by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @khutch0767

As authors, one of our biggest challenges isn’t always the blank page—it’s comparison. The urge to judge ourselves by book sales, publishing opportunities, or the visibility of others can gradually drain our joy and silence our unique voice. I’ve experienced this firsthand.

There was a time in my career when discouragement weighed heavily on me. I wondered if my words would ever matter, if my work would ever reach the people I prayed it would. During that time, God placed an idea on my heart: invite other writers to join me, to come alongside and help me write through my blog. Honestly, I didn’t expect much. But to my surprise, nearly everyone said yes. Even more surprising—they showed up. Month after month, we gathered. Deadlines weren’t always perfect (let’s be honest, we’re writers), but the real value was in the fellowship. What started as an attempt to shake off my own discouragement turned into something much greater: the joy of helping others shine.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#BRMCWC #Writing #Writinglife”]Writing Without Comparison: Putting Others First by @khutch0767 on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

I learned something powerful—writing doesn’t have to be an isolated, competitive activity. When we spotlight others, we shift our focus away from ourselves and create space for God to work in us through humility, generosity, and grace. Mentoring and encouraging fellow authors has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.

Still, the tendency to compare still sneaks in now and then. I catch myself reading headlines about bestselling authors or analyzing my own sales numbers with a heavy heart. But God is faithful to remind me: as Christian authors, our calling isn’t about numbers or fame. We’re called to praise, worship, and spiritual warfare.

Praise—because every chance to write is a gift from the Creator Himself.
Worship—because our words should direct others to God, not ourselves.
Warfare—because writing from a Christian worldview means standing firm in a spiritual battle where truth is challenged.

When we write with these priorities, comparison loses its hold. Instead, we learn to rejoice with others when they succeed, knowing we don’t see the full cost of their journey. We learn to support writers, whether they’re New York Times bestsellers or new voices just beginning. Most importantly, we trust that God has a unique path for each of us.

Writing together in community keeps us grounded. Writing with humility keeps us aligned with God’s purpose. And writing courageously ensures every word we write contributes to something eternal—making God known.

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”