By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

This past weekend was the London Marathon. More than 50,000 runners covered 26.2 miles around the English capital city. Some were after personal bests, Olympic qualifying even, while others were out for a fun day while raising money for charity. I love watching the coverage and find it quite inspiring. I once ran a half marathon and learned I do not have a full one in me. But I remain fascinated with the process and think writers can borrow from the participants efforts. A marathon is much more than a lot of running, just like writing a book is much more than gathering tens of thousands of words. So, what can we take away from these endurance athletes?

Training

There’s little point sitting down one day and just deciding you’re going to write a book. Chances are you will not know how to start, finish, prop up a draggy middle, format or sell your work. Some of the most successful writers I know, with dozens of books, a shelf of awards and multiple best sellers, still attend conferences, read craft books, and strive to be ever better at writing.

Warm Up

Most runners know one of the best ways to fail is to not warm up. While they stretch or walk to get their muscles warm, writers can do similar. We can stretch to protect against a tight neck or sore shoulders and back. Runners carb load (the funnest part for me). For writers, using a prompt to write a few paragraphs will set your creativity loose. Spending time in prayer over the work you have ahead is a great way to invite the Lord to lay his hands over yours when you sit down at your keyboard.

Purpose

Do you know who you’re writing for and why? Let me challenge you to memorize some scripture to do with your calling as a writer. Maybe something about obedience or perseverance, perhaps you’re feeling the need for protection, or to praise God for the opportunities coming your way. I find wheb I’m clear on what I’m writing and who it’s for, the words and, let’s be real, the discipline, are both more readily available.

Equipment

This is the fun part. Endurance runners need great shoes, nourishing snacks and proper hydration. I’m not sure you need writing shoes, but do make sure you’re comfortable. I often write in fingerless gloves to keep my hands toasty and supple. I find a tub of fruit or veggie sticks is a good way to avoid a package of peanut M&Ms or Reese’s minis – my weapons of sugary choice. And do I need to say coffee? Or tea. Or water if you must. We can still be friends. But as I Brit, if you start with the ice in your tea nonsense, I’m not really sure…

Maintenance

How do you keep yourself going during a writing project? Do you have regular quiet times, worship music in the background, a weekly or more regular time of Bible study? Do you have a show to watch or a nice place to walk to rest your creativity and preserve it for tomorrow’s word count? Just like the Lord rested, it’s important to care for your wellbeing.

Cool Down

And finally, just like runners wrap themselves in a blanket and stretch post-race, when your work is complete, do you have a routine? This is a good time to thank the Lord for the words he’s given you and bring any issues that have arisen that day to his throne. Then it’s time to save shut down your documents, ready to fight anew the next day.

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.