Christian writers face a myriad of struggles in their writing journey.

I believe that writing for God’s glory is a worthwhile pastime. But it’s also important for us to avoid the pitfalls along the way.

Here are a few things I would warn writers to avoid doing at all costs.

1. Don’t Worry About Someone Not Liking Your Work

We have this nasty habit of nibbling our fingernails down over the fear that somebody is going to hate our story. Don’t tell me you don’t do it too, because I have yet to meet a writer who doesn’t do this.

But here’s the deal. What does it matter if someone doesn’t like it? The hard truth is that not everyone will like it. Different people have different taste in books. A book that I don’t especially care for, might be one that everyone else I know really likes.

If someone doesn’t like your work, don’t take that to mean it doesn’t have value. And don’t spend time worrying about it!

The only thing you have to be concerned about is, Does God like my story? Is it honoring to Him?

Nothing else matters.

Do you believe that God allowed you to write this story? Have you committed it to Him?

If the answer to those questions is yes, you have nothing else to worry about.

Maybe there is one person out there who is looking for that Godly mystery book to read, or that historical fiction book that focuses on Biblical truths.

If that one person finds it, isn’t that worth it to you? If your story impacts one person, and one person only, it has accomplished its purpose.

If you are doing your best for Christ, who cares about the person who gave you discouraging feedback about it?

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14

2. Don’t Forget Who The Glory Belongs To

Every human being on the face of the planet has a tendency at times to trust in their own abilities to accomplish their goals. The fact of the matter is, nothing we do amounts to anything. If you accomplish something as a christian writer, you cannot claim any credit.

Without God we are nothing. We have no ability or talent without Him.

Don’t become so wrapped up in the excitement of a goal being met that you forget Who gave you the victory.

“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 10:17

3. Don’t Hold Back On Truth Because It’s Not Popular

Don’t tell me you haven’t ever had that little nagging thought in the back of your mind that if you toned back on incorporating Scripture verses in your story, maybe it would make more people like it.

Satan comes and plants the thought that maybe it would be best to ease off on how much Truth we incorporate in our stories. After all, we don’t want to be preachy sounding. Does it matter if we incorporate actual Bible verses in our stories? Can’t we just give generalized morals and call it good?

Goodness knows we wouldn’t want our book to bring conviction to anybody or anything.

But here’s the problem we forget when we entertain those kind of thoughts: Truth will always be Truth, no matter what we say or don’t say. It’s not our job to cater to everybody’s feelings.

Compromise is not an option. If someone doesn’t like your writing because you had too much Truth in it, that’s their problem. Don’t compromise Truth for popularity.

Our books, in and of themselves, are nothing. The only thing that makes them anything is the Truth from God’s Word that we place in them.

I would rather my book have “too much” Bible in it (if that’s even a thing), than have it lack Truth and be the most eloquently written novel in the world. Why? Because the only thing that matters in this world is Truth. If my story is worth anything, it will be because it has principles of God’s Word and contains the Scriptures.

Nothing else holds value.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

4. Don’t Hold On To The Let Downs

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has been guilty of this before.

As writers, our writing is a little window into the things that move us the most. We write about things we are passionate about. In many ways, our writing is a tiny piece of our spirit captured on a sheet of paper.

Naturally, when we share that piece of ourselves with the world, we are bound to be in for a let down or two. It’s discouraging when someone doesn’t like your work. It’s tough when an editor comes back with some suggestions that kind of sting.

But don’t wallow in the let downs. Take the learning curve from the let down and let the rest of it go. You’ll be a stronger writer for it.

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:”

Proverbs 24:16

Don’t stay down for the count. Let God use the let downs to grow you, and then let go of them.

5. Don’t Be Dead Set On What You Think The Process Should Be

By this I mean, the writing and publishing process is different for every person and every project. Some writers can easily write and edit a book in a few months. For others, it may take a little more time. And that’s okay!

I believe that God’s timing is going to be different for every person. But it will always be perfect. That includes for authors.

Don’t beat yourself up over not hitting certain deadlines or goals. If you are seeking God’s will for your journey, He will guide. And where He guides, He always provides.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of rushing to get things done. But sometimes I think we rush things that we want to see happen. When a mountain drops in our path, we do everything we can, and then some, to scale the mountain top, never stopping to think that maybe God had a different path He wanted you on. Maybe the mountain dropped in your path to save you from something you think you want, but would actually be bad for you.

Writing and publishing is a journey. Don’t rush yourself because you feel like if you don’t hit certain milestones, it means you’re a bad writer and will fail miserably.

If God is guiding every footstep of your journey, you cannot fail.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Psalm 37:23

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Now it’s your turn! What are some things you would advise Christian writers to avoid?

Let us know in the comments!

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8