The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey

by reNEW writers, rachel britton (Editor), Lucinda Secrest McDowell (Editor)

This book is for anyone who struggles to write. These stories of courage from 62 writers will remind you, in your struggle to write and share your story with the world, that you can be encouraged and empowered. God reminds us in Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Rachel Britton and Lucinda Secrest McDowell, co-directors of "reNEW ~ spiritual retreat for writers & speakers," have curated these devotions from their reNEW community, including Carol Kent, Cynthia Ruchti, Christa Parrish, Cathy Gohlke, Lori Roeleveld, Katy Lee, Karen Porter, Heidi Chiavaroli, Jane Rubietta, Deb Haggerty, and more.

From these 62 entries, you will find the confidence to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard even when you tell yourself "I'm not really a writer." As you read how others have overcome their fear, you too will be able to fight the fear of sharing your hard story. Open to any page in "The Courage to Write" and discover inspiration and encouragement to guide your writing journey. "reNEW ~ spiritual retreat for writers & speakers" is a community of creatives who have gathered in the Northeast since 2013 to grow in our faith and calling as communicators for God's kingdom. We have experienced celebration, critique, compassion, creativity, and courage in our times together. More information on reNEW at reNEWwriting.com Contributions
Valerie Acres
Janet Fisher Aronson
Lynne Bauman
Kate Breckinridge
Rachel Britton
Rebecca Brown
Susan Call
Susan Case
Heidi Chiavaroli
Rachael M. Colby
Jeanne Doyon
Jennifer Drummond
Lorri Dudley
Cynthia Fantasia
Robin Farnsworth
Kim Findlay
Patricia Frost
Desiree Future
Tammy Gerhard
Stephanie Goddard
Cathy Gohlke
Deb Haggerty
Lauri Hawley
Lisa Larsen Hill
Sheryl Holmes
Carla B. Howard
Christa Hutchins
Myra Ingargiola
Clarice James
Tamson Jensen
Carol Kent
Julie Kieras
Kathy Kim
Maureen Laub
Katy Lee
Nancy Tupper Ling
Debbie Lowe
Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Meadow Rue Merrill
Maureen Miller
Susan E. Moody
Angela Nichole
Kathleen O’Malley
Yvonne Ortega
Kirsten Panachyda
Shawn Parisi
Christa Parrish
Rachel Paukett
Melissa Pillone
Karen Porter
Jill Robinson
Lori Stanley Roeleveld
Jane Rubietta
Cynthia Ruchti
Cindy Saab
Melanie Shull
Brenna Kate Simonds
Nancy Smith
Renee Story
Konnie Viner
Catrina Welch
Tammy Sue Willey

136 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2022

Reviews

[Johnnie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many gems in this slender volume that I found inspiring, encouraging, and a blessing. One that particularly stands out for me is in the devotional, Let Your Voice Be Heard, by Desiree Future. She writes: "The thought of failing at something we really love is often the obstacle that stops us in our tracks."

How absolutely true that was for me--and the reason I waited so long to do more than dabble with my novel-writing dream. I'm grateful for the opportunities God gave me, for the oomph He gave me, to attend conferences, study craft, build friendships and connections, and send out proposals.

I'm thankful, too, for all those who contributed to this book--who bravely shared their fears, setbacks, and lessons learned. God created us to be creative. His strength is greater than our fear. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the various stories of the many authors included. It helps remind us that God shows up in all sorts of ways to strengthen and support His children and that needing courage to do challenging things is something we all share.

[Kristine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every faith writer knows the ups and downs that come with sharing a message of hope with a hurting world. This devotional offers daily encouragement from writers who understand. I would recommend this uplifting read to any writer feeling discouraged or alone in the journey.