Writer, Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

By Andrea Merrell

Someone asked me recently about my “sweet spot” concerning both my writing and editing. Where is it? How does it make you feel? How does it fuel your creativity? Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone?

Wow. All valid questions that brought me back to a time several years ago when I attended Christian Communicators. We were asked to do a five-minute presentation to the group about our journey as writers and speakers.

My presentation began something like this: “My desk is my sweet spot. Surrounded with all things writerly, it’s where I feel the most comfortable (especially in my PJs). The most confident. And the most competent. It’s a safe place to think and create.”

I went on to share how terrified I was when God nudged me to step out of that comfort zone and do things I never felt qualified to do. Funny, there I was at a conference geared toward not only writers but speakers—something I never considered myself to be, even though I had taught Sunday school and Bible studies for years.

But as they say, writers are also speakers. Whether it’s giving a keynote in front of a large crowd or telling someone in line at the grocery store about our newest book, we need to be prepared. Just as the Bible tells us to be ready both in season and out to share the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2), we need to be ready to speak about our craft. To share what God has placed in our hearts.

When my writing journey began, I could never have imagined the things God would call me to do—professional editing, teaching classes, mentoring aspiring writers. The best part is that when He calls us, He equips us. We don’t have to feel educated enough or qualified enough to do the job. That’s when we step out in faith and trust Him to help us do the job.

So my question for you is this: What is your comfort zone, and are you ready to step out of it? You might be a gifted speaker who has never considered writing a book. Maybe you’re a novelist who desires to write non-fiction. Perhaps you would love to write for children but don’t know where to begin. There are so many opportunities out there for us as writers: articles, blog posts, podcasts, and even social media posts that are uplifting and inspiring.

If you’re ready for an adventure, try something new. Ask the Lord for creative ideas, then go for it. You never know until you try. And you just might be surprised how exciting and fulfilling it turns out to be.

 Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash