Do you have a book that you’ve been wanting to write? Do you think it’s a great idea, but it’s been hard to convince a publisher the same? Do you feel discouraged and want to quit? Today I want to talk to writers and encourage you: writers, do not give up on the book of your heart!
In 1999 I had an idea for a book for young people called Prayers that Changed History. As a homeschooling mom, I kept coming upon these GREAT stories of prayer such as:
- Governor William Bradford praying for rain for the failing crops in the New World, and nine hours later clouds rolling in after a severe drought.
- John Newton (who penned the hymn Amazing Grace) nearly sinking in a storm on his slave ship and crying out to God for mercy. God saved the ship and John’s soul that night.
- And Florence Nightingale who, at sixteen years old, feeling called into God’s service. She prayed and committed herself to God and years later she became the “Mother of Nursing.” Nursing practices around the world have been transformed because of Florence.
As a homeschooling mom, I knew that Prayers that Changes History was exactly the type of book I would buy for my kids. After all, I want my kids to know about heroes of the faith. I want them to understand the power of prayer.
This book was finally published in 2015 … sixteen years after I first got the idea and pitched it to a publisher. I LOVE getting feedback from parents and kids who are so excited about this book. I love that kids are learning about historical people and answered prayers. I love that they’re learning how to pray.
I’m so thankful that I did not give up on the book of my heart. And I encourage you too. Writers do not give up on the book of YOUR dreams!
To encourage you to keep going, here are a few things you need to know:
What you need to know …
1. Know that writing is a challenge.
It is hard work, and a great idea doesn’t automatically translate into a great book. Every writer struggles! Don’t feel as if you’re not the only one. Everyone has fears about not being good enough. No one writes ‘great stuff’ in their first draft. Writing is supposed to be hard. Overcome those fears one word at a time on the blank page.
2. Understand that not everyone will get what you’re doing.
There are some agents, editors, and publishers who will not like your idea or your writing. But then again, there will be someone who does. I happened to connect with an editor who immediately understood and loved my idea for Prayers that Changed History, but before that, there were many editors who turned it down. Not every idea is a good fit for every editor or publisher. But, take heart, writers; do not give up!
3. Know that some projects take time to flesh out.
Sometimes a manuscript needs to be rethought or reshaped. When it came to writing the final manuscript of Prayers that Changed History, I spent more time teaching children how to pray than I’d originally planned. My book idea changed for the better, and I’m excited that it did!
4. Know that sometimes God needs to mold you to make the message mean more.
I personally learned a lot about prayer from 1999 to 2015. I know that my book is different (and better) because of what God taught me.
5. Know that God’s timing is perfect.
God knows when a book is needed. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Prayers that Changed History was released around the same time as the movie The War Room. There is a theme that was happening that year. God is bringing people to His knees, and it’s amazing that He desires for children to learn about prayer, too!
To encourage you to keep going, there are also a few things that you need to do:
Writers, do not give up. Here is what you need to do …
1. Keep writing, researching, and praying.
I started a filing drawer filled with stories about answered prayer. Whenever I’d come upon a story, I’d photocopy it and put it in a file. Then, when the time was right, I had all the material that I needed. Even as I worked on other projects, I kept this one in the back of my mind.
2. Keep studying the writing craft.
Like any career, writing takes time, effort, and knowledge. The more you study the craft of writing, the better you become as a writer.
3. Consider self-publishing.
When I first came up with this book idea in 1999, self-publishing was an expensive venture. You had to hire an editor and a printer, and the end result was 1,000 copies of your paperback book in your garage. Today, self-publishing is altogether different. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it’s a great way to get your book published and in the hands of readers.
If you have a book that you’ve been wanting to write … keep going.
If you have a great idea … trust your gut.
During this time in history, we have amazing opportunities to share our words around the globe. If you have a book on your heart, don’t give up!
Resources on Prayer:
Resources on Publishing on Kindle:
Resource on Self-Publishing
Happy Writing!
You might also like:
Your Prayers Do Impact Generations
Do your prayers matter—not just for today or this year—but for generations? Can the prayers you pray today and the faith steps you take this week impact your descendants 100 years from now? Yes, they can! Your prayers do impact GENERATIONS!
I needed this today. I’ve had disappointments bombard me lately when it comes to my writing. A few well experienced people in the writing industry have told me my writing has merit, but I need credentials for the type of books I want to write. Among the credentials discussed was a degree, which at this stage in my life is out of my reach. I struggle with pursuing a dream that may never come to fruition if I cannot gain the basic items needed to grasp it. Do I let go of the dream? Change the dream? Discover another way? I’m praying God gives me direction during this time of uncertainty. Thank you for this post!
Well, if it helps I don’t have a degree! I’d start a blog and grow an audience there!
Yes I needed this as well. I seem stuck – not wanting to risk another rejection. Yet, my story still has a hold on me. Thanks for the advice – will definitely follow it.
Keep going, Bev!
Yes, this post is timely for me as well. I did self-publish my book, “The Power of Faith”, and then re-published it two years later, feeling it needed some changes. I am content to have written it, but I wonder at times what is next. Write a book, put it out there and then what? We don’t always know God’s plans for us nor his timing. So I am continuing to write my weekly blog posts and be faithful in doing good. I believe in my heart that God will use this book for his glory and to encourage and uplift others. For the single moms out there, it is a true story of one woman’s journey to faith from being raised in an alcoholic home, to marrying an abusive replica of her father, to raising two sons as a single parent and to eventual freedom and faith!
Keep the faith, ladies, and keep looking up!
Yes, just do what God has asked you to do. I know as you continue to keep writing He will show you additional steps!
Let me add another “I needed to hear this” to your list today. 🙂 I’ve wrestled for years over a book that I want to write but am too terrified to start. I don’t know enough to write this book… I don’t have the credentials… What if I do all the work and spend the time away from my family to write it, and it fails?…
Lots of “what ifs” and lots of uncertainty. I am seeking God constantly in it, and I have already seen how life experience has caused the book I would write today to be very different from the book I thought I needed to write a few years ago. God has a perfect plan for me, I know, and I waiting for the green light, praying, and waiting some more in the meantime. 🙂
Hannah, sit before God and ask Him for the words!!
Just what I need today. I’ve been dealing with my book for years. I’m so nervous at what people will think but at the same time I believe it will help. I’ve been asking God for the strength to finish well.
Don’t worry about being nervous. EVERY writer is! Instead write the words and do the work. Writing is a learning process, but you’ll never learn until you’re start.
Tricia,
Your words are so inspiring. Writing and publishing is a journey that can be long, and sometimes hard, but worth the time and effort if you have it on your heart to write it. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, no one gets to their destination overnight … but to get there they must at least start!