Heather Cofer

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My Top Three Tips for the Blossoming Writer

1 Apr

I never had aspirations to be a writer.

Growing up it wasn’t on my radar, and not once did I consider it as a potential aspect of my adult life (with the exception of one occasion when a friend and I decided to write the next top-selling Christian teen novel—that only lasted a day and a few pages). 

Yet, here I am, nearly 10 years into my writing journey, grateful every day that the Lord has commissioned me to spend a significant amount of time putting words on paper (well, I guess it’s usually a screen, but you get the idea). 

Did I love it when I started? No, not really. Do I love it now? Very much so. Not only because it is a means to convey what God is teaching me with others, but also because I have grown to truly appreciate every aspect behind the creation of written works. 

I am asked for writing advice on a fairly regular basis, and although I still have so much to learn, it’s a topic I delight to share about and cheer on others to pursue. So when someone suggested I write a blog post on this subject, I was more than happy to oblige.

There is a vast array of pointers I could share, but I picked three that have proven to be true in my own experience since my very first article. It’s my hope that these will put a gust of wind in your sails as you pursue writing for the glory of God. 

1. Be Consistent

Arguably the question I receive the most on this subject is, “How did you have time to write a book with all your little ones?” The answer is: I made time. Granted, it took five years from start to finish, but I sought to be faithful with the time I did have, and kept plugging away until it was printed and in my hands.

If there’s anything I’ve learned being a mama of four little ones with the desire to write (and often having writing deadlines), it’s that if I don’t make time for writing on purpose, it won’t happen. And if it doesn’t happen on a regular basis, I lose momentum and get rusty, or end up getting stressed and rushing when I have an obligation to finish a piece by a certain time. So, I’ve purposefully sought to carve out time in my weekly (and sometimes daily) schedule for this pursuit. 

One writer said,

“I only write when I’m inspired, so I see to it that I’m inspired every morning at nine o’clock.”

Peter De Vries

Writing is similar to every other skill, in that the more time you invest in it, the better you will likely get. And, the more intentionally you prioritize it in your schedule, the more quickly you will improve.

For quite a few years, I set aside one evening every week to write. Judah graciously watched the kids and got them down for bed, and I would slip over to a nearby coffee shop for some more focused time to form my thoughts into words. Now, the coming of the pandemic meant those evenings out of the house went kaput for a while—which meant I had to get a bit innovative since I still had writing commitments to fulfill. I was surprised to find, then, that instead of my writing suffering, it ended up flourishing more than ever. All those years of cultivating a regular writing habit had paid off, having created mental “reserved space” for this exercise that could be shifted around to fit the circumstance. You know what they say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

There are certainly seasons when writing needs to take a back-burner due to other priorities (like caring for a newborn, which I see on my horizon), but God has given such peace to set it aside when He has other commissions for me to carry out instead. And God will be faithful to you, too, as you seek to write in whatever capacity is fitting for your season. 

Takeaway:
Schedule a regular daily or weekly time for writing. It may not always be super productive, but you’ll find that you begin to anticipate that time and fall into a mental rhythm that will help you be more productive in your writing over the long haul. 

2. Be Edited

This is probably the hardest of my three tips, because it is certainly the most humbling. Allowing someone to not only view your writing, but to critique and offer advice on it, can certainly feel vulnerable. But it’s a critical step for anyone who is seeking to mature in their writing.

I’ll be forever grateful that I’ve had my pieces being edited from the very beginning of my serious writing journey, because it’s meant growth at a much quicker rate than I would’ve otherwise experienced. However, it wasn’t easy to swallow at first. I am someone who tends to take everything personally even when I don’t want to, and having my work spliced and revamped was no different. Even though those editing my writing were so gracious and kind, it still took a good bit of getting used to, and continual self-reminders that this had nothing to do with my character or what they thought of me as a person. 

And you know what? Over the years it’s gotten easier. I’ve grown to welcome and deeply appreciate the editing process. I’ve had many “lightbulb” moments I may not have otherwise had if someone hadn’t pointed out ways I could improve. And once a piece has been edited, I’m far more confident that it says what I want it to say, and that those reading it will both understand and enjoy what I spent (often) significant time and effort to compose. 

Takeaway: 
Think of someone who is a few (or many) steps ahead of you in the field of writing; someone you would trust to look over your work. This should also be someone you know will be honest with you about ways you can improve. Welcome any feedback they give you. Be willing to listen, and not immediately bristle or become discouraged at their suggestions. Ask God to help you appropriate the advice you’ve been offered with grace (and a grain of salt when necessary). Trust me, it’s worth it

3. Be Learning 

This third tip I want to address on two levels.

First, continually be learning in a broad sense. The more you choose to observe the world around you, study what interests you, gain life experience both exciting and mundane, and set aside time to meditate on biblical truth, the more you will have to offer those who read your writing. I’ve heard it said by a number of people that being a reader improves your writing. Not only do books offer insight on a vast array of topics by those who are knowledgeable in their spheres, but they also gives us the chance to learn how good writing works and distinguish between various writing styles. 

When someone is both knowledgeable about what they are writing and genuinely delighted by it, it draws the reader in. Have you ever heard someone share on a topic you previously had no interest in (say, the qualities of dirt), but because of the passion and true enjoyment that person exudes you are now intrigued by the topic as well? I have! And this kind of enthusiasm can only come from being someone who is an avid learner. When this is combined with excellent writing, it’s quite the power pair.

“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.”

Henry David Thoreau

Second, and more specifically, seek to continually learn about writing itself. Consider taking an online course about the kind of writing you want to pursue (i.e. blogging or novel writing), or read books on writing; expand your knowledge on everything from poetry to punctuation. If you get the opportunity, pick the brain of a writer you admire and whose style you resonate with. Then, be courageous and try out the new skills or techniques you’re gleaning. Know that you won’t be perfect in the beginning because, well, you’re a beginner. But you have to start somewhere, and the more practicing and learning you invest in, the more quickly you’ll move from novice to aficionado (with a few steps in-between).

Takeaway: 
Be a learner. Gain life experience. Make time for reading. Be a faithful student of the Bible, because that is how we know truth, learn to appropriate it in our lives, and share it with others. 
Take a writing course. Seek out the advice of experienced writers. Put into practice what you’re gleaning. 

Here are a few resources I would recommend:

  • Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life by Douglas Wilson
  • How to Write with Flair by Heather Holleman 
  • Intentional Blog course by Jeff Goins
  • Hope*Writers (They have an official course, but I’ve only participated in a writing webinar and purchased a few of their individual videos. However, I’ve heard it’s well-worth the investment). 
  • Young Writers Workshop (Again, I’ve only gleaned from some of the free resources they have put out, but have heard great reviews from others)

There you have it! I hope these tips were both graspable and encouraging to you. I’m cheering you on as you venture more deeply into the exciting waters of writing. 

Your friend,

If this post was encouraging to you, would you consider sharing it? Many thanks!

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My middle-little sister, Holly, has spent the past My middle-little sister, Holly, has spent the past 6+ months in our house fam. There’s a 7 year age difference between us, so when I got married she was just entering her teen years. She lived across the world from me for a good part of the next decade, so when she decided to move up our way for a while I was thrilled. Spending hours of up-close, in-person time together has been a precious gift. Having siblings that become some of your dearest friends is, I’m discovering, one of the greatest joys of adulthood.

Now she’s off to the next chapter. I know God’s going to continue to use her to bless others in significant ways, just as she’s blessed us—this servant-hearted, joy-filled sister of mine. I’m so grateful for you, @holly_sprenger.
As I watch the happenings in this world I have an As I watch the happenings in this world I have an ever-increasing ache—a yearning—to be known first and foremost by my allegiance to Jesus Christ.

As I read headlines, hot takes, opinions, debates between fellow believers—praying and seeking to learn and discern—I’m more certain than ever that being a Christian frees us from being defined by or confined to earthly labels in our stances on any given issue. We’re free to champion what God champions, to despise what God despises regardless of how it might be viewed by those around us or what political lines it might cross. We’re free to love those who differ from us, and yes, even free to love those who do us wrong. 

I have strong opinions and thoughts about certain issues—no doubt about it. I disagree with certain thoughts or opinions fellow believers hold. But what I want those brothers and sisters to know about me *first* is that I love them, not how I might disagree with them. Yes, there’s a place to discuss, to sharpen one another, to exhort and encourage, to warn and even to rebuke at times when we see fellow believers straying from Christ. But the world is supposed to know us by our love for each other, not our debates and conflicts. This should temper the “what,” “how,” and “when” of every conversation. 

Some of us are called to stand more publicly against certain evils and injustices than others. We should expect the best of those who aren’t doing or saying exactly what we’re doing or saying (*especially* if we’re defining them by their lack of words on social media. There are faithful Christians who will never say a word about current issues online, but are obeying in word and deed in their in-person spheres). That said, this should *never* be used as an excuse to neglect the actions and words that every Christ-follower must be marked by according to Scripture. And when we find ourselves hesitating to obey any of God’s commands due to another allegiance something needs to change.

Lord, may your people be defined not by causes, but by Christ; not by worldly labels, but by you alone.
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#lookingtoJesus #thegospelchangeseverything #Christcenteredwomanhood
I’ve been thinking about my little fuchsia plant I’ve been thinking about my little fuchsia plant the past few days. I snipped and propagated it from a stunning outdoor hanging plant we had a couple years ago after it scorched in the intense CO sun. After weeks of daily watching I finally saw the roots appear, and replanted it. Fuchsia is special to me, because it’s one of the plants that beautified our windowsills in Mongolia throughout our years there. I love having one in our home.

Recently, though, did a little trimming of this plant. I noticed there were a couple of overly flourishing sprigs; they were so long they were keeping the little plant from filling out. So, as much as I hated to do it, I clipped them off. To my delight, brand new leaves began appearing within days all over the plant.

Why has this been on my mind?  Because it reminded me that sometimes—in order for us to flourish—we need to clip back areas in our lives that are zapping growth. It’s often a painful decision, because they’re usually pastimes or vocations we love. But we know in order to direct time and energy toward our God-given priorities we need to do a little clipping of those gangly offshoots. Although we feel bare for a time, it doesn’t take long for the evidence of growth and life to show itself where it was much needed. 

And guess what? Those clipped offshoots are sitting in a jar in the kitchen, waiting to sprout new roots. They aren’t gone forever, just being prepped to produce life rather than zap it. Sometimes branches do need to be clipped and tossed. Other times they just need to be propagated—waiting for new roots to grow so they can grow and flourish at the right time in the right way.

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2
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#lookingtoJesus #plants #Christcenteredwomanhood #fuchsia #ponderings #lessonseverywhere
//Well, it’s all an adventure That comes with a //Well, it’s all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking a tightrope
With you//

The incredible @frostedphotographer took some headshots for us, and she said, “Do you want to snap a few together?” Yes, please. 😍😍😍

Forever thankful for the gift of a life adventure with this man.
//Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Su //Summer and winter and
springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their
courses above,
Join with all nature in 
manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness,
mercy, and love//
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#greatisthyfaithfulness #lookingtoJesus #springtime
“Being like Jesus” will never contradict the r “Being like Jesus” will never contradict the rest of Scripture.

Several times as of late I’ve read or heard examples of people using stories of Jesus from the gospels to back up an argument about accepting sin of some kind. They say that if His followers are going to be like Him they need to follow His example—His example by their interpretation, that is.

But the narratives told of Jesus in the Gospels will *never* contradict the specific commands Christ-followers are given in the rest of the New Testament. Jesus never justified a sin we’re commanded to repent of. A sinful attitude never laced His words, no matter how matter-of-fact His rebukes were. Jesus is the Word made flesh. He will never go against His character or commands for His people.

We can be hard-line on sin while being gentle and kind. We can show compassion without compromising truth. We can be loving while holding fast to biblical convictions. We can, and we must.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Changing Him in any way for our own gain—whether that’s for fleshly gratification or out of fear of others—is making a Jesus in our image. This is a Jesus who cannot save. 

But we have a Jesus who *can* save, who needs no re-making. May we, by His grace, be ever-conforming to Him.
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#lookingtoJesus #Christcenteredwomanhood #Christcenteredliving #truth #love #Jesusislife
“Only God Himself fully appreciates the influenc “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” 
-Billy Graham

I know without a doubt this is true of my mom. This side of heaven I’ll have no idea what depths her godly influence and faithfulness has had upon me as a wife, mom, and woman in any sphere. I will never forget her telling us, “I’m so thankful I get to spend my days with you.” To have the assurance we were loved and enjoyed on top of all she did for our physical needs was a priceless gift. And, as I prepared to enter into adulthood she not only mentored me, but invited me into friendship with her. There aren’t words to sum up that kind of honor.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thank you for being willing to love and follow Jesus in whatever He’s asked of you. There is nothing greater you could’ve given to us. I love you.
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