The books that sell (and get finished) on Amazon might surprise you…

Unseen Servants Unseen Servants and the risk of bitterness  As writers, we can often feel unseen. If we're not careful, we can become discontent and desire the praise and recognition from men & women. Are we able to be faithful and seek our approval and recognition from God alone? Let's take a look at some examples in scripture.  Gehazi, servant to Elisha (2 Kings 5:20-27) Martha (Luke 10:38-42) Older son (Luke 15:25-32) Women supporting Jesus (Luke 8:1-3) Our friend Craig Sampson, when I worked in YFC. This man was one of the best volunteers you could ever ask for. Always faithful with no desire for personal gain and recognition.  Matthew 6:4-6 - "Your Father who sees in secret…" Revelation 2:2-4 - "I know the things you do…" May we learn to be content as unseen servants for the Lord, regardless of any praise or recognition we receive from people.    Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Have you ever bought a writing course or joined a program… and still didn't finish your book? You're not alone—and you're not the problem. In this episode, we're unpacking the real reason so many Christian writers stay stuck—even after investing in programs. If you've felt overwhelmed, burned out, or discouraged by past experiences, this message is for you. You'll hear what makes Christian Book Academy different—and how hundreds of writers are finally finishing and publishing their books with a system that actually fits how God wired them. This isn't about trying harder. It's about having the right support. Because God's not done with your message. Let's take the next step—together. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/

Feeling unqualified to write your book? Like you need more confidence, more clarity, or more credentials before you start? In this episode, we're flipping that belief on its head. You'll hear why not feeling "ready" is often the exact sign God's calling you—and why He equips as you go. We'll share real stories from writers just like you, who stepped out in faith without a plan and saw God meet them on the path. This isn't about striving harder—it's about surrendering sooner. If you've felt the nudge to write but keep hesitating, this episode is your permission slip to take the next step… ready or not. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/

If you've ever started writing your book, felt excited, motivated, even called… and then life happened, momentum vanished, and guilt took over—this episode will breathe fresh hope into your calling. Shelley Hitz shares why starting and stopping is not a sign you've failed, fallen behind, or missed your assignment. Instead, it's a signal that you simply didn't have the right support system in place. You'll hear real stories from Christian writers who stalled for months—or even years—before finally finishing their books with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Shelley unpacks the shift that helped them move from "I'll try again someday" to holding a published book in their hands. You'll learn: Why your past attempts don't disqualify you The hidden reason most writers can't sustain momentum What changes when you stop writing alone How a simple 15‑minute rhythm can transform your writing life The structure and spiritual support that make finishing inevitable If God has placed a message on your heart, it's not too late. Your calling didn't expire just because your progress stalled. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/  

Fulfilling your Ministry "And say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you." ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭ NIV = "complete the ministry" ESV = "fulfill the ministry" The Message = "And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best." "I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house." ‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬b-2‬  Most likely Philemon, his wife Apphia, and their son Archippus. All in the same household.  Imagine one person being singled out at the end of this letter to the Colossians church.  Most scholars see Paul's admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement, similar to Paul's exhortations in his epistles to Timothy and Titus. It's interesting to note that Paul had never actually visited the Colossians church in person but we can be sure his written words to them made a tremendous impact and continue to do so today. We are each an Archippus and have a ministry to carry out.  Paul's encouragement to Archippus and his family should encourage all of us to also "complete the ministry" God has given us. Kingdom writer, be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Think you need a long weekend or a perfect schedule to finish your book? Think again. In today's episode, Shelley shares the simple but powerful writing rhythm that's helping Christian Book Academy members finally finish their drafts — even in the middle of real life. If you've been stuck waiting for "someday," this is your permission to stop striving and start showing up — just 15 minutes at a time. Join us at https://christianbookacademy.com/ Take a step of faith and finally finish your book.

Do you feel stuck when it's time to market your book? Do you feel stuck when it's time to market your book? In this episode, Shelley shares how the Book Marketing Multiplier Workshop will give you a simple 3-step framework—Plan → Prompt → Post—to turn your own words into ready-to-share content in minutes. You'll walk away with emails, posts, and graphics you can use right away, plus a weekly rhythm to keep reaching readers without overwhelm. 👉 Reserve your ticket here: https://authors.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-multiplier/  

If you've been spinning your wheels trying to decide which book to write first… this episode is for you. In just 5 minutes, you'll walk through a simple but powerful process to: ✅ Narrow down your book ideas ✅ Choose the breakthrough you're ready to write about ✅ Find the clarity and confidence to move forward This is the same process we teach inside our Book Writing Lab workshop — and it's helped so many Christian writers finally get unstuck and finish their books. You don't need to write your entire life story. You just need to start with one message you've lived. 🎯 Ready for even more clarity? Join us in the Book Writing Lab: https://bookwritinglab.com

Still waiting for clarity? Maybe it's waiting on you. If you've been spinning your wheels trying to choose the perfect book idea, here's the truth: it's not about finding the flawless starting point. It's about obeying the nudge God already gave you and moving forward in faith. If you're stuck in overthinking mode, paralyzed by the fear of choosing wrong — this is your invitation to start simple, start small, and start now. Join us inside Christian Book Academy and take the next faithful step toward finishing your book at https://ChristianBookAcademy.com  

Most Christian writers think "longer = better." But the data — and reader behavior — tell a completely different story. In this episode, I'll show you why shorter books not only get finished but also sell. You'll see the Amazon strategy behind it, how readers behave, and what's working inside Christian Book Academy right now. Want help finally finishing and publishing your book? Join us inside https://ChristianBookAcademy.com