From Edie: Feeling weary or discouraged in your writing journey? Discover how faith and community help Christian writers overcome fatigue, rejection, and closed doors.
How Christian Writers Can Overcome Fatigue, Discouragement, and Closed Doors Through Faith and Community
by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767
I have to admit, I’ve had my share of laughs watching how movies and TV shows portray writers. You know the scenes—an author types a few lines, sends off a manuscript, and within days they’re whisked away to a glamorous book signing tour, complete with a six-figure publishing deal and glowing reviews in The New York Times. If only! The reality is, for most of us, the writing life looks very different. It’s filled with long hours, quiet persistence, and many moments that test both our faith and endurance.
What many new writers don’t realize is that writing—especially as a Christian author—is costly. It costs time, energy, and resources. We pour ourselves into our work, not knowing if it will ever see the light of day. Rejections and closed doors are part of the process, and they can be discouraging. Only a tiny percentage of writers make a full-time living solely from book sales. Most of us juggle other jobs, ministries, or responsibilities while continuing to pursue our passion for words.
Fatigue and discouragement are common companions on this journey. There are days when the words won’t come, doors keep slamming shut, and it feels like no one is reading. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Still, over the years, I’ve found a powerful remedy for discouragement—community.
Several years ago, I decided to start blogging with others rather than continuing alone. What began as a small idea has now grown into a team of about ten of us who contribute to a weekly blog designed to encourage readers. This collaborative effort has been life-giving. I’ve watched each member blossom and thrive as they share their unique voice and insights. Together, we lift one another, celebrate wins, and share the burden of disappointment.
Beyond blogging, I’ve been fortunate to participate in critique groups, visionary groups, and writing conferences. Each has played a crucial role in my growth. Critique groups have refined my skills and provided honest feedback. Visionary groups have encouraged me to dream bigger and keep myself accountable. Conferences have connected me with publishing professionals and opened doors I couldn’t have accessed on my own.
What’s beautiful about these communities is the shared understanding. When something extraordinary happens—like landing a publishing contract or seeing an article accepted—friends in the writing world celebrate in different ways. They understand the sacrifice, the hours spent editing and rewriting, the rejections that preceded the “yes.” They know that behind every victory are dozens, sometimes hundreds, of closed doors.
If you’re feeling fatigued or discouraged in your writing journey, I encourage you to reach out and find your people. Don’t go it alone. Writing may be a solitary act, but thriving as a writer requires community. There are wonderful Christian writing groups, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Word Weavers International, and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), that provide support and fellowship. For broader, more general communities, you might explore groups like The Author’s Guild, Critique Circle, Scribophile, or local writers’ associations in your area. Many of these offer online meetings, critique exchanges, and networking opportunities that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
Building relationships in the writing world doesn’t just help you improve your craft—it helps sustain your spirit. When the rejections come (and they will), the community enables you to remember why you write. When fatigue sets in, others remind you to rest and keep perspective. And when a door finally opens, they’ll be the first to cheer you on.
Looking back, I doubt very seriously I could have achieved the successes and joys I’ve experienced without the support of other writers. We weren’t meant to walk this path alone. Every voice has value, and every story has a place. Don’t be discouraged by how crowded the writing world seems—there’s room for each of us.
Take heart, dear writer. Keep writing, keep connecting, and keep trusting that God is working through every closed door and every weary moment—the words He’s placed on your heart matter. And when you walk this journey with others, you’ll find the strength to keep going—and the joy of not going it alone.
TWEETABLE
AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.
Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations. She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.
No comments:
Post a Comment