From Edie: Discover seven timeless writing lessons from Alice in Wonderland that will help you find direction, overcome fear, and grow as an author.
7 Writing Lessons Every Author Can Learn from Alice in Wonderland
By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
I have a confession to make.
I adore Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. But, every time I read it, I discover something different. This classic from Lewis Carroll is delightfully confusing, wonderfully imaginative, and just a little bit frustrating. But perhaps that's exactly why it has remained on of my favorites—and the favorite for generations of others.
Some days everything makes perfect sense. Other days we're chasing ideas that disappear around the corner, listening to contradictory advice, and wondering if we've somehow taken a wrong turn.
The longer I've been in this writing business, the more I realize Alice's journey isn't all that different from mine.
Lessons Every Writer Can Learn from Wonderland
1. Follow the White Rabbit
Alice's adventure begins because she notices something unusual and decides to follow it.
Most writing journeys begin the same way. For some of us, it's an idea that won't leave us alone. For others, it's a Bible study that sparks a devotion, a family story begging to be told, or a dream of seeing our words in print.
God often calls us through quiet nudges rather than loud announcements.
The important thing isn't knowing exactly where the rabbit hole leads. It's being willing to take the first step. If I'd waited until I understood every twist and turn of my writing career before I started, I would never have written my first book.
Sometimes obedience comes before understanding.
2. Don't Chase Every White Rabbit
Here's where the lesson changes. Once we're established as writers, White Rabbits seem to multiply. We find ourselves looking at
- A new social media platform.
- The latest AI tool.
- Another marketing strategy.
- A course everyone says you have to take.
- A trend everyone insists you can't ignore.
- A new genre.
- Another opportunity.
Every one of these looks urgent. Every one promises success. But not every rabbit is mine to chase. One of the greatest skills of a writer who sticks with writing for the long haul is developing discernment.
Just because an opportunity is good doesn't mean it's God's best for you.
Sometimes saying NO to a dozen good opportunities is what allows us to say YES to the one assignment God has given us. Every yes I say now, means I have to say no to something else down the road.
3. Listen to the Cheshire Cat
One of my favorite exchanges in the book happens when Alice asks, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
The Cheshire Cat grins. "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to."
What a GREAT question for writers. Working hard—without knowing where we're headed—is often just like changing seats endlessly at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. We're busy. We're moving. We may even feel productive. But at the end of the day, we're no closer to finishing the manuscript God has called us to write. To make progress we need to first make some decisions. Asking these questions can help us focus:
- Do you want to write novels?
- Speak?
- Build a ministry?
- Teach?
- Self-publish?
- Pursue traditional publishing?
- Encourage your local church?
Truthfully, there's no single right answer. But there is wisdom in deciding where God is leading before you start running down every path that presents itself. Goals don't limit us. They give direction to our efforts.
4. Expect to Grow—and Sometimes Feel Small
Alice spends much of the story growing, shrinking, and wondering if she'll ever feel normal again. Writers know that feeling well. Some days we feel capable and confident.
We finish a chapter, receive encouraging feedback, or sign a contract.
Other days we read a one-star review, receive a rejection, or compare ourselves to another author and suddenly feel two inches tall.
Our confidence changes. Our calling doesn't.
Growth isn't always comfortable. In fact, it's usually awkward. Don't mistake temporary discomfort for permanent failure. God often stretches us before He strengthens us.
5. Leave the Mad Tea Party
The Mad Hatter's tea party is entertaining.
It's also completely unproductive. Everyone talks. No one accomplishes anything.
Sound familiar? Writers can spend endless hours discussing writing. We debate publishing. Analyze algorithms. Compare software. Research AI. Read blogs. Watch YouTube videos. Listen to podcasts.
None of those things are bad.
Until they replace writing.
Eventually every writer has to excuse themselves from the tea party, sit down at the keyboard, and do the work. Finished books aren't produced by talking about writing. They're produced by writing.
6. Ignore the Queen of Hearts
"Off with their heads!" The Queen ruled through fear.
So does our inner critic. This vicious voice whispers we're not talented enough. We don’ have enough experience. Our critic accuses us of not being spiritual enough, or original enough.
Fear is loud. God's voice is steady. One tells us to quit. The other reminds us Who called us.
I've learned that courage isn't the absence of fear. It's choosing obedience in spite of it. Don't let your inner Queen of Hearts make decisions God never intended her to make.
7. Remember Why You Entered Wonderland
By the end of Alice's adventure, she has experienced things she never imagined. That is true of every writer I’ve ever talked with.
We've celebrated victories we once only dreamed about, and survived disappointments we never expected. We've met incredible people, land earned lessons we couldn't have learned any other way.
And somewhere along the journey, it's easy to forget why we started. Most of us didn't begin writing because we wanted a platform, a bestseller, or an award.
We started because we had something God placed on our hearts that needed to be shared. That calling hasn't changed. The publishing world will continue to evolve. Technology will continue to change. AI will improve. Marketing trends will come and go.
But our purpose remains the same. We are called to faithfully steward the words God entrusts to us.
One Final Thought
Wonderland wasn't always logical. Neither is the writing journey. There will be days when nothing makes sense. Days when doors open unexpectedly. Days when they slam shut. Days when you're convinced you've lost your way.
But remember this:
- Alice kept moving.
- She asked questions.
- She learned.
- She grew.
- And she never stopped believing there was a way through the confusion.
As writers, we can do the same. We don't have to understand every twist in the path. We simply have to keep following the One who does.
Now it’s your turn. How can you compare your writing journey to Alice in Wonderland? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
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