The writing industry is a big beast. As a Christian, God calls us to follow Him and be faithful to His commandments. This can be tricky to do when we’re entering the big world of publishing. Christians can make income off of their stories, and be faithful to what God has given them to write, but how do we do that? How do we follow God and not the industry?
In this article, we’ll discuss what not to do as a Christian author navigating the publishing industry!
DON’T Lose Sight of Your Why
Why do you write?
No matter what your why is, hold onto it, and don’t lose sight of it.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Your why, in God’s eyes, is far more important than the bar of “success” the publishing industry sets.
Christian authors easily fall into the pit of the world’s standards. Get back up and keep going down God’s path! His reason for your stories may be different than what you have in mind, but it is always more fulfilling to obey His will than it is to follow the world’s guidebook.
DON’T Forget to Read His Word
If we are struggling with our writing journey, God is there to lead us. The Bible has a great deal of solid advice for the struggling author! So don’t forget to pick up your Bible and see what God has to say to you daily.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2
The writing industry is difficult to navigate and it is, of course, worldly. But we can take heart in the fact that God has a purpose for our stories. And that purpose might not look like the industry’s standard!
Pray, ask for His guidance, and pick up the Bible.
DON’T Give Up
In the writing industry, as in life, we must adapt, improvise, and overcome.
But we must remain steadfast in our purpose.
Even if the industry is saying one thing, if God is leading you someplace else, you can rest assured that His plan is best.
The first writing community that I joined told me that what I was writing was ungodly. I knew what God had placed on my heart to write, so I walked away from the naysayers. I did not give up on what God told me to write. And I am so glad I did!
Someone needs your story. And God will ensure they get it. But you have to write it faithfully and share it, first!
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” – Luke 16:10
No matter what stage you are at in the writing journey, take heart that God is with you. Christian authors have a place in the publishing industry, and if we allow God to lead us, we can move mountains! Take up your pen (or, keyboard!), memorize Philippians 1:6, and write what God tells you to without fear, because God is bigger than any industry.
Be sure to check out Angela R. Watt’s short story, Heaven and Hell, in Life: 15 Short Stories That Honor the Imago Dei (A Doorway Anthology)!
Angela R. Watts is the bestselling author of The Infidel Books and the Remnant Trilogy. She’s been writing stories since she was little, and when she’s not writing, she’s probably drawing or working with her amazing editorial clients. She lives at Step by Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, where she raises horses, dogs, cats, and snails.
