What I Learned While Writing a Book Part 1: Beginnings

    I’d originally planned on doing one post about what I learned while writing a book, but I learned so much, I decided I’d have to split it up into several posts. So, here is Part One: Beginnings.
Why Write?
   First, of all, why write? People have many different reasons, but for a Christian writer, their writing is for a much greater purpose than just to entertain, or to educate, or inform, and it’s certainly not to make a name for themselves. Our ultimate purpose in writing is to bring glory to God and to share the gospel. Writing is also a way to be an advocate for the oppressed, show Christlike character in our stories, and encourage others.
   Writing is a very powerful tool. In writing, you have the potential to reach many more people than you ever could only speaking. People could still be reading your writings long after you are dead. It’s an incredible way to share God’s truth with the world.
You’re Not Too Young
   1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
   You’re never too young for God to use you. I started writing Do Justly when I was 14 and completed and published it when I was 17. But God was preparing me to write that book long before that in just living my life, in the books my mama read to me and the things she taught me in homeschool, and as I got older, in the many books I read, short stories and essays I wrote... You may not be ready to write a book yet, or you might be, but either way, God can certainly use you. Remember two things, though:Seek Wise Counsel
Most importantly, seek God’s counsel through prayer and His Word. Seek wisdom from your parents and other wiser, more experienced people. I thank my parents for their wisdom, support, and encouragement. Many authors also enjoy sharing their wisdom with other aspiring authors. I thank Aleigha C. Israel (thepenofthewriter.weebly.com) for her writing, publishing, and web design advice.Examine Your Heart Motives
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
It can look to others like you’re writing for God’s glory, but God looks at your heart. He knows if you’re truly writing for His glory or to bring glory to yourself. It’s easy also to start with pure motives, but to let success get to your head and become prideful. One way to know if you’re truly writing for God’s glory is that if you are, you’ll also be willing to do whatever else He asks you to do. You’ll be willing to serve your family, willing to take the lowest place and serve behind the scenes, willing to follow Him wherever He leads.    Well, I hope that was helpful! Part 2: “I Want to Write But I Don’t Have Time” coming soon!