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Faith Writing: Can You Go WRONG?

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Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ KJV)

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I’m continuing my series for July focused around my blogging journey and the lessons I’ve learned now six months in. There are a few blogs which have become favorites, but I pay special attention to those centered around the Christian faith, which is my life’s path. I’ve previously self-published from a faith perspective, and it’s often a hard road to follow, honestly. What qualifies me to share these words? Are they in line with what the Word says? Is anyone going to be interested?

What does it take to form a solid writing ministry, one that honors God and draws readers to your words? I offer the following starting points from my experience:

It may go without saying, but pray first. Ask what you should write, if you should write. Be sure you’re in line with God’s will. Maybe meet with another writer or your minister for guidance on recognizing that tug in your spirit and where it’s taking you.

Then… write! Put pen to paper and go for it! See where your words fall, what your style and voice are. Reading and studying works by other writers can often show you what not to do, but the right ones can help establish your direction. As I shared in last week’s post, though, write who you are and what you know. You don’t want to be a copycat.

What’s your writing platform? Fiction? Inspiration? More of a blogger than a book author? This might actually take some time to figure out, but as I just mentioned above, getting started, at least, will (and should) guide where you want to go. I enjoyed the small article and prose format of PRAISE!, the magazine I published for seven years. I also wrote and included poetry in it as well. Now, this blogging format seems to suit me, and I enjoy it, too.

Find a course for learning to write effectively, for being a good editor, etc. Oh please do this! I have a journalism degree and have appreciated the gift of words and writing for as long as I can remember. And I STILL take classes and training and read and study and everything! And I STILL get it wrong sometimes! What you put into it will reflect in your final product. You want to show as professional and as one worthy of your gift and calling. I think I’ve mentioned COMPEL Training about five times lately – it’s just a great source for us faith writers to strengthen our craft, and to connect to a community of other writers for support and encouragement.

Keep at it. This sums it up. The verse above says to study to show yourself approved. Write, write some more, then more after that! Pretty soon you’ll have the confidence to share the gift placed in your heart.

You know, I guess you can go wrong with your writing or other line of work. But you can be successful, too, if you put the time in. Now… GO!

What tips do you have for establishing an effective writing ministry?

My Blogging Journey: 5 Lessons Learned

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Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. (Ephesians 4:1 KJV)

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Well, I’m six months in with this space I call New Day! I’m so proud of the words that have been posted and shared here, and grateful for being part of the faith writing and blogging community.

Though I’m no stranger to words, I’m a brand new blogger! I started blogging not really knowing a lot about it, but I’ve learned so much since New Day was launched on January 1. July will be dedicated to my blogging journey so far, and this week I’m sharing a few tips and what I’ve learned these first six months, with hopes that you will find some inspiration for your own path, blogger or otherwise.

5 Lessons:

1) Write who you are and what you know. Obviously, it’s about faith for me. God is the center of my life, He’s the path I’ve chosen. While I can’t claim to have memorized the entire Bible, I do know what’s in my heart and spirit. And I’ve chosen to express that through the gift of words and writing. I can’t do what others do, nor can I be someone other than myself.

2) Stay organized. I’ve found that it’s so important to use a system to stay organized. It reflects in your work as professional and purposeful. I use my iCloud calendar to keep track of my blog schedule and other work. I map my blog posts as far in advance as I can and prepare them a week before post time (each Friday morning at 8:00 EST). I use the Notes app on my iPad and phone to record blog post ideas and themes. So far, this is the system that works for me.

3)Learn what you need for when you need it. In other words, pace yourself. There are so many articles and tips out there on branding and SEO and learning graphic design and this and that. It can be overwhelming! I spent the first couple of months of this year reading a LOT. It has been useful, but honestly, I don’t need it all right now. So I’ve narrowed my needs list to a few focus areas, then narrowed those to a few resources that I’ve found to be most helpful and beneficial. My current focus areas are: quality blog content, social media management, graphic design for blog posts, and faith writing. My main resource as of late is COMPEL Training via Proverbs 31 Ministries. This program provides weekly lessons and is an excellent support vehicle for faith writers.

I’m not ready for SEO, analytics (though I do track and review my site stats through WordPress), and the such. I know these are important and valuable, and I WILL get there!

4) Get feedback. And I don’t mean the replies you get from the comments section of your blog! Ask readers and friends you trust for their honest feedback on what you’re posting. It’s good to have fresh perspective.

5) Read! It helps your writing. Write! It helps your writing! You learn how to read and write by reading and writing. This is so important. Though I have a journalism degree and have previously self-published, I still sharpen my skill set by immersing myself in words. I study other blog posts, I write in my journal, and even listen to how speakers express their thoughts. Recognize styles you like, then develop your own voice.

For other new bloggers, what were your lessons learned in your first few months of blogging?

Grateful Friday

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

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So much has happened since the start of June. I would say it’s been a hectic, hard month. But through it all, God remains, and I make a strong effort to remain with Him. It’s hard to understand why things happen sometimes, but staying focused and in the Word keep me in proper alignment. If I strive for love, joy, faith, goodness, I know I can’t go wrong.

So, in the midst of what may seem dismal, I commit to being grateful! Here’s this month’s offering of thankful:

The Word. I just said it – whenever there’s busyness or trouble or this or that, I turn to God and His Word. Psalm 119:11 says to hide the Word in your heart. It comforts, teaches, guides. There are some places where it even entertains! Mostly, it gives hope, and now more than ever, that’s what the world needs.

Find a version of the Bible that you’re able to follow. I like the aesthetic of KJV, but lately I’ve been sticking with NIV. Read a verse or two each morning to start the day, or find an online study to join. Whatever version or format you follow, just stick with it.

Friends. Oh, where would I be without my hearts who keep me laughing, who support me, and just let me be me! Going back to the Word, it even mentions finding a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). I’m grateful for true friends who show themselves to be such over and over, through and through.

Time off! I’m telling you, there’s nothing like a good ol’ break! From work, from family, just from life. You need to let your mind and body heal and rest from the day-to-day. I know there are those who must put the time in to meet needs, and I understand that path of life. Even so, there’s benefit to taking time just to breathe. I’m grateful for this freedom, and I look forward to my second annual personal retreat at the Proverbs 31 Ministries SheSpeaks Conference.

Speaking of SheSpeaks, my July posts will be focused around my blogging journey so far, leading up to the conference. Even if you’re not a blogger or writer, I hope you’ll follow the posts and find some inspiration for your own journey or path.

Thanks for your engagement here on New Day during June! I’ve appreciated all the likes and comments and sharing. This blog is just the beginning for me – more to come! And hey, tell me what you’re thankful for in the comments below!