Practical Advice for Stronger Writing

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say 'I'm not a writer, I could never do that', I could probably retire early.

This limiting belief is a lie. It's stopping you from sharing a part of you begging to come out. It may even be stopping you from sharing your testimony with someone who desperately needs to hear how God has changed your life. 

Writing is one of those things that feels so personal, yet so intimidating at the same time. It shows up in many different forms from writing a novel, sharing your testimony, writing a blog, writing content for your business, or even writing in your journal. 

It's easy to second guess yourself as you write. Am I saying this right? Will people understand? Does this even matter? Who cares, anyways?

Friend, snap out if it! Take a deep breath in, now let it out. Hear me when I say that yes, it does matter. Your words have impact, and if God has placed a message on your heart, there is a reason for it.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well."

Writing reminds me of plating seeds and trusting God. You never know which ones will grow, but you keep sowing anyways and trust that God will bring harvest when the time is right.

Now, let's get to the reason you are here, shall we? Here are some practical ways to strengthen your writing while keeping your message clear and true to you.

1. Write like you talk. One of the biggest mistakes writers make is trying to sound "overly intelligent." You know, using fancy words or complicated sentence structures because it feels more professional. But strong writing is clear writing. Picture yourself explaining your topic to a friend over coffee. How would you say it? How would you describe it? That is exactly how you should write it. Still unsure? Read what you've written out loud, if you stumble over it, chances are the reader will too.
2. Get to the point. It's tempting to over-explain, especially when you are passionate about something. Strong writing is focused writing. Don't bury your main point under too many fluffy words. Get to it! Jesus was the master of clear, impactful storytelling. He used simple language and relatable examples, but His words carried eternal weight. Matthew 5:37 reminds us, "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." In other words, say what you mean, and mean what you say!
3. Edit without mercy. The first draft is just that—a draft! Great writing happens in revision. Cut what's unnecessary. Strengthen weak sentences. Swap out vague words for stronger ones. If a sentence doesn't serve the bigger picture, let it go! Remember Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless." While we're not striving for perfection, we are striving for clarity.
4. Trust that your words matter. Sometimes we hesitate to write because we don't feel qualified. Oh friend, how wrong you are here. God doesn't call the qualified—he qualifies the called! If He has placed a message on your heart, He will equip you to share it. Isaiah 55:11 tells us, "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Your words, when written with intention and truth, have purpose.

Stronger writing isn't about perfect writing. Be clear, intentional, and honest. Keep speaking from your heart, revise, and trust that your words matter.

With Grace, Shonda Ramsey