By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Happy 2025 everyone, Debb here. Everywhere I look, people are disagreeing about something. In the arts, be they culinary, visual, musical, performance based or writing, we have guidelines that are sort of universal, (show don’t tell, don’t serve raw poultry etc.), but there’s also a lot of room for subjectivity (anyone who has entered a contest will feel this to their very soul). Subjectivity can lead to disagreement. That’s understandable. To a degree.

But how about we counter that with writerly cohesion? Yes? Can I get some amens? As writers, whether pre-published, Christy Hall of Famer, struggling indie, NYT bestseller, multi-published or debut, there’s a lot we can do for each other. And these actions, my friends, further the WHOLE KINGDOM.

Pray

 You can always pray for other writers. Either for writers you know and can lift up in a specific way, or for groups of writers (conference faculty, organization boards, your favorite authors) – you can pick as the spirit leads. And if you circle back and let the writer know, I guarantee they’ll feel so encouraged.

Read and review

Oh glory. Who doesn’t love seeing good reviews? The best gift for a writer is to read and then tell others what you liked. If you didn’t like a book, you’ll need to follow your conscience – I was always told to say something nice or hold my tongue, but obviously there are exceptions to that. And with reviews – cut and paste PROLIFICALLY. Wherever books are sold (not just Amazon), and reviews are left (Goodreads and Bookbub etc) then share on social media.

Newsletter up large

 Email or newsletter numbers are a big deal when submitting a book proposal. Sign up to support other writers. Follow their blogs or author socials. Take fifteen minutes a day to look at the ones that grab you and engage. Even a small comment helps boost the statistics.

Spread the word

 If you’ve read someone and loved their work, tell friends who like to read. I will never forget being at a conference where a very successful writer was the keynote. I went to buy a couple of her books because I’d loaned copies and not had them returned. The author’s husband looked at me, “your money’s no good. You sell far more books by reviewing. These are on us.” Made me teary. We can’t scream widely about every single book, but we can always recommend the best ones to friends. Word of mouth is powerful.

Help laterally

We all enjoy a hand every now and then. If you have a writing friend who isn’t as far on their journey as you are, offer to lend a hand. I’m not talking about massive mentoring, but maybe cast an eye over a page or two? Offer an endorsement? If you have a friend who’s further along than you. Maybe sending a note and a cheerlead during deadline season? Send them an e-gift card for takeout, remind them they CAN do this.

If we can adopt any of these steps – or all of them – you will be building the Kingdom as Christian writers are lifted up in myriad ways. Then everyone wins, regardless of the world around us.

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.