God Didn't Give You This Book Idea for It to Stay Unfinished

Light for my path Psalm 119 is divided into 22 sections, which represent the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet.  "Nun" = 14th of 22 Hebrew letters. It signifies a "fish" (representing life/continuation) or a "faithful/bent-over servant," symbolizing humility and submission. (Joshua son of Nun) "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭ "A Lamp for the next sentence" As Kingdom writers, we often want God to show us the whole story at once—the full outline, the perfect ending, the flawless draft. But this little verse reminds us that God usually gives light for the next step, not the entire road. A lamp doesn't flood the path with daylight. It reveals just enough to move forward safely. In the same way, God's Word may not reveal your entire book, message, or calling today—but it will illuminate your next paragraph, your next idea, your next faithful act of obedience. "For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭ "Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God." ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭ If we give God's Word daily attention, it will provide us with the direction, correction, and wisdom we need to be the best Kingdom writers we can be.  We are humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need when we open God's Word. We won't find anything in the world that matches its substance and guidance.  It's 'alive and active' as Hebrews 4:12 says, because the same God who spoke creation into being by His word is the same God who spoke the words in our Bibles. He's the same God who will empower our own written words that point to Him.  Closing: God is not asking you to see the whole journey. He is asking you to trust Him with the next line. 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 been stuck on your first draft? You're not alone. In this episode, Shelley shares the biggest reasons writers stay stuck and never finish their manuscript, plus three practical shifts that can help you make real, consistent progress. She also shares details about the upcoming FREE Kingdom Writers Conference: Finish Your First Draft Edition happening on March 24, 2026, featuring 14 hand-picked speakers ready to help you stop second-guessing and start finishing. Register for free at https://www.trainingauthors.com/conference/.

A Posture of Stillness  "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬  "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭ The Hebrew word "raphah" in Psalm 46:10 implies letting go, letting your hands hang down, or ceasing to fight on your own. "As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord," - ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬ ‭ "But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."" - ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, BUT WAIT for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about." - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Refers to Luke 24:49… "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; BUT STAY in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Have you ever run out the door forgetting something important, like car keys or a wallet? Maybe a son or daughter running out the door without their coat, lunch box or backpack of books.  "Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness." - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT "Stand your ground" = Greek word "histemi" which means "to stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm." -Also like the foundation of a building.   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.

Giving Birth to God's Promises Mother Teresa said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Zechariah  "Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ "He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ "Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭ Maybe some of you have said, "I'm too old to write a book now." Maybe you doubt the Lord's ability to birth a powerful message in and through you. Like John the Baptist, our books can help prepare people for the second coming of the Lord and also help turn the hearts of fathers to their children, along with causing the rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.  "He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise, he wrote, "His name is John." Instantly, Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God." ‭‭- Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭63‬-‭64‬ ‭ As we come to believe what God wants to do in and through us, it could be that our words, like Zechariah's, are finally free to be released again through our pens.  Mary "Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭ Like Mary, in her "messy middle", we can say "Emmanuel, meet us where we are — in the messy middle, the doubt, and the longing. Teach us to trust like Mary and say YES even when we can't see the whole story."   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.

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/