6 Idea Starters and 4 Tips for Writing Devotionals
Missy Tippens
I recently finished writing over a dozen devotionals to fulfill a contract. I’d only written a couple of devotionals before, so this was stretching myself as a writer. I have to say that, though nervous, I really enjoyed the project! I thought I’d share with you tips on how I managed…things I learned in the process.
Of course, maybe I should preface this whole post by saying I haven’t received my edits back yet so haven’t had any feedback! But I will share my tips anyway. :)
One of the most difficult aspects to me was coming up with the ideas to start writing. Sometimes it took me days to come up with anything. Other times a spark would hit and I would sit down and write a whole devotional in one sitting. Here are some ways to get going:
1. Start with current lessons. Jot ideas anytime you’re studying the Bible or your Sunday school class lessons. What is God teaching you right now? Using these thoughts will keep your writing fresh.
2. Start from Inspiration. Do something creative to inspire you. Sherrinda Ketchersid’s beautiful painting and calligraphy inspired me when I saw some of her Bible journaling on Facebook. So I started journaling in a book I saw Robin Hatcher recommend: 100 Days of Bible Promises. While doing so, I got ideas for devotionals from the readings—which led me to think of various ways to tie them in with my theme.
3. Start from Theme. Constantly think on the theme if you have one. The theme of my devotionals for Guideposts was “All God’s Creatures.” As I went about my daily activities I reflected on how God uses my pets and other animals in my life and what I have learned from them. Dig deeply. I had to think beyond my own dog and cat to how all types of animals have touched my life.
4. Start by Sharing Yourself. Think about your life experiences and how things you’ve been through could help or inspire others or even give them a moment for tears or laughter.
5. Start from Struggles. Share pain and joys and how God has used them in your life. Be open and honest about struggles. Make sure you don’t come across as trying to sound perfect.
6. Start with Scripture. Pick a Bible verse/ passage you want to write about. Study the passage and see if God will show you something new. Try using a commentary. I started doing this when I worried I might misrepresent the verses I was using. I found some great info in The New Interpreter’s Bible One Volume Commentary.
1. Get feedback. Consider asking someone who knows the Bible and theology to read over your work. My husband is a pastor and gave great feedback. Anytime I got stuck, he helped me brainstorm ideas. He also helped me locate potential applicable Bible verses when I couldn’t remember the exact location. Best of all, he was honest and told me a couple of the devotionals “aren’t quite ready to submit.” (Which was a nice way to say they weren’t as good as the others.) LOL
2. Read other devotionals to figure out the style that appeals to you.
3. Research the guidelines if you’re going to submit for publication. Find out what to include: Scripture, the devotional, faith step, poem, prayer, etc. Be aware of word count limits and preferred Bible version.
4. Above all, pray for guidance and wisdom. One of my devotionals used James 1:5. Claim this verse!
Have any of you written devotionals? I’d love to hear your tips. Or if you’re a reader, what type devos appeal to you?
Today I’m offering to read one devotional (up to two pages long) for one winner! I’ll give any type of feedback you’d like or help you brainstorm ideas. If you’d like to enter, please let me know in the comments.
Oh! Today I’m also celebrating a novella release! It’s my first indie publishing done all on my own. (Please note, this novella previously appeared in the 2015 Seeker boxed set titled Coffee House Romances Contemporary Collection.)
Cover Design: Rogenna Brewer
His Summer Valentine
Opposites attract in this novella-length inspirational romance, Home to Dahlia, Georgia, Series Book 1.
Willow Valentine is on a quest—granted, a crazy one. When her car breaks down in the middle of a 4th of July parade in the tiny town of Dahlia, Georgia, she can’t help but wonder if God was bringing her here all along. After the handsome Trent Meriwether comes to her aid, she’s tempted to believe God has. But she, like her dad, is the type to keep moving on. Can she truly avoid that Valentine itch and settle in this town, especially when she finds she’s quickly falling for Trent, a man with deep roots in Dahlia?
Trent has moved back to his hometown to make amends and support his family. Though his grandmother warns him the Valentines are drifters, he finds himself intrigued by Willow. She makes him laugh and feel hopeful for the first time in ages. But how can he look twice at someone so much younger, someone who could pick up and leave at any moment—even if she is like a ray of sunshine to his troubled soul?
Available now in e-book format. I hope to release it in print format soon. If you get a chance to read it, all reviews would be greatly appreciated!
***** Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy Tippens has lived in Georgia for the last 25+ years. She is a pastor's wife and mom of three who has worked as a microbiologist, teacher and stay-at-home mom. During that time, she also pursued writing. After more than ten years of working toward publication, Missy finally made her first sale of a novel in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA® , Booksellers Best, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest and an RT Reviewer's Choice Award. She feels very blessed to be working at home in her dream job!
For news about upcoming books, be sure to sign up for Missy's quarterly newsletter at her website www.missytippens.com. You'll also find her at https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com
I recently finished writing over a dozen devotionals to fulfill a contract. I’d only written a couple of devotionals before, so this was stretching myself as a writer. I have to say that, though nervous, I really enjoyed the project! I thought I’d share with you tips on how I managed…things I learned in the process.
Of course, maybe I should preface this whole post by saying I haven’t received my edits back yet so haven’t had any feedback! But I will share my tips anyway. :)
One of the most difficult aspects to me was coming up with the ideas to start writing. Sometimes it took me days to come up with anything. Other times a spark would hit and I would sit down and write a whole devotional in one sitting. Here are some ways to get going:
1. Start with current lessons. Jot ideas anytime you’re studying the Bible or your Sunday school class lessons. What is God teaching you right now? Using these thoughts will keep your writing fresh.
2. Start from Inspiration. Do something creative to inspire you. Sherrinda Ketchersid’s beautiful painting and calligraphy inspired me when I saw some of her Bible journaling on Facebook. So I started journaling in a book I saw Robin Hatcher recommend: 100 Days of Bible Promises. While doing so, I got ideas for devotionals from the readings—which led me to think of various ways to tie them in with my theme.
3. Start from Theme. Constantly think on the theme if you have one. The theme of my devotionals for Guideposts was “All God’s Creatures.” As I went about my daily activities I reflected on how God uses my pets and other animals in my life and what I have learned from them. Dig deeply. I had to think beyond my own dog and cat to how all types of animals have touched my life.
4. Start by Sharing Yourself. Think about your life experiences and how things you’ve been through could help or inspire others or even give them a moment for tears or laughter.
5. Start from Struggles. Share pain and joys and how God has used them in your life. Be open and honest about struggles. Make sure you don’t come across as trying to sound perfect.
6. Start with Scripture. Pick a Bible verse/ passage you want to write about. Study the passage and see if God will show you something new. Try using a commentary. I started doing this when I worried I might misrepresent the verses I was using. I found some great info in The New Interpreter’s Bible One Volume Commentary.
1. Get feedback. Consider asking someone who knows the Bible and theology to read over your work. My husband is a pastor and gave great feedback. Anytime I got stuck, he helped me brainstorm ideas. He also helped me locate potential applicable Bible verses when I couldn’t remember the exact location. Best of all, he was honest and told me a couple of the devotionals “aren’t quite ready to submit.” (Which was a nice way to say they weren’t as good as the others.) LOL
2. Read other devotionals to figure out the style that appeals to you.
3. Research the guidelines if you’re going to submit for publication. Find out what to include: Scripture, the devotional, faith step, poem, prayer, etc. Be aware of word count limits and preferred Bible version.
4. Above all, pray for guidance and wisdom. One of my devotionals used James 1:5. Claim this verse!
Have any of you written devotionals? I’d love to hear your tips. Or if you’re a reader, what type devos appeal to you?
Today I’m offering to read one devotional (up to two pages long) for one winner! I’ll give any type of feedback you’d like or help you brainstorm ideas. If you’d like to enter, please let me know in the comments.
Oh! Today I’m also celebrating a novella release! It’s my first indie publishing done all on my own. (Please note, this novella previously appeared in the 2015 Seeker boxed set titled Coffee House Romances Contemporary Collection.)
Cover Design: Rogenna Brewer
His Summer Valentine
Opposites attract in this novella-length inspirational romance, Home to Dahlia, Georgia, Series Book 1.
Willow Valentine is on a quest—granted, a crazy one. When her car breaks down in the middle of a 4th of July parade in the tiny town of Dahlia, Georgia, she can’t help but wonder if God was bringing her here all along. After the handsome Trent Meriwether comes to her aid, she’s tempted to believe God has. But she, like her dad, is the type to keep moving on. Can she truly avoid that Valentine itch and settle in this town, especially when she finds she’s quickly falling for Trent, a man with deep roots in Dahlia?
Trent has moved back to his hometown to make amends and support his family. Though his grandmother warns him the Valentines are drifters, he finds himself intrigued by Willow. She makes him laugh and feel hopeful for the first time in ages. But how can he look twice at someone so much younger, someone who could pick up and leave at any moment—even if she is like a ray of sunshine to his troubled soul?
Available now in e-book format. I hope to release it in print format soon. If you get a chance to read it, all reviews would be greatly appreciated!
***** Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy Tippens has lived in Georgia for the last 25+ years. She is a pastor's wife and mom of three who has worked as a microbiologist, teacher and stay-at-home mom. During that time, she also pursued writing. After more than ten years of working toward publication, Missy finally made her first sale of a novel in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA® , Booksellers Best, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest and an RT Reviewer's Choice Award. She feels very blessed to be working at home in her dream job!
For news about upcoming books, be sure to sign up for Missy's quarterly newsletter at her website www.missytippens.com. You'll also find her at https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com
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