#371: Writing Well: Christian Writing Coach

Welcome to Kingdom Writers, where we help equip and empower Christian writers of all genres to share your unique gifts with the world. We're your hosts, C.J. and Shelley Hitz.

This podcast is filled with spiritual encouragement as well as prayers to help you overcome the resistance you face as a writer. Your story matters.

Are you looking for a Christian writing coach? If so, we want to share some things to look for and where you might find a coach that is best suited for you. My name is Shelley Hitz and I'm CJ Hitz, and we are the owners and founders of ChristianBookAcademy.com and if you're an aspiring Christian writer looking to make an eternal impact with your words, hiring a Christian writing coach might be something to consider. A Christian writing coach could be the missing piece that God uses to take your writing to the next level for his glory. We like to say your story for God's glory. Amen. There are seasons when runners. My husband is a runner. He's been a running coach. And there are seasons when runners will hire a running coach, and that's so they can reach their full potential. And, you know, those who want to learn guitar will hire a guitar instructor or, you know, if whatever musical instrument you're wanting to learn. I took piano lessons when I was small, but, you know, it's to help you gain and grasp the basics. Watercolor artists, which I'm a watercolor artist. You know, just starting out might take an online course from an experienced artist. I do that often because I want to keep learning and improving my skills. So whether you're a newbie or you're just getting your feet wet, or a veteran looking to break out of a writing slump, we encourage you to keep listening because we're going to share some things that can help you.

So why even hire a Christian writing coach? Well, we want to share just a few reasons that you might consider that. First of all, it can help keep Christ at the center. If you are a kingdom writer, as we like to call people, you are endeavoring to build the kingdom with the Lord in partnership, having him build that kingdom through you. We like to refer to Christian writers as kingdom writers since we are endeavoring to write words that God uses to help build the kingdom. And so kingdom writers have a call on their lives to lift up the name of Jesus in their writing. And in a world full of distractions, and you and I have plenty of them, a Christian writing coach can actually serve as a second set of eyes that helps keep us accountable to keeping Christ at The center as we write. And so that's an important thing. And somebody that as they walk beside you can help you in that way to keep that. Keep the main thing. The main thing, yeah.

In fact, we just had a kickoff call for our academy. It's a virtual writing retreat. And C.J. shares some encouragement. It's like a pastor for writers. And then we have prayer time together. And it's always so encouraging. But a Christian writing coach can also help you to avoid the trap of getting caught up in the results and the numbers. If you go and just work with any writing coach, you know, there's going to be a focus on, you know, best seller status or how many followers do you have, how big is your platform? And all of those things are great. But you know, let's face it, we live in a world that's all about results and numbers. And I know, I personally, I've been in Internet marketing since 2004, so 18 years. And we published our first book in 2008. We've been doing this a long time. We've written and published over 70 books. And I have at times veered off that path of getting focused on the numbers. How many books have you sold? How many followers do you have? How much money did you make this year? But you know, we serve a God that parted the Red Sea, calmed the raging storms, healed the deaf and blind, and raised dead people back to life. In other words, we have a God whose able to change circumstances with a mere word. A Christian writing coach can remind us of those things whenever we start falling into the comparison trap.

Yeah. And another reason you might want to consider Christian Writing coach is just the fact that we all deal with greed and pride at times in our lives. If we're all honest, we've all fallen victim to these ugly things. Whether it's a greedy desire to want more money to spend on our own pleasures, or the pride of craving adoration from others for our accomplishments, the Christian writer has to be on guard. There just might be times in our lives when we need a good old fashioned kick in the pants from a Christian writing coach in order to keep us humble. We are called to something different as Christian writers. And I want to say that success looks different in God's eyes sometimes than it does in ours. And that can really. A Christian writing coach can help us battle those diseases of greed and pride.

Yeah, and we're all about helping you to sell books and to make money. And there's nothing evil about that. There's nothing wrong about that. I mean, up to this point, like, see, CJ and I with our books, we've sold almost 700,000 copies. It literally blows my mind. I can't even comprehend it. But it's God. God has done it. And it's. Every single book sale is a life that has been reached. And so yet we want to help you to keep your eyes on Christ and not on those numbers, not on getting sucked into that greed and the pride. But also the power of a Christian writing coach is having someone that will pray with you and for you. Right. You can join any writing program, but are they going to be praying for you? Most of them will not unless you have a Christian writing coach. Right. And this is probably the absolute best reason to consider working with a Christian writing coach. You know, imagine letting your coach know you've blocked off two hours for writing and would appreciate having them pray for you. You know, having a specific prayer team that supports you in prayer is something that we personally have encouraged Christian writers to do for years, and many of our members of Christian Book Academy have done that and have experienced the benefits of having a prayer team. But any of you that have sat down to write words that glorify God know the fierce battle that soon follows. There is resistance. Right. And there's a real enemy that wants to keep us from following through and writing those words that will outlive us. So prayer is a weapon that can swiftly move the enemy out of the way. And inside our membership, where we. We do coach Christian writers just like you, Kingdom writers, like we like to say, we host a monthly war room prayer meeting. And it might sound kind of interesting, like, oh, this is a writing program. You know, that writing, publishing and marketing program that's having a prayer meeting. But I want to tell you, it's one of the most powerful things that we do. And not only do you get encouragement, but people get literally, like, God ideas. We had one of our members, Marianne Ward, she got an idea during one of our war room prayer meetings to combine her art and her writing. That book, in the initial launch, sold 100 copies and has continued to sell. But we just really believe it's because was a God idea. And she got that idea during our war room prayer meetings. And so we just know that there is power when you are praying.

Yeah. And let me just quickly add that we. We absolutely, wholeheartedly believe that the moment you sit down in a chair to sit down and write words, you are declaring war and that the enemy does not like it. And. And so we believe wholeheartedly in Those war room prayer gatherings. We've seen the fruit and we have felt the battle and the struggle right along with every, every person that we help coach. So what do you look for in a Christian writing coach? Well, here's a few things that you might want to look for in the Christian writing coach world. First of all, are they a writer themselves? You know, this seems like a given, but something that we should still ask about as we're looking for the writing coach options that are available out there. Are they currently active in their own writing pursuits? What books, magazine articles, blog posts have they written? And how have they overcome their own struggles with writing? Isn't it a good feeling to know that you might potentially be coached by someone that understands every struggle that you are facing and they've lived to tell about it?

Right. They're on the other side.

They want to help you now with the nuggets that they've learned along the way and gleaned.

Yeah. You might also want to just look at what results have they helped others get. So do they have a list of testimonials from Christian writers they've coached, or what are other Christian writers saying about this person, this coach? And regarding results, we aren't just referring to book sales, but also growth in the writing journey. How has the Christian writing coach helped others make consistent forward momentum? And so if you go to ChristianBookAcademy.com and then you choose, if you're currently writing, publishing, or marketing, you'll be able to scroll down to the end of that page and you'll see video after video testimonials. So many testimonials of some of the things that people have been able to accomplish after joining Christian Book Academy. And it's just, it's not us just saying things like, we've had this academy now eight years, and, you know, praise God, because there have been times I've wanted to shut it down, but God's like, nope, you're continuing. But praise God, we give him all the glory. And it's just something to consider when you're looking for a coach just to. What are other people saying?

Another thing to look for is and to ask is, how long have they been writing and coaching? What's their overall experience level? Are you their first prospective client?

Right.

Are you their hundredth prospective client? Can they relate to being in the writing trenches? And by the way, I want to say that there's nothing wrong with you taking a risk by being their first client. Everyone has to start somewhere. You certainly want your Christian writing Coach. To have more experience than you and to be a good teacher, one simply needs to be a few steps ahead of the class and have the ability to help the class apply with their learning. We've been mentoring writers since 2010, have written and published over 70 books, and have sold almost 700,000 books. We're in this with you and would love to be your writing coach, Insider membership. But I just want to say that everyone varies in their experience level, and it may be that a person that takes you on as their first client is going to be just what you need. So just keep that in mind.

Yeah. And, you know, we had people that were our first members, and I remember when we first launched the Academy way back when, eight years ago, it was actually a different name. It was Author Audience Academy. And then God, you know, really led us to pivot, to really making this spiritual foundation. We have all the practical training. You get coaching as well with Zoom. We have voxer office hours. There's all sorts of things that you get the coaching, too, but you get the community. But, you know, when. When we first started this eight years ago, it started with a small beta group of like, 20 people. They were our first members. And so if you were one of them, we love you. Some of our beta members are still with us today. And so we just. We loved that they took our risk on us, too. And we have seen hundreds and hundreds of people able to write, publish, and market their books as a result. But where do you find a Christian writing coach? Well, you know, an easy way is an Internet search. Maybe that's how you found this video or this. This post is that you did an Internet search and you were looking up that. You can also ask for recommendations from writing groups. If you go to conferences, whether they're online or in person, you, you know, find out from other writers who they've worked with and who they've used. And then because you're a Christian writer, we encourage you to also fast and pray. And one of our members, Jendia Harris, found us when she. She was literally, like, looking everywhere. She was trying to find a Christian writing coach and literally, like, was at dead ends. Like, she's like, I don't know what to do. And the Lord said, pray and fast. So. So I'm just going to insert part of her testimony and part of her story here so you can hear from her and listen to her story. And we're here today with Christian Book Academy member Jendi Harris. Welcome. Thank you. She also goes by J. So we kind of intersperse it but Jen Di found us years ago. I can't remember if it was maybe 2016 or so. But yeah and has been part of our community and we've just watched her do so many things. This was her first book Chubby Church and definitely a labor of love as well as the follow up sequels. Chubby Church 2 Yes.

I I never heard of like being a prolific author until I met Shelly and CJ and they had produced all these books and I was just honestly doing a fast because I was that hurting around my book project. I was like God, what am I going to do and how am I going to do this? And feeling the burden of the calling to do it. And I just started praying and fasting on water which I don't recommend to do too long anyway. So it was a short fast by about four or five days and I found Shelly hits and online and I'm like wow, a Christian writer person. It's like right up my alley. So I joined the group quickly and just they have been praying for me ever since. So this group has been supremely valuable. I could not have finished the group the books without them it just would not have happened. I needed. I'm an extrovert, so writing as an introverted task, it's very lonely. It's extremely lonely. Especially when you already have like a busy job, towel job and other things you have going on. So starting to write it and just having their support like the prayers number one. I always, I felt like I was like so needy.

So needy.

Like please pray for me because there is just whatever God's doing with this was just major. And the breaking down in me and sharing this story in this work needed a ton of prayer. So you get that in the community. You also get encouragement and support. So there's lots of rough days, you know, where you're just like things aren't coming across or you're not sure what to do or you have questions of how you're going to do this, what's that like what's going to happen? Literally every single question you can imagine. Technology questions, writing questions, publishing questions are all answered in the group. It's like having it's such a special thing to be able to post a question and get a bunch of answers or the right answer from C.J. and Shelley. For this group it's really, really powerful to have that available because there are so many questions when you get started. And then finally the community and the support has been outstanding. I've made new friends, we did virtual writing Retreats, which I highly recommend, where you can get, you know, writing traction actually done. So many groups teach, but they don't have the time to get the writing done. This group does both. So I was super impressed and very happy. And again, I would not have finished two huge books with research without the Author Academy. It just would not have happened. So there you go.

Yeah. And Jen Die is now a mentor in the group and is now, you know, being an inspiration to others. But we just, it's just, it's just been a joy watching you and seeing you progress through. And finally press publish.

If you want to work with an online Christian writing coach, we have a couple ways that you could work with us to be your writing coach and mentors. We have our membership, which we've been talking about Christian Book Academy. This is the number one way to work with us. You get access to CJ&I as your coaches, as your mentors. You get all of the content. Like it's seriously mind blowing how much training we have had. But we've had this Academy now since 2015, so a long time and we have a lot of experience. And then we have a, a team of mentors that can help you. Like, I am not good at the editing part. I always hire editors. I hire people who are formatters. But on our mentor team, we have people who are experts in the formatting, in editing. They can give you feedback and then, you know, we just have our community. So we have monthly challenges that you can join in and so much more. So check it out@christianbookacademy.com it's a really low fee, $39 a month currently and $399 a year. You could go to a writing conference and, you know, spend travel and hotel food and pay for the conference itself, which could literally, like, I'm not exaggerating, it could be a thousand to two thousand dollars for travel, everything. Or you can join Christian book academy for one year for $399 a year of content coaching community and really see. God help you to move forward in your call to write, publish and market your book. Now we love conferences. We love them. And if you have the finances to do that, go for it. But we're just wanting to show you the value that you can get in our academy. And then a free option if you want to get started for free. We have a private podcast and we're calling it the Hits Splits Private Podcast Wisdom for Writers. So this is where you can get coaching specifically from me, it's more of A behind the scenes, more relaxed. And I just share, just in the moment advice and things from my experience. 18 years of online marketing and all the years of publishing since 2008. But you can subscribe for free at trainingauthors.com hits blitz and get that from us as well. So we're just so excited that you're here. And cj, why don't you pray for each person that found this video, this post that that you would pray for them, that they get connected with the right online or the right Christian writing coach, whether it's online or in person for them.

Yeah, Father, we just thank you so much for each person that is watching that has found this video. And we just pray that your Holy Spirit would lead and guide them, that you would give them clarity, give them wisdom in whether they're to hire a Christian writing coach, whether they're to join our, our CBA family, whatever it may be. Lord, I pray you give them crystal clear clarity that they would be able to accomplish all that you have in mind for their writing as Kingdom writers. And so we just thank you for what you're going to do through each person and we lift them up to you, Lord, praying that you guide and direct their path. In Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. So we're so thrilled for you. Like we are cheering you on. We know what it's like to be a Christian writer and you know, like C.J. said, endeavoring to sit in that chair, face the resistance and move forward. And so we are just so excited to connect with you here. And if Christian Book Academy is the right fit for you or if you want to just try it for a month, there's no long term commitments. Come over and check it out@christianbookacademy.com we would love to invite you to be part of our community and our family of Kingdom writers. So thank you for being here and. And we'll see you next time.

Bye.

Bye. Bye. Would you like more? If you are enjoying this podcast but want more, I have something exciting to share with you. We have released what's called a private podcast. So a private podcast you will not find by searching an apple. You have to know specifically how to subscribe to it. It's more private and exclusive and it just can be more more relaxed behind the scenes. And my new private podcast is called Hits Blitz and it's wisdom for writers that you're going to learn from my 18 plus years of experience in publishing and online marketing so that you can move forward in God's call to write. I am best known for injecting energy and enthusiasm into everything I do and it's part of inspiring those around me to take action. So I encourage you to listen in to this exclusive private podcast. It is free, 100% free. You don't have to pay for it and be prepared to be inspired by my next hits blitz. So you can sign up@trainingauthors.com hitsblitz and if you have any other writing friends that you think could benefit from it, definitely share it with them. They can go to the Same same link trainingauthors.com hitsblit to get access. Again, this is a private podcast so you cannot get access to it any other way. It's completely free. All you have to do is sign up and then you'll get all the information on how to add it to your podcast player of choice. So I can't wait for you to join me over there. I share a lot of things behind the scenes and more content just in a real time basis. So it's more like chatting with a friend or following someone on stories on social media. Except you don't have to get caught up in any of the algorithms. You'll just have this in your podcast player and be able to listen in wherever you're at, whatever you're doing. Some of the listeners told me this week that they were listening while waiting in the Target parking lot, while brushing their teeth. You can fit this into the pockets of time that you have, so I hope you'll join me. Come over to training authors.com hitsbullitz.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Kingdom Writers. We believe that you, as a Christian writer, have a specific role to play in the Kingdom of Heaven to impact lives for eternity.

And because of this, we choose to pour out our lives into encouraging writers like you to not only tell your stories, but to take the courageous step of self publishing your stories in books that will outlive you and leave behind a powerful legacy. This podcast is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom writers.