by Maureen Miller

Creds—(n.) an abbreviation meaning credibility; also referring to authenticity.

I’m a collector.

There. I said it. Whether seashells that hold special meaning or unique stones I find and set in my garden, I enjoy collecting.

But unlike the accumulation of this-or-that, much for one’s own pleasure, for a writer, particularly a Christian writer, the collecting of creds aims at a broader, even more beautiful purpose. Because its ultimate aim is two-fold—to birth a message and send it out as well as to bring glory to the One who’s responsible for giving the gift of writing in the first place.

Isn’t it true? As writers of both fiction and nonfiction, poetry and prose, we strive to be authentic while gaining credibility in the literary world, all the while pointing readers to Christ. But with so much emphasis on producing a best-selling novel or work of nonfiction, we can become discouraged.

Let’s be honest. Achieving such success—finishing that book, sending out proposals, landing a publisher—can prove daunting. Feel overwhelming. Even out of reach.

Perhaps the Lord hasn’t yet called you to write a book. Or maybe you have a work in progress but need other projects to turn to when writer’s block threatens, leaving you feeling stuck.

Have you considered searching for collaborative projects into which to pour your creative energy, share your gift? The opportunities are numerous and quite easy to find.

Take Chicken Soup for the Soul, for example. A quick Google search leads inquiring minds to a list of opportunities, as this popular collaborative series keeps a running list of topics about which one can write.

A wonderful tool as well is the Christian Writers Market Guide—both online and in print, updated regularly. Within its pages, one finds many opportunities for collaborative writing.

Finally, being part of a Christian writers’ fellowship or critique group, or by attending Christian writers’ conferences, we can make further connections which might lead to future writing opportunities.

Indeed, though one hasn’t yet published a book, maybe hasn’t even begun, she can still gain an audience—thus, adding authenticity and credibility to her byline by participating in collaborative projects.

And what are some benefits of collaborative writing? Here are several—

Experience the joy of publication.

“It’s kind of like ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’,” I laughed with a fellow writer friend. “I’ve collaborated on many projects, but my novel still isn’t ready to see the light of day.”

And it’s true, though I’ve learned I shouldn’t feel ashamed. In fact, being published in collaboratives brings joy, not to mention adds credibility to one’s byline. And if you have a byline, then you, too, are an author.

Certainly. As Christian writers, we desire to be published, and while that shouldn’t be our number one goal, when God calls us to hone our craft—having given us a gift with words—it’s only natural we’d want our message out in the world, where it will make a difference for His kingdom.

Whether traditional or via indie, self-publishing, or a hybrid, publication is the avenue our words travel to reach a broader audience. And honestly, who doesn’t experience a sense of pleasure upon receiving the news—that an article was selected? A devotion will be included? Indeed, that one’s written words have been accepted and are being sent out, beyond our laptops and journals?

Be part of a family.

“Did you hear that, Prancer? Your story’s going to publication,” I proclaimed to my Golden Retriever.

My pooch wagged her pleasure as my heart soared, having learned I’d become part of a “found family” because of my devotion about my hound.

But perhaps dogs aren’t your thing. Maybe adoption is. Or you or someone you know has had a near-death experience.

I’d venture to say that almost all collaborative projects fall under an umbrella theme, with calls for submission aimed at supporting a particular topic.

Whether it’s practicing God’s presence in unique ways or simply a call for cat stories, contributors have the opportunity to weigh in on the topic. By doing so, they naturally gain fellowship with other writers who, likewise, have something to say, their varying expertise a common thread which binds them together.

Though these brothers and sisters may never meet face to face, there are occasions for Zoom meetings, online launch parties, social media groups, and group emails where folks celebrate with one another, pray for one another, and have the opportunity to encourage each other in the writing journey.

Indeed, collaborative projects are a great way to grow a writing family—its members sharing common interests and life experiences. And who knows? You just might bump into that fellow collaborator at a Christian writers’ conference or, perhaps, a dog park half a world away!

Grow through following submission guidelines.

 “Let’s play UNO!” my 14-year-old daughter exclaimed, dropping a deck of cards on our dining table.

And while I’d enjoyed this popular game on many occasions, it had been a long time. “I don’t remember how,” came my lament, assuming she’d put the cards away, move on to Slap Jack or, better yet, Old Maid. After all, I didn’t have to take the time to read the directions for those.

Determined, “Mom, ask Siri or just Google UNO’s instructions.”

Stumped again. Within minutes, we were playing—by the rules!

And while I’d not suggest one consult Siri on matters of submission guidelines (except, perhaps, on how to spell “precise”), I will say one needs to overcome her intimidation of reading and following directions. That is, if she desires to answer a call for publication from a particular collaborative project.

Because nearly every call for submissions has its own set of rules, and following them precisely will increase one’s chances of being considered.

Furthermore, we only get one opportunity to make a good first impression. Even if offered grace by being permitted to edit and resubmit (which does happen sometimes), publishers remember more than we might think. Thus, it’s important we do our best, then rest, and—yes!—let God handle the outcome.

Making a manuscript shine—whether 300 words or 3000—begins with following submission guidelines. Doing so increases the likelihood that a publisher will, upon reading yours, proclaim, “Uno!”

Share one’s story.

While in college at Asbury University, my class—the Messengers—like every class for many years, had a theme hymn. Not surprisingly, ours was H. Ernest Nicole’s “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.”

And while I loved to write way back then, my passion was teaching. Thus, I graduated with a degree in Early Elementary Education. I had no idea at the time that God was already writing a story with my life—that, despite the difficult times I’d experienced already and those I would endure in the coming years, I was a living testimony.

I know differently now. I bet you do too.

One doesn’t have to be a novelist to be deemed a storyteller. Whether collaborating in fiction or nonfiction, our stories work themselves into our poetry. Our prose. Sometimes those nuggets of truth, even when writing a work of fantasy, pop up, surprising us.

“Well, hello!” we exclaim, before asking, “What are you doing here?”

But because Someone else guides our words, we can trust. Then later, having completed the manuscript, we see, at least in part, a purpose for that portion of God’s plan. Even if painful. Yes, sometimes more beautiful because of pain.

Remember—there’s a nation—indeed, a world!—waiting for our words. Yes, for the collaborative stories God’s writing with our lives.

Collaborative writing, whether for magazines or compilation projects, is a beautiful way to get your message out. Prayerfully consider where to submit, then give it all you’ve got.

You have nothing to lose and you’ll learn a lot along the way. Mostly, God just might use you—your words—to speak to another’s heart the message he or she needs to hear.

So, what are you waiting for? There are creds to collect—and all for God’s glory!

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author with stories in more than twenty collaboratives. She contributes to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites. Married for thirty-five years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she enjoys life with their three born-in-their-hearts children and three grand-girls, not to mention a variety of furry beasts. They live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com, telling of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary things of life, and her first novel, Gideon’s Book, will be released spring of 2025.