Called to Write Today: Imposter Syndrome, Publishing Changes, and God's Unchanging Call

From Edie: Publishing is shifting fast—but God’s call remains steady. Get biblical encouragement, perspective, and practical hope for writers facing imposter syndrome.

Called to Write Today: Imposter Syndrome, Publishing Changes, and God's Unchanging Call

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”  ~Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities 

Doesn’t that seem to define being a writer in the world today? 

It’s a heady, exhilarating thing to be a writer or to explore the possibility of being a writer. 

But it’s also scary being labeled as a writer. When someone refers to you as a writer how do you feel? 

Anyone else feel like a fake? 

You are NOT alone. Almost every one of us fights the imposter syndrome. 

It’s the beginning of the year and many of you already feel inadequate. You've already decided you don’t qualify. 

In a sense we all come to the place where we explore what it means to be a writer—and to be a writer in this time and this place. 

We’re all searching for confirmation and for clarification. And for definition 

First, let’s explore the definition.

What is the definition of a writer—a real writer? 

That one’s not so easy. There are as many definitions of what being a real writer looks like lived out as there are writers. 

And unfortunately, we rely on what being a writer has looked like in the past. 

The truth of the matter is this: if you put words on paper or type them on a screen, I hate to inform you, but you already are a real writer. 

I remember coming to conferences earlier in my career, looking for that confirmation, that direction. What I sought was an intangible as it is undefinable. 

And I was looking for it in the wrong place. 

That experience left me beat up and exhausted. But God sent someone to encourage me and I kept on. 

God called us to write—at least we think He did. And we want to be sure so we can walk in that confidence. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV 

How do we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with a calling that is constantly requiring us to pivot? 

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His priorities never change and neither does His character. HOWEVER, God is a God of surprises and He delights in doing new things through us and around us that reinforce Who He is. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, Isaiah 43:19 

So, the very first thing I try to remember when I get frustrated with publishing is how I know I’m called to write. And beyond that, why I want to publish 

Each of us has a slightly different why and we need to start there and be able to articulate our personal reason. 

My why is two-fold:

• Be a light in the dark 
• Share God’s love with those who don’t know Him. 

This is my filter—the foundation for when life gets turned upside down. And, right now, the world is upside down, inside out, discombobulated. 

Publishing is NOT the same world as when I began. What does that mean for writers today?

Here’s the bad news:

• There are fewer physical bookstores 
• There are fewer publishers 
• Fewer contracts 
• Fewer dollars. 

Here’s the good news: 

• We have direct more access to readers 
• We have more access that doesn’t depend on location 
• We have more opportunities to make more money 

What does this look like in application? 

• 1. Things aren’t going to work like they’ve always worked. 

• 2. There are different ways to use the platforms we’re familiar with to connect with readers and get the word out. 

• 3. Networking is more vital than ever! 

• 4. Looking at one another as competition will kill us. 

Can you imagine Jesus looking down on our world today? I think Matthew 9:35 – 38 gives us a good picture of what he still sees. 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 

God is calling us as laborers

Here’s the bottom line for me: 

God’s call never changes. 

Romans 11:29 reminds us: For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 

I believe we are pioneer generation of writers. We are making a way in the wilderness that is Christian publishing. We are forging paths, and showing options that will benefit generations of writers to come. 

Isaiah 43:1 – 2 assures us: But now, this is what the Lord says— 

    he who created you, Jacob, 

    he who formed you, Israel: 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters, 

    I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

    they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

    you will not be burned; 

    the flames will not set you ablaze. 

Now is the time to step up to the ENTIRE call God has issued to each of us. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. What we must decide is if we’re going to sit on the sidelines or join Him when He calls? 

I believe God has shown me we are part of the pioneer generation of writers. Instead of looking backward, it’s time to step out in faith. He is doing a new thing. Publishing is a wilderness and instead of lamenting that things have changed we need to remember God is the one who has done the changing. 

He wants to use us—to forge a new path to reach the world with His light. He encouraged me to let Him use me to lead others in the new paradigm of publishing—with tools and opportunities we’ve never imagined. So now it's your turn. What will you do to search out a new path and break new ground in writing this year? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Called to Write Today: Imposter Syndrome, Publishing Changes, and God's Unchanging Call from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

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 44+ 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.