Getting Started

GETTING STARTED

HOW YOU BEGIN A PROJECT, especially a book project, really lays the foundation for your success. In this lesson, we discuss the importance of a solid foundation of organization and preparation.

Think of this lesson as your toolbox and throughout this module, you are gathering up all the essential tools that you’ll need to ensure your success in this program and as an author. Here’s a quick overview of the tools we’ll be discussing: 

• Your Divine Resource 

• Your Yes

• Your Why 

• Your Electronics

• Your Writing Programs 

• Your Reference Materials

• Your Notebook and Pen

• Your Old Journals and Notes

• Your Terms

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THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS IN YOUR TOOLBOX

WHEN WE FIRST step out in writing, it is easy to get stuck inside our head. As we sit down to write, if we aren’t careful, we will start to wonder, “Why am I doing this? There are so many other people with way more influence and experience than me who could write this very book, and it would reach more people. Why me, God? Why am I writing this book?” To settle those questions and all other similar misgivings, it is essential to have these three most important tools in your toolbox:

The Three Tools 

Your Divine Resource

Your Divine Resource is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus referred to Holy Spirit as your “Helper.” He is your ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He also makes your path clear. He helps you do what seems impossible, and He is your divine resource to draw upon as you journey through this process. Romans 8:11 states that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in YOU! Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26, NIV).

• Holy Spirit will take the inspiration within you and translate it into the written word for your book. 
• Holy Spirit offers guidance, wisdom, and support as you navigate each new step in this process.

Your Yes 

Have you formally given God your yes to the call on your life to write? 

You are a messenger, and there is an assignment on your life to write this book, and likely more to follow! He wants your yes—He has done all the rest. Here are some helpful and enlightening Bible examples of “yeses”: 

Isaiah — The prophet Isaiah, upon hearing a conversation in Heaven in which the Father was looking for a messenger whom He could send to speak the truth, had a choice to make. Isaiah’s response was simply, “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV). 

Mary — She gave her “yes” without having all of the information, understanding, or even the ability within herself to accomplish what it was God was asking of her. She simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. … May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38, NIV). Let this be our response as we move forward in our writing:

• Here I am Lord—send me. 
• Be it unto me as you will; I am but the Lord’s servant. 

Your Why 

Why are you writing this book?

What has the Lord shown you? 

Keep your why before you as you write to ensure you never stop. Let your motivation be simple, even as simple as: “Because God said so!” Yes, perhaps the simple answer to such complicated misgivings is just, “Because God said so.” Dear messenger, let that be your power punch to all your fears and doubts.

I want to encourage you to take the assignment on your life seriously. Be “all in” with what God is asking of you. Don’t overthink it. Let your why 20 THE WRITING MADE SIMPLE PLAN be grounded in God, and that will ensure that you keep moving forward and finish this book that God is calling you to pen. 

Is That All? 

You may be asking yourself, “Is that all?” Well, technically, no. As previously mentioned, there are other tools you will need as you write and create your book. You will need other important tools such as your electronics, your writing programs, your reference materials, your notebook and pen, your old journals and notes, and so on. But, hands down, these three are the essentials. 

WHEN YOU COMPLETE THIS MODULE, you’ll have gathered all the tools you’ll need to help you start your writing journey strong. With them as well as the three most important—your Divine Resource, your Yes, and your Why—you cannot fail. Tasks: 

• Take a moment now and ask yourself, “Am I all in?” Have you signed at the dotted line for this assignment on your life? If no, then now is the time to settle this issue. If yes, then that is all the confirmation you need to move forward unafraid and unswervingly. 
• Pray and write down your commitment to the Lord. Make it personal. Sign your name at the dotted line, letting the Lord know that you are all in and that you’ll keep moving forward simply because God said.