Two things to remember if you are doing your best and still don't win an award.

While being genuinely thrilled to hear of fellow writers achieving their goals and being recognized within the industry with awards, writers can still be disappointed about their lack of one. Other writers'  walls fill with plaques and certificates but yours lacks that one elusive award or perhaps your latest work has yet to earn any recognition. It is so common in the industry we call it the "imposter syndrome." 

It is natural to want your work to be noticed, even praised. You worked hard on it and expected it to make an impact on the world. When it doesn't happen in the form of winning a contest, we can feel as if we aren't really doing what we should be doing. We doubt if we should even call ourselves "writers."

First, remember your calling to write. God gave you the mind, the words, and the desire to write. You are writing to honor Him. Your obedience to obey His calling is what He desires. He will provide the fruit from your labors in His time. 

You may never know this side of heaven of the impact of a simple comment, an article, devotion, or novel made in one person's heart. Those words you prayed over and wrangled into place hit home with someone. It could have changed their response to a situation from a volatile response to a more measured one. Your words might have prompted someone to open their Bible one more time, read and pray. The story you wrote might have touched their heart into action for a ministry or service. It could have been the one thing that God used to prick their heart into a deeper faith.

1) You are working for God, not the praise of men. He will reward you.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily (from the soul), as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians  3:23,24 (NASB95) 

2) If you are writing/working to please men, it is not likely you will be writing for the Christian market. Christian writers rarely have comparable income or praise as secular writers. 

You aren't writing to impress. You're writing to bless.

For am I now seeking the favor or men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Dear Writer,

Please remember your audience is the Lord God. He will use your words in ways you might never realize this side of eternity. But, oh, in heaven, how great will be your reward!

Keep writing for Him, precious writer! I'm cheering for you! Encourage another writer today. They need the boost as much as you do. Your encouragement might inspire them to write a little more.

Blessings,

Lisa

Father in heaven,

Encourage the writer reading this today. Remind them of the calling You have for them. Strengthen them when they feel discouraged and empower them with the message You want them to share.

In Jesus' name, amen.

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I want to write but I feel stuck

It's not uncommon for every writer to go through a slump. Writing can be a roller coaster of highs and lows. Some books and stories can be well received, others seem to never gain momentum and take flight.

Writers with Christian elements and themes in their books face the same ups and downs. Life circumstances change our writing habits. A negative review makes us hesitant to put our work out there. The plague of "imposter syndrome" is rampant in writing communities, often settling in when we compare our success with that of another author. 

What can we do when we're in the low part of the ride? Below are four "whos" for the Christian writer to remember when it's hard to write.

Who called you to write? 

When God called Moses, he didn't feel qualified. When God called Elijah, he sometimes ran in fear. As He did back then, God often calls people to do things they do not feel qualified to do. We might have to spend time in training, but probably not the decades Moses spent in the wilderness before leading the people out of captivity from Egypt. 

Hone your skills while writing. Seek critique groups to help you find areas to work on while you write. Attend seminars, conferences, or work with a coach while you are writing. Don't wait until you feel equipped. No writer has achieved perfection, and it's not likely you will either. He expects and will use your obedience to His call. If God asked you to write, what could be more important? Prayerfully ask God to renew your desire to write and have His words flow from you.

Who will receive glory from your book/stories?

When God called you to write, He didn't do it to put your name in lights. If the fear of not being good enough is a hindrance, remember it isn't about the critics. It's kingdom work. 

Writers with a Christian theme or elements are drawing readers closer to God or perhaps introducing them to the Savior. That's far more important than my fear of rejection from man. Remember the reason for the words--to gently draw another soul toward heaven.

Who did He call to write this story? 

Sure. There are many great Christian writers out there. However, He called you to write the one in front of you, or in your heart. This is your chance to obey the God who knows who needs to hear this story--the one He wants you to write. He chose You. 

Who wants to stall your message?

The enemy, Satan, has the most to gain if we set our calling aside. He will not be happy with anyone who speaks the truth that expose his lies. He will find ways to distract you and delay you. He often slips in a little doubt to sway you from being obedient. 

He planted doubt in the heart of Eve in Genesis by asking if God really said to not eat from the tree.

He plants doubt in the heart of the Christian writer by asking if God really called us to write, if God really want us to write boldly about Him, if God really wouldn't rather you make a lot of money by writing more lucrative stories with unbiblical themes. 

You know the gift He has given you. You know the responsibility that comes with it. You also know who would love to see you give up.

Meanwhile, God is cheering for you. I am too.

Father in heaven,

remind us of your call on our lives and give us the courage to stand against anything that tries to draw us away from it.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Dear writer,

Prayerfully recall the desire God already planted in you. Write it down and keep it front and center of your writing space. You could make it your mission statement to keep you focused.

Remember He is the one who will bring the fruit from it if you cultivate it and keep at it. Don't quit. Your cheering section is rooting for you.

Blessings,

Lisa 

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