Six Things I’ve Learned As a First-Time Author

I didn’t grow up thinking that I would be a writer. I went through a phase of wanting to be an architect…and then a news anchor. At one point my dad suggested that I be an actuary because I am good at math. I’m grateful we both realized that wasn’t quite the best fit for me. But God took a calling I didn’t see coming and has used it to bless me and grow me in ways that have surprised me. Six lessons stand out in particular…

If you’re going to write it…be prepared to practice it

I am so grateful for the way that God wrote redemption into a piece of my story that I would not have chosen for myself. Writing the story down allowed me another chance to discern the truths that God had for me in that season. What I didn’t anticipate was how many opportunities the writing and publishing journey would provide to practice trusting the truth God gave me to write. I’ve been tempted to run back to shame, control, and performance as a means of defending against pain. But I was once again reminded that the unlikely path to healing begins when we release the defenses we once trusted, leaving us open to God’s transforming grace.

Perseverance is the name of the game
I discovered early on that writers (at least this writer) don’t have the luxury of writing only when they are inspired. Books get written by sitting down at your computer, whether you have any ideas or not. Sometimes words get typed. Sometimes the blank page wins out. Sometimes the words you write are brilliant and sometimes they are complete rubbish. But as we are promised in Romans 5:3-4, “perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint.” Perseverance put words on the page and poured hope into my heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Celebrate
Can I be honest with you for a second? I have a bad habit of what I call “practicing disappointment.” I let my insecurity and feelings of inadequacy allow me to assume that the worst-case scenario is inevitable. I am battling this habit even as I type. I leave no room for God’s joy-filled surprises in my life. I have the tendency to remain so committed to my own vision that I neglect to celebrate God’s wonderful provision in my life. Writing my first book has taught me the importance of celebrating every milestone and practicing gratitude for what actually is.

Have grit but don’t forget the grace
I couldn’t have written From Lost to Found without a tremendous amount of grit. But what has happened and what will happen with this book is ultimately because of God’s grace. God is at work outside of our efforts. God is moving outside of our own movements. This is His message. My prayer is that I can steward it well.

Find your people 
Not one part of the writing and publishing process happens without a team—agents, editors, marketing experts, fellow authors who lend their support…I smile thinking about the very special people God has brought into my life to walk with me on this path. I’m also learning the importance of gathering with friends and family who have no official role to play in the writing journey—people that can offer encouragement and prayers, and hold me accountable to practicing truth when it comes to my identity and sense of security.

Count the Fruit
This is a phrase I adopted from my friend, Jess Connolly. As someone who can struggle to appreciate what is and always be looking toward the next dream or at the exciting news of someone else’s life, “counting the fruit” has been an essential discipline since I started writing my book. Naming the ways I have seen God move and calling out the gifts I have been given shifts my emotions and thinking toward freeing truth. It’s important to note here that the definition of being “fruitful” is more expansive than being “successful” by the world’s standards. Success tends to measure value in terms of numbers and impressive opportunities. Counting the fruit includes the ways we have seen God move in the mundane—the kingdom miracles we have noticed that might be overlooked by the world.

Whatever your calling looks like today, I am confident God is molding your heart in the midst of it—writing a story of hope and meaning in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of your day. Tell me, what has God been teaching you through your calling lately?