#462 You Don't Have to Fit the Mold to Finish Your Book

Writing With Power: How God Shows Up When You Feel Least Ready When your words feel stalled, and your confidence feels thin, that doesn't mean you've lost your calling—it usually means God is inviting you back to the source of your strength. In this teaching, I share the Jeep story that first opened my eyes to what happens when power sits unused… and how easily the same thing happens in our writing. We walk through the four B's—**Believe, Behold, Bow, and Breakthrough**—a simple but deeply spiritual process that helps you write from God's power instead of your own pressure. You'll be reminded that weakness is not a liability in the Kingdom; it's the very place His strength becomes visible. If you've been showing up to the page feeling drained, distracted, or disconnected, this message will help you turn the key again, reconnect with His presence, and let His power flow through every word you write. 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.

Feeling called to write a book, but overwhelmed by where to start? In today's episode, Shelley shares why beginning with a guided journal is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to start publishing — especially for Kingdom writers who want to make an eternal impact without the overwhelm. You'll hear the story behind Shelley's own journal that reached thousands, why guided journals are easier to write than you think, and how you can create one quickly using a simple framework. 🎟 Want to join the Journal the Journey workshop?   Grab your early-bird ticket for just $17 here: https://authors.thrivecart.com/journal-the-journey/

Feeling overwhelmed by everything it takes to self-publish your book? From ISBNs and editing to printing and launching—most Christian writers get buried in the to-do list before they ever hit publish. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, Shelley Hitz shares the Kingdom Writer's Path—a simple, Spirit-led 5-step self-publishing roadmap that helps you go from idea to impact without the tech confusion or hustle. You'll learn: • What to focus on first (and what can wait) • How to build momentum in just 15 minutes a day • And how to publish with peace, clarity, and confidence If God has called you to write, we'll help you finish. 📍 Learn more about Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com Let's finish what God started together.

If you've ever thought, "This sounds great… but how do I know if it's really right for me?" —This episode is for you. In this behind-the-scenes look, Shelley Hitz shares why Christian Book Academy was built specifically for Christian writers who want to partner with God and follow a simple, spirit-led path to publishing. If you've tried other programs and felt overwhelmed, out of place, or unsupported—there's a reason. Most writing systems aren't designed for how God wired you. But this one is. Inside, you'll hear how writers like Jackie, Tanecia, and Lois finally finished their books after years of starting and stopping and why CBA may be exactly what you've been searching for. Let's finally finish what God started—together. Learn more at ChristianBookAcademy.com

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.