Writing While Waiting – What I’ve Learned From God in the Quiet

We talk a lot about writing. But we don’t talk enough about the waiting.

Right now, I’m in the in-between. I’ve finished Where the Lion Roars—a story that came from my own wilderness season—and I’m submitting it to publishers after it became a finalist in the Love, Faith and Hope Readers’ Choice Awards.

But I’m still waiting to see what happens next.

Writing in the Middle of Real Life

I wrote Where the Lion Roars as my family immigrated from South Africa to Ireland. It was one of the most disorienting seasons of my life. Nothing felt familiar. Everything was overwhelming.

And somewhere in that transition, God birthed a story about a woman grieving her husband, questioning her faith, and heading into the wild for answers.

It was healing—but it was also hard.

There were long gaps when I couldn’t write at all. There were moments when I thought I should just stop. There was a voice in my head that whispered, “You’re not a real author. You’re pretending.”

That voice is called imposter syndrome. And if you’re a writer—or really anyone who creates—chances are you’ve heard it too.

What God Taught Me in the Waiting

Waiting seasons aren’t wasted. They’re refining. Here’s what I’ve learned—and maybe it’ll help you, too:

1. Keep showing up.

You don’t have to write thousands of words a day. Sometimes, writing a single sentence is obedience. Small steps are still steps.

2. Let your worth come from who you are, not what you produce.

This one is tough. Especially when you’re querying or submitting, and you feel like your “yes” or “no” is tied to your identity. It’s not. You were called before you were published.

3. Use the wait to pour into others.

I’ve found such peace in using my time to create devotionals, write encouragement posts, and connect with readers. Your words are valuable even if they’re not bound between covers yet.

What’s Next for Me

I don’t know which publisher will say yes. I don’t know when the doors will open. But I do know this: I’m writing again. I’m currently working on The Freelancer’s Hope for the new Our House on Heather Wynd series.

And I believe God is still moving.

So if you’re in a waiting season, here’s your reminder: Keep walking. Keep trusting. The Lion still roars.