Writing is easy if you love it. If this is your perception, I assure you it will change once you begin writing. Professional writing is a process, perhaps founded on creativity but structured and maintained with challenging work, and while at times words may pour out with ease, becoming a successful writer requires more than passion. It takes practice, preparation, perseverance, lots of patience, and if you’re writing for God, a commitment to prayer.

I have a long journey ahead of me, but here are some of the steps that have helped me thus far.

SEEK GOD. When I was in the fourth grade I wrote the Christmas play my class performed. So writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. But just as I love to write, some people love to cook. But this does not mean he or she will open a restaurant. Therefore, writing and sharing your writing with an audience is two different things. If you have a passion for writing, wonderful! But for some, writing is their PURPOSE--no longer something they simply want to do but also that which they MUST do. If you believe you’ve been called by God to write, persistently seek Him. He will show you what to write, how to write it, and how to get it to an audience.

SET GOALS. Write every day, even if it’s only one paragraph. Set a realistic goal and strive to reach it. Make it a priority.

STAY CONNECTED. Join a critique group or writing group. Writing groups are made of people like you so they understand your zeal and frustrations. They also provide answers to questions you may have about writing and expose you to unique writing opportunities, like contests and conferences. Do not neglect to form a personal cheering section, too. Sports teams have one. So why not you? Establish a few people who can pray with you, offer constructive criticism, encourage with sincerity, and have your back no matter how many rejection letters you receive.

STAND ON SCRIPTURE. The promises of God daily remind us that WE CAN DO IT! Select a few verses from His Word and memorize and/or write them down, and they will keep you encouraged.

SPEAK FROM THE HEART. At times this is hard for me. I am a private person, programmed to keep my feelings and experiences locked inside. But experience is what links us with the heart of our neighbor or the person on the other side of the earth. The things you have learned during the dark seasons of your life can shine light on the darkened path of another.