See What God Did in Just One Week—Through These Writers
Praise God! It's been a great week - finally got the direction for my book, did all five days, loving the ability to get so much done just in 15 mins a day! Drafting is in progress - Wowee!!
- Marjorielyn McKenzie
I have learned a lot in the amount of time I have been able to focus. I hope to continue with the information I have gained and keep the Spirit in my writing. Thank you so much for your help!
- Donna
I finished the writing challenge and wrote a newsletter, and titles for my 2025 content calendar and will be implementing the 15-minute challenge in other areas, not just in writing. Thank you for this challenge, Shelley. It is SO worth it. 0 1 Open options
- Sharon Castillo
I've now signed up to Kingdom Writers and going to study all that's available on the site. I'm committed to this and I'm going to commit to an hour a day writing as well. This has been a dream for so many years. Thank you Shelley and CJ for giving valuable tools so that, with the Lord’s help as well, I can press forward in 'making disciples of all nations'.
- Carol Richell
I have taken the time this week to decide to rework some outlines and do rewrites on the series I'm working on. Along with my husband's help, we've done some discussions on the plot, and I've recommitted to the overall story.
- Grace Marshall
I was able to start a new project and create momentum to move forward. This is a new season! I've been asking God what's next. I intend to "not trust on my own understanding, but acknowledge Him" always and follow Him as He leads me. This Writing Week Challenge was perfectly and divinely timed for me. Thank you, CJ, Shelley, and team!
- Debra Miner
I didn't track every day because some of my days were spent writing personal emails to my beta readers, I have 6 readers reading my final manuscript and writing reviews for me. I am getting there - so excited! I also worked on front and back matter and completed book description, and author bio. I have my list from procrastination to publication that I am working through.
- Mary Underwood
My total word count for the week is 1,484, but this number can't show how much I'm changed in my mindset and perspective towards the calling God has placed on my heart. I have set a very ambitious goal of writing, editing, and publishing my first book in 2025. Praise God for His provision, guidance, discernment, and presence in this project. May He be glorified through the words that He lays on my heart. I am the pen, He is the author!
- Jaime Greener
I wrote or worked on my editing project each day and appreciated the reminder, even if just for 15 minutes. I also learned that I need silence, so I started using my sound-canceling AirPods. I also found that the afternoon is my most consistent time for writing in this current season of life. I am encouraged to dream again with God and have many new ideas for books, and believe that they can be written by God's strength, not my own! This was a great week! Thank you! 0 3 Open options
- Rosemary Jones
Yeah!! So thankful!!!! I'm fired up and motivated to move forward in my God-led writings. Thanks for enabling me to clear the space in my home needed to take my writing to the next level. Gratitude will forever be on my lips and in my mind as I write and ask God for the wisdom needed in all aspects. Thanks for the blessings shared this week. I will continue to use Proverbs 3:5-6 as the driving force of my writing, where I will trust God with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding.
- Sandra Smith
This week has been so encouraging! I've been listening to the Kingdom Writers Podcast for a couple years, but struggling to do this writing thing alone. I had no idea how much I needed CBA. What an amazing program! I'm feeling hopeful again, with a deep desire to finish my memoir. Thank you Shelley and CJ, you are truly a gift from God!
- Lydia McGranahan
By the way, I appreciate the certificate of completion--but I LOVED the little video that came on when I clicked Done :-) I actually clicked off of it and clicked it again just to experience it again. hahahahahaha. Thank you for the little extras this week :-)
- Elizabeth Daghfal
I fell off on day 5 but I am grateful for the tools that were provided during this session and the accountability to get it done! I am excited because I got through majority of the editing my book during this week and it set me up to complete the final draft before sending it to an editor! GRATEFUL! Wrote over well over 2000 words, not including my journals.
- Imani
I wrote for a total of 105 minutes and a total of 2,022 words this week, thanks!
- Beth Schairer
I love the line "breathing life through the paper" in the song. Awesome!
- Darci Werner
3,108 words, including the dream journaling live the last day. I plan to keep up with writing at least 15 minutes a day 5 days a week.
- Marsha Hays
Not including the journaling, I wrote 730 words over the course of the five day challenge. Thank you for running this. The information and such have been very helpful, and I look forward to using all that I've learned in my future writing endeavors.
- Ezra
Total results: lots of pleasure writing with God daily! Multiple days of writing for longer sessions than 15 minutes. Encouragement from knowing that there are others on the same journey. Word count results: 21600; yet more than that: I felt refreshed by God each time I sat down to write. Thank you for a great week!
- Nailah
There were so many great lessons to learn. I especially like the Dream with God session. It taught me to allow God's spirit to guide me on what to write about. Some of it was brainstorming but writing just the same. Thank you for this.
- Sanna Scales
I was only able to write 3 of the 5 days because I had family come into town. But am looking forward to conscientiously writing at least 15 minutes a day over the next few months. I am also seriously considering signing up for the next year.
- Jenifer Hanson
I didn’t write too much, only about 400 words for the whole week. I work shifts in the hospital and sometimes is hard to find the energy and time. One thing I know for sure. I am a different person and I learned a different approach to write in a serious manner. Thank you Shelley and CJ for creating a new writer!
- Madalina Andrei
This week was very productive. I wrote hours per day and accomplished writing up a talk and an outline, and with the 15 minute bonus training wrote up a healing testimony from the late May early June time period which I hadn’t yet done.
- Janna Rich
👨👩👧👦 100+ Books Sold I got so much done on my website updating it, AND finished implementing my editor's suggestions for my whole book manuscript, as well as writing a blog post for someone else!
- Heather Erdmann
I wrote mostly planning materials this week and sketched out ideas for an upcoming presentation as I had hoped and created an outline with some resources/quotes for another essay I'm writing. All together I wrote 1779 words this week.
- Donna
This was such a great week for me, and I'm so thankful God allowed me to be a part of this experience. I'm writing every day, bringing some tasks to completion, outlining my next book, and revising my schedule to have my daily business meeting with God as I incorporate pause, pray, and pen. My desire is to be a voice for God in my writings.
- Sandra Smith
I posted my final results yesterday but wanted to get some thoughts. The past week got me so fired up about making progress on my writing that I wrote another 90 minutes of writing and over another 1000 words will finishing the messy first draft of the first chapter of my book. I want to thank Shelly and CJ for their continued encouragement. This is exactly what I needed to get motivated. Looking forward to tomorrow's writing time.😀
- Francis Szarejko
I wrote 960 words! It's a modest amount, but I am proud of the work I created. What a great foundation to have a way to keep the words coming!
- Crista Crawford
Absolutely great, thanks so much. This was my 2nd time coming through your training and like the WORD I gain something new each time I read it. bless you!
- Paula Grimsley-Zenzel
Can hardly wait until the next challenge! I did the bonus things too, but not sure if the computer actually recorded everything even though I checked the done tab.
- Janet
Thank you so much Shelley! All great and useful information. I especially enjoyed the outline that you presented yesterday for a “Business Meeting with God.” Have a blessed weekend!
- Jennifer
Love how motivating these challenges are. I wrote 3 episodes for my Vella fiction short story and plan to write more today. Thanks for all that you and CJ do!
- Beth Jones
Learned so much. Great ideas, techniques and advice. Thank you for being so approachable and real. May God bless you and your husband as you live in His grace. ♥️
- Christina T
The biggest result for me was a reaffirmation that God is with me in my writing! I was able to write each day with ease and pleasure, especially after I paused, prayed and then took up the “pen”. I re-wrote an introduction to a devotion I have been working on and an outline for a “How to use this book” section and edited some of my first chapter. Thanks so much for your ministry.
- Julie
I really enjoyed this training! I've been trying to remember to partner with God when it comes to my writing, but tend to always forget. This training helped by giving me the tools and steps that I need to not only write a little every day, but to also allow God to guide me through the process.
- Summer
I have truly loved this training. It has been just what I needed to get back to the seriousness of my writing. Now I am ready to Move On! By the way, I love the songs! They have been perfect. Thank you so much for the encouragement and the tips and techniques. I believe God led me to this at just the right time and at just the right moment. God speed to all the writers here. Be amazing!
- Angela Jenkins
This week was a refreshing wake up call for me to not only get back to my writing but to feel that it's *OK* for me to spend time "on myself" as in my writing b/c I am really spending time on the Lord. In fact, the more I write, the more people I can bring to Christ. What a freeing feeling! I also appreciate the encouragement to "Pause. Pray. Pen." as it sets up such a great setting and environment for creating. This has been a great challenge for me 🥰!
- Bitsy
This week I organized the outline for the book I am writing and wrote the newsletters and posts for the upcoming Indiegogo campaign I am launching next month. Realizing that I can get much accomplished with 15 minutes of uninterrupted and focused time was such a blessing!
- Audrey
I edited and rewrote on my trilogy all week long, thats now ready to publish. What a beautiful blessed week of encouragement & nudges & kingdom reminders of keeping God first through every aspect of writing. I feel my next project will be started on the right foot with many of the things I learned; primarily Pomodoro! And Dreaming WITH God!
- Lynette Wermager
Thank you for the writing challenge! I had a productive week where I wrote almost every day and made progress on my projects.
- Leone
I have written with pen and paper partly at work on paper notes and during the evenings, while inspired by your resources, so encouraging!
- Mary Paige Desmond
In the past five days, I wrote 1,986 words. I might add to that this evening, but I feel okay with the total given the time I spent. Thank you for your great resources and for letting me be a part of this.
- Laura Ware
During the week, I wrote 232 minutes and 2616 words, most of the first chapter of the book I've been putting off. I plan to finish the first chapter on Saturday and will begin chapter 2 on Monday to keep the momentum going.
- Francis Szarejko
During the week, I wrote for 80 minutes, produced 628 words, and averaged 7.5 words per minute. I finished editing my blog post for this week.
- Tricia Opitz
This challenge was a great experience for me. This week I was able to 2576 words. I had started writing again 1 week ago so this challenge came at just the right time!
- Nathan Eaton
It's been a great experience this week. The great tips and exercises are things that can be applied on a regular basis in order to keep up the momentum of writing. Thank you. 🐾💗🐾
- Peggianne
I did the "Dream with God" steps during the video this morning. God showed me that I can move forward with my writing more if I organize my notes, lessons, and "to-do" lists in one place. I'll work on that this afternoon and tomorrow. Right now, I have trouble finding what I need and waste a lot of time looking for files and notes.
- Tricia Opitz
I completed it! Thanks for this challenge week! I did some research on Bible study writing, spent some time with God, pondering next steps and wrote 1521 words for blogging over 3 days. These times of accountability are very helpful.
- Tammy Kutscher
I worked on my book all 5 days. Day one was mostly reviewing a video of a training I did on my subject but ended up with 3940 words written day 2-5. I spend over 5 total hours working and noticed with each day my words for that day increased. Consistency does matter! Thanks for this challenge. I did like tracking it, and I became even more keenly aware of the need to take care of myself and prioritize my sleep every night.
- Sheryl Miter
I got 1375 words. I wrote four of the five days. I wrote longhand. It is easier to keep my hand going than to keep my fingers typing. That is the best I've ever done in a week. I have drafts for three blog posts. Thank you.
- Scott
I generated 5 new "drafts" of either poems or personal essays. I don't have a total word count because I found that I write more freely by hand - less self-editing.
I appreciated the accountability for scheduling writing time and will continue this going forward.
- Kathryn
Thanks for this week! I wrote over 1,000 words between a blog post, a poem, editing, and some scribbling that I don't know what it will end up being. It was a great jump back into writing!
- Beka
I completed the full 7-day challenge and wrote 2,910 words. This challenge got me working, for I don't want to lose the momentum and leave the work undone. Thank you so much, Shelley.
- Sharon Castillo
I don't remember if I posted so here it goes. This got me back into listening to God and writing what He has to say to me through the Pause, Pray, and Pen. To me, that is gold! :-) Also, I became aware that I write best typing on my computer.
- Sharon Gibson
I wrote 4400 words during the five day challenge. It felt good to get back to daily writing, and I was pleased with how much I could accomplish in such a little time. I appreciate the tips and encouragement. Thank you!
- Staci Jensen-Hart
There is such wisdom in building the daily habit of writing. Even after a slow start, I can feel the momentum building. Outline completed and have begun fleshing out the project. Thank you for the concrete suggestions and encouragement!
- Sandra Keranen
Good morning. As I'm happy I completed last week's writing challenge, I'm off and running this morning, eager to write witha timer in hand and choosing a few affirmations to focus on this week. Again, thanks for arming me with additional tools for success.
- Sandra Smith
I wrote 500 words last week. 668 if you include this morning. I also journaled and wrote out a prayer every morning before beginning my project. I write slowly, but that's ok! I am committing to the process. I saw God show up every morning, even when I felt emotionally drained or lacked motivation. He's in the mud with me, slogging alongside me. I feel His words in my heart, "Keep going. I am right here with you."
- April Spencer
I finished the writing week. My total words that I wrote in my book was 11,595. It is so exciting to be able to write again, and now that my outline is done it will be much easier to stay on track. This is one of the books I want to publish this year. I think I will continue to use the Tomato Timer. That works for me. Thanks for all the tools and time you put into this.
- Janice Kaat
I wrote the first two (very rough) chapters of my book! (~10,000 words) And I have a much clearer vision of how to move forward. I also feel I truly established a writing habit. Today I took a sabbath and feel so strange not writing, lol! Thank you, Shelley, for hosting!
- Rachel Whitley
I have a 3 mini habit routine to start my day, and one of those things is to work on my next book for 15 minutes, either writing or editing. I got out of the habit the last while and this writing week challenge helped me get back on track. It also made me realize that even if other things get in the way and I don't get this done at the beginning of my day, I can make time for it and do it later in the day.
- Lana Allen
This week's writing challenge blessed me as I successfully wrote for six days for long, sustained periods. The tomato timer is a great tool and I will surely utilize it in the future. To my surprise, l wrote well over 1500 words and am seeing a pattern of writing coming together. The beautiful affirmations, as well as the word of God, tell me that through Christ, all things are possible. I value the information provided this week. Thank you so much.
- Sandra Smith
I got 2,323 words but really more excited and happy about stretching myself to write poetry - and I got even more rhythm and rhyme in that time 😉 I was also able to fit in researching, editing, and polishing. Praise God for the progress. Now it's time to keep writing. Thanks Shelley!
- Ada Adeleke-Kelani
I completed 3, 869 words during this challenge. I got off to a rough start but I kept at it and made it through. One of the things I worked on was a short story I'm thinking of entering into a contest. Not sure yet seeing as it's due tomorrow but who knows? I may polish it and submit it.
- Patricia
This week, I worked each day on editing and writing the most difficult chapter in my book, about the most traumatic event in my life. I finished the chapter today! I did it with God's help and healing. Thank you for your encouragement and support! I did all the bonuses and everything I could find to do.
- Grace Ciszkowski
Celebrate! 3,306 words this week, which is 3,306 more words than I had last week! : ) This has been a week full of encouragement, support and progress! I felt energized each day to get my book done. "Writing in community" was very helpful to me. Thank you, Shelly and C.J., for your caring ministry to kingdom writers!
- Cindy Thompson
Total word count for the week is 2310 but my biggest thrill is editing my short story, which I reached "the end" on day one. To edit, I can use what I've learned from various writing sources. Thank you for the opportunity to be amongst Christ followers. May we all be obedient to Christ as we serve Him. Amen.❤️🔥
- Carla Boyd
I was able to write 15 minutes a day but didn't keep track of word count because part of that time I was character building. I also used some of the 15 minutes to compile poems for my next poetic devotional and journal and one day I used the time for a blog post. This week has been very beneficial in helping me get back to prioritizing my writing and treating it like a career rather than a hobby.
- Susan Miller
Results for this week: Drafted 6 devotions. Total 1585 words. I’ve never tracked word count or progress before. That is encouraging to see. Thank you for the challenge!
- Debra Miner
Thank you for the encouraging week of little successes. I'm now a trial member too. God bless you & CJ as you follow His work.
- Jeanetta Chrystie
I only wrote 174 words on my book because I've been sick. However, I got one blog post written, two more outlined, and six devotionals written (with three others started).
- Heather Hart
Total word count is 1928. I've gained so much ground throughout my project. I'm thankful for the chapter structure, additions to different chapters, the ending of the book, and a ribbon throughout the book that I now understand God's plan for me! I truly have a first draft in progress. WPM average didn't change. This has started a habit of at least 15 minutes a day, my average became 30 minutes a day. I Learned I do better without distractions. The affirmations printed are necessary for me at this time. Thank you!
- Cindy Kennison
I used this time to work on my materials for a speaking engagement this summer. It was a "challenging" challenge in that I broke my "write" wrist and have had to type with a cast. It has been frustrating, but God has been helping me to persevere. I got the initial outline completed, and I wrote a devotional on the Sower as a free "takehome." I also dictated a lot of notes for the various points in the outline and will start putting them together during the retreat today. Altogether, I have roughly 3,000 words from the challenge completed and look forward to day 2 of the retreat. I am thankful to be this far in the project. Thank you for this opportunity!
- Mary Underwood
This week is my most productive week for writing in a long time. I learned more than I can state in this space. I applied what I learned each day and carried it forward. I wrote 846 words and completed five hours of research. However, my biggest accomplishment this week is seeing that God gifted me in writing so that I may do it as a form of praise and worship of Him. As I write unto Him, He directs who reads it and how His truths are planted in their hearts. I am humbled.
- Cheryl Oldham
I'm proud of myself for making this challenge happen during a busy, pain-filled week where stuff just kept happening! I was able to edit two short stories and write another new one, then create an outline for my memoir book, and write one story/chapter for that (rough drafts, of course). I worked for 205 minutes total and wrote 2670 words over these five days. I know I wouldn't have managed that without the challenge, but now I see a path forward for continuing the momentum. The affirmations were invaluable, and so I thank you very much for those, Shelley! ❤️ Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the Tuesday call as I facilitate a Bible study at our church during that time.
- Jen Niemann
What a great thing to set aside time every day this week to write. Even with such a busy week, being intentional helped me get words on paper every day. I even fit in a second session in the evening twice to squeeze a few extra words. Since much of my writing was by hand, not typed, I only managed 1632 words, but the pattern was helpful and so was the encouragement and tools. Thank you for the challenge.
- Joy O'Toole
Thank God 🙌: * completed all 5 days * was able to type 1635 words this week/15 min a day. The writing journal helped me find the best time/place for me to write. The affirmations were a beautiful (and useful) surprise. So rewarding, spiritually speaking Thank you Shelley!!! 🤗
- Carol Grando
I felt this was a successful writing week. Learned things and learned things about myself. Able to write a chapter that has been in me amalgamating. The Holy Spirit worked it in me and now out onto the pages, during Writing Week- at the Top of the year. Praise God.
- Lori Miller
I got back into writing and listening to God. I received more wisdom and guidance from Him as a result. :-) Sometimes I do better with longer periods of writing than writing daily for 15 minutes.
- Sharon Gibson
I edited 27 pages and wrote 867 words. My goal was to pick up the manuscript again: Goal met and I'm becoming excited again about the project.
- Karen Threats
I completed Act 1 of my play (had started it 2 years ago!) and am well into Act 2. Thanks for the week's boost of hope!
- Jeanetta Chrystie
I've finished multiple chapters of editing in my first novel. Going backwards in wordcount doesn't sound very impressive, but that's what is needed at this point and time for me. Thank you for everything, this has been informative, and I appreciate all the little goodies we received. I look forward to the time that I can spend this weekend on the writing retreat.
- Cathy Rueter
I typed 2,969 words, so that is about 3000 words a week. That is great to know. I worked on my memoir this week. Thank you for offering this challenge and the freebies. I'm looking forward to taking what I learned and adding it to my daily writing. I especially appreciate the affirmations. Thank you for this opportunity. Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenge. Have a great weekend.
- Almira Robinson
The renewed joy that this workshop has given me is wonderful! I was writing in my own strength and now I'm taking it to the Lord in prayer at the start. What a difference it is making in my motivation. Thank you so much for renewing my dream.
- Lori Santos
I'm so grateful that I stuck with it and finished this course, even though it took me a lot longer than a week. I learned so much, including about spiritual warfare. I'm going to use what I learned in this course every day. Thank you so much!
- Krystal P
Thank you for this 5-day challenge. It has encouraged me to keep writing. One thousand words done this week. Fifteen minutes a day is super easy. I’m doing the Book Writing Lab next to get a clear picture of where I’m going with this book. Thanks again!
- Marianne Bush
I was able to rewrite an entire chapter of the memoir I'm working on, by literally putting working every day and being held accountable each day.
- Janet
The five days of writing week were amazing; they kept me focused on my revision and re-ignited my passion for my memoir. Thank you.
- Linda
I used to try to write on my own efforts and I couldn't do it. Now I have teamed up with God, and the words are flowing freely.
- Brenda Stano
I have been praying for some direction. In this challenge, I received some direction. Thank you very much!!
- Selisa
I appreciate being given practical tools to develop writing habits that will be beneficial to me. Shelley, thank you so much for the resources, your encouragement, and wisdom. An invaluable experience.
- Esther Wright
"I got more written in one week than the entire month before. Keeping track of my work and applying her ideas, I gained insight to how I write and ways to improve my process. Thank you, Shelley!"
- Jean Wise
"If you are looking for a way to jumpstart your writing, Shelley's unique combination of tracking and time management techniques, inspiration and encouragement will do the trick. I have consistently implemented a new writing routine that is bearing fruit."
- Matthew Johnsen
If we haven't met yet...
I'm Shelley Hitz, a writing mentor and self-publishing expert.
I understand the struggle of wanting to write your book while also wondering if it will be good enough.
Since 2010, my husband CJ and I have...
- Helped over 1,000 writers overcome self-doubt and become published authors.
- Published over 70 books through our independent publishing company, Body and Soul Publishing.
- Reached almost a million readers worldwide with our books.
I always love encouraging and helping writers. Therefore, I can't wait to share some of the best writing productivity tips with you.
Are You Ready to Build a Consistent Writing Habit?
Join the FREE Writing Week challenge and create a writing habit in just 15-minutes a day.
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