For those who follow Christ, we know that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). So whether we are in church, in the workplace, or writing a book, somewhere along the line, people should know what Christ has done in us, through us, and for us. As owner of Your Book Journey Consulting, I am a big believer in writing it down! I wrote my first book, Kill the Busy Save the Bee: What It Really Means to Be Still and Know, over 3 years ago. While I learned a great deal from my first experience as a self-published author of faith-based books, writing about my experiences is still no easy task. I can’t just sit down and start writing because whether it’s a traumatic event from the past or a bad habit I have in the present, sharing myself with the world takes prayer, praise, and support.
Have you considered writing a book to bring hope to those who may have gone through the same situations and circumstances that you have been through? Here are a few things I’ve learned as a writing coach and self-published author of faith-based books.
1. You must pray. Because your story may include events from your past, you'll need to be prayed up because writing may bring up bad memories that could trigger post-traumatic stress or anxiety. Set yourself up through prayer and meditating on God's Word before each writing session. Remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). God can bring comfort during your writing session and give you the courage to move forward with your story. He listens and can help you handle the emotions that may arise because of difficult memories, and He can handle what you say to Him in the secret place. While you are on your knees expressing grief, mourning, or even anger, God can turn them into joy (Psalm 30:11).
Also, you’ll need to take your time. Don’t rush your prayers, your bible reading, or your writing. Remember, you are not just telling your story or experience; you are reliving things that happened to you. Ask God to help you focus less on what happened and more on the outcome of how you made it through. Pray also for those who will pick up your book and read it one day. This will help you to put your focus on how your testimony will help heal someone and let them know they are not alone.
2. You must praise. As you begin to remember a tragedy that happened to you or the loss of a loved one, keep the grief from setting in by praising God daily. You may choose to use praise and worship music or watch the sunset. Whatever you do, keeping your mind on the goodness of God brings a heart of gratitude. I have found that writing down blessings in my journal each week impacts my mindset and rejuvenates my heart. Reading the Psalms is another way to be reminded of God’s goodness.
Psalm 109:30-31
With my mouth, I will greatly extol the Lord;
in the great throng of worshipers, I will praise him.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy
to save their lives from those who would condemn them.
3. You must receive support. There’s nothing wrong with withdrawing from busyness and communing with God to write your story. In fact, it is such a sweet time of drawing near to Him during your writing session. But recently, my good friend and author of the book Barnabas Blessings: Poems of Encouragement, LaShona Sellers, reminded me that there is a big difference between withdrawing and isolating. The enemy would like nothing more than for you to isolate yourself as you write your book so you can sit and relive the events of your past. But you need to lean on friends and family. Be sure to go to them for support so that they can remind you that you have overcome and that you are healed. Allow them to pray for you. Find your circle of prayer warriors. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Additionally, seeking out Christian counseling and/or mental health services may be what you need to stay mentally and spiritually well through your writing process, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Writing about your story or experiences can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming, but remember you have triumphed by the blood of the Lamb, and someone needs to read your testimony.
Here are a few other practical tips about writing your story or experience.
Be specific about your story and who might want to read it. Who do you want to help? What is it about the story that will help your audience?
Discover yourself. Who are you, and what have you been through that will inspire your audience? How can you, as a person, engage your audience?
What was the problem or what were the problems that you are addressing in your story? Rather than starting at the day that you were born, zero in on what it is that ignited your transformation.
Have you thought about writing a book? As a writing coach, I’ve helped many women of faith successfully self-publish their books. Maybe I can help you as well. Click here to set up a free meeting with me, and we’ll discuss your ideas and how I might be able to help. Also, if you are looking for a group of writers to encourage you throughout your book journey, join my Writing Accountability Group. I host a free meeting each month to motivate and encourage members to write. Click here to register for our next Free Bonus Meeting. Additionally, take a listen to two interviews I have as a guest speaker on the Your Day Brighter Podcast with Tracey Tiernan Coiro for more writing inspiration.
Your Day Brighter- Kill the Busy, Save the Bee
Your Day Brighter- Write the Book Already!
You can find me in the following places:
Amazon: Yvonne Marie
Audible: Yvonne Marie
Goodreads: Yvonne Marie
Your Book Journey