Before we talk craft or contracts or query letters, we need to talk about something that will shape everything else on this journey.

Humility.

Not the kind that shrinks back and whispers, I have nothing to offer. And not the kind that charges forward thinking, I already know what I need to know. Both will quietly sabotage the work before it ever reaches a reader.

The Two Extremes

Some of us feel a deep sense of calling. God may have put this book on our hearts. But a divine assignment doesn’t exempt us from the learning curve. God can call us to write a book and expect us to grow in the craft. Both things are true.

Others are drowning in insecurity. That hesitation can feel like humility, but sometimes it’s just fear wearing a disguise.

Here’s the line worth sitting with:

Confidence doesn’t mean we have nothing to learn. Humility doesn’t mean we have nothing to offer.

What Teachability Actually Looks Like

When someone critiques our writing, something in us flinches. It feels personal. But that resistance, if we let it run things, will keep us small.

Proverbs doesn’t soften this: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)

And here’s a practical reality: if sharing our words with a trusted friend feels terrifying, what will it feel like to publish a book for strangers?

A Few Next Steps

* Pray and journal. Ask God to show you where pride, in either direction, is shaping how you see yourself as a writer.

* Learn the industry. Let yourself be a beginner. That’s not weakness; it’s wisdom.

* Find someone to read your work. Start thinking about who in your life could offer honest, caring feedback.

One More Thing

If mindsets are getting in the way of your writing, The Christian Writers’ Mindset Makeover is a free resource that walks through six common struggles and the biblical truth that meets each one. Find it at amylynnsimon.com/makeover or grab the link in the show notes.

Resources:

From Stuck to Steady: The 5 Pillars of a Consistent Writing Rhythm for Christian Writers (free 30-minute recorded workshop)

Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

What should you actually do before you start writing your book?

In this episode, I’m joined by author and acquisitions editor Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about what aspiring authors often overlook in the excitement of getting started.

If you’ve been eager to dive into writing your book but feel unsure where to begin, or you’ve already started but question whether you’re on the right track, this conversation will help you step back and build a stronger foundation.

Jennifer shares the three essential things every writer should focus on before writing their book:

* Growing an audience of readers who are genuinely interested in your message

* Developing your writing craft and strengthening your skills

* Clearly defining your target reader and the problem your book will help them solve

We also go behind the scenes of her newest book, How to Love Your Morning, as she shares how the idea came to life, along with the intentional research and planning that shaped it.

This episode will help you move forward with clarity and purpose, so you’re not just writing a book, but writing one that truly serves your readers.

Next Steps:

If this episode helped you realize you need more clarity on your message or audience, that’s exactly what I help writers do.

→ Book a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you find clarity→ Download From Stuck to Steady if you’re ready to figure out why you struggle to write consistently.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus.

Follow Jennifer on social media @JenniferDukesLee.

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

Welcome to a brand-new season of The Purposeful Pen! From now through July, we’re focusing on what happens before you write a book—because the writing journey starts long before “Chapter One.”

If you’ve ever told someone you’re a writer and immediately been asked, “What books have you written?”—you’re not alone. Many people assume writing always leads to publishing a book. But is that really the goal?

In this episode, we take a step back to explore a foundational question: Why do you want to write in the first place?

Writing can take many forms—journaling, poetry, blogging, articles, or even processing personal experiences. Not all writing is meant for publication, and not all writers are called to write books.

But if you do feel called to write for others—to encourage, serve, and build up the Body of Christ—then it’s important to approach writing with clarity and intention.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* Why writing a book isn’t the only (or first) goal for writers

* The importance of understanding your motivation for writing

* Different ways your writing can impact others beyond books

* What it actually takes to prepare for writing and publishing a book

* Why clarity about your reader and message matters before you begin

Writing a book is a meaningful goal—but it’s also a significant journey. It requires growth in your craft, clarity in your message, and a willingness to share your work, receive feedback, and build a platform over time.

In the coming episodes, we’ll walk through the essential steps to take before you ever start your manuscript.

Resources Mentioned:

* Download your free Journey to Publication guide: amylynnsimon.com/free-writing-resources

Next Steps:

Take a few minutes to reflect:

* Why do I want to write?

* Who do I want to serve with my words?

* What impact do I hope my writing will have?

Stay Connected:

Enjoying the podcast? Get Pen Points, a weekly email with:

* A short summary of each episode

* A key question to reflect on

* Practical next steps

* A prayer for your writing

Subscribe here: amylynnsimon.com/pen-points

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com