Goals, Habits, and Process of a Servant Writer

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by writer and speaker Dawn Wilson of Heart Choices Ministries

When I write, three goals, inspired by Scripture, focus my writing — I want to glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31), support the saints (Galatians 6:10), and win the world (Mark 16:15). Regardless of the topic, these goals always give me direction. 

When I was asked to speak about my writing habits, I realized that although I’m not mechanical about them, I like to slow down and examine my work to see if I’m meeting at least two of my goals, one of which should always be to bring honor and glory to the Lord.

Luke tells us that as Jesus grew into manhood, He developed mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially (2:52), so my passion in writing is to teach and encourage for growth and change. I keep my readers’ growth potential firmly in mind as I write — I can inspire the spirit by using the Word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through the Scriptures. I can inform the mind by teaching old truths in new ways, to capture a person’s imagination for God and build a biblical worldview. I can involve the heart by telling my stories with simplicity and authenticity, so people can identify and connect with my message. I can influence the will by offering choices that reflect the perspective and priorities of God.

“…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  (Galatians 6:10)

Everything else is process — the vehicle that helps me achieve these goals and minister to my readers. My writing process includes four habits: research, record, rewrite, and refine. Read more