by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767

When I first delved into the publishing industry, I battled doubts, discouragement, and fear. Honestly, I often thought about returning to my career as a school administrator. “You’re wasting your degrees,” I’d say to myself. “No one will ever take you seriously” is another phrase I’d whisper before submitting a manuscript. It’s sad but true—I’d become my worst enemy. But, over time, I leaned into harnessing my voice, realizing God wants us to share our uniqueness. This insight freed me to write authentically. For me, writing has never just been about putting words on paper—it’s a soul-stirring calling that aligns deeply with my faith.

I haven’t arrived, and neither do I know it all. I continue to grow, learn, and develop. However, through my many failures and a few successes, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I believe can inspire fellow authors to follow their paths. Here are a few of them—

Utilize the Right Tools

While I appreciate the creative process, I’ve discovered various tools to enhance my writing. I create a comfy writing space where my favorite jazz tunes play softly in the background. I light wonderful-smelling candles and sip on a cup of tea or coffee. I also turn to resources like my ratty, dog-eared college thesaurus, Grammarly, The Art of War For Writers (Bell 2009), and Unleash The Writer Within (Murphey 2011), not to replace my voice, but to refine it. Despite the many helpful resources available, our distinct voice matters, and nothing can replace it. Using the right tools helps elevate our work while remaining true to our style.

Cultivate Authenticity in Writing

Often, readers sense when writers aren’t genuine, so it’s best to be authentic. I frequently share personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs, allowing my faith to shine through my work. Sometimes, it means being transparent even when it feels silly or embarrassing. Authenticity is my goal for my writing, whether it’s an article, blog, devotion, or a suspense novel. I want to resonate with my audience and allow them to connect with my work.

Find Inspiration in Scripture

The Bible is a consistent source of inspiration and strength for me, where I can draw from a well of timeless teachings. Whenever I face imposter syndrome, writer’s block, or uncertainty, I try to turn to Scripture. Passages speaking to God’s faithfulness, love, and grace inspire me to create content reflective of His teachings. Scripture encourages me to stay courageous and persistent, knowing God is always rooting for my success, no matter the circumstances.

Build a Community of Support

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that thriving within a healthy community is better than being isolated. Networking and connecting with authors are a tremendous source of encouragement. We share insights, provide constructive feedback, and pray for each other.

Persevere Through Challenges

Writing consistently is tough, and I continue to face challenges. Whether it’s criticism, rejection, not winning a contest, struggling book sales, or self-doubt, I must encourage myself. I draw strength from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse fuels the determination to keep creating and sharing God’s love through my writing.

Reflect on Our Impact

I’ve seen how stories inspire change, provoke thought, and bring comfort. Knowing my writing could affect someone’s life encourages me to continue sharing my message. As I continue my journey, I strive to reflect on the power my words could have on others.

A Bold Call to Action

Let’s embrace our unique journeys, commit to writing authentically, seek God’s guidance, and support one another. We have a divine purpose in our writing, and it’s our responsibility to share the light of Christ through our words. Let’s write boldly and courageously, knowing we’re not alone. Together, we can inspire, entertain, educate, and uplift through the incredible gift of storytelling.

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”