I hope you are finding as much support and encouragement on Substack as I am. This week I want to introduce you to a couple of my newest friends I met through Substack notes.

And although it may not look like it at first, I'm going to suggest that what happened between us is also a form of marketing—the kind of marketing I want to do more of.

This week, this is one of the notes I posted:

One of the comments came from :

I thanked him for encouraging us to think about marketing as “an act of hospitality,” (isn’t that a great description?!) and he followed up with an invitation for me to read his most recent post, his first one in English! Check out The Slippers by the Bed, which is a reminder that great parenting starts with listening to and observing our children.

Another note I shared this week:

replied, “All of the above.”

I just finished reading her post Why I chose the peony for LensofLove Press about the process she went through choosing her logo. The paragraph about her writing process stopped me in my tracks:

“Writing for me is something I am drawn into. Little by little, different pieces of my work emerge from within. The ideas begin as buds and slowly unfurl. The writing is not the only thing being polished in the process; it is my own heart. As I participate in the co-creation, my inner flower blooms, and my heart opens to the world, allowing me to share the gifts of my vulnerability with others.”

Isn’t that a beautiful image?

One more note from this week:

replied, “Love this! Thank you for sharing!”

I appreciated reading her post A thousand words don’t say it all: They say a picture is worth a thousand words, where she reminds us:

These are great illustrations of what I told you I would be writing about this week.

I have come to the conclusion that many writers have a warped idea of what marketing is all about.

What some people act like marketing is:

• “Buy my book” - persistent, annoying messages

• “Look at me” - someone who always focuses on themselves

• “Mine’s the best” - competition that means someone gets pushed down

It’s no wonder that we get “squeamish!”

What if we focused instead on messages like these:

• “I appreciate you and what you’re sharing” - focusing on serving others

• “Come, enjoy a cup of tea, and let’s chat” - true hospitality with no expectation of reciprocity

• “Life is messy, and I’m struggling, but that’s okay” - authenticity without pretending to have answers

Did you notice what happened at the beginning of this post?

I shared three people’s work with you. I didn’t ask Antonio, Katie, or Jona to subscribe to my publication. I didn’t ask them to buy one of my books. I didn’t ask them to hire me to help publish theirs.

We had conversations.

And yet, I would argue that what happened was marketing.

We discovered each other. We read each other’s words. We encouraged one another. And now I’m introducing their work to you.

Marketing happened because relationships began.

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Does this mean we should never tell people about our books? Of course not.

If I believe a book can encourage someone, help them solve a problem, make them laugh, strengthen their faith, or give them a few enjoyable hours, why would I hide it from them?

The problem isn’t saying, “I wrote a book.”

The problem comes when every conversation becomes, “Buy my book.”

There’s a difference between making an invitation and demanding attention.

What if marketing isn’t about convincing people to buy something, but helping the right people discover something that can serve them?

Even when we understand all of this, marketing can still feel uncomfortable.

• We may still hesitate before sharing the book link.

• We may wonder whether we’ve mentioned our launch too many times.

• We may write a post about something we’re offering and then delete it because we don’t want people to think we’re “salesy.”

I understand.

But here’s what I’m continuing to learn:

Feeling uncomfortable doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong.

Sometimes it means you’re raising your hand and asking to be seen.

• You wrote anyway when fear told you your words didn’t matter.

• You published anyway when perfectionism told you the book wasn’t ready.

• And sometimes, after you’ve created something you genuinely believe can serve someone, you need to market anyway.

Not louder.

Not more aggressively.

Not by making every conversation about you.

But generously. Honestly. Hospitably. Vulnerably.

Extend the invitation, and let the reader decide whether they want to come in.

Which leads me to another thought, especially if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ: Marketing can be stewardship.

You spent months or years writing something because you believed it mattered. You invested in editing, publishing, cover design, and everything that goes into publishing. If you genuinely believe the finished work can serve someone, telling people it exists isn’t necessarily self-promotion.

It can be stewardship of the words you’ve been given.

I’m curious. Which of these marketing topics would you like to hear more about?

Here’s my invitation for this week: Find one writer (or more!) whose work you genuinely appreciate. Read a Substack post they’ve written. Leave a thoughtful comment. Share their work if it resonates. Expect nothing in return.

That’s marketing too.

I have discovered one way to become more comfortable marketing my own work is to stop thinking first about what I can get, and start paying attention to what I can give.

Until our next Story Byte: Serve generously. Invite graciously. Market anyway.

Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until next week,

Ruth

P.S. Sometimes the next step in our writing journey isn’t trying harder; it’s getting the right support. Paid subscribers receive practical tools, monthly group coaching, and extra encouragement for the writing, publishing, and marketing journey. If you’re ready to stop figuring it all out alone, I’d love to have you join us!

I had all the pieces: formatted book files, book description, cover files, keyword and category research, and pricing structure. I made a couple of minor changes she requested to the book files and then logged into Amazon KDP. As soon as I found the page to upload the new file, an error message popped up on the screen:

I tried refreshing the page. Same message. I tried logging out and signing in again. Same message. I tried restarting my computer. Same message.

I was working on a devotional. So, I decided to adjust my tactic. I texted the author and another friend on my prayer team, shared the message, and asked them to pray. I also bowed my head and gave the project into God’s hands, asking him for help and wisdom in resolving the issue.

Within five minutes, I uploaded the new files and saved them. Everything else worked as expected. Half an hour later, a message appeared, confirming the book had been submitted and was being checked against KDP’s guidelines. The book appeared on Amazon in less than 12 hours!

When I encountered resistance, my first instinct was to push harder instead of pray. Sometimes “anyway” means persistence. But sometimes perseverance is not pushing harder. Instead, perseverance can look like stopping and asking God what to do next.

Prayer is not magic. I don’t always receive an answer in five minutes, or even receive what I requested. However, this time, the answer and timing were impossible to ignore.

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you live as if you believe it?

These two questions convicted me that sometimes, as Christian writers and publishers, we treat prayer as an option instead of the foundation for all we do.

I’m grateful for the prayer team which supports me in my writing and publishing. Every week I send them three praise items and three prayer requests. I’m also thankful I can call on some of them anytime for extra support.

This week I was reminded that I need to personally continue to make prayer a foundation in my life and ministry. Here are several ways I do that:

1. Pray Before You Write

Starting my day with Scripture reading and prayer helps me focus on God rather than the problems I’m facing.

Currently, I’m enjoying participating in a weekly study along with where we study and memorize a short passage each week. The group she leads provides some accountability, which I appreciate.

I find I’m often able to focus better when I pray while walking. My morning walks also provide opportunities to take photos of the beautiful surroundings.

2. Seek God’s Guidance in Writing & Publishing

encourages writers to have business meetings with God. Too often, I decide what I’m going to write, publish, or promote and then I ask God to bless my plan.

Seeking God’s guidance first helps me prioritize my projects, allows me to benefit from the insight and wisdom of our Heavenly Father, and calms my heart and mind.

With God’s help, I’m learning to pray first and plan afterwards.

3. Don’t Write Alone: Have a Prayer Team

This past week, this is one of the notes that resonated most with others on Substack:

I’m grateful my prayer team does all of these things for me. I’m also enjoying the conversations in my chat with free subscribers.

Have you ever had a moment when you stopped working on a problem, prayed, and something changed? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

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Prayer is important during the whole process of writing, publishing, and marketing our books.

I’ve discovered that when I stop and ask God for wisdom, my fear and hesitation about marketing decrease significantly.

Instead of worrying about promoting myself, coming across as prideful, or being too salesy, I’m able to focus on asking God for creative ways to reach readers who want and need my book.

Next week, I invite you to explore marketing with me, especially if you’re feeling like you’re bothering people.

Until our next Story Byte, seek God and follow the next step He guides you to take. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until next week,

Ruth

P.S. Sometimes the next step in our writing journey isn't trying harder—it's getting the right support. Paid subscribers receive practical tools, monthly group coaching, and extra encouragement for the writing, publishing, and marketing journey. If you're ready to stop figuring it all out alone, I'd love to have you join us.

Warm, flaky, baking powder biscuits fresh from the oven have long been one of my favourite comfort foods. Add in some butter and honey or jam, and they are even better.

Over the years, I have come to understand that making biscuits that melt in your mouth is somewhat of an art. Even though I love baking, it took me a few years, and many failed attempts before I found the perfect balance between a biscuit that was soft and flaky with one that could be sliced and buttered. (If you would like to try the recipe I use, let me know in the comments and I will share it with you.)

Both baking and publishing look easy to an observer, but often they are harder to perfect than we think. Last week I shared lessons I’ve learned about what makes a good writer. This week, I will share some lessons I learned from my early publishing years.

1. Committing to KDP Select

KDP Select is a program offered to any author publishing an ebook on Amazon. To qualify, you must commit to selling your ebook exclusively on Amazon for a minimum of 90 days. (That means it is not available on Rakuten Kobo, or Apple Books, or any other platform.)

The advantages of KDP Select include:

• Your ebook is available to everyone with a Kindle Unlimited subscription

• Amazon sells a majority of ebooks compared to other platforms

• You can choose to make your ebook free for up to 5 days

• You may enter your ebook in Amazon Literary Contests

• You may use the Kindle Countdown feature

I enrolled Learn Twitter: 10 Beginning Steps in KDP Select. Within the first few days, over 3,000 people downloaded it.

However, here are the disadvantages of KDP Select:

• Your ebook cannot be available on Rakuten Kobo, or Apple Books, or any other platform while it is enrolled in KDP Select.

• Amazon does not give you any information (e.g. email address) for the individuals who download or purchase your ebook.

• There is no way for you to follow up with people who downloaded your book to ask for reviews.

So, even though over 3,000 people downloaded Learn Twitter: 10 Beginning Steps, I received no immediate financial gain, my book received fewer than 30 reviews, and I had no direct way to get feedback or let readers know when I published the follow-up book, Learn Twitter: 10 Intermediate Steps.

I also now know that even without KDP Select, I can change my ebook's price at any time (which means I can offer my own countdown feature).

When I published my first ebooks, Substack wasn’t available. Now I suggest Substack to every author I support, because it has so many free options and also makes it possible to build your email list. If I were starting today, I would focus on building an audience I can communicate with directly.

If you’re looking for a more specialized system to send books to readers and also build your email list, check out Book Funnel dot com.

What I would do differently: build my email list from the beginning.

2. Writing without the support of a prayer team

As a child, I witnessed the power of prayer many times, due to the fact my parents were in full-time ministry. I pray for many people. However, when I became serious about writing and helping others, it took me a few years to realize I also needed a prayer team.

When my children were young, I woke up 30 minutes earlier to get my writing done before the rest of my family woke up. However, I noticed that my schedule was often interrupted by family emergencies. One son, who had not had a seizure for a couple of years, had a seizure, for no apparent reason. Another son started struggling with his mental health. One of my daughters became unusually clingy and cried more than usual.

Shelley Hitz is the writer who taught me how important prayer is as a Christian writer. She reminded me that writing is also a ministry, and we are in a spiritual battle. After she shared that, I looked back at the family emergencies and noticed they seemed to be more consistent when I had a writing deadline.

I am thankful for those who support my writing by praying for protection for me and my family, my writing projects, the other writers I work with, and the readers our writing ministers to. I also commit to praying for my prayer team members and their families.

I update my prayer team with three answers to prayer and three prayer requests each week. Some prefer communication through a text message while others prefer an email. If you would like to join my prayer team, send me a message and I will get back to you.

What I would do differently: build a prayer team before I start writing

3. Approaching book marketing as a sprint

Marketing is often a struggle for writers. Most writers are introverts who would rather spend their time writing than connecting with readers. Marketing is still something I have to be intentional about.

As I have shared before, I define marketing as building relationships and connecting with readers. When my first books came out, I made a launch plan and executed it well…for about two weeks.

The problem with that approach is that relationships take time to develop. The average buyer only makes a purchase after they have had at least eight interactions with an author. If the only interactions I offer to potential readers are during my launch, they probably focus on making a sale, which can come across as uncaring.

I have found that approaching marketing as a marathon works better than treating it as a sprint.I have written about this before.

It’s important for each writer to find marketing strategies that work for them. Make a list of what you enjoy and create a schedule for yourself. Try it for a month and then assess what you need to change.

Here’s a previous post you may find helpful:

Conclusion

Making a perfect batch of biscuits took me years of trial and error. My publishing journey is similar. We cannot go back and fix our mistakes, and that’s probably a good thing, because we learn many things through experience. However, if I were starting the publishing journey today, I would prioritize building an email list, finding prayer warriors to partner with me, and building a consistent marketing habit.

I’m curious what mistakes you’ve made on your writing journey and how you approach it differently now.

Leave a comment

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

I started a series four weeks ago about thoughts that can prevent us from writing. The first article was 3 Reasons We Hide Our Stories. Last week’s post was a story that wouldn’t let me look away.

Sometimes the thought that stops us from writing is not that we don’t have anything worth saying. Sometimes we feel as if we haven’t accomplished enough to call ourselves a “real” writer.

This week I am shifting the focus a bit. Whether you are just starting to write or have published multiple books, I invite you to consider what makes a good writer.

I’ve won writing awards. I’ve been traditionally published. I’ve even been part of a Wall Street Journal bestselling book. I’m grateful for all three, but none of them proves I’m a good writer.

Writing Awards

I have won several writing awards and contests, and I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from the accompanying feedback. Winning first place in the Word Guild’s “In the Beginning” contest over a decade ago provided the impetus for me to attend my first writers’ conference and begin calling myself a writer.

Since I won that award, I have entered multiple other contests. Some resulted in further awards. However, others resulted in no recognition at all. Did that mean I am no longer a good writer? Not at all. I have come to recognize that writing is an art, and like most artistic expressions, there are subjective reasons why one piece of writing is elevated above others. One judge told me my submission was well researched, the setting was unique and the way I described it pulled the reader into the story. However, in her mind, God couldn’t answer prayer the way I described in the story. It was too fanciful and contrived.

I decided to continue sharing that story anyway, and many readers have thanked me for writing it.

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Traditional Publishing

I have had the privilege of having some devotionals and novella-length pieces published by traditional publishers. Shortly after I won the Word Guild writing award, Chicken Soup for the Soul published one of my devotionals. A year later, Testimony magazine published a revised version of my winning contest submission. Another editor invited me to publish a novel with them.

The advantage of working with a traditional publisher is that they invest in your book. The publisher pays professionals for editing, designing a book cover, formatting, and everything else required to publish a book. The writer may or may not be consulted.

As a reader, I used to assume a traditionally published book would always deliver high-quality writing that is well edited and sells well. I have been disappointed in the quality of some traditionally published books. Traditional publishers have also shared stories about books they invested a lot of time and money into only to have abysmal sales. (One publisher said they sold a total of twenty copies of a book they were convinced would be a bestseller!)

Bestseller Status

There are a few different varieties of this achievement.

• Amazon Bestsellers

• New York Times Bestsellers

• USA Today's Best-selling Booklist

Amazon Bestseller

According to a 2025 Forbes post, only 2% of authors become Amazon Bestsellers:

Thanks to Publisher Rocket, most of my own books have been Amazon bestsellers, and many of the authors I assist with self-publishing have also published Amazon bestsellers, including Michelle Jean and :

New York Times Bestseller

I do not have personal experience with the New York Times Bestseller process.

Rob Eager has an excellent, detailed post called An Insider’s Guide to Become a New York Times Bestseller.

What are the requirements?

Rob also notes that the New York Times reserves the right to decide who to include on their bestseller list and who to exclude. Read his post to learn the details.

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USA Today Bestseller

I do not have experience with this list either. The Bestselling Author School’s August 2025 post states:

“USA Today ranks the top 150 books in the nation and puts them all in one best seller list. This includes all genres such as fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, etc.

Many authors dream of hitting the USA Today Best Seller list not only for the credibility and the title, but for the visibility and exposure that being on this national list offers.”

Wall Street Journal Bestseller

In December 2022, I became a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, along with 21 other authors who contributed to Writer’s Success Secrets: Successful Authors spill their secrets to getting a book written, published, and having incredible book sales!

The experience was not what I had imagined bestseller status would look like.

I paid $3,000 to participate as a contributing author. Those funds purchased targeted advertising designed to sell more than 6,000 copies of the ebook in one week. The contributing authors were not involved in the marketing campaign itself.

I’m grateful for the experience, and “Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author” is an accurate part of my publishing history. However, the experience also taught me something important: a bestseller label does not always tell you how well a book was written, how deeply it serves readers, or how much of the result came from the author’s own platform or marketing.

A bestseller designation tells us that a sales threshold was reached. Period.

It does not, by itself, tell us whether someone is a good writer.

This experience forced me to reconsider what I mean when I call someone a successful writer.

My Concluding Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with aiming at the achievements I’ve mentioned. However, if earning one of these achievements becomes our whole focus, the achievement can become an ungodly goal. We also need to remember that achievements are fleeting.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

From my perspective, a good writer:

• Studies the craft of writing. Good writers don’t assume they have nothing left to learn.

• Has a servant’s heart. Writing isn’t only about what we want to say; it’s also about serving our readers and sharing the messages God lays on our hearts.

• Welcomes feedback. Strong editing clarifies our message and helps us see what we cannot see ourselves.

• Keeps learning. Publishing changes. Marketing changes. Readers’ expectations change. Our writing should grow and change as well.

• Obeys God. For Christian writers, this may be the most important measure. God calls us to be faithful stewards, writing what He asks us to write.

Awards are exciting. Publishing contracts are worth celebrating. Bestseller banners are wonderful. However, none of them can tell you whether you have faithfully answered God’s call and served your reader.

You may also be interested in reading this post:

Maybe you’ve never won an award.

Maybe no traditional publisher has ever offered you a contract.

Maybe your book has never appeared on a bestseller list.

Write anyway.

Study your craft. Serve one reader at a time. Welcome feedback. Keep learning and growing. And most importantly, obey God.

Your calling may be different than those around you.

What achievement have you been tempted to use as proof that you’re a “real writer?”

Leave a comment

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

Currently, I’m sharing a series of articles about thinking that prevents us from writing. The first article was 3 Reasons We Hide Our Stories. Then, I wrote Write Anyway: When Fear Tells You to Stay Silent. Last week I shared a story about my lawn and how shame tries to silence us.

This week, I had the privilege of attending a youth teepee summit aimed at encouraging Indigenous youth to become leaders. I took the above photo as I arrived at the summit, preparing to host a booth to share public legal education resources with attendees.

The organization I work with aims to share legal information in plain English (through both information sessions and printed resources) so that people can understand their legal rights and responsibilities and figure out next steps to resolve problems they are facing. Over the two days I spent at the summit, I had conversations with almost two hundred individuals.

One conversation still haunts me.

A thirteen-year-old girl listened as I explained how public legal education could help someone. She cheerfully participated in my legal trivia quiz and politely thanked me for the small prize I offered.

“Have you ever struggled to get the help you needed?" I asked. (We are currently conducting a legal needs assessment to identify the barriers and gaps people experience.)

She gazed steadily into my eyes. “Yes, I had to change schools because I was being bullied.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that.”

Head down, she spoke softly. “Yes, it’s been hard. My brother was bullied more than me because he has long hair that he braids. Even the teachers told him he should cut his hair.”

“I’m sorry you and your brother experienced this.”

“Me too, but I’m glad people are nicer at our new school.”

I don’t know what long, braided hair meant to her brother personally. But I do know that for some Indigenous people, long hair carries cultural significance. This story stayed with me, not only because other students bullied him, but because even adults, who should have helped make school safe, apparently told him that changing himself was the solution.

Unfortunately, this young woman's story isn't the first time I've heard an Indigenous person describe experiencing racism.

In Canada, there has been a lot of talk about truth and reconciliation for many years. We even have a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation every year on September 30th.

Racism and reconciliation are issues we need to address daily, not just once a year. The colour of someone’s skin should not dictate how they are treated, where they are allowed to live, or what kind of job they can have.

Schools should be safe places where children learn the skills they need to be successful in life.

Indigenous people should not need to fight for their rights.

I’ve heard the word reconciliation many times. But sitting across from a thirteen-year-old girl reminded me that reconciliation isn’t primarily a word on a calendar.

It happens, or fails to happen, in classrooms, workplaces, communities, and conversations.

It happens in what we say.

It also happens in what we’re willing to challenge when someone else says it.

When we see injustice, we have a choice to make. We can turn away, pretending these events are not happening, or we can speak up.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to think that our voice is powerless. That one story, one conversation, or one person speaking up couldn’t possibly change anything.

But change has always begun with people willing to stop looking away.

I could have written about other topics this week.

I could have chosen not to write at all.

However, I believe that knowledge brings responsibility.

If I don’t share this story, no one else will. Others may share similar stories. However, God has given each of us unique experiences, unique writing voices, and a unique audience.

Maybe the story God has entrusted to you doesn’t feel extraordinary.

Maybe it’s simply a conversation you can’t forget. Something you’ve witnessed. Something you’ve learned. An injustice you can no longer ignore. A truth someone else needs to hear.

Write anyway.

Not because your words will solve everything.

But because knowledge brings responsibility, and faithfulness sometimes looks like refusing to stay silent.

What is something you've seen, heard, or experienced that you feel a responsibility to speak or write about?

Some stories are easier to write when we don’t have to figure everything out alone.

If you’re ready for more support as you develop and share the stories God has entrusted to you, consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll receive subscriber-only writing tools, monthly group coaching, and a community where we can keep taking the next faithful step together.

Subscribe now

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

Currently, I’m sharing a series of articles about thinking that prevents us from writing. The first article was 3 Reasons We Hide Our Stories. Last week, I wrote Write Anyway: When Fear Tells You to Stay Silent.

Every time I walked into my yard this past week, I felt ashamed. My lawn looked like a hayfield. It was like the lawn was shouting, “What’s wrong with you? Why are you neglecting me?!”

When I drove into my yard, my eyes focused on the grass and how tall it had become. My brain shouted, “Everyone must think I’m lazy. I should have taken care of this sooner. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I keep up?”

I live on an acreage, and my front lawn receives amazing nutrients from the field sewer system. It always grows lush and green. This year, the abundant rain has made my lawn grow even faster and thicker than usual.

I used to have July and August off, which provided more time to relax as well as keep up with the yard work. This summer, I am working four days a week.

Finally, on Thursday evening, I made time to mow the grass. I wasn’t joking when I said it looked like a hayfield—the alfalfa was blooming! As I pushed the lawnmower around my yard, I spotted something.

Volunteer violets bloomed in the middle of the lawn. God used those violets to remind me of these verses in Matthew 28:

I don’t know about you, but I worry about my kids, about my writing, about my future. In my head, I know that God cares about me. However, worry seems to pop up like unwanted weeds.

As I mowed and reflected on Scripture, I understood my problem wasn’t the grass. It was the messages I allow to play on repeat in my head. I felt ashamed I couldn’t keep up with the grass. And then I realized worry and shame have been companions most of my life.

In the past few years, I’ve been paying more attention to my emotions and what they are trying to tell me. I learned the reason my brain is hypervigilant is because of trauma and criticism I have experienced.

Shame taught me to scan my environment for anything that may be wrong: what I had forgotten to do or anything people may criticize. Worry became my attempt to keep myself safe. If I planned well enough, I could avoid mistakes that resulted in criticism. I believed that if I stopped worrying, I would make a mistake, which would compound my feelings of inadequacy.

The amazing truth is that God doesn’t expect me to be adequate before He calls me. He knows my weaknesses. He knows the temptations I face. He knows the lies shame tells me. I don’t have to be adequate because He is way more than adequate.

When worry pops up, I’m now starting to ask, “What am I trying to hide? What am I afraid people may discover?” Often, I’m not worried about my writing, but about dealing with rejection and the lies I have believed about myself. Once I recognize shame, I can replace it with the truth of God’s Word.

The more I reflected on the violets, the more I understood they were teaching me about more than worry. They were also teaching me about writing the stories God continues to entrust to me.

God gives me stories to write. Sometimes, I don’t write the stories because shame tells me people won’t understand; they will criticize. I don’t want to experience more rejection.

God used the violet to remind me that it is my responsibility to be obedient and write anyway. It’s God’s responsibility to deal with other people.

When I give in to worry, I am often disobedient. Not only do I miss out on God’s blessing, but others miss out too.

If worry and shame weren't calling the shots, what story—or next step—would you take this week? I'd love to cheer you on in the comments.

Leave a comment

This series continues next week as we explore another pattern of thinking that quietly keeps writers from sharing the stories God has entrusted to them.

If this story encouraged you, I’d love to have you join our community.

Every week in Ruth’s Story Bytes, I share honest stories about faith, writing, publishing, and learning to take the next faithful step—even when fear, worry, or shame try to keep us silent.

Subscribe for free so you don’t miss next week’s Story Byte.

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Stories often begin with imagination.

Cecile’s Christmas Miracle started with experiences from my childhood. My family lived in Botswana, Africa, for four years. My parents led Bible studies, discipled a local pastor, and helped him plant a church.

Celebrating Christmas in Africa is very different from North America. The average December daytime temperature in Botswana is around 90. We often went swimming and ate watermelon after our family Bible reading and gift exchange.

I remember “Aunt” Ngairie coming to visit us. She worked as a missionary nurse in a remote clinic in the Kalahari Desert. I admired her courage.

As an adult, I wondered what it may have been like for her to serve as a single nurse in the middle of a desert:

• Did she ever regret the path she had chosen?

• Was she sure of God’s unique calling?

• Did she struggle with loneliness?

• What challenges did she face?

These ideas were my starting point. Cecile is a fictional character, but her clinic setting is inspired by a place I had the opportunity to visit. Today, there are still areas where most people fly in instead of driving. I also chose to weave in some fictionalized versions of political tensions I learned about through careful research.

The heart of Cecile’s story is not just about Africa. It is about the deeper questions and challenges:

• Choosing obedience over personal preference

• Wondering about sacrificing precious life opportunities

• Dealing with intense loneliness even though you’re surrounded by people

It’s also about discovering that God is always at work, caring for us and meeting us in our times of need.

If you’ve ever looked back and wondered, What if….you may recognize yourself in Cecile and Colin’s story.

Christmas in July Special

Most of you live where the July temperatures are similar to Botswana’s December average temperatures. To celebrate Christmas in July and help give you a different perspective, the Kindle edition of Cecile’s Christmas Miracle is just 99 cents (US).

On Monday, the price will be going up to $3.99 U.S. So, if you enjoy inspirational clean romance, I invite you to purchase the Kindle version this weekend, join Cecile on her journey, and experience Christmas in a different country. (Note: if you live outside the U.S., search your Amazon store for ASIN: B0CPPF4XLK)

Also, remember that one of the greatest gifts you can give an author is recommending the book to a friend and leaving a review.

Thank you for encouraging me as I continue to share stories that point towards hope and God’s faithfulness.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments:

Have you ever looked back at a decision and realized God was writing a better story than the one you imagined?

Leave a comment

If you’ve been reading quietly for a while because you’re wondering whether your own story is worth telling, I want you to know it is. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Learning to share our stories takes courage, discernment, and support. We all need safe places to wrestle with our words before releasing them into the world.

That’s one reason I created the paid community around Ruth’s Story Bytes. If God has been nudging you to share your story but you’re not sure where to begin, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

And when you’re ready to move from manuscript to published book, I’m here to help through RLS Creativity Publishing.

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

As I reflected on my own journey, I realized each of those obstacles deserves its own conversation. Over the next few weeks, I’d like to explore them one at a time, not as theories, but through the lessons God has been teaching me as a writer.

We recently talked about life with my twins. Today I want to share another part of that story: how God continues to lead me from fear toward courage.

The Story I Almost Kept to Myself

I am a morning person. One of those annoying people who is wide awake before 6 a.m., with no need for coffee or any other stimulant.

This morning, when I pried my eyes open, it was nearing 7 a.m., and I had no desire to get out of bed. I groaned as I rolled over and flipped the blankets back.

I turned my light off around 10:30 pm last night. Usually, I fall asleep within minutes. Last night I tossed and turned, listening to the bumps and bangs from the room below me. The next time I looked at the clock, it was 12:30 a.m. One of my twins was wide awake, sorting through things, and literally throwing them to different sections of his room.

I fell into a restless sleep, only to be awakened around 2:30 by booming thunder, pounding rain, and hail crashing outside. (I didn’t get up to check, but saw this photo of the golf-ball-sized hail on Facebook.)

Just as I drifted off to sleep again, my son decided it was time to have a shower. (The bathroom is beside my bedroom.)

As I was falling asleep, I heard the sound of a Lego box being dumped…in the room that used to be my son’s bedroom. He asked to move downstairs, which I thought would reduce the amount of noise at night. Note to self: move the Lego and lock the door!

Around the time I usually bounce out of bed, my son walked into my room carrying Lucky, our cat. Lucky meowed, landed on the foot of my bed, and settled in. My son left. I rolled over for one more hour of sleep until my bladder finally informed me the night was officially over.

Often I am tempted to hide stories like this. I try to focus on the positives in my life, write in my gratitude journal, and smile at life.

I fear people will misunderstand.

Or feel sorry for me.

Or assume I'm complaining.

Sometimes I worry they'll question the decisions I've made as a parent. Other times I don't want anyone to think I'm looking for sympathy.

I’m no hero. I’m the parent of adult children with disabilities, which means I make parenting choices some criticize. Many people choose to place their adult children with disabilities in group homes. I've chosen family-managed supports, which means my adult children continue living at home while I coordinate the services and supports they need.

Perspective from Scripture

For most of my life, I have been a people-pleaser. A few years ago, God convicted me of being more concerned about people’s opinions of me than I am about obeying Him. I realized that hiding difficult parts of my life isn’t humility. Often it is another form of fearing people’s opinions.

I wanted people to think well of me more than I wanted to tell the truth about what God was teaching me. I’m getting better at putting God first. I continue to ask God to help me glorify Him above everything and everyone else.

As I thought about why I almost kept this story to myself, God brought one particular verse to mind:

When I first understood Proverbs 29:25, it challenged me far more than I expected:

I saw myself as helping others; God saw me as disobedient.

I saw myself as good; God lovingly convicted me of sin.

I saw myself as being kind; God saw me as trapped.

Why I’m Sharing This

I had planned to write this post this morning. Instead, I found myself simply trying to stay awake. Some seasons don't look very productive, but God is still writing His story in us. Ironically, the story that delayed my writing became the story I needed to write.

I'm sharing this because I don't want to give the impression that faithful writing happens in ideal circumstances. It doesn't. Besides being a writer, I also work full time, assist people with self-publishing, and have three of my adult children (who have disabilities) living with me.

If I only share the good things, if you only see me smiling, if my life always looks easy, I’m not being truthful.

Most of us are not writing full-time. Those who are full-time writers still have other personal and family responsibilities. Sometimes those other things get in the way of writing.

Courage isn’t pretending life is easy.

Courage is telling the truth about where God meets us in the middle of ordinary, exhausting days.

That’s the kind of story I want to write. And it’s the kind of story I hope encourages others to tell theirs.

If you've ever wondered whether your life is too messy, too ordinary, or too exhausting to write about, you're not alone. What are you tempted to hide? Let’s talk about it. Please share in the comments.

Leave a comment

Fear is only one reason we hide our stories. Next week, I will explore another obstacle that's kept me silent for far too long.

If this week’s post resonated with you, I’d love to continue the conversation.

If you've been reading quietly for a while because you're wondering whether your own story is worth telling, I hope this series reminds you that it is. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Learning to share our stories takes courage, discernment, and support. We all need safe places to wrestle with our words before releasing them into the world.

That’s one reason I created the paid community around Ruth’s Story Bytes. If God has been nudging you to share your story but you’re not sure where to begin, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

And when you're ready to move from manuscript to published book, I'm here to help through RLS Creativity Publishing.

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” -1 Corinthians 1:26-29 ESV

Why do you write?

Contents of this Post:

For God’s Glory

Three Ways Fear Shows Up

Reasons I Write Anyway

Summary Infographic

Your Next Step

Unexpected Places

As I look back over my life, I shake my head and chuckle at some of the unexpected places God has used me for His glory:

• Editing, formatting, and compiling syllabi for faculty members of Prairie Bible College as a summer college student. (I had no formal training in any of the required skills.)

• Assistant manager of Prairie Bookstore at the age of twenty-two. (I was the youngest of the full-time staff.)

• President and one of the head cooks of Glendon Catering Club, where the specialty is Ukrainian food. (I am not Ukrainian and had never made any cabbage rolls, nalysnyky, or perogies before I started working with the club.)

• School Board trustee with Northern Lights Public Schools. (I was a stay-at-home parent with no previous political experience.)

• RLS Creativity Publishing (I did not dream of becoming a writer, being a published author, or helping others publish their books.)

Every one of those opportunities had something in common. Before I ever said yes, I felt unqualified. I believed someone else could do a better job. I worried about making mistakes. I imagined all the reasons people might decide I wasn’t the right person.

My Greatest Fear

Fear has accompanied almost every assignment God has given me.

Interestingly, none of those roles scare me as much as sharing my own story.

• Editing someone else’s words? Comfortable.

• Cooking? Fine.

• Organizing a project? I can do that.

But writing honestly about infertility, adoption, divorce, disappointment, parenting children with disabilities, or the places where my faith has been stretched? That’s when I begin worrying about what people will think. As a recovering people pleaser, I instinctively want to protect myself from criticism, misunderstanding, and rejection.

If I’m honest, my reasons for hiding my stories usually sound something like this:

• What if people misunderstand me?

• What if they judge me?

• What if someone else’s story is more powerful?

• What if I say too much (or not enough)?

• What if my story isn’t worth telling?

Underneath all those questions lie three familiar companions: fear, shame, and comparison.

• Fear asks, What will happen if I share this?

• Shame whispers, What happened proves something is wrong with me.

• Comparison insists, Someone else has already told this story better.

Perhaps that’s why we hide our stories: we think God is looking for polished people with impressive testimonies.

Yet Scripture paints a different picture: God has always delighted in using imperfect, unlikely, and seemingly unqualified people who choose to say, “Yes!” God wants (and deserves) all the glory.

The power has never been in the storyteller. It is in the One writing the story.

Maybe courage is trusting that God can use even the chapters we’d rather keep hidden.

Why I Write

So, why do I write?

• I write so others know they are not alone.

• I write to honour and glorify the One who created me.

• I write to think through difficult questions and gain clarity.

• I write so others can learn from my mistakes and experiences.

• I write because I feel compelled to put into words what God is teaching me.

Infographic Summary

Why do you write, and which of these three barriers most often tempts you to keep your story hidden: fear, shame, or comparison?

Leave a comment

The Next Step

Learning to share our stories takes courage, discernment, and support. We need safe places to develop our words before we release them into the world.

That’s one reason I created the paid community around Ruth’s Story Bytes.

If God has been nudging you to share your story but you’re not sure where to begin, I’d love to walk alongside you.

Paid Subscribers receive:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recordings available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

When you’re ready to turn your message into a finished book, you can also learn more about assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity.

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters, and I’m grateful we’re walking this writing journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

That was the pronouncement of the first pediatrician who saw my boys in the NICU.

Table of Contents

First Meeting

Boys at 25

Ventriloquist Dummy

God is Still Writing

Summary Infographic

What’s Next?

Meeting My Boys

More than a year after that prognosis, I first met the little boys who would become my sons through adoption.

I heard a lot of facts before I had the opportunity to gaze into their chocolate-brown eyes that melted my heart.

My heart broke several weeks later when I heard one of them sobbing inconsolably after surgery. I entered the room and watched the nurse trying everything she could to comfort him.

As soon as she placed him in my arms, he stopped crying.

Somehow, he already knew that I was his mom and he was at home in my arms.

"These Twins” at 25

"These twins" are now twenty-five years old.

• They learned to walk at twenty-seven months of age.

• They spoke their first words at the age of four.

• They ate independently at the age of two.

"These twins" have achieved many developmental milestones, but there are many more they may never achieve. The medical labels they've received include developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Doctors can make informed predictions. However, God is the only One who knows the whole story.

Those early predictions still come to mind from time to time, not because I dwell on them, but because God keeps reminding me that He is still writing my boys' story.

Twenty-five years later, our story continues to surprise me.

The Ventriloquist

On Canada Day this year (July 1st), I walked downstairs and stopped in my tracks.

Tiny yellow pieces of sponge covered the floor.

• They were in the entryway.

• Across the living room.

• Even the kitchen.

The night before, one of my twins had ripped open the parcel containing his long-awaited ventriloquist dummy.

I gazed at the sponge, remembering how his eyes shone as I watched him carrying on an animated conversation with Tommy.

When I asked what happened, he explained he was trying to put controls into Tommy’s tummy. His explanation made perfect sense to him. Tommy needed controls, so he was solving the problem the only way he knew how.

Looking at Tommy lying on the floor surrounded by yellow sponge, I smiled. The little boy who had once been told he would never speak was now creating stories and conversations of his own.

Beyond the First Chapter

We often assume we know how someone’s story will end because we’ve only read the first chapter. God never makes that mistake.

• He sees the chapters we haven’t lived yet.

• He knows the growth we can’t yet imagine.

• He specializes in writing hope into places that once seemed hopeless.

In our lives, and in our writing, we are often tempted to believe the first diagnosis:

• The first rejection.

• The first failure.

• The first chapter.

But God is still writing.

Your story matters.

• Not because it's perfect.

• Not because it's dramatic.

• It matters because someone else needs to hear how God met you in the middle of it.

Looking back, I realize the doctor wasn't writing my sons' future. He was describing one moment in time.

I chose my boys before they could walk, talk, or feed themselves. God's love doesn't wait for us to achieve milestones before He calls us His own.

Twenty-five years after someone questioned whether my son would ever speak, I watched my son give Tommy a voice. What a beautiful reminder that God has a way of writing endings we could never imagine when we only know the beginning.

God is Still Writing Infographic

Next Steps

As you reflect on your own story, I’m curious:

What part of your story are you becoming more willing to share?

Please share in the comments!

Leave a comment

If God has been nudging you to share your story but you're not sure where to begin, I'd love to walk alongside you.

Paid Subscribers receive:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recordings available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

  Ruth's Story Bytes is a reader-supported publication. Join as a Paid Subscriber to participate in our next discussion on publishing and categories.

You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.

Keep taking one simple step at a time. Every story matters—and I'm grateful we're writing this journey together.

Until our next Story Byte,

Ruth

CONTENTS:

Broken Dreams

Helping Writers

Summary

Next Steps

Further Reading

One of the Darkest Seasons of my Life

“Happily ever after” unravelled one thread at a time until all that remained was a broken heart, a mountain of uncertainty, and a God who refused to let go of me. The marriage I fought to save was over. I couldn’t understand why God would allow my cherished dream to crumble. Had I misunderstood His plans? Had I failed somehow? And what did this mean for the writing dreams He had placed in my heart?

I had my first glimpses as a child of how our God loves to prove Himself faithful in impossible circumstances. Isaiah 41:10 had become my shelter when I was nine and attending school 500 miles from my parents. Forty years later, God reminded me I could still trust Him. I watched in wonder as He provided a home where we were safe and could start healing. My son-in-law helped me find a dependable used vehicle. God also filled our hearts and home with laughter, something we’d missed for a long time.

Even when I couldn’t imagine writing another article or pursuing another publishing dream, God had already woven together experiences that would serve other writers. Several had already been asking me for advice and help on their writing journey. During this seemingly impossible season, God helped me organize my advice into a logical system and start a coaching business. That logical system became a workbook, Write: From Book Idea to First Draft in 30 Days, which helped other Christians who wanted to write their book.

Over time, I began to see something I hadn’t noticed before. The years of parenting children with disabilities taught me patience. Learning to break overwhelming challenges into manageable steps had become second nature. My own writing journey had shown me how discouraging publishing could feel. None of those experiences had been wasted. God had quietly been preparing me to encourage other writers.

Learning about Keywords

That reminder continues today. Yesterday, our writers' group, which includes writers from the United States and Canada, spent an hour helping one author find the right keywords for her book. Watching that conversation unfold reminded me why I love serving writers.

Listening to one writer wrestle with keywords reminded me that every experienced author was once a beginner. There was no embarrassment in asking, "What exactly is a keyword?" In fact, that simple question opened the door to one of the most helpful conversations of the afternoon.

Her question also reminded me that many writers assume they should already know these things. If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone. Here's the simple explanation I shared with our group:

Think of them as the bridge between your book and your reader.

For example, someone might search for:

• Christian devotional

• Children’s Bible stories

• Adoption memoir

• Self-publishing guide

• Christian parenting

When you publish on Amazon, you’ll be asked to enter seven keywords. These help Amazon understand what your book is about so it can recommend it to the right readers.

Here's a simple exercise: Open Amazon in an incognito browser and begin typing a phrase related to your book. Notice the suggestions that appear. Those aren't random; they're real searches from readers. You may discover keywords you hadn't even considered.

Infographic Summary

Two Invitations

Years ago, I wondered whether I still had anything to offer. Yesterday, as I watched writers from two countries encourage one another and grow together, I quietly thanked God for answering that question.

If today's post encouraged you, I'd love to invite you to take one of two next steps:

1. If you’d like to read the full devotional that tells this story, along with 25 similar devotionals, the Still Called to Write devotional ebook is available free until Tuesday.

2. One of the ways I continue encouraging writers is through our monthly paid writers' group. Yesterday, we explored Amazon keywords. Next month, we'll tackle categories, one of the most overlooked decisions self-published authors make. I'd love to have you join us. (Paid subscribers also have access to summaries and recordings of past discussions.)

Subscribe now

Looking back over the past few weeks, I realize God has been weaving together a theme I didn't plan. The chapters of our lives we'd rather skip often become the ones He uses most. The lessons learned through heartbreak become words of encouragement for someone else. The obstacles that once felt overwhelming become wisdom we can freely share. None of it is wasted when we place it in His hands.

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Continue Reading

If this post resonated with you, you may also enjoy:

I know I don’t usually write in the middle of the week, but I wanted to share something special with you.

My colleagues, CJ and Shelley Hitz from Christian Book Academy, have created a free resource for Kingdom Writers who may have stepped away from their calling for a season.

Share

It’s called the Still Called to Write Devotional eBook — a collection of inspiring stories from writers (including me) who faced setbacks, delays, health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, self-doubt, and other obstacles, yet found their way back to the calling God placed on their hearts.

Subscribe now

Inside you’ll discover:

• 📖 Encouraging comeback stories from Kingdom Writers

• 🙏 Scripture, prayer, and reflection prompts

• ✨ Inspiration to reconnect with your calling

Click here to get your free devotional

When you sign up, you’ll also receive a free seat to the live Writing Restart Session on July 1 — a simple 15-minute writing session designed to help you begin again.

If you’ve been wondering whether God still wants you to write the message He’s placed on your heart, this resource is for you.

Blessings,

Ruth

P.S. The free devotional is only available for a limited time. Click here to download your copy.

It wasn’t graceful.

It wasn’t careful.

It wasn’t trying to impress anyone.

It was simply experimenting with muscles it hadn’t developed yet.

What caught my attention wasn’t just the fawn. It was how close it stayed to its mother.

The fawn wandered.

It explored.

It tested new ground.

But it never moved far from safety.

Missed last week’s post? Click here to read what I wish I knew as a beginning writer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Myth #1

Myth #2

Myth #3

What’s Next?

Marketing Infographic

Support

As I’ve been talking with writers lately, I’ve noticed a similar pattern. Many authors feel overwhelmed by marketing. Some of you describe it as exhausting. Others call it gimmicky. Almost all of you would rather spend your time writing than promoting your books.

The more I listen, the more I think the problem isn’t marketing itself.

The problem is what we believe marketing requires us to become.

First Myth: Marketing Means Being Someone You’re Not

Many writers imagine marketing as endless sales pitches, flashy promotions, and constant self-promotion.

If that’s marketing, I’m not interested either.

But what if the core of marketing is helping the right readers discover a book that could encourage, teach, inspire, or entertain them?

What if marketing is less about convincing and more about connecting?

I’ve discovered that the marketing activities I enjoy most rarely feel like marketing at all. They look like conversations. They look like sharing stories. They look like answering questions, encouraging writers, and building relationships.

Like the fawn, we can explore new territory without wandering away from who we are.

We don’t need to abandon authenticity to market our books.

Second Myth: Marketing Requires a Complicated Strategy

Many authors pour years into writing a book and then become overwhelmed by everything they’re told they need to do after publication.

• Build a platform.

• Start a newsletter.

• Create videos.

• Run ads.

• Launch a podcast.

• Master social media.

No wonder so many writers feel stuck before they begin.

Watching the fawn reminded me that growth happens one step at a time. The fawn wasn’t worried about becoming a deer tomorrow. It was simply taking the next step.

What if we did that as authors?

Often, the next step is enough:

• Send the email.

• Share the story.

• Tell one person about your book.

• Write one post.

• Respond to one comment.

Small actions repeated consistently are often more effective than complicated, overwhelming plans we never implement.

Third Myth: Marketing Is Separate From Your Calling

For many Christian writers, this may be the biggest struggle.

We feel comfortable writing the message God has placed on our hearts. We feel less comfortable talking about it afterwards. Yet, if we truly believe our message can help someone, why would we hide it?

I’ve come to see marketing as an act of stewardship. God entrusted us with a story, a lesson, a message, or a book. Marketing is one way we connect the people who need it with that message.

• Not through pressure.

• Not through manipulation.

• Not through gimmicks.

But through faithful, consistent visibility.

The Next Faithful Step

Watching the fawn reminded me that growth takes time.

New things often feel awkward before they feel natural.

Marketing is no different.

• You don’t have to become someone else.

• You don’t have to master everything at once.

• You don’t have to sprint.

• You just need to keep taking the next logical step.

And perhaps that’s what marketing really is: helping readers find the message you’ve been called to share while staying true to who God created you to be.

As I’ve talked with writers recently, I’ve heard three recurring struggles:

• Marketing feels overwhelming.
• Marketing feels gimmicky.
• Writers would rather write than market.

Which one do you relate to most?

Leave a comment

Infographic: Marketing That Honors Who You Are

Looking for Support?

If marketing feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Most writers would rather spend their time writing than thinking about platforms, launches, newsletters, reviews, or promotion. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

That’s one reason I created my free Author Checklist. It covers key publishing, platform-building, launch, and marketing activities that can help you move forward one step at a time.

If you’d like a copy, comment “Checklist” below and make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter. I’ll send it to you.

If you’re looking for deeper support on your writing, publishing, and marketing journey, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Each month, I share deeper conversations, practical strategies, and live sessions designed to help Christian writers move forward with clarity and courage.

Benefits of Paid Subscription:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recording available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.

What’s one part of marketing that feels most uncomfortable or overwhelming to you right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Leave a comment

"It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes." -Warren Buffet

I still remember the excitement of receiving my first publishing contract.

Someone wanted to publish my work!

I signed the agreement, celebrated the opportunity, and never thought to ask what rights I was giving away.

Months later, I discovered a lesson that cost me far more than I realized.

POST CONTENTS:

Rights management

Product positioning

Long-term asset management

Bonus: Not every opportunity is a good opportunity

Infographic

Free Checklist

This post is for writers who are making decisions about how to publish their books. I want to start by saying, "Writer, beware!" There are way too many people in our world who are happy to take advantage of others.

• Do your research.

• Compare options.

• Ask for advice.

• Then choose.

1. Rights management.

I did not know anything about author rights when I signed my first collaborative book project contract. I was pleased to learn that my story was accepted for publication and that I received the contract, but I didn't review the details like I do now. More experienced authors were signing the same contract, so I figured everything was good.

It was months later before I realized I had signed away all my rights for the chapter. Yes, the publisher paid me for my contribution. However, I couldn't submit the chapter in any other format elsewhere or even use it on my own personal blog.

Publishing contracts are designed to transfer rights. The question isn't whether rights are being transferred; it's which rights, for how long, and under what conditions.

A contract should specify which rights you are granting, for how long (term), in which countries (territory), and which format (paperback, audio, etc.). The contract should also contain a reserved rights section. (Something like: "Author retains all rights and title in and to the Work, including copyright, subject only to the rights specifically granted to Publisher under this Agreement.")

For more detailed explanations on contracts, check out The Authors Guild. Better yet, join The Alliance of Independent Authors (), which provides "general legal, contractual, and business advice and a series of downloadable agreement templates and annotated contracts," as well as rights licensing services.

2. Product positioning.

When I started self-publishing my own books, I just filled out the information in KDP to the best of my ability, without realizing how important this metadata step is in the publishing process. I learned that publishing isn't just about creating a book. It's about helping the right readers find it.

Our categories, keywords, and book description can mean the difference between making sales and not. Once I learned how to research these details and write an effective book description, every single book I published hit number one in at least one Amazon category, often several.

In my opinion, one of the best resources available for self-publishing authors is Kindlepreneur by Dave Chesson. He also created the Publisher Rocket software, which makes it easy to find profitable categories and keywords for our books. I benefited from Dan Brown’s masterclass post describing the importance of book descriptions and providing a 5-step process for writing a great description.

3. Long-term asset management.

The biggest mistake I have made in my publishing journey is putting a lot of time and energy into writing and launching my books, and then moving on to other projects and basically forgetting about the valuable books I already have available. Many authors do this because new projects are fun. (Shiny Object Syndrome anyone???)

This is a mistake I am still correcting. I support other authors in their writing, publishing, and marketing, but I haven't given my own books the same love and attention.

When I published my first books, I treated each one like a project with a finish line. I wrote the manuscript, published the book, launched it, and then moved on to the next thing. What I didn’t realize was that every book I published was becoming part of a growing backlist, one of the most valuable assets an author can build.

Unlike many products, books don’t have an expiration date. A reader who discovers your work today doesn’t care whether the book was published six months ago or six years ago if it solves a problem, answers a question, or tells a story they want to read. Every book you publish creates another doorway through which readers can discover you.

A strong backlist can also multiply opportunities. Someone who enjoys one of your books may purchase another. They may subscribe to your newsletter, invite you to speak, recommend your work to a friend, or hire you for related services. Each book becomes part of an ecosystem that continues working on your behalf long after launch day.

This is especially important for self-published authors. We often focus so much energy on writing the next book that we forget the books we’ve already published. Yet updating a book description, improving keywords, running a promotion, sharing a reader testimonial, or mentioning an older title in a newsletter can introduce that book to an entirely new audience.

Today, I try to view my books less as completed projects and more as long-term assets. Each one represents months or years of effort, lessons learned, and value created for readers. They deserve ongoing attention because they still have the potential to impact lives and generate opportunities years after publication.

NOTE: Not Every Opportunity Is a Good Opportunity

Many writers believe they must say yes to every:

• anthology

• speaking opportunity

• podcast

• marketing tactic

• publishing service

Early in our journeys, we often confuse activity with progress.

Learning when to say no can be just as valuable as learning when to say yes.

Summary Infographic

Author Checklist

Writing a book is challenging. Publishing and marketing it can feel even more overwhelming.

To help simplify the process, I’ve created a free Author Checklist that covers key publishing, launch, and marketing steps for self-published authors.

If you’d like a copy, comment “Checklist” below and make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter. I’ll send it directly to you.

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And I’d love to hear from you: What’s one publishing lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Share it in the comments—your experience might help another writer avoid the same mistake.

If I failed a test, received criticism, or was rejected, I saw it as proof that I wasn’t good enough.

What I’ve learned through years of writing, publishing, and marketing is that failure isn’t usually the end of the story.

More often, it’s where the story begins.

Failure in writing hurts because writing is personal. We don’t just submit words; we submit pieces of ourselves. That’s why rejection, criticism, and unfinished projects can feel so discouraging. Yet those experiences are often where the greatest growth can happen.

This month, I want to explore some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from things that didn’t go according to plan. Not because I enjoy failing, but because many of my biggest breakthroughs came from experiences I would have gladly avoided at the time.

I want to encourage writers to learn by doing. No amount of reading about writing can replace the lessons that come from sitting down, putting words on the page, sharing your work, and discovering what happens next.

This week, I’ll start with lessons I’ve learned from failures in writing itself.

1. Failing to schedule writing time and protect it

I remember staring at my list of writing ideas and wondering why I rarely seemed to make progress. I wasn't lacking ideas. I wasn't lacking desire. I was simply waiting for the perfect time to write—a time that never came.

For years, I treated writing as something I would do when I had spare time. I enjoyed writing, but I was also a people pleaser. This meant that everyone else’s projects and tasks took priority over mine. Unsurprisingly, spare time rarely appeared. I constantly pushed aside my writing to take care of more “urgent” tasks.

A combination of unfinished projects, entering my first major writing competition, and conversations with other writers forced me to confront a hard truth: if writing mattered, it deserved a place on my calendar. Writing time turned from a suggestion into an important appointment. In fact, I set my alarm clock to wake me up 30 minutes earlier, so I had uninterrupted writing time. When I began treating writing with the same respect I gave meetings and other commitments, my consistency (and progress) improved dramatically.

2. Failing to accept feedback that could strengthen my work

As a child, I also struggled with criticism. This transferred over into my writing. I viewed criticism as a threat rather than a gift. I had difficulty separating my writing from my personal character. I took criticism personally and wanted validation more than improvement. The problem was that validation made me feel good, but feedback made me better.

Over time, I learned that thoughtful feedback helps reveal blind spots I can’t see on my own. I learned to welcome beta readers into my writing process. (Substack provides a great opportunity for this.) Not every suggestion should be accepted, but resisting feedback simply because it makes me uncomfortable prevents growth. (My rule of thumb is that if I receive similar feedback from two or more people, I need to consider what they are saying and make edits.) Some of my strongest writing emerged after I listened carefully to critiques I initially wanted to dismiss.

3. Failing to view rejection as part of the journey

Rejection letters used to feel deeply personal. Each one seemed like confirmation that my writing wasn’t good enough.

If someone takes the time to answer a query, I take it as a win. Sometimes it means the work needs improvement. Sometimes it means the piece wasn’t the right fit for that publication or audience. Either way, rejection provides information. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn, revise, and continue searching for the readers who will best connect with my work.

Looking back, these weren’t really failures at all. They were lessons disguised as failures.

The lesson behind all three experiences is the same: growth comes from engagement, not avoidance. We improve by writing, sharing, receiving feedback, facing rejection, and writing again.

What’s one writing “failure” that taught you something valuable?

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Share your story in the comments. One of the gifts of writing communities is discovering that the struggles we thought were unique to us are often experiences many of us share.

And if you’re looking for support in developing a sustainable writing practice or navigating the challenges of publishing, feel free to reach out.

Blessings,

Ruth

I didn’t meet my grandparents in person until I was five years old because we lived in southern Africa while my grandparents lived in Nebraska and Alberta. Eating at their tables quickly confirmed that I come from a long line of excellent cooks.

We moved back to Canada in 1977, and after that, we visited both sets of grandparents often. Family gatherings always featured delicious home-cooked meals and a mouth-watering selection of desserts. My mom taught me how to cook and bake a wide variety of foods, from meat and potatoes to salads, vegetables, bread, and cookies. But no one made pies like my Grandma Beam.

The year I was in Grade 11, my sister and I stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Beam while my parents moved, because we wanted to continue going to school with our friends. During that season, I learned many lessons from my grandparents about God, family, communication, gardening, and baking.

Grandma welcomed me into her kitchen, and together we made desserts completely from scratch, including lemon meringue pie. Once I tasted Grandma’s lemon meringue pie, no other version ever quite measured up. It was the perfect combination of a tender, flaky crust, smooth and tangy lemon filling, and the crowning glory: meringue.

For those of you who would like the recipes:

NOTE: In later years, Grandma clarified that “lem-n-rich” powder was a substitute she used when real lemon juice was not available.

Meringue (1 Pie)

“Beat 2 egg whites until frothy. (Some add 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar.) Gradually beat in 6 tablespoons of sugar. Continue beating until stiff and glossy and meringue will stand in peaks. Swirl on pie, sealing to edge of pie to prevent shrinkage. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, until a delicate golden colour.”

(NOTE: Both the Never Fail Pastry and Meringue recipes were printed in “Campus Cooks at Prairie,” Sixth printing, 1980, Published by Prairie Bible Institute, Copyright 1965.)

Grandma never rushed in the kitchen. Pie crusts were rolled patiently, conversations unfolded slowly, and somehow there was always enough time for both baking and listening. While we baked, Grandma talked about life as naturally as she measured flour. She believed people, gardens, and pie crusts all needed patience and steady care.

Grandma demonstrated techniques, allowed me to learn by doing, and eventually entrusted her recipe to me. In her later years, when she no longer had the energy to bake pies herself, she asked me to make the lemon meringue pies when I visited.

I still have her recipe, and this weekend, as I made lemon meringue pie to share with my church family, I found myself reflecting on those memories again. Years later, the pie still reminds me of more than dessert. It reminds me of a kitchen where faith, hospitality, patience, and love were practiced daily in ordinary ways.

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I’m wondering what childhood memories are connected to food for you. Is there a recipe, dessert, or family meal that immediately takes you back to a particular kitchen, person, or season of life?

I would love to hear your stories. Please share your memories, recipes, or traditions in the comments.

Blessings,

Ruth

P.S. If these reflections on faith and writing encourage you, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Each month, I share deeper conversations, practical strategies, and live sessions designed to help Christian writers move forward with clarity and courage.

Benefits of Paid Subscription:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recording available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

P.S.S. You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.

However, last weekend I also finished some paperwork regarding my twins, Luke and Levi. Circumstances fell into place (I believe God orchestrated them) so that I could get the documents signed, witnessed, commissioned, and delivered to the clerk of the court on the day of Jayson's birthday.

Dorothy came with me to surprise her brother. She even designed a crow (Jayson calls himself Crow Master), drew and digitized it, and created a one-of-a-kind sticker for him. Jayson asked to celebrate at Boston Pizza, a simple meal with phones put away and bantering back and forth, giggling at silly things. Then Jayson asked to go to the Dollar Store, where there was more bantering. Jayson convinced Dorothy to buy a couple of items he knew she liked.

At one point, he stopped to look at mugs and held one out for me to read. It said something along the lines of "This mug was a gift to the world's best mom from her favourite child."

I smiled and asked, "Are you going to buy it for me so you can be my favourite child?"

He looked back at me with his chocolate brown eyes that have melted my heart so many times over the years and said, "Nope. You love us all equally."

Thinking of that scene still makes me teary-eyed—and reminds me of the incredible power of small choices over time.

Twenty-one years ago, I chose to open my heart and home to Jayson. He has had many struggles over the years, and parenting him has kept me on my knees. God provided the grace and strength to keep choosing what was best for Jayson, and for the other four children God blessed me with.

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Just as the many seemingly insignificant parenting choices added up to that moment with Jayson in the Dollar Store, our small choices about why we write and how we publish add up over time. Often, we do not see the results until years later. Here are five choices I encourage you to make consistently:

Choose Service Over Visibility

When you write to serve, your motivation stays strong even when the spotlight is small. Your book is not about you—it’s about the people you can help.

Many authors begin publishing, hoping to be seen.

But sustainable publishing often begins with serving.

When writers focus only on visibility, discouragement comes quickly:

• Not enough followers

• Not enough reviews

• Not enough sales

But when writers focus on helping readers, encouraging people, or stewarding their message well, publishing becomes more meaningful and sustainable.

You may never fully know the difference your words will make in someone’s life. Just like parenting, some fruit grows quietly over time.

Call to action:
Choose one way your book can serve readers this week.

Choose Progress Over Perfection

There was no moment when I suddenly became perfectly prepared to parent Jayson. Many meaningful callings require us to grow while we are already walking.

Perfectionism can keep a good book from ever reaching the people who need it.

Many books remain unpublished because authors keep waiting:

• One more edit

• One more revision

• One more improvement

Excellence matters.
But perfectionism can quietly delay obedience.

Your book doesn’t have to be perfect before you publish. Focus on faithful progress instead.

Call to action:
Choose one unfinished task and move it forward today.

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Choose Consistency Over Intensity

The fleeting moments of success are built on years of ordinary faithfulness.

Publishing success is rarely built through one dramatic push.
It is usually built through:

• Consistent writing

• Consistent learning

• Consistent connection

• Consistent showing up

Call to action:
Choose one small publishing action you can repeat consistently.

Choose Connection Over Performance

The meaningful part of the afternoon was not extravagance.
It was being present:

• phones away

• shared moments

• laughter

Authors can approach publishing similarly.

Readers are looking for honesty, humanity, and connection.

Authors are not generally remembered for writing well, but for making their readers feel seen.

Connection builds trust, and trust keeps readers coming back.

Call to action:
Choose one genuine interaction with a reader or fellow writer this week.

Choose the Long View

Most results take time.

Most fruit takes several seasons to grow.

If you’re looking for quick results, writing and publishing a book will disappoint you.

Focus on:

• Seeking God’s direction

• Finishing the book you started

• Building relationships as you write

The choices you make today about your message, your readers, and your integrity will shape your impact for years to come.

Call to action:
Choose to keep showing up even before you can see the full impact.

The choices that shape a meaningful life are rarely dramatic in the moment. More often, they look like small acts of faithfulness repeated over time: showing up, loving well, staying the course, and continuing to steward what God has placed in our hands.

Writing and publishing are no different. Every time you choose to write, refine, publish, connect, or encourage, you are building something far greater than a book. You are building impact, influence, and legacy one choice at a time.

If these reflections on faith and writing encourage you, I would love to continue walking alongside you to help you move forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Consider becoming a paid subscriber. Each month, I share deeper conversations, practical strategies, and live sessions designed to help Christian writers move forward with clarity and courage.

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Benefits of Paid Subscription:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recording available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls

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You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.

Blessings,

Ruth

The above post showed up in my Facebook memories this week. “Cecile’s Christmas Miracle” was the first of several 10,000-word stories I wrote twelve years ago. It was included in Kathi Macias’ 12 Days of Christmas, along with stories by 11 other authors.

I finished my story. I did the hard work of writing, refining, and getting my story published.

That’s when I began to understand what authors meant when they said, “Writing the book is the easy part.”

• Marketing can feel overwhelming.

• Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable.

• We don’t want to be like the door-to-door salesman who keeps talking, even when we’re not interested…So, we wait for the right moment.

And often, our message stays hidden.

But what if marketing didn’t have to include pressure? What if it were a series of small, daily choices rooted in connection, aimed at relationship before sales?

Here are five daily habits that can make marketing feel more natural and more sustainable.

1. Talk About Your Book Every Day

Not in a loud or forceful way, but in a consistent, honest way. I’m assuming your book represents something you care about. If so, let it be part of your daily conversation.

This could look like:

• Sharing a short reflection from your writing

• Posting a sentence that stayed with you

• Mentioning your book in a story

You don’t need a launch every day.
You need presence.

Call to action:
Share one thought about your book today, without overthinking.

2. Share One Story, Not Just One Idea

Ideas inform.

Stories connect.

Instead of only teaching or explaining, bring people into a moment:

• Why you wrote a chapter

• A conversation that shaped your message

• A struggle your reader might recognize

Stories lower resistance and build trust.

People may forget what you said.
They rarely forget how something made them feel.

Call to action:
Write and share one short story connected to your book.

3. Document, Don’t Create

Many authors feel pressure to always come up with new content.

That’s exhausting and unnecessary.

Instead, document what you’re already doing:

• What you’re thinking about

• What you’re learning

• What you’re working through

Your writing journey is your content.

This keeps marketing sustainable and authentic.

Call to action:
Take something you’ve already thought about today and share it.

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4. Make One Meaningful Connection Daily

Marketing isn’t just broadcasting.
It’s relationship-building.

Instead of focusing only on posting, focus on people:

• Reply to a comment

• Send a thoughtful message

• Engage with another writer’s work

These small interactions compound over time.

Connection builds trust; trust builds readership.

Call to action:
Reach out to one person today in a meaningful way.

5. Play the Long Game

This is where many authors lose momentum.

They post for a week… maybe a month…
And when results don’t come, they stop.

But marketing doesn’t work that way.

It’s not about immediate visibility; it’s about consistent presence.

The authors who see results are often the ones who are faithful.

• Not louder.

• Not more aggressive.

• Just steady.

Call to action:
Commit to showing up again tomorrow, even before you see results.

Final Thought

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like striving.

It can look like:

• Showing up

• Sharing honestly

• Connecting with people

• Trusting the process

• Being faithful

You don’t need a perfect strategy; you need a consistent rhythm.

Because over time, small daily actions create something powerful:

• Visibility.

• Connection.

• Impact.

Not all at once.
But steadily.

So, what’s one way you will choose to show up for your message today?

Leave a comment

If these reflections on faith, writing, publishing, and marketing encourage you, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Each month, I share deeper conversations, practical strategies, and live sessions designed to help Christian writers move forward with clarity and courage.

Benefits of Paid Subscription:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recording available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.

• Those helping others grow in their faith

• Those still waiting for marriage or motherhood

• Those struggling with infertility

• Those who have experienced miscarriage

• Those who have given birth but are separated from their child

• Those who have lost a child to death

• Those whose children no longer speak to them

I see you too.

Mother’s Day has a way of highlighting the gap between expectation and reality.

• Some imagined a full house and now hear silence instead.

• Some imagined closeness and now live with distance.

• Some imagined watching their children grow up, and instead carry grief.

• Some imagined motherhood would come easily, and are still waiting.

Even those with children often carry private disappointments, unanswered prayers, or exhaustion no one else sees.

This week, I read a post by a Christian business coach celebrating having achieved all the goals she set for herself five years ago. Most of her post focused on financial success and business growth.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating success. There are Christians who honour God through building profitable businesses and using their resources to help others. Scripture certainly does not condemn wealth itself. After all, King Solomon was incredibly wealthy.

But what struck me was this: Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth. God chose to bless him with both.

The business post unsettled me, though it took me a while to understand why.

At first, I wondered whether something was wrong with me or with the way I run my business because I have not reached the same level of financial success. I think many of us experience that quiet temptation when we see someone else’s visible accomplishments. We begin measuring our lives against their outcomes.

But then I started thinking about all the ways God has blessed me over the years and all the ways He has allowed me to bless others through my work.

And I asked myself a different question: What if we have confused God’s will with worldly success?

When I searched Scripture for verses about the will of God, I noticed something surprising. I found instructions about humility, trust, gratitude, holiness, obedience, and surrender. I found verses about loving others, walking closely with God, and denying ourselves daily. (If you’re curious, here are some of the verses I read: Proverbs 3:5-6; Micah 6:8; Luke 9:23; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 1:5.)

But I found no promises of platform growth, financial milestones, or public recognition.

Writers know this tension well.

• We may feel called to write, yet struggle to find the time.

• We may pour years into a manuscript only to learn it still needs major revisions.

• We may publish a book and sell very few copies.

• We may love writing while dreading marketing.

• We may obey God fully and still not receive the outcomes we imagined.

This Mother’s Day, I am thinking about all the people carrying the quiet grief of unmet expectations.

• The mothers whose stories did not unfold as they had hoped.

• The writers whose work feels unseen.

• The business owners wondering if they are falling behind.

Our culture measures visible outcomes; God measures differently.

Scripture speaks far more about humility, obedience, perseverance, gratitude, and love than it does about worldly success.

And perhaps that is comforting news for those of us whose lives look far different from what we imagined they would.

Writers, entrepreneurs, mothers, and caregivers all know what it feels like when reality unfolds differently than expected.

What expectation have you had to surrender to God lately?

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I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

And if this post encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that faithfulness and visible success are not always the same thing.

Blessings,

Ruth

She published a book last year. Now she’s sitting with several new ideas, trying to continue marketing her book The Good Father, and wondering how to get it all done.

Minutes after the call, I opened an email with the subject line: “I Quit Writing.”

The author described investing in courses and coaching, learning the craft, but never actually producing consistent work. No one had taught him how to show up and write.

Two writers. Two very different situations. But the same underlying challenge:

Maybe you see yourself in one of these stories.

Knowing about writing is very different from actually writing a blog post… or finishing a manuscript. And even if you do become consistent and publish, you quickly discover something else:

There is always more to do.

More ideas. More opportunities. More noise.

So how do you move forward, faithfully and practically?

Here are five daily choices that consistently work for me and the authors I support.

1. Brainstorm: Clear the Mental Clutter

Most writers aren’t lacking ideas; they’re overwhelmed by them.

When your brain is trying to hold onto everything, it quietly drains your energy. So start here: get it out.

Try this:

• Find a quiet space

• Grab a notebook (physical or digital)

• Set a timer for 10 minutes

• Write everything that comes to mind

No filtering. No organizing. Just capturing.

This simple habit frees up mental bandwidth and gives you something concrete to work with.

2. Set Priorities: Choose What Matters Now

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

The challenge?
We often think there is time for everything. Most of us are trying to live in all the seasons at once.

If you try to do everything, you dilute your effectiveness.

My dad used to say,
“If the devil can’t slow you down, he’ll push you so fast you’re not good for anything.”

After brainstorming, choose your top three priorities.

Why three?
One can feel restrictive. Three gives you both focus and flexibility. When you get stuck on one, you can still move forward on another.

3. Be Consistent: Small Daily Wins Add Up

Clarity without action leads to frustration. If you don’t create space to write, your priorities will remain as goals. Consistency doesn’t require hours. It requires intention.

Start with 20–30 minutes a day.

When my children were young, that meant waking up 30 minutes earlier.
Now, with a full schedule, my writing often happens in the early evening.

The exact time doesn’t matter.

What matters is that it’s repeatable.

4. Be Accountable: Don’t Do This Alone

Even disciplined people struggle to build new habits in isolation. Accountability adds structure and encouragement.

This can look like:

• A simple daily text to a friend

• An email check-in

• Posting a short Substack note

• Partnering with another writer

Some writers hire coaches for this reason. Others build informal partnerships.

Either way, the principle is the same:
Consistency grows in community.

5. Celebrate Successes: Train Your Mind to See Progress

Most writers are highly aware of what they’re not doing. That inner voice can become your harshest critic.

As Grandmaster Kevin Horsley writes in Unlimited Memory:

“Your inner voice…is just a thought—it’s not set in stone… So change the thought.”

If you only focus on what’s missing, writing will always feel hard. But when you start noticing what’s working, something shifts.

Progress builds momentum.

So celebrate the small wins:

• Did you open your notebook today? Celebrate.

• Did you write 100 words? Celebrate.

• Did you find the right word? Celebrate.

• Did you connect with another writer? Celebrate.

• Did you learn from a mistake? Celebrate.

These moments matter more than you think.

Final Thought

Writing isn’t shaped in big, dramatic moments; it’s shaped in quiet, daily choices.

The choice to sit down.
The choice to focus.
The choice to keep going.

You don’t need to do everything today; you only need to be faithful in taking the next step.

So, what’s your next step? (I’d love to hear about it in the comments.)

Leave a comment

If these reflections on faith and writing encourage you, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Each month, I share deeper conversations, practical strategies, and live sessions designed to help Christian writers move forward with clarity and courage.

Benefits of Paid Subscription:

• Subscriber-only access to writing tools

• Monthly group coaching (recording available)

• 10% discount on publishing packages

• Founding members have the opportunity to help shape the content of the newsletter, as well as priority access during coaching calls
  

You can also learn more about working with me through assisted self-publishing with RLS Creativity, where I help entrepreneurs and writers turn their message into a finished book they can share with the world.