To write or not to write—that is the question. While this may be a friendly play on words from our good friend, Shakespeare, if you’ve been on the fence as to whether you should take the plunge as a Christian fiction novelist, this post is for you. There are several good reasons to write a book and a few reasons not to, as well.
Let’s knock out the reasons not to write a book first, shall we? If the primary reason you want to become a Christian novelist to “get rich quick,” then you should stop right where you are. “I want to make millions of dollars,” is just about the worst reason there can be to become an author. In fact, the only reason that comes close is seeking fame. Most people who write books do not become famous, nor do they become wealthy.
Write a book for these reasons
Now that we’ve determined that writing might not be in your best interest if you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme or to become a household name around the globe, let’s review five good reasons to write a novel:
- Personal fulfillment
- Improve writing skills
- Create a legacy for your family
- Business tool
- Feeling called
Regarding the last reason on the list, if you feel like you were born to be an author, go for it. When a person feels called to do something in life, it’s always better to try than to later regret not having done so.
You might have multiple reasons
Perhaps more than one of the reasons to write a book listed in the previous section resonated with your spirit. If you can relate to at least one of these ideas, it’s good enough reason to write a book. When more than one of these reasons “speaks to your heart,” then you might want to make writing a book a top priority in your life.
Taking the journey
Some people choose to write a book but never have it published. Others dream of having their work published but are struggling with repeated rejection letters from publishing companies. Try not to think that far ahead yet. Instead, reflect on the “reasons to write a book” shared in this post and go from there.
Maybe you’ll write a story that is shared privately, with your family members only or, for that matter, kept to yourself. On the other hand, maybe—just maybe, you’ll write a Christian fiction novel that makes the best-seller list. You’ll never know, unless you try.
