From Edie: Start the new year with clarity and direction. Discover Christian goal-setting and annual planning tips for writers, plus resources and encouragement to pursue God’s calling.
Start Your Writing Year with Purpose: Christian Goal-Setting, Planning, and God’s Calling
by Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga
It’s a brand-new year. Have you completed your annual planning yet? Studies show that when we write down measurable goals, our chances of reaching them increase significantly. As Christian writers, our words matter. We have no idea how many people our books, articles, and devotions affect.
If you haven’t started planning yet, it’s not too late. Here are three helpful resources that can guide you as you prayerfully map out your year:
- Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA) Course: Annual Planning at
- http://cipa.podia.com/
- Plan It Day by Shelley Hitz at https://authors.thrivecart.com/plan-it-day/
- Use coupon code SAVEPLANNING to receive 75 percent off through January 31
- How to Be a Healthy Writer at http://cipa.podia.com/
Planning helps us align our time and energy with God’s purpose. When I do my annual planning, I begin by asking God to guide me. Next, I choose a theme word or phrase and a Bible verse for the year. I write this theme and verse on the first page of my new calendar, so I focus on it as needed. Last year my theme was “dependance on God.” This year it is “restoration.”
Make a Writers Conference Part of Your Plan
Another important decision to prayerfully consider is which Christian writers conference you’ll attend this year. Conferences offer learning opportunities, encouragement, and connection that simply cannot be replicated online.
I invite you to consider the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference (BLCWC), held March 18–21, 2026. Located just an hour north of Destin, Florida, Blue Lake provides a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere surrounded by nature. And yes—escaping winter weather for Florida sunshine doesn’t hurt either! March temperatures often reach the high 60s, making it a refreshing place to write, pray, and recharge.
12 Unique Qualities of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference
1. Personalized Mentorship
Enjoy free 30-minute one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions—double the time typically offered at most conferences. These conversations allow deeper discussion about your writing journey, marketing strategy, or publishing path.
2. Fun Fellowship
One evening includes a poetry slam beside a campfire along with s’mores. Each afternoon you can take a walk around the lake with the conference director, Susan Neal. A trained team also offers an optional personal healing ministry sessionsfor anyone seeking encouragement and prayer.
3. Radio Interview Opportunities
Pitch up to two topics when you register—attendees may be selected for an on-site interview with Bob Crittendon of Faith Radio or Terry Wilhite of WOW Radio 90.9. What a beautiful way to share your message!
4. Writing & Marketing Contests
There are three contests and award ceremonies at the conference. The Living Water Awards are still open to submissions:
- Living Water Awards (unpublished and published works)
- Christian Indie Awards (published books)
- CAN Marketing Awards (promotional campaigns)
5. Writing Retreat Option
Do you need time to write? You may register for the retreat-only package—skip classes while still enjoying meals, worship, and keynotes.
6. Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced writers, editors, publishers, and poets—whether attending one day or the full conference.
7. VIP Luncheons
Enjoy inspiring keynote messages over lunch. On Thursday the literary agent, Sharon Elliott shares What Great Agents Search For (Why You Need One, How You Find One, and How to Snag One). On Friday faculty member, Dawn Damon shares Your Superbloom is Coming
8. Networking
With around 100 attendees, Blue Lake offers true connection—not crowds. Friendships formed here often last a lifetime.
9. Professional Media Resources
Update your author brand with professional headshots and promotional video reels available on-site.
10. Paid Critiques
Receive detailed feedback directly from faculty experts.
11. Creative Inspiration
The quiet beauty of Blue Lake nurtures creativity and stillness before God.
12. Spiritual Renewal
Prayer support, worship, a conference pastor, and Christ-centered teaching make this conference a place of healing and growth. Attending Blue Lake isn’t just about improving your writing—it’s about strengthening your faith and stepping more fully into the calling God has given you. Learn more at BLCWC.com.
One BLCWC attendee stated, “Overall, it’s the best conference I’ve attended. The conference balanced learning, fellowship, and worship. Greatly appreciate the health focus.”
Strengthen Your Writing Journey with Community Support
Do you need additional resources to help you execute your writing and publishing plans this year? Consider joining the Christian Authors Network (CAN) and Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA). Members receive access to over 150 publishing and marketing tools, including:
- Courses
- Checklists
- Guides
- Networking Groups
- Discounts
- Media Opportunities
- Marketing Training
- And much more
Membership gives you both education and community—encouragement for the journey and wisdom for the work.
Encouragement
As writers for the Kingdom, we don’t simply chase goals—we seek God’s direction first and allow Him to order our steps. Annual planning, attending a writers conference, and joining a supportive author association are not just business decisions. They are intentional ways to use the gifts God has placed in our hands. May this new year be one of clarity, creativity, and courage as you follow His call.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” —Proverbs 16:3
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