, pressure, or platform demands —
We create from presence.
From stillness.
From the One who gave us the words.
10. We Know There Is No Competition in the Kingdom
The world teaches scarcity.
The Kingdom teaches abundance.
There is room for every voice called by God — including yours. We don’t compete. We complete each other.
Your Turn
What qualities have strengthened your writing journey?
What would you add to this list?
Share in the comments — your insight may be exactly what another writer needs.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.
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