Writing with Purpose

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Writing a book is no sprint—it’s a marathon. A cross-country marathon. As you run through fields of modifiers and metaphors, you eventually encounter hills of writer’s block. Ducking distractions and swatting flies of doubt and anxiety, you barrel forward closer and closer to the finish line. By the time you reach the last leg of the race—the final editing of your book—your energy and enthusiasm reach an all-time low. What’s a runner—that is, a writer—to do?
Running alongside every writer is an ally, a friend in the writing process. Its name? Purpose. The reason you started writing your book in the first place. When you’re almost to the end of the writing and editing process, don’t give up. Let Purpose nudge you forward. 
Ask yourself the following five questions to refresh your purpose in your mind and heart. Don’t let the time, energy, concentration, or challenges of writing hinder you from fulfilling your purpose.
5 Questions to Refresh Your Writing PurposeHow could my message help others to have more hope, encouragement, or practical advice?What inspired the idea for this book—a personal difficulty, a friend’s trial, a need in the world today, or a message of truth from Scripture? How has God confirmed for me that He wants me to do this project?If I stop now, what specific encouragement will the world be missing? What principles has God taught me about this topic that He wants me to share with others?
So don’t stop, writer friend, when the finish line is near. Keep your running shoes tied on. Listen to your friend, Purpose, and finish well. Let Purpose help you to keep going, and depend on God for the wisdom, creativity, and grace to see your book finished. The world needs as many messages of hope and truth as it can get, and yours is going to make a difference. 
Think about what book (besides the Bible) has impacted your life the most. If the author hadn’t reached the finish line, what hope or encouragement would be missing from your life? Tell us in the comments below, and remember that your book may be as meaningful to someone else one day. Keep writing, and don’t forget to join the conversation!
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Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of  Refresh Bible Study Magazine , and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. The first book she compiled, Breaking the Chains, won a 2018 Selah finalist award. The next compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, uses the metaphor of house renovation to show how God renovates our hearts. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, the Arise Dailyblog, PursueMagazine.net, and two blogs on writing. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best donuts. Connect with her at her blog,  The Scrapbooked Bible Study , and on Facebook and Twitter.