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Do you sense God’s calling to write a blog or a book? Many people do, but the impulse gets lost in a busy life. Let me tell you the secret at the start; you can’t wait for the right time, you have to make time.

Let me tell you about my routine. I get up every morning, do my toilette (it sounds better in French, plus the term includes grooming), do my morning exercises, and eat breakfast.

Then, I go to my study and pray. After that, I either work on the rest of the day editing client books or on my own writing projects.

Do you feel outraged that I am living what may be your fantasy life? Please don’t waste the emotions. Like you, I started writing when I had a full-time job. And it was grueling. I learned a few things in the process, and I’d like to share them with you.

Here is a plot spoiler that may give you some hope. I ended up as an editor at a national Christian publishing company. Later, I served as the Director of Communications for the educational division of the National Association of Evangelicals. I was then the Media Director for an international ministry serving at-risk children.

Along the way, I’ve written or ghostwritten 44 books (so far). My blog posts have been read by literally millions of readers worldwide. I traveled to 31 countries as a Christian journalist. I have mentored many fledgling Christian writers.

Patting myself on the back too much? I hope you don’t think that.

Humility is a quality I value (James 4:6). I am trying to make a point. That is, I started writing a book when I had a full-time job, and by God’s grace, parleyed that into a lifetime of Christian writing ministry. If I could do it, you can do it too.

What can you do to juggle writing a Christian book and working at a full-time job, either at home or away? Here are some thoughts to encourage you.

A Holy Rebellion Against Routine

I was working in construction when I wrote my first book years ago. I was bone-weary when I got home, and my usual pattern was to spend time with the family until dinner, zone out on TV, go to bed at 11 PM, get up at 7 AM, and repeat. I saw that writing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons wasn’t enough time to reach my writing goals.

I saw I had to jettison my familiar use of time. So, I started going to bed soon after dinner and got up at 3 AM. I had nearly four glorious hours to write before going to work.

“I write only when I’m inspired, and I make sure I’m inspired every morning at nine.” — Flannery O’Connor, Christian author and short story writer

Writing from 3 AM to 7 AM yielded better quality writing than any other method I tried. Of course, I was younger then and could handle the early hours and long days. Today, I still value the time God has given me (Ephesians 5:16) and rebel against routines that hamper my productivity.

So, I suggest you break the monotony and the so-called “rules” of a conventional lifestyle. Night owl or early bird, find your rhythm and own it. If society says, “Write at a desk,” maybe your rebellion is scribbling thoughts on a cafe napkin. Embrace the unexpected moments of inspiration.

I always admired Louis L’Amour, the famed Western writer. He had such great concentration he could write anywhere. Legend has it that he wrote an entire chapter of one of his books while sitting on the curb in busy Times Square in New York City while waiting for his wife. Location is not as important as your state of mind.

Christian writing involves sacrifice of all kinds. I suggest you do not sacrifice your spouse and children. You don’t want that kind of pain in your life. But I strongly suggest you sacrifice television. You think it is relaxing, but it is sucking the life out of you.

Thriving in Chaos: Spiritual Armor for the Modern Gladiator

Did you know that the Apostle Paul juggled a job with his preaching and writing? It’s true. He was in the affordable housing business. The Bible says he was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:1–4). Sharing the Gospel was his main task, but he was not above working to meet his living expenses and those of his companions (Acts 20:33–34).

Can you imagine how he had to juggle things? Traveling, preaching, teaching, writing, fighting off magistrates and crowds, dealing with unruly Christians, and still putting food on the table?

Most of us today have only a few mundane challenges by comparison, but they loom large in our lives. Yet, we understand we must continue to “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12).

“The clock never stops ticking. Nothing but God is more persistent than the passing of time. You can’t stop it or slow it.” — John Piper, Pastor and Author

Dive deep into practices that refresh your spirit, be it spontaneous worship breaks, Scripture affirmations pinned to your workspace, or guerrilla prayer sessions in the lunchroom. Just as Ephesians 6:10–18 speaks of the armor of God, gear up daily to face the challenges with faith and flair.

Use the Available Tools

The Ephesians passage is about tools and their effective use. In the coliseum of modern life, juggling writing with a job might feel like facing a lion. But remember, with the proper spiritual armor, not only can you survive — you can thrive. We need the spiritual battle armor mentioned there, but we should also take advantage of other tools.

Christian writers can redefine the game in a world obsessed with the hustle. It’s not just about grinding harder but smarter. Harness the power of modern tools — from writing apps that boost productivity to virtual writing retreats. David didn’t need to be the biggest; he just needed the right stone.

Here are some specific strategies and tools to research:

Have a plan

I do my best work when I have a strategy for completing it. I don’t work willy-nilly. I write according to outlines that require forethought and templates I have created. I employ a set of shortcuts I have developed. I don’t expect great ideas and quality research to jump into my mind the moment my fingers touch the keyboard. Having a writing strategy does not mean I am rigid; I try to always be aware of God’s presence as I write. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Productivity Apps to Streamline the Process

Leveraging apps like Scrivener offers a structured environment tailored for writers, helping organize thoughts, research, and chapters in one place. Meanwhile, Trello can help map out book outlines, article ideas, or project timelines.

There are hundreds of writing apps like these available, but you do not need to try to use them all. Collect the ones that best serve you, as you might collect the best quiver of arrows to hit your intended target.

Digital Bibles and Study Tools

Platforms like the expensive Logos Bible Software or the great free tool Bible Analyzer aren’t just digital Bibles; they offer insightful commentaries, original-language tools, and reading plans. Diving deep into the Word ensures the writer’s content remains rooted in Scripture, fulfilling 2 Timothy 2:15’s call to rightly handle the Word of truth.

Focus and Prayer Apps

Platforms like Abide offer guided Christian meditations. For a writer, taking intentional breaks to reconnect with God can rejuvenate the spirit and spark inspiration. After all, Psalm 46:10 reminds us of the power of being still and knowing He is God.

Amidst a battlefield of towering challenges, David found victory not in size but in precision and divine guidance. He didn’t need the heftiest weapon, just the right one. Similarly, Christian writers today don’t need every tool available, just the right ones that align with their mission. Embrace the modern aids, but always keep your writing anchored in the eternal truth.

Move Boldly Forward

Embracing a more edgy approach, Christian writers can navigate the challenges of balancing their passion for writing with their daily job in fresh and empowering ways. Asak the Lord not only about what to write, but when.