The season for evaluating and organizing our lives and our work is upon us, but the idea of filling the upcoming calendar exhausts me even before I start! Do you ever feel this way?
It’s a real thing, the tug-of-war between the desire to do the task and discouragement, and some days, I feel like quitting. Rather than throwing in the towel completely, I need to stop and understand why I feel this way. At times, scaling back is completely justified and needful. There’s too much on my plate, and something has got to go before relationships, health, or sanity are the things that depart.
As authors, there are plenty of things we should quit doing, but writing is not one of them.
Quit pursuing perfectionism.
Just one more edit, I tell myself. I pursue flawlessness as if it were something attainable even as I know it will never be in my grasp.
Perfectionism is a trap.
It can keep you stuck, unable to progress, or even keep you from starting. Remember that writing is a process, a journey, and the message does not need a perfect vehicle, but an authentic one that points to hope, truth, and redemption. There will always be rewrites and revisions, even for well-seasoned authors.
Instead of perfection, aim for progress.
And when it’s time to submit, kick that idea that it has to be “perfect before published” right to the curb. Yes, do your rewrites, ask your critique partners for help, and get an editor.
Quit comparing.
Comparison steals joy and confidence.
Your unique style doesn’t fit the mold. Guess what? It’s not supposed to! Your voice is unique because God made it that way. Your stories won’t look like anyone else’s.
Quit devaluing your work.
As Christian authors for young adults, our primary goal is to point teens toward Jesus, reveal truth, and hold out hope. The impact of these things is immeasurable. Instead of items that can be quantified on a spreadsheet, these are seeds with no predictable germination date.
As workers in the Kingdom, we know that sales and accolades don’t always reflect the impact of our work. At the same time, if we are not visible, our work isn’t either.
Don’t quit marketing or seeking publicity, but do quit allowing numbers to define worth. As Christian authors, we need to remind ourselves of this truth: if our words point to Christ, they have value. Writing for teens matters. Quit acting as if the value of your words depends on sales numbers or awards.
True and lasting success of the eternal sort is not dependent on feedback, how many books you’ve written or not written, whether you’re published or not, reviews, or sales. We all need reminding of this from time to time, and of the fact that every writing journey looks different.
Don’t quit developing your craft and voice.
Keep studying writing. Take classes. Read widely. Ask for feedback. Learn how to build characters who feel real, how to write dialogue effectively, how to weave faith into your writing organically instead of forcing it.
Focus on what you’re good at. Improving weak areas is necessary, but don’t neglect your natural gifts. Where does your writing sing? That is what makes your voice unique. Whether it’s your characters, dialogue, world-building, descriptions, or another part of your writing that shines, lean into it. Continue to work on the other parts as well, but don’t smother your voice.
Don’t quit fueling your passion. Don’t quit honoring your calling.
Why did you start writing? What beliefs have remained the same? Encourage yourself by revisiting your first calling and listening to your heart.
There will be times when the process is slow and frustrating, but these seasons build endurance. When God calls you to write, he empowers you to do so. And if even one person is touched by your words, that matters. Remain faithful and do your best.
Trust Him with the outcome.
Most of all, don’t quit writing.
Write boldly. Write joyfully. Write with the confidence that God is able to complete the work.
Quit all the things that are holding you back, and start writing.
What are you quitting this year?
Donna Jo Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre author. She writes contemporary young adult, historical fiction, and southern fiction. Many of her novels are about tough issues, but she always ends her stories on a note of hope. Finding the faith to carry on through hard battles in a common theme in Donna Jo’s books. Her novel When the Wildflowers Bloom Again is a 2025 ACFW Carol Award Winner.
Her contemporary young adult novel, Promise Me Tomorrow, is available in ebook, print, and KU.
For the latest news on upcoming releases and other author news, sign up for Donna Jo’s newsletter at donnajostone.com.
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