By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

So often we look at the writing journey as a race to success. We search for shortcuts, for advantages, for insider information. But I would ask you to stop for a minute and look at the greats in our industry. Almost to an individual they have approached writing from a different perspective. Those who have persevered have a different focus—not on the destination, but on the journey, and on God and what He’s doing as we travel.

When we focus on the destination, we’re never satisfied, never fulfilled. Why? Because the destination always changes. When we reach a mountaintop, there’s always another mountain beyond. When we’re striving for these goals, we lose the joy of the journey.

Here’s what to pack to experience the joy of the writing journey. Some of these are practical, some are more esoteric—ideas and attitudes. The truth is, we need some of each to enjoy the journey!

Faith and confidence that you were designed for the writing life.

Now be warned, this faith doesn’t usually appear fully-formed and without doubts. But there’s a hard kernel of truth in your spirit that tells you this is what you’re meant to do. Take time now to solidify where that kernel originated. Was there a Bible verse, a moment of confirmation, a still, small voice that whispered your calling into your heart? Whatever it was, record it in physical form—WRITE IT DOWN.

Ideas are our stock and trade. If we don’t capture these elusive gems, we’re neglecting our calling. Every single writer should have a system of keeping track of ideas.

Traveling companions.

I’ve been careful to develop friendships with other writers over the years. These men and women are some of my most valuable resources. With them I can share my struggles, my fears, and my successes. I’ve learned to be discriminating in those I choose as traveling companions. Here’s what I look for:

• Those who are actually writing, not just talking about writing
• Those who have positive attitudes and are willing to learn, to be critiqued, and to submit
• Those who are idea encouragers, not idea stealers

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Writing Instruction Books, blogs, website.

When I get stumped on how to do something or what should come next, I have a small library with physical books, but the bulk of my library is in ebook—so I always have access to it.

 A Commitment to Schedule.

By this I mean I don’t just wait to find time to write. I mean I carve it of my daily life and then I guard from myself and from other distractions. I believe a writer should write regularly. This looks different for everyone, so find your rhythm and stay consistent.

 Advocates & Defenders.

No, not just writing mentors and encouragers. I mean we need to make sure we bring our family and close friends along as defenders and advocates for us as writers.

 Years of Classes and Workshops.

That starts now for a lot of you. If this is your first conference, begin today. If you’re like Bob Hostetler and me—older than dirt—take a page from our lives—we never stop learning. And while I may not have the actual classes, but I have the knowledge that has come from them. I also have my notes and often times, the recordings of the classes I’ve taken. If you’re not investing in writing classes, you’re missing out on a valuable asset.

A way to Record Where You’ve Been.

Part of the joy of any journey is the ability to remember where you’ve been. We need to know where we started to judge our progress. We need to remember the highs, the lows, and the work it’s taken to get where we are. I recommend a journal of some type. I also recommend keeping some of your earlier writing efforts in a file—intact. This will help you see how far you’ve come and will also serve as encouragement to others you meet on the journey. (story about word of the year and verse of the year)

Good Equipment.

I can’t tell you the difference it makes to have good equipment. From the computer you use, to the word processing program, to the desk equipment. This isn’t a place to skimp or try to make do. Buy the best you can afford and then USE it!

 Alligator-tough Skin.

Writing isn’t for the faint-of-heart. We must endure rejection, revision and those horrible voices that live in every writer’s mind.

 A Sense of Adventure & Courage.

Being a writer isn’t for the faint of heart. We cannot ever exist within the greenhouse of our comfort zone. We must be willing to stretch, grow and take impossible leaps when God calls. (I went to write a blog post once, comparing following God to skydiving. He stopped me before I got started and rocked my world. God is in the flying business, not the skydiving business)

The joy of this writing thing is in the journey. It’s the discovery, the heights and depths of our experience. It’s the exhilaration of walking with God and watching Him take our humble words and touch a world that’s hurting.

Publishing is a tough business.

It’s almost impossible to write anything for public consumption without feeling like you’re throwing your heart into the lion’s den. And I don’t know about you, but I give these negative comments a lot more credibility than the positive ones. The good ones I tend to disregard with the thought that the person commenting was, “just being nice.”

With the mind-set of living on past rejections it’s possible to shrivel up and die, at least as a writer. Feeding ourselves on what’s gone before forces us to a standstill.

And it comes with an entire travel trailer full of baggage. Those are things we need to discard during the journey. Don’t load yourself down with things you don’t need.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with doubt, insecurity and an almost overwhelming urge to give up. Instead, draw a line in the sand. Commit today, RIGHT NOW, to begin to live in the future, on the promises God has given you.

We each have that moment when we felt the nudge—or the shove—from God. You’ve heard that still, small voice call your name. You’ve gotten that confirmation you’ve asked for. Now it’s time to move forward, believing God truly is big enough to make it happen.

So, pack well. Prepare to go deep and wide as a writer. Along the way you’ll make friends, learn difficult lessons, and get to walk with God as He uses you to touch a world that’s hurting.

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God.

She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains. Connect with her through EdieMelson.com and on social media.