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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This past weekend Judah and I had the immense priv This past weekend Judah and I had the immense privilege of witnessing our five-year-old daughter surrender her life to the Lord.

God has used the salvation of my children to remind me of the Gospel that will never grow old, but that too often loses its wonder in my mind’s eye. What a gift that, in a world filled with evil and upheaval, God is quietly revealing that He is at work in the lives of those most precious to me.

I’m brought back to the reality of what Christ has done on our behalf, simple enough for a child to grasp, yet so profound we’ll never understand the half of it (at least not this side of heaven).

[Read the full post from my rejoicing heart at the link in my bio💕]
I’ve been mulling on this 👆🏻. I’m sure t I’ve been mulling on this 👆🏻. I’m sure there will be a multitude of voices today, but I’m going to chance it and add a few comments to the throng.

I’ve been seeing the argument over and over by pro-abortion advocates that we cannot be truly pro-life unless we’re personally adopting every child who is in foster care, providing childcare or tuition fees for every teen mom who chooses to keep their child, or rallying for every social cause. But this is simply not true. Can we not be against human trafficking without personally going and rescuing every single victim? Can we not think sexual assault is wrong without personally investing in every person who’s experienced it? We can and must hold fast to objective truths about right and wrong according to Scripture. When God gives us opportunities to personally give of our time, resources, and energy to love and care for those who are affected by an unexpected pregnancy—whether that’s providing diapers or adopting a child—we should wholeheartedly obey. But if what God is asking of you today is to get on your knees for those babies, mamas, and daddies who are touched by an unexpected pregnancy, remember that this is no less important. God moves when His people cry out to Him in prayer.

There is also the argument floating around that Christians talk big but act little. In other words, we aren’t actually willing to step in and help the babies we’ve wanted to protect in the womb. But if you look at the statistics that’s also false. Professing Christians are far more likely to personally invest time and resources into caring for the vulnerable than the general population (take a look at Josh Howerton’s pinned thread on Twitter as a starting place). Are there those whose lives contradict their words? Of course. God has to convict all of us of hypocrisy to one degree or another. Where we’ve failed to obey we should repent. However, we shouldn’t buy the lie that *every* Christian is failing to love the vulnerable. And, we need to remember that we’re simply responsible to do what God entrusts us with today—no more, no less. 

Lord, help your people to pray faithfully, serve faithfully, and give faithfully for your glory.
I’ll never forget a number of years ago in a her I’ll never forget a number of years ago in a hermeneutics class our teacher saying, “In Ezekiel 16, do you know what sin is listed first as reasons God destroyed Sodom? Pride.”

This struck me to the core. God had been doing a significant work in my life on this very thing. I’d grown up in a Christian home, been a rule-follower, and truly did love Jesus from a young age. That said, it was hard for me to grasp the depth of my sinfulness. I didn’t have a “past” and I’d never been a trouble-maker. But in my early 20’s I began to feel an increasing desperation to know and love Jesus more. As I pressed into Him I sensed Him speaking to my heart: 

“If you want your love for me to grow you need to see what you’ve been saved from.” 

He began exposing the depth of pride and filthy self-righteousness I’d viewed as lesser evils. It was so painful, but so freeing at the same time. I knew I was no better than those who’d committed the vilest atrocities, equally in need of the blood of Christ to “cleanse [me] from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I truly grasped the reality that not a single ounce of my own effort had contributed to my salvation. I wept over my sin and God’s mercy toward me for the first time.

So in this month that is dedicated to celebrating pride, I want to remember—remember that Jesus can transform anyone who turns to Him in repentance. Remember that Jesus “saved a wretch like me.” 
Remember that Christ gives grace to every person who humbles themselves before Him.
Remember that we are all the same at the foot of the cross.
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#lookingtoJesus #amazinggrace #pride
Our beautiful boy is 1. All the memories surround Our beautiful boy is 1. 
All the memories surrounding his birth are filling my mind and heart today.

This time last year I was in a hospital bed adjusting to the reality of our son coming a month early. I felt so weak, so weary, so unprepared to labor another child from womb to world. It looked like a C-section would be the only option after hours of unimproved heart rate dips. My midwife (whom I’d just met that day) even cried for me (how precious is that?😭). My husband and I prayed for what seemed impossible—a vaginal delivery—and in God’s mercy He chose to grant it. Although it was by far my most painful, difficult birth I was in awe that God had shown such kindness to me. I knew He saw and heard, and was glorified to answer our audacious ask. The midwife and nurse said they’d never seen a turn-around like that in all their years of practicing. 

Little buddy still needed a week in the nicu, yet the Lord revealed His gentleness at every turn—holding my tender, reeling heart in His hands. 

Then, he was home. Yet another answered prayer (they’d projected 3-4 weeks). I’ll never forget the utter joy of his siblings upon his homecoming.

God did not spare me from pain in Jack’s birth story, but instead revealed Himself faithfully and beautifully in the midst of it. When I look at Jack Lewis Cofer, I will always see a testimony of God’s lovingkindness toward me.

Happy Birthday, precious boy. You are a gift I’m unworthy, but so grateful, to steward.
Today I celebrate my dear father. To sum up what Today I celebrate my dear father.

To sum up what I’ve learned from his life would take a post much longer than the word count IG allows. But what I admire the most about him in recent years is seeing a man who consistently grows in wisdom, humility, and joy. He’s one of my favorite people in the world to have deep conversations with—encouraging me to think deeply—and pointing me back to Jesus continually. He’s lived out the declaration in Isaiah 6:8, a passage he loves: “Here I am! Send me.” No words can capture my gratitude for such a rare gift. 

I love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day.
It’s Father’s Day. And I wholeheartedly celebr It’s Father’s Day. And I wholeheartedly celebrate the dad of our children. 
Men of integrity, faithfulness, wisdom, repentance, and holiness are few in this world. But where they are found, it is a joy to honor them. I praise God for the one found in my own home, relentlessly fighting to fix his eyes on Jesus and obey the call on his life to love, disciple, and shepherd his family.

I adore you, @judahcofer. Happy Father’s Day.
When @naomivacaro asked me about the possibility o When @naomivacaro asked me about the possibility of coming to TGCW with her (and a nearly immediate “do it” from my husband) I was thrilled. Hands down, my favorite part was the hours and hours of time with this dear friend. It was so sweet to meet *so* many Instagram faces in-person, hear lots of messages, buy books, and drink a good deal of coffee. 

Now it’s off to my husband and little people. As they say, there’s no place like home. 💕

Until next time, Indy!
Today I decided to tackle some weeding in a sorely Today I decided to tackle some weeding in a sorely neglected spot in our yard. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a little blanket of a particular weed beginning to grow, but decided to leave it to work on something else, convincing myself it could pass as nice ground-cover while I worked on “more important” projects. 

But a couple days ago I noticed it no longer passed as ground cover.😅

As I tugged at the multitude of weeds, I pondered how unassuming and rather pretty it looks when it’s small. Whimsical, white flowers bloom along it’s vine-y tendrils. But as it grows it slowly takes over everything. It wraps itself around branches and stems, making it difficult to distinguish which is which. If you take a close look at it, it’s very structure is twisted—growing to overpower and overtake.

How like sin these little weeds are—so often seeming harmless and even a delight to the eye. We let it be, thinking it can pass as part of the scenery of our lives. But it’s whole intention is to overtake. It slowly-yet-steadily wraps itself around whatever it can get ahold of, effecting every aspect of our lives. And eventually it’ll choke the life out of us.

No matter how innocent or appealing sin appears, it needs to be dealt with like these weeds: done away with. Given no room to flourish. Pulled up by the root and tossed out with the trash. The enemy of our souls wants to keep us tending these sins, or at least tolerating them. He knows that any inch we give to sin it will take a mile, keeping us from flourishing in the abundant life of Christ we’ve been given. 

Praise God for His grace that gives us the ability to say no to sin, to deal with it ruthlessly. Apart from Him we are slaves to our sin with no hope of freedom—no desire, even, for a life outside the bondage of death. What mercy, what love found in Jesus who died to free us from “the sin which clings so closely” (Hebrews 12). 

May any facade of beauty that sin might hold wither in the face of His glory.
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#lookingtoJesus #weeding #ponderings #Christcenteredwomanhood
“Lord, tether my dreams to reality.” This has “Lord, tether my dreams to reality.”

This has been a prayer I’ve continually lifted as of late.

I, as most do, have passions and interests that fall outside my family and home sphere. I have “one day” pursuits I feel quite strongly about. And the temptation can sometimes be to skimp in the “already here” and put my best efforts into those other desires (which are good things in-and-of themselves).

But here’s the reality: 

• I have one life to live. What I choose today matters.

• God’s priorities for me are worth pursuing with my whole heart, regardless of the messages the world (and sometimes my own heart) shouts at me. Why? Because He’s my Creator and only He gets to say what’s best for my life.

• My God-given priorities *today* include (but are not limited to) loving my husband and raising, training, teaching, loving, nurturing, and protecting five little people He’s entrusted to me. I alone have been granted the privilege of being called “Mommy” by these children, and “wife” of this precious man. Any other pursuits in this season must strengthen—not hinder—these callings. And, I might add, these 6 people are a dream come true.

• Some of those future dreams/pursuits are dependent on my faithfulness here and now. Why? Because every choice today is a seed planted, a stone laid. What will these say about me 20 years from now?

• I ultimately don’t want anything other than what God wants for me. He has the right and ability to change my course as He sees fit. If He chooses to allow those other dreams to come to fruition in His time and way I’ll be thrilled. But if He takes them away, blessed be His name. 

Tethered dreams have time to mature, deepen, be refined or even changed completely with age. Tethered dreams recognize that I can’t see the beginning from the end. Tethered dreams are safe with the One who can.

Lord, tether my dreams to reality.
Your reality.
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#lookingtoJesus #Christcenteredwomanhood
“The triangle of truisms, of father, mother and “The triangle of truisms, of father, mother and child, cannot be destroyed; it can only destroy those civilizations which disregard it.” - G. K. Chesterton

The moral fabric of our society is being shredded to pieces right before our eyes, and the attack on the family is right at the heart of it.

Is there anything more counter-cultural we can do than hold fast to God’s design for family—a husband and wife covenanting to one another until death, bearing and raising children for the glory of God? I doubt it. This seemingly simple stand is being showered with fiery darts. The enemy of our souls would like nothing more than for believers to cave to the pressures and lies of society.

But by God’s grace, we can hold fast to this now-radical, Christ-honoring view of husbands, wives, and children. It might feel insignificant at times. But I have a feeling this obedience in regard to God’s design family is accomplishing far more than we’ll ever know this side of eternity.
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#lookingtoJesus #family #husbandsandwives #children #childrenareagift
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