Have you been stuck on your first draft? You're not alone. In this episode, Shelley shares the biggest reasons writers stay stuck and never finish their manuscript, plus three practical shifts that can help you make real, consistent progress. She also shares details about the upcoming FREE Kingdom Writers Conference: Finish Your First Draft Edition happening on March 24, 2026, featuring 14 hand-picked speakers ready to help you stop second-guessing and start finishing.

Register for free at https://www.trainingauthors.com/conference/.

A Posture of Stillness

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭

The Hebrew word "raphah" in Psalm 46:10 implies letting go, letting your hands hang down, or ceasing to fight on your own.

"As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord," - ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬ ‭

"But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."" - ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, BUT WAIT for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about." - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Refers to Luke 24:49…

"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; BUT STAY in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever run out the door forgetting something important, like car keys or a wallet? Maybe a son or daughter running out the door without their coat, lunch box or backpack of books.

"Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness." - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT

"Stand your ground" = Greek word "histemi" which means "to stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm."

-Also like the foundation of a building.

Resources:

If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.

1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15 Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Giving Birth to God's Promises

Mother Teresa said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."

Zechariah

"Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭

"He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

"Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭

Maybe some of you have said, "I'm too old to write a book now." Maybe you doubt the Lord's ability to birth a powerful message in and through you. Like John the Baptist, our books can help prepare people for the second coming of the Lord and also help turn the hearts of fathers to their children, along with causing the rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.

"He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise, he wrote, "His name is John." Instantly, Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God."

‭‭- Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭63‬-‭64‬ ‭

As we come to believe what God wants to do in and through us, it could be that our words, like Zechariah's, are finally free to be released again through our pens.

Mary

"Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her." - Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭

Like Mary, in her "messy middle", we can say "Emmanuel, meet us where we are — in the messy middle, the doubt, and the longing. Teach us to trust like Mary and say YES even when we can't see the whole story."

Resources:

If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.

1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15 Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.