The Year of All Years to Finally Write A Book: 2021 is Your Year!

At COMPEL Training, we understand the disappointments of delayed dreams and crushing disappointments that many of us felt during 2020, which is why we have a unique, FREE offer for you where you can hear directly from our team about how to finally make your writing dreams happen in 2021. And… COMPEL registration is open! More information about how to join COMPEL can be found at the bottom of this post!

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Today’s blog post is from Ashley Opliger, writer and participant in Lysa TerKeurst’s Book Proposal Boot Camp as well as founder of Bridget’s Cradles

For the past five years, my best friend has been encouraging me to start writing the book she knew God had placed inside my heart. Every year when she would fly out to stay with me for a week, we’d sit on my couch and stay up talking and dreaming for hours. And every year, I’d end up crying to her that another year has passed and I still hadn’t pursued my calling to write a book. 

What was wrong with me? If this was so important to me, why couldn’t I get started? 

Every year she’d keep encouraging me and we’d make actionable plans for me to start writing. But every year, I’d get distracted and discouraged. She would continue to send me handwritten cards of encouragement and even once sent me a writing care package!

I can’t explain why it took a year like 2020 to break me down and lead me to finally surrender in obedience, but I want you to know if you’re feeling like I was, you’re not alone. I know how hard it is to struggle with the shame of not getting started. I know what it’s like to feel this burning passion in your heart to share your story with others but year after year somehow the pages sit empty. And I know what it’s like to see other people publishing books and see new beautiful covers popping up on the shelves and wondering when your time will come. 

But, this is your year!

I believe 2021 is your year and God is going to do something powerful with your words. There are hurting hearts out in the world right now that need to hear your words of hope. Do not withhold your words from them! When I started looking at my calling to be an author as an extension of my ministry for grieving moms, it felt so much more urgent and important! 

Do not let your words die with you (a fear I’ve always had)

You have one life to live and God has given you a story that only you can tell. You were chosen and set apart to bring God glory with your unique testimony. There are people who need you to write the words living inside of you. From one sister in Christ to another, please let me encourage you to make this your year. Do not let another year go by!

As Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries often say, “Getting off the blank page is worthy work!” It may sound so simple, but just start typing. Don’t make it more complicated than it is (which is something I’ve been good at!) Don’t wait until you feel you have everything together: a cute author’s office, a big social media platform, the right connections, etc. You don’t need any of that to start. 

All you need is your personal obedience to Christ, a committed attitude, and a strong-willed determination to keep going even when discouragement comes your way (which it will, because Satan doesn’t want you to write your book)! 

So, will you do me a favor, my friend?

Will you open a blank document right now and just let your heart pour out? When I first wrote my introduction, I found myself sobbing as I typed the entire chapter. It was such an emotional and spiritual release for me to finally be putting words to everything God had walked me through and taught me. I know He will do the same for you.

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Are you ready to get started?

Here at COMPEL Training, we equip and encourage writers every single day to write words that move people. Do you have a dream of writing a book but need to know what publishers look for?

Sign up for our FREE webinar! 3 Things You Need in Order to Get Your Book Published! 

Join Tracie Miles, Director of COMPEL Training, and Glynnis Whitwer, Executive Director of Communications, as they break down the three things publishers look for from authors. This practical and informative training will give you the next steps toward your writing goals in 2021!

Don’t miss out on a live Q&A with Glynnis and Tracie immediately after the webinar, where they will answer your questions and share details about all the amazing publishing opportunities COMPEL Training offers! In 2021, COMPEL members have the chance to win one of three book contracts, be published in Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today devotions and so much more!

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today or join COMPEL today by clicking here!