A Rookie’s Best Advice

In the short time since I published my first book (10/10/2020), I’ve been asked many times what advice I would give to those with a book idea of their own. Although this rookie is happy to answer what I can about the mechanics and business of being a writer, I would only be telling a half-truth if I stopped there. 

Over the last 6 years that I’ve been attending my local writer’s and mastermind groups, poking around conferences and expos, taking e-courses, dog-earing craft books, listening to podcasts, and “friend-stalking” the authors I want to be like when I grow up, I’ve learned a great deal. But stretch me as those things have, that learning curve is slight compared to the foundational education that I believe someone whom God calls to pick up a pen must acquire. 

Am I referring to a college degree? No- don’t have one; nor did I go to Bible School. I haven’t held an official staff position (paid or volunteer) at my church. I’ve never even taught a Sunday School class or led a small group. But when it comes to being an author, I don’t suffer for a second from “Imposter Syndrome”. Here’s why: 

I believe that in order to have words worthy of writing down, you must first authentically learn them through life experience. Persevering through the trials, failures, and heartaches that come our way equip us with wisdom worth writing about. And hang with me; I’m not referring to non-fiction writers alone. This is coming from the author of a children’s picture book. Fiction can be one of the greatest ways to impart truth. The Author of Life was, is, and forever will be the greatest storyteller of all time. Jesus Christ himself taught through parables and stories. 

Through his words and deeds, he equipped us to be overcomers, then sent the Holy Spirit to counsel us along our way. And like anything worthwhile, I am convinced that the journey of becoming an effective writer (one who is doing Kingdom work, producing fruit that will last) starts at His feet. And what drives us there more effectively than trials?

I write fables. My debut book illustrates what it looks like to love the difficult people in your life. And although it’s catchy and cute, I’m told that it can preach- But honestly, to no one more than myself. 

What I didn’t expect was the way in which I would be tested on my own words through the process of publishing this book. I’ll have a more definitive opinion down the publishing road, but I have a hunch that perhaps this is the reality of the author journey. How often I have been exhorted by the words of the little woodland creatures in this series! Simple truths, much easier taught than lived out, require the work of the Holy Spirit in our yielded lives.

So whether or not you have a degree, business experience, an impressive platform, or are just getting started—f you have a desire to write, here is my best advice:

First, practically speaking, be patient. Avoiding embarrassing or costly mistakes. Having a professional product in the end is worth the investment of your time and dollars. 

Next, silence the voice that questions your ability or whether or not you “qualify” to be an author. God never chooses those whom we would view as the obvious pick now does he?

Finally, sit humbly at his feet and gain a heart of wisdom as you negotiate your own set of trials and victories. What he is teaching you, though often through a painful process, is likely the reason the desire to write has been planted within you. 

Listen for His voice if you want to find yours. Then write. Write for the joy of it. Write because it makes you laugh, or cry, or feel inspired. Most of all, write because when you do, you feel the unparalleled warmth of his smile.

Shelleen Weaver is a poet, former Miss Teen of Pennsylvania, a singer/songwriter/recording artist of the CRW # 1 hit song, Enraptured, a speaker, wife, and mom. And completely, utterly, a child at heart. She’s the author of Love Bird, the first of the Fruit Fables series, which grew out of the bedtime stories and original lullabies she told and sang to her children when they were young. Shelleen lives with her husband and three children in gorgeous Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. More at ShelleenWeaver.com