Novel November is just around the corner. You may be scrambling to get everything prepped before a month long of intense writing. Perhaps you’re feeling quite overwhelmed as you look ahead at all there is to do. There are outlines to be made, characters to be developed, worlds to be built, writing communities to join, etc. Perhaps this will be your first year doing Novel November and you have no idea where to even start. Whether you’re a veteran or newbie at Novel November, in my “Preptober” series, I will walk you through helpful mindsets and practical strategies to set you up for a successful novel writing month. Before diving headlong into writing strategies, scheduling, and even tips for meal planning, you have to pause and time to prepare your heart for this grand writing adventure you are about to embark on. If you first prepare your heart, the task will be less daunting, and the journey far more rewarding.
The first step to preparing your heart is to know your calling as a writer.
If you are a Christian, you have a high calling as one of “God’s Chosen Ones” to live a life that is set apart.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV). What does that look like? It looks like putting on holiness and “Let[ing] the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (16-17.)
“In whatever you do, in word or in deed.” Writing your novel is included in that list. We are called to use our writing for His glory. As one of “God’s chosen ones,” we have a message. Writing is more than words on a page. It is more than just a story. Your story is a torch– A mere flicker in the cold darkness, or a beacon of light in the midst of a storm. Your story is a gospel, spreading the good news: Hope is not lost, death has not won, and that there is freedom, redemption and hope in our Savior Jesus Christ!
Once you know your calling as a writer, you can prepare your heart to write by surrendering your story to Christ, letting Him work in and through the story that He has placed in your heart. This may look like praying before your writing session and dedicating that time to Him. It could look like surrendering your imposter syndrome saying, “God, I have no idea what I’m doing or where this story is going, but I trust YOU. I know you have called me to this. Please use me.” Surrender it all– even if it means realizing that though God has gifted you to write, He is asking you to lay it aside for a season, to better serve Him in other areas of your life until He calls you to pickup your pen and begin anew.
No matter where you are in your writing process, prepare your heart by keeping in constant communication with our loving Savior. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Communication with Him will help keep your heart yielded to Him and what He is teaching you. If your heart is close to Christ’s, He will shine all the brighter through your stories. Pray for inspiration when you have writer’s block. Pray if you fear that your story isn’t good enough, or you’re anxious about the finances for your first book launch. Pray for wisdom when you don’t know the next step or are unsure of how to fit writing into your busy schedule. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5.) Prepare your heart by having a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude. “In everything give thanks, Give thanks to Him for the story in your heart, praise Him for this special calling He has beckoned you to, and give thanks through every milestone and even every trial. Remember, He is writing your story, and working all things according to the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Through all of this, don’t get so lost in preparation and in the writing process that it completely consumes you. Don’t let your mission become your idol. It is so easy to be so consumed with writing our story, that we neglect spending time with the One we are writing it for. Often, I find myself relating with Martha who was so busy doing all the things, that she failed to sit at the feet of Jesus and just listen to Him.
Keep Him first in your writing process. Remember your calling. Surrender your story to Him. Ask Him for wisdom, pray without ceasing, and rejoice through every step of your writing process.
Take heart! With His strength, you can accomplish that which He has called you to do.