As I feel my way through the front end of this senior adult chapter of life, I have several “bucket list” items I want to accomplish, some of which I’ve checked off the list and others still to do. One of the items checked off is publishing a book (three to be exact).
Have you ever thought about writing a book? You may not realize it, but you have a story to tell. Every person has a story inside them.
Powerful
Stories are powerful. Moving. Sometimes humorous and inspiring. That’s why periodicals like Guideposts, Reader’s Digest and The Alabama Baptist are so popular. They are filled with interesting stories, practical ideas and inspiration.
That’s how writers like Ronda Rich and Sean Dietrich make their living, telling powerful stories.
First, you have wisdom to pass along. Maybe it’s life lessons for your children and grandchildren, or business practices and principles. Maybe the content is wisdom you picked up from your grandparents as you were growing up.
Second, you have stories to tell.
Third, you have a desire to help people. Your stories can inspire. Your wisdom can encourage. As you pass along what you’ve learned, you will help people in their struggles and as they walk their journey. Your help will be a tremendous blessing.
Fourth, you want to help people grow spiritually.
Fifth, you want to share your family’s history or a family member’s experience. I know of a lady named Clare Bryan who was rummaging through her father’s attic in the house in which she grew up. She and her brother spent many hours in this attic taking blankets and building forts, etc. These blankets and dress up clothes were piled on top of an old chest.
On this day, she decided to dig into the chest and at the very bottom she found a box of old letters written 1942–45. Her father had been captured and was a POW and many of these letters written by the parents to the son had been returned to sender, but they saved them. Many of his letters mailed to his parents before his capture were also in the box.
As Clare read through these letters, her father’s WWII experience, which he never shared much about, came to light. And so did the strength of her grandmother’s faith.
Sixth, you want to pass down a legacy. Our written words live far longer than we do. For years, I’ve written a newspaper column as an expansion of my ministry. I always wanted to compile some of this material into a book. I selected some favorite columns, updated them, hired an editor to help me polish and organize, then added other personal stories. I approached this effort as a legacy project, writing up stuff that one day my grandchildren would read and appreciate about their grandfather’s experiences and lessons for life.
Endurance
Seventh, writing a book will help you build endurance. It’s a process — a journey — and not everyone sticks with the task. It takes discipline, perseverance, a tough skin, dedication and hard work. Yet it’s worth it.
Eighth, writing a book will give you a sense of accomplishment. When you finish and see those books arrive and hold that “book baby” in your hands for the first time, there’s a real sense of satisfaction. You started something and saw it through to completion.
Ninth, writing a book is therapeutic. For some folks, woodworking, golf or some other leisure pursuit is their outlet. For me writing is therapeutic. I enjoy it and especially enjoy the finished product. There’s a great sense of satisfaction seeing your work published, and, as previously stated, a great sense of reward when someone benefits.
Tenth, God called you to write a book. I have writing in my blood. I must write. I love to write. I feel led to write. As one editor stated, “The printer’s ink must flow.”
So what story is inside you that you need to tell? What life experience do you need to pass down?
Getting started
- Pray for God’s direction as you begin this writing journey. Pray for God’s blessing.
- Take 30 minutes a day to write something. Just start writing. Respond to the devotional you read this morning. Journal thoughts about the Bible passage you read. Write down funny experiences you had before you forget it. Just start writing.
- Connect with other writers. Many are in the same boat you are in, trying to get direction, trying to move from start to finish. Join Facebook groups such as Southern Christian Writers Conference, Christian Writers for Life or Blue Ridge Bible Study Writers. Start networking.
- Attend Christian writers conferences to learn basics and to meet other writers.
- Find a strong editor to help polish your manuscript and make suggestions for improvements.
EDITOR’S NOTE — David L. Chancey is pastor of McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, and a frequent contributor to The Alabama Baptist. Read more of David’s writings at davidchancey.com.
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