3 Writing Habits That Guarantee You’ll Finish Your Book
A Practical Guide for Christian Writers Who Want to See Their Story Through
WRITER’S GOALS
The goal of every Christian fiction writer is to finally finish the story that’s been on their heart.
But with life’s distractions, self-doubt, and overwhelm creeping in, it can feel impossible to stay consistent — or to actually finish your novel.
Maybe you’ve blocked out time, made resolutions, or started strong — only to wonder weeks later:
“Where did my writing time go? Will I ever finish this book?”
It can leave you feeling stuck, frustrated, and questioning your calling.
Today, you’re in luck! I’m going to share three writing habits that guarantee you’ll finish your book, stay consistent, and feel proud of the progress you’re making — without sacrificing your faith, your family, or your values.
I’ll cover:
✔ How to schedule your writing time (and stick to it)
✔ Why building a routine creates consistent progress
✔ How setting deadlines keeps your story moving forward
And I’ll show you how one simple bonus habit can give you accountability — even if you’re still building confidence as a writer.
Keep reading for the details — and how I help Christian writers like you stay focused through one-on-one coaching.
What Are the 3 Writing Habits?
These habits help you:
✔ Protect your writing time with clear boundaries
✔ Build a repeatable routine that fits your life
✔ Set visible, motivating deadlines for your book
It’s not about hustle — it’s about consistent, faith-aligned progress that honors your calling as a Christian writer.
Why These Habits Matter
Most Christian writers I work with feel stuck for one reason:
They’ve never built systems that support their writing dream.
As James Clear says in Atomic Habits:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
These habits give you the structure to actually finish your book — one step at a time.
Example Habit #1: Schedule Your Writing Time
If writing isn’t on your calendar, it won’t happen. That’s why I block out my writing sessions in Google Calendar — highlighted in red so I can’t miss them.
Your story deserves space in your schedule. Protect your writing time — before the distractions creep in.
Example Habit #2: Establish a Routine
Consistent routines create real progress. Here’s what mine looks like:
✔ I walk on the treadmill while I write — movement fuels focus
✔ Coffee, water, music — simple comforts that keep me present
✔ I use Dabble, set a 1-hour timer, and turn off notifications
Your routine doesn’t have to look like mine — it just has to support your creativity and keep you showing up.
Example Habit #3: Set a Deadline
Deadlines keep you accountable. I set visual deadlines on my calendar:
✔ Pink for Cozy Mysteries
✔ Green for Middle Grade
✔ Blue for YA
When I open my calendar, I see exactly how many days I have left. It motivates me — and keeps my writing moving forward.
Isaiah 41:15 says:
“See, I will make you into a sharp threshing instrument with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.”
Friend, God has equipped you to move mountains — even the mountain of unfinished manuscripts.
Bonus Tip: Set a Handoff Date
If you don’t have an editor yet, ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable. Give them a date to expect your manuscript — it makes the finish line feel real.
Tips for Writing Success
✔ Block out writing time — treat it like a meeting with yourself
✔ Build a routine that supports focus and creativity
✔ Set deadlines — and watch your progress grow
✔ Find accountability — through coaching, friends, or mentors
Need Step-by-Step Help?
If you’ve been carrying the dream of writing your book but still feel stuck, I offer personalized coaching for Christian writers like you.
Together, we’ll map out your story, tackle self-doubt, and build your book — one step at a time, without compromising your faith.
[Learn more about coaching here.] [insert link]
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