“These applications don’t really work for us.” I was leading a small group Bible study when a fellow military spouse shared her discontentment in regards to the material we were reading. Several of us had come together for weekly meetings to walk through a workbook style Bible study and none of the illustrations or applications were contextualized for a military audience. I shared her sentiments in that I was overly frustrated because nothing that resembled our day to day lives was represented.
Over the years, I have found this scenario to be the rule. Most books that are written today do not specifically reflect our experience as military spouses or families. There are books that have been written recently that are written for and by a military audience, but I truly believe there should be much more.
Why? For those of us that have married the noble men and women who have answered our nation’s call, they are certainly one of our greatest sources of pride. Our stories, on the other hand, as military spouses are hardly a footnote in the overarching narrative of military service. With so much of our identities wrapped up in our spouse’s call to serve, we can sometimes get lost in the shadows. We need to see ourselves in the culture and in today’s literature.
This need is where my own urge to write was born. I wanted to see Christian books, Bible studies, and devotionals that reflected and embodied the unique challenges and nuance of our lives. I longed to give encouragement, extend a welcome, and make military spouses feel understood by the authors they trusted. I know that there are many who share this same desire, but don’t really know where to start.
When I began my writing journey, I wasn’t sure of where to start. Now, I want to share a few tips on how to begin, what to do, and what to expect when you want to become a career writer.
Get writing.
Sounds simple, right? Do you want to know the difference between a writer and someone who wants to be a writer? The answer is about six hours, or six thousand words written a week. Writing regularly, whether you write by responding to a prompt, creating blog, or freelancing, will stretch your writing muscles. Diligent and disciplined writing habits will help you hone your craft and give you confidence. It also doesn’t hurt to begin referring to yourself as a writer.
Get organized.
Most people think the beginning point to write a book is simply sitting down and starting. Well, in some ways, but it is much more of a process than one long brain dumping session. As you think about what you want to write, you have to organize and develop your concept. Ask yourself “What is my aim?” and “What do I want my reader to know or do?” Create timelines, outlines, and structure your thoughts.
Get feedback.
A second pair of eyes (or third, fourth, fifth) never hurts. Ask a friend who has the capability or capacity to edit to give your work a once over. Maybe even hire a developmental editor. Editing is beyond valuable in the writing process. Some of the best developmental editors that I have worked with have shaped and sharpened my writing beyond comprehension.
Get training.
Honestly, the best investment I have ever made in my writing career was to attend writer’s conferences. My favorite Christian writers and speakers conference is Speak Up Conference with Carol Kent. I learned how to write pitch copy, curate a book proposal, and made the necessary connections and network to move forward. Attending workshops and training with other writing professionals was a game changer for me.
At the end of the day, writing is about discipline and desire. Creating the habits, like scheduling writing time and being dedicated to your writing time, will make all the difference. In addition, knowing why you write and who you are writing for will drive the discipline you need to go from having a book in your heart to having one in your hand.
Megan B. Brown is a seasoned military spouse and military missionary. She is the Military Liaison for the Speak Up Conference Global Missions Military Scholarship and the 2019-Armed Forces Insurance Robins AFB Military Spouse of the Year. She is passionate about military mission work and teaching and preaching about Jesus in and out of the local church. Her Bible study, “Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible,” published by Moody Publishers in Chicago, will release in April 2021. She lives in south Mississippi with her husband, Keith, and their energetic kiddos. She is a Bible teacher, speaker, and freelance writer. To learn more or connect with Megan, visit www.meganbbrown.com.