If you could go back to the beginning of your writing career and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Write only those books you are absolutely convinced God wants you to. Not just books that are good ideas, but ideas that you’re personally passionate about and fit your heart, convictions, wiring, and style, not someone else’s.

It’s great to listen to publishers and others, hear their ideas, and modify yours as long as you can retain a sense of ownership so it really remains your book. Never write a book you can’t pour yourself into 100%. Even 90% isn’t enough, because when you hit the rough spots, your heart needs to be totally in it.

See more responses from authors, writing coaches, and publishing experts on Jerry Jenkins’s blog: Writing Tips 41 Experts Wish They’d Known as Beginners. 

Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash