10 Commitments for a Stronger Writing Life: Renewing Your Calling and Creative Focus

From Edie: Discover 10 meaningful commitments that strengthen your writing life, renew your calling, and help you stay focused, faithful, and creatively grounded as a writer.

10 Commitments for a Stronger Writing Life: Renewing Your Calling and Creative Focus

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I love new beginnings. And in our family, this has been a year of renewal. One of our sons remarried after losing his first wife in a tragic accident. Kirk is fully retired and now actively working with me in my publishing endeavors. Even though my last publisher has closed the doors, my wonderful agent has helped me see the options I have to continue reaching people with the books God is planting within me. It feels like a new, and hopeful, season. 

So, as I approach this new year, it’s with more optimism than I’ve felt in a long time. I feel like this year is an opportunity to lean more fully into who God has intended me to be and where He is calling me to pour my effort. 

However, the years have taught me that just a hopeful attitude isn’t enough to keep me from stumbling when obstacles and detours appear. To continue to grow as a writer (and as a child of God) requires planning. And for those of you who know me well, that means I have a list to share.

Today, I’m sharing the things I’m committing to again—practices that help keep my writing life grounded, my heart focused, and my calling strong. These are the rhythms I believe make any writing year better, no matter where you are on the journey.

10 Commitments to Make This Writing Year Better

1. Pray More.

I want to be more intentional about praying for my writing, my readers, and other writers. I also want to pray honestly for myself—for clarity, courage, and faithfulness.

2. Respect My Call to Write.

For me, this means protecting time to actually write. Not reading about writing. Not teaching. Not attending meetings or conferences. But putting words on the page.

3. Block Out My Creative Time.

I’ve learned the time of day when I’m most creative is early—before lunch. So I’m learning to be less accessible then. Emails and meetings can wait. Creating cannot.

4. Deny the Lies the Voices in My Head Tell Me.

I can be my own worst enemy. My mind is incredibly creative when it comes to reasons I shouldn’t, couldn’t, or won’t succeed. I’m learning to combat those lies with God’s truth—and to do it consistently.

5. Engage in Accountability with Other Writers.

Writing was never meant to be done in isolation. We need community. I want to lean into relationships that help me stay faithful to the work God has given me.

6. Let God Set My Priorities.

I’m tired of choosing “good” when God wants what’s best. This means learning to say no—and for a recovering people-pleaser, that’s holy work.

7. Allow God to Fill My Creative Well.

You can’t pour from an empty bucket. When my creative well runs dry, it’s usually because I’ve neglected time with God. I want to guard against that.

8. Learn Something New.

The writing world changes quickly. Staying current is part of stewardship. One area I’m intentionally learning more about is how to use AI ethically and efficiently—without sacrificing creativity or integrity.

9. Write for Fun.

All work and no play drains the soul. I want to make room to experiment—to write poetry, try new genres, or explore ideas with no agenda attached.

10. Encourage Other Writers.

We should never become too experienced—or too busy—to help others. Encouraging writers behind us doesn’t diminish our calling. In God’s kingdom, there is no competition—only more work to do together.

These are the things I return to over and over—the basics that help me put one foot in front of the other. Now it’s your turn. What would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, we’re all stronger when we learn from each other.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

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.