I recently finished writing my first book. It’s still surreal to say that, for there were many moments I doubted I would ever see it in my rearview. For over eighteen months, about as long as an elephant’s pregnancy, my book took up residency in my heart. It was one of the first things I thought about each morning, and it was inescapable even in my dreams.
They say elephants never forget—but I sure do. So while it’s still fresh, I’m looking back on my journey and remembering what I learned in hopes that it will encourage and inspire others.
I’ve divided these twelve lessons into three sections: Essential Planning, Dependent Posturing, and Persevering Practices.
If you’ve ever wanted to write a book and doubted you could do it, or you’re curious about this process, this is for you.
Essential Planning
Before you start writing, it’s important to do some macro-planning, and then continue to micro-plan as you write your book.
- Write a book proposal. Whether you desire to be traditionally or self-published, this is an essential first step. A book proposal is a business plan for your book that helps you (the writer) clarify your idea, objective, structure, and audience. This document not only helped me secure a publishing deal, but it also became a point of reference throughout the process, keeping me true to my idea. My 50-page proposal included the first three chapters of my book, which helped me gain confidence that I could write my book.
- Set mini-deadlines. Once you have the structure of your book established, pull out your calendar and set a schedule for yourself with mini-deadlines. I wanted to set realistic, but challenging deadlines to ensure steady progress. I gave myself a few weeks of buffer for family obligations and travel, which helped me not to panic when I needed to make a few adjustments.
- Find your rhythm. I’m not the fastest writer, so I gave myself roughly two weeks to complete each chapter. I spent a week researching, taking notes, and making an outline, and then a week (or so) to write the chapter. At first, I was discouraged by my slow progress, but by the end, I picked up speed and even finished early.
- Create a system for notes and research. Ideas come at random times, so it’s important to have a system for filing (and finding) your notes. I started with a free version of Notion, but quickly ran out of space and didn’t want to upgrade. Then I moved to Scrivener (where I wrote my book), but found that to be a little clunky. Finally, I ended up in Google Docs, which was sufficient. My journal was also invaluable as I often jotted down notes in my quiet time that I transferred later.
Dependent Posturing
The best laid plans still need the Spirit’s guidance. As we abide, we need to keep an open and dependent heart posture—trusting that where the Spirit leads, he provides.
- Pray always. There’s beauty in knowing you’re in over your head, and you are utterly dependent on the Lord. Every day, I would dedicate my writing to the Lord, asking him for help with the smallest of details. Lord, help me figure out how to start this chapter. Please help me understand this text. Give me wisdom to know what to include and what to leave out. Because I was always talking to God about my book, it was a collaborative creative process.
- Keep a journal. My daily quiet time includes journaling about life and writing. I journaled many prayers, and now they are a testimony to me of God’s faithfulness through the many struggles I faced while writing. When I couldn’t see a way on Monday, I often testified to how God helped me on Tuesday.
- Wait on the Lord. One of the most challenging periods was trying to find a publisher for this project. Agents and acquisition editors affirmed my writing and book idea, but thought my platform was too small. However, you only need one to see your vision, and Christian Focus Publications was my one. I praise God for this provision, and that season of waiting has been a constant reminder and testimony of God’s hand on this work.
- Stay in the Word. One of the privileges of writing a Christian book is being steeped in God’s Word all day long. But one of the subtle temptations Christian writers face is to turn every encounter in God’s Word into “content” instead of just sitting at his feet. Since the topic of my book is about quiet times and experiencing holy leisure, this was especially important for me to continue practicing what I was preaching. While I didn’t do this perfectly, the Lord blessed my intention to enjoy him in my pursuit of holy leisure, and he faithfully ministered to me in that time.
Persevering Practices
Writing is an endurance exercise. Implementing a few of these practices will help you persevere when there’s no finish line in sight.
- Determine your reader’s transformation. Keeping this in mind helps set the direction and tone of your book. For my book, I aimed to help readers transition from viewing their quiet time with the Lord as a duty or a checkbox to a pursuit of holy leisure. That was my overall objective, but each chapter contained a mini-transformation to move my readers closer to that goal. Addressing those felt needs helps keep your book relatable, friendly, and human.
- Outlines help, but should be flexible. I’m amazed at writers who can outline an entire chapter and stick to it. But I’m more like Flannery O’Connor, who said, “I don’t know what I think until I read what I write.” With my proposal in hand, I knew the general direction for each chapter, but getting there took some navigating and more than a few wrong turns. Outlines helped, but often the Spirit pivots your best laid plans, and that’s okay.
- Get outside eyes at the right time. So much of a writer’s work is private, tucked away, and unseen by others. But at specific points, it’s good to peel back the curtain and let others see what you’re working on and give feedback. I had a few faithful readers who served as my sounding board, second set of eyes, and editors throughout this process. They helped me see gaps I wouldn’t usually see.
- Write in new spaces, if possible. I’m a creature of habit and comfort, and my favorite writing spot is in my home office. However, writer’s block is real, and so my husband and I were thankful we could spend a few weekends away for writing retreats. Those uninterrupted times provided bigger chunks of productivity and progress, plus the views weren’t too shabby. But an afternoon in a coffee shop or a quiet room in a library serves the same purpose. New scenery usually equals new inspiration.
Elephant in the Room
Writing a book is an elephant-sized task: slow, weighty, and often overwhelming. From writing my proposal to submitting my completed manuscript, my process took about a year and a half. However, old notebooks and half-started files on my computer reveal that my book idea goes back decades. In early seasons of motherhood, I prayed for a creative outlet and a way to express my love for God through writing. I believe this book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places, is the culmination and fulfillment of those prayers (expected release in March 2026).
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Do you have a longing to write a book someday? Is there a message on your heart you want to share? A story you want to explore? A topic you’re passionate about?
Don’t discount those longings. Continue to pray, journal, and document your thoughts. No matter how insurmountable it seems, keep plugging away.
Writing a book is a lot like eating an elephant—it happens one bite at a time.
Cara
P.S. Speaking of taking bites…there are two ways to get a taste of my new book. Check out this new download below, Discovering Your Path to Holy Leisure. Also, if you’re interested in how you approach God’s Word, take my free quiz, Discover Your Quiet Time Approach.
