A Beginning Writer’s Voyage

 By Karen Mills

Every writer sets sail with a dream to touch hearts and see their words in print. Calm seas, sudden storms, and breathtaking sunsets of inspiration mark the journey to publication.

Let’s chart the course together using the acronym VOYAGE.

V – VISION: Hoist Your Sails with Purpose. Your journey begins with a clear vision that fuels your confidence. Before leaving the harbor, ask God to breathe life into your writing. Pray for clarity and creativity. He will provide ideas to stir your spirit with stories only you can tell. Vision will be your compass; it will prevent you from drifting aimlessly when you cannot see the horizon.

O – OUTLINE: Chart the Course. A good captain studies the map before setting sail. Outlining your story provides a clear route, helping you stay focused amid turbulent waters. Know your starting point, your destination, and the ports of call along the way. A detailed outline keeps your writing on course when distractions threaten to steer you adrift.

Y – YOU: Steady as She Goes. Keep the pen moving to build resilience. Now is the time to write and write some more. Do not wait for perfect weather. Write through the storms, the doldrums, and the dazzling days that spark your imagination. Each word is a wave pushing you closer to your destination.

A – ATTITUDE: Stay the Course. Writing is a long voyage, not a quick cruise. Perseverance is key to navigating setbacks and remaining committed to your goal. Fear of failure, unrealistic expectations, and a negative mindset can make the creative process frustrating. Join writing groups early in your journey. Your fellow sailors will encourage you when the winds die down.

G – GUIDANCE: Trust the Captain. There are times when the fog lifts, and clarity emerges as you focus on every single word. Whispered sentences, phrases, and thoughts delivered from God during your creative moments become your sanctuary before other readers peruse the treasured message. These moments confirm we are not writing alone.

E – EXCELLENCE: Dock with Dignity. As you approach the harbor of publication, strive for excellence. Sail boldly toward your dream, calling, and mission. Write faithfully and let your words become vessels of hope. Lean heavily on a trusted team of editors, mentors, and fellow writers to help refine your manuscript. Excellence is not perfection—it is stewardship. It is offering your best work to the One who called you to write.

Are you ready to set sail?

Photo by Gilly on Unsplash

 

Karen Mills loves writing about the goodness of God. Her journey includes a BA degree in music, completing the Institute of Children’s Literature writing course, and acquiring 2^nd place for her devotional A Prize Worth the Effort at the 2025 Ashville Christian Writers Conference. A 90-day devotional called Deep Sea Living with Jesus, written by her and her husband, was published in 2026 A sample devotion may be found on her webpage: https://www.millsstevekaren.com

Karen writes Christmas dramas, weekly lessons for her Junior Church Kiddos, and VBS curriculum. These materials have been used in America, Papua New Guinea, Columbia, and Canada. She speaks for women’s retreats, special church services, and outreach bus conventions. When not spending time with her sixteen grandchildren, she cares for her beautiful Golden Retrievers or enjoys her flower garden. A favorite pastime is to sit by the ocean, breathe the pungent smell of salt water, and feel gritty sand squishing between her toes while reading a devotional book.