They’re not your books!

 

Before I began writing, I remember standing in a large, Christian bookstore thinking, ‘Why would anyone ever want to add to the enormous numbers of books already here on these shelves? Surely we know enough about living the Christian life, without any more “how to” books from anyone? Perhaps there’s room for more Aussie novels, but how could I compete with all the American ones already here?’

Have you ever felt like that in your own writing journey? You may not have stood in an actual physical bookstore, feeling overwhelmed and intimidated, but perhaps as you have noticed online what others are writing, you too may have begun to doubt your own writing efforts. It can be so easy to compare ourselves with other writers and end up completely discouraged, can’t it?

I can also easily become discouraged after reading how others manage to promote their books in ways I have never explored. My current publisher, Authentic Media UK, tries hard to encourage all their authors to be more proactive promotion-wise, especially on social media, by providing excellent monthly coaching for us online via Teams. Even while taking part in this, however, I can manage to compare myself to others and wonder if I am doing enough.

In times of discouragement, one key thing that has helped me is remembering how God called me to start writing. I was overseas visiting a friend and, one morning while reading Isaiah 42, I sensed God saying, ‘Come on, Jo-Anne. How many times do I have to show you? Go home and start writing!’ I had wanted to write for years – but now I sensed God was giving me permission to do something I had felt might be self-indulgent and actually start. I am forever grateful for this strong challenge as it has helped keep me determined to do my best for God in my writing and speaking. So … do you have that same sense that God has called you to write? If so, may God continue to give you the strength to be obedient and persevere.

I remember too how, way back when I doubted the wisdom of adding to the plethora of books already out there, someone said gently, ‘But they’re not your books!’ That resonated with me, especially in the light of believing God had called me to write. God had created me as I am, with my own unique gifts and abilities, and taken me on my own unique journey through life. Surely then it was possible that God had things for me to say that no one else could say in quite the same way? And of course this is true for you too. Yes, we need to research the market and know what other similar books are out there already, but God is quite able to guide us in all that and show us the unique contribution we can make through our own writing.

I am so grateful as I look back on my writing and speaking journey of around twenty years and remember God’s encouragement and provision through it all – and God’s continued strengthening as I keep writing in 2026. Whatever unique writing journey God has called you to take, may you too know that same encouragement and provision, now and for many years to come.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger. Jo-Anne’s latest book, God Moments, is available via her website, Koorong Books and Amazon

The Joy of Writing - by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

Recently, I welcomed my eleventh book into the world – God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey, published by Authentic Media UK, Grounded in Scripture and grouped under various headings such as ‘On God’s Love and Grace’, ‘On Connecting with God’ and ‘On Loving and Serving Others’, each brief devotional this volume contains encourages us, in the midst of the ordinary events of our lives, to open our hearts to our extraordinary God. Of course, this is an especially joyful time for me as I share these reflections based on some of the hundreds of weekly blogs I have written over many years more widely. But the joy I find in writing in general is even wider and deeper. It is ongoing, ever-changing, at times surprising – and truly life-giving.

I am often asked why I still keep writing, after over twenty years of focusing much of my energy in this area. All I know is that, when I am not writing, I feel something is missing. I may take an occasional break, but then those ideas begin to flow again and I feel the urge to express them in some way that will hopefully connect with others, enrich their lives and draw them closer to God. Of course, the things I desire to write about and that I feel God wants me to share may change over the years. I have loved writing each of my seven novels, for example, but, right now, I am not working on another one. That may change in the future, but, in more recent times, I have felt God urging me to write my four non-fiction books instead, sharing insights and experiences God has graciously given me over many years. At this point, I cannot envisage a time when I will give up writing my weekly blogs and linking them to Facebook each Tuesday. No doubt, that day will come, but in the meantime, I keep writing – and keep listening to God’s promptings for what I am to write next.

When I am writing, it seems to me that I am somehow being filled up inside. I feel as if I am being all I can be for God in that moment, as if God truly wants me to get those words out there in some form to share with others. Yes, some days I can become stuck as to what direction to go in whatever I am writing. At times, I may even end up throwing out much of what I have laboured over. But, even in that, there is a sense of satisfaction and deep fulfilment that I am crafting something others may appreciate and that, as I persevere, what I write will become even better. It is as if I am partnering with God in it all as I let that creativity flow – and that truly can be a joyous experience.

It is a special joy when the words we have woven together are published in some form. Yet, whether this happens when and how we envisage or not, there is still deep joy to be found in the whole process, I believe. May this truly be your experience as writers too as you continue to create those special works God has inspired you to create and hopefully share with others.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger. Jo-Anne’s latest book, God Moments, is available via her website, Koorong Books and Amazon.

 

The power of our words

 by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

In my various occupations over the years, I have seen again and again the power our words can have. As a high school teacher way back, as an office secretary interacting with clients of our church’s family support program, then later as part of our church’s pastoral team, I experienced the extra impact my words could carry because of the power of my public position. Now as a writer and speaker and at a different stage in my life, I still see so often the effect the words I say and those I write can have.

Yet, whatever our occupation, our words have the power to touch others’ lives for good or for ill each day – our families, friends, work colleagues or anyone else we meet or contact in some way. And each day, the words of others have the power to impact us in return. Sometimes, they may lift us up and encourage us, but at others, they may discourage and even hurt deeply.

In January this year, my third non-fiction book, Swansong: Start creating your legacy of life-giving words, was published by Authentic Media UK. In the course of promoting it, I recorded two radio interviews and a podcast with organisations based in the UK while sitting right here in my study in front of my laptop. During one for Trans World Radio, my lovely interviewer mentioned something that happened to him when he was growing up. If he ever made a mistake, he told me, a ‘close family member’ would say to him, ‘Oh, you’re so useless!’ Then he hastily added, ‘They probably didn’t mean anything by it – it was probably just a throw-away line. However, it took me many, many years to undo the harm those words did to me.’

My heart went out to him all the way to the UK. However, I also remembered how easy it can be for any of us to speak or write similar ‘throw-away lines’ to others and how hard it can be, as James warns us in his letter, to tame our tongues – or our fingers as we write (James 3). Yet, as Paul reminds us, we can choose whether our words will indeed benefit others or otherwise:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

What a challenge for us, not only as we speak but also as we write! What sort of legacy will our many thousands of words leave behind when we are no longer here? Will they affirm, encourage or comfort? Will they bring peace and blessing to our readers? Will they perhaps challenge, yet also express empathy, mercy and forgiveness?

Whenever I personally sell one of my own books, I always ask if I can write ‘God bless’ as well as sign my name inside. For me, these are not two glib, meaningless words but, instead, a fervent prayer that God will truly benefit my reader in some way and draw them closer to God. May this always be our aim as Christian authors, in whatever genre we write. May we always remember the power our words can have and seek to use them so wisely and well.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and three non-fiction works. She holds
degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger.

www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

www.joanneberthelsen.wordpress.com

In for the long haul

 

I began my writing journey in earnest almost twenty years ago now. Back then, if you had told me I would have ten books published by 2024, I would not have believed you. I thought I had one novel burning inside me, but that turned out to be seven in the end. I also remember declaring back then that I could never see myself writing non-fiction. Yet, just last week, my third non-fiction book, Swansong, was released.

Some have asked me why – and how – I keep going with all my writing and speaking. I usually respond by saying that I still feel I have things to say that I hope will encourage and draw others closer to God. Also, I still enjoy both – so why stop? As to the ‘how’ question, I can honestly say I would not still be writing if it were not for God’s guidance and strengthening over the years through the words of Scripture, through others and directly into my spirit. While I did not know I would still be writing all these years later, God knew and has constantly given me the impetus to keep going and the opportunities to be published.

I remember with gratitude how, when I was struggling to find a traditional publisher for my first novel, a young mum in a group I was part of prayed earnestly that my novel would indeed see the light of day. Later, she told me she thought she had seen a new Christian publisher advertised in a magazine at her mother’s place. She promised to email me the relevant information and I thanked her – but, in my heart, I was sure she would forget. A few days later, however, her email arrived – and, eventually, this was the publisher who released my first manuscript.

Fast forward to around eighteen years later when I was again looking for a publisher, this time for my third non-fiction book, Swansong. In October 2022 at the Omega Christian Writers’ Conference in Kingscliff, at what I believe was God’s prompting, I booked a Zoom interview with a representative of an overseas non-fiction publisher, Authentic Media UK. A wonderful online meeting ensued – and, soon after, I was offered a contract with Authentic.

When I started my writing journey, I did not fully believe those who told me writing is a ‘long haul’ undertaking. Yet, they were right. After all, it can take months or years for one book to emerge – and it can take even longer to build up any significant body of writing and gain a wide readership. But God of course knows that – and God also knows what shape our writing journeys will take. Perhaps God has just one book for you to write – and that is absolutely fine. But perhaps God wants you in for the long haul too and has given you many ideas that are waiting to see the light of day. In this case, I want to encourage you to keep trusting and walking with God, who is more than able to strengthen and guide and bring the right publishing opportunities your way. Our role is to listen, to obey, to persevere and to give of our best, whatever shape our writing journey may take.

May God enable us all to do exactly that in 2024.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through the written and spoken word. She is the author of seven published novels and three non-fiction works, ‘Soul Friend’,  ‘Becoming Me’ and ‘Swansong’.. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.