Today’s a new day! Since I have had the honor of writing two books, people often seek my advice about writing a book. Well here’s my advice.

Writing has been a major part of my crazy beautiful health journey. From writing for my eyes only, to sharing with a few friends, to starting a blog and finally writing books and having then published. Writing has been an amazing experiences part of my life.

Over the past two decades, the journey and advice for becoming an author have changed a little. Back in the day, you needed to find an agent and find a big publishing company to get your book out there. Twenty plus years later, while having an agent and publishing deals can still be important, it is not the only path to the call God put on your heart. 

If you are considering writing a book and having it published, I would love to encourage you to take your next steps toward your dream. I pray this post brings encouragement to all writers to finally pursue their God-given dream of becoming a published author. 

1. Write the Book You Want to Read:

My first piece of encouragement may seem fairly obvious, but I want to encourage you to write a book you would be excited to read yourself. If you’re a writer, you are probably a reader too. You know just as well as I do that there are books that get the point across, that you connect with, have your emotions moved, learn from, grow from and want to share with a friend or loved one. 

Is there a topic that you are passionate about that you feel has been brushed aside? Do you have a special and unique story that God is working out in you that you feel confident enough to share with the world even if you are still in that season of life? I am a 50 plus year-old, married man with a heart focused on God and hopeful for what He continues to have in store for me. There have been books that have encouraged me over the years and then books I just could not get into.

People identify with struggles. The main goal of my blog, The Blessed Overcomer, is to encourage others as they walk through this journey called life. People that are in seasons of waiting, that are grateful for day-to-day blessings and staying hopeful for the future. If you feel prompted by God to share your story but feel your struggle isn’t “finished” yet, rely on Him to be your book’s happily-ever-after ending, and you can’t go wrong.

2. Don’t Compare Your Platform to Others’:

There are so many wonderful authors and writers out there and, if you went digging long enough, I am sure you would find someone else in a similar life season as you. I want to encourage you to keep writing, keep sharing your stories, and staying true to yourself. Every time a twinge of comparison starts to creep up, I remind myself of Psalm 139:14, which states that I am “… fearfully and wonderfully made….” You have a unique voice, platform, and group of friends and supporters, so be proud of that!  

While I don’t have a “huge” following if you compared me to a seasoned author with a big publishing deal, I still am very honored and proud of the hundreds and now thousands of people who have chosen to follow along, receive my text, and interact with my social media posts over the years.

Think of it this way: You may not feel like 500 followers are a lot on Instagram, but if 500 people all decided to come to your house tomorrow…it would be a big deal! 

Engage with people choosing to receive your updates and posts on their social feeds. You know how many people and organizations are vying for our attention every second we are on the internet, so don’t take it for granted when a kind person comments or likes something you have posted. Believe me, when you write your book, those people are going to be your biggest cheerleaders.

3. It’s Never Too Late:

If you’re reading this post and feel that it’s just too late for you to write a book, let me stop you right now from going down that negative mindset. I promise you, especially in this age of technology, becoming an author has never been more doable. I did not have my first book published until I was in my 50’s. And while I could have tried to write and have it published earlier, I truly believe in God’s perfect plan and timing, so when I felt Him prompting me to begin writing my book in January 2018, I said “yes!”

Looking back on it now, it was the perfect time because it was the season God wanted my story to be shared with the world. It was the perfect moment to allow all of my emotions, feelings and life experiences to be shared in writing.

4. Write for the One:

I hope that my experience has a published author has encouraged you to take the step to writing your story and having it published. I am so excited that you are considering sharing a part of your heart for the world to read. It’s not easy being vulnerable and sharing our hearts, experiences, and personal stories with others. You may feel anxious about all of the steps it takes to write that book and have it published, I want to encourage you to not allow any obstacles to keep you from sharing your story. To realizing your dream of becoming a published author.

When we write, we are only one part of the equation. I believe we are called to be faithful to use our gifts while shining our focus on God’s love. Don’t forget that God is all-powerful and will take our offering and multiply it as He sees fit. He will put your story, your book in the right hands at the right time. 

Write for the one person who may read your book when they are close to giving up. To quote a small part of one of my past blog post, “Have you ever thought that your life could be helping to save someone else’s in how you live it?” Your book may be an integral piece of the big puzzle that God uses to help someone walking through a tough season of life. So do not worry about the rankings, the sales, and the followers. Just remember the one person that needs to hear what you have to say and the One we owe everything to, and it will be all worth it. So go write that book!

If you need any help, advice or encouragement, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. It would be my honor to help you realize your dream. ~OC