Writing a book can be a deeply spiritual journey, especially for Christian authors who feel a divine calling to share their message with the world. If you’re one of those individuals who have a passion for writing and a faith-driven desire to impact others through your words, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will explore where to start when you want to write a book, providing guidance, inspiration, and practical steps for aspiring authors.
#1 Believe in Your Call
Before you embark on your writing journey, take time to seek God’s guidance through prayer and meditation. Ask for clarity, wisdom, and inspiration. Trust that your calling to write is part of His divine plan, and surrender your fears and doubts. Ask the Lord to give you a vision of His plan for the book you are to write. Write down that vision. And go back to those words every time you feel doubt creeping in.
#2 Define Your Purpose
Understanding your purpose as a Christian author is essential. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to write this book? What message or story does God want me to share?” Your purpose will serve as your guiding light throughout the writing process.
#3 Identify Your Target Audience
Know who you are writing for. Understanding your target audience is crucial to tailor your message effectively. Are you writing for new believers, seekers, parents, or a secular market? Define your audience to speak to their needs and concerns. The more specific you are in identifying your audience, the more successful you will be at reaching them.
#4 Choose a Genre and Topic
Consider the genre and topic of your book. Is it a devotional, a memoir, a self-help book, fiction, or non-fiction? Choose a genre that aligns with your message and speaks to your intended audience. Do some research to see which books are performing well in the genre and topic that you are called to write in. Studying what works for other authors will help you gain clarity on the piece that you are bringing to the table.
#5 Create a Writing Plan
Develop a writing plan that outlines your goals, deadlines, and writing schedule. Take the average word count for a book in your genre. Work out how many words you can write per hour. Once you know how many hours you need to finish your manuscript, go, and schedule them! This plan will help you stay on track and manage your time effectively. Remember, consistency is key.
#6 Find a Quiet Place to Write
Create a peaceful writing environment where you can connect with God and your inner self. A quiet space will allow you to focus on your writing and draw inspiration from your faith. Offer your writing time as a time of worship and devotion. God will meet you there. He is the one who has called you to write. He will give you the words to write.
#7 Outline Your Book
Create an outline for your book. This serves as a roadmap, helping you organize your thoughts and ideas. Start with an introduction, chapters, and a conclusion. If you need help with this, I highly recommend enrolling in my BORN TO WRITE BLUEPRINT course. In these sessions, I will help you:
- Clarify your message
- Identify your audience
- Map out the journey you want to take your reader on.
Having this outline will keep you from getting stuck or overwhelmed. It will lay the groundwork for your book and help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection.
#8 Write from the Heart
When you write, let your faith shine through your words. Write from the heart, trusting that God’s wisdom and inspiration are guiding your pen. Remember Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
#9 Join a Writing Community
Consider joining a Christian writing community or connecting with other Christian authors for support, feedback, and accountability. Sharing your journey with like-minded individuals can be incredibly encouraging. If you’re looking for a tribe, you’re welcome to join mine: ANSWERING THE CALL TO WRITE Facebook Group.
#10 Edit and Revise
Once you’ve completed your manuscript, dedicate time to edit and revise your work. Ensure that your writing is clear, well-structured, and free of errors. Make sure that you get your book professionally edited. This is the most important part of publishing your book. A poorly edited book will diminish your credibility as an author.
#11 Seek Professional Guidance
If you’re considering publishing your book, seek guidance from professionals in the Christian publishing industry. If you have completed your manuscript and want to take the next steps, I recommend getting in touch with the KINGDOM COMMUNICATORS NETWORK. They will help you with the entire publishing process, from editing to formatting, to cover design. They can even help you create an audio book.
Remember…
Writing a Christian book is not just about putting words on paper; it’s a sacred mission to share God’s message with the world. Your message will not only open blind eyes, and set captives free, it will also untangle you from every lie that keeps you stuck. It is not an easy process, but it will be worth it. God will build something powerful in you, as you follow Him in obedience as He calls you to write.
Please reach out if you need help. I have so many resources that can help you navigate this journey of faith. Now, go forth with faith and conviction, and may your writing bring light and inspiration to the lives of many.