15 Lessons I’ve Learned on My Writing Journey (Faith, Persistence, and Purpose)

From Edie: Learn 15 hard-won lessons from a 25+ year writing journey—faith, persistence, rejection, community, and purpose—to encourage you to keep going and write with confidence.

15 Lessons I’ve Learned on My Writing Journey (Faith, Persistence, and Purpose)

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Following my heart to become a writer has taught me a lot. I still remember the first time I got brave enough to call myself a writer, and the excitement the first time I sold an article. 

The past 25+ years haven’t been all rainbows and roses though. I remember the excitement of having my first manuscript taken to committee—and the devastation when the publisher ultimately rejected it.However, I wouldn’t have traded a single minute of my experience. Even that rejection was good because truthfully, neither my manuscript or me was ready for publication. 

However, the biggest struggles I've had haven't been in learning the craft of writing. The hard part is battling the voices in our heads, and learning the nuances (and etiquette) of the publishing industry. Today, I'm going to share those things I've learned and I hope some of them will help you navigate this writing journey with less difficulty than me.  

Start Your Writing Year with Purpose: Christian Goal-Setting, Planning, and God’s Calling

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:

How to Train Your Writer’s Eye: 7 Ways to Improve Observation Skills for Better Writing

From Edie: Sharpen your observation skills and notice details like a writer. Learn 7 practical ways to train your writer’s eye, beat distraction, and create richer, more vivid writing.

How to Train Your Writer’s Eye: 7 Ways to Improve Observation Skills for Better Writing

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers are an observant lot.

We notice the tiny things other people overlook—a change in tone, a flicker of emotion, a half-finished sentence. We collect details the way some people collect souvenirs. An overheard conversation can spark the plot of an entire novel. A single moment in a grocery store can become a scene that refuses to leave us alone.

But there’s a problem for writers in today’s world.

We’re surrounded by noise.

How Writers Can Beat the Writing Blues: Faith-Filled Encouragement for When Creativity Feels Heavy

From Edie: Feeling discouraged or stuck in your writing? Discover practical, faith-filled ways to beat the writing blues, restore creativity, and reconnect with your calling as a writer.

How Writers Can Beat the Writing Blues: Faith-Filled Encouragement for When Creativity Feels Heavy

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There's not a writer alive who hasn't sat in front of their computer and stared at a blank screen. It doesn't matter if they are a novice or a well-seasoned and successful writer. Sometimes, life pushes in directions that cause us to question ourselves and our calling.

It's important to remember that you aren't the only one in this dark hole. Finding ways to pull yourself out and renew your excitement for writing is key.

Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters for Writers

From Edie: Celebrating small wins helps writers stay motivated, protect creativity, and keep moving forward when the writing journey feels hard.

Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters for Writers

by Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII

Man, us Americans do love our celebrations. Not just the big ones like birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Easter, and New Year’s Eve a few weeks ago. We love celebrations so much that Cinco de Mayo, Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween have grown in popularity during the last 15 to 20 years. And let’s not forget National Coffee Day, National Hot Dog Day or National Donut Day. Seems like there is something to celebrate every day of the year.

Your celebrations could extend to your writing career as well. Why not? Why not take a moment and enjoy reaching a goal?

A New Year for Writers: Learning from the Past Without Living There

From Edie: A New Year message for writers on learning from past successes and failures without letting them hold you back as you move forward.

A New Year for Writers: Learning from the Past Without Living There

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod 

“I wish I could come back.”

Every year, it happens. A student says it—most of the time, quite a few. High school freshmen who hated middle school. We middle school teachers tried to warn them about the transition to high school. We told them how much more difficult it would be. But they couldn’t wait to be delivered from the prison of middle school—or so they thought. 

Then, the summer passed, and they entered the halls of the ivory tower they had longed for. But it wasn’t what they thought. The pace was quicker. The homework load was heavier. Several returned to the middle school hall each morning to tell us they wanted to return. Perhaps I passed them in the high school hall or the lunchroom. “Dr. Wiles, can we come back, please?” Sadly, I had to tell them no.

What Football Teaches Writers About Success, Wins, and Perseverance

From Edie: What can football teach writers about success? Learn how wins, perseverance, and teamwork apply to the writing journey.

What Football Teaches Writers About Success, Wins, and Perseverance

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Is it okay if I talk about football today?

“But Beth,” you say, “this is a blog for writers.”

Let me rephrase my question: Is it okay if I talk about football today if I connect it to writing?