by Steven Rogers @SRBooksForHope
For the last fifteen years, I’ve been a member of a men’s Bible study group. During our meetings, a common theme often emerges—comparison. Based on the contributions we see from others, we worry that we’re not doing enough. For example, we might be reading about the Apostle Paul, marvel at this commitment and accomplishments, and then share something like, “Look what he did! All I’m doing is X, a minor contribution compared to the example he set. I’m pitiful.” When this happens, I encourage the group to be easy on themselves. Comparing your life to one of the greats in the Bible is a dangerous thing. These people are unequivocally the giants of the faith. Our job is not to strive to be them, but to do our best to fulfill God’s call for OUR lives.
I often find myself wondering why I struggle to write as quickly, sell as many books, or gain the same level of exposure as other writers I know. I’m also aware this is an unhealthy thought pattern for an author. While we may want to learn from the success of others, I believe we must be ourselves first. This is especially true for those whose genre is Christian Fiction. We each have a unique story or stories to tell, and God will lead us where He wants us to go. Trying to force the process or worrying about whether we’re duplicating someone else’s success will have two consequences. First, we won’t be happy with our work. This, in my view, is a terrible outcome. Not everyone will like my writing. I’d better make sure I do. Secondly, composing a seventy-five-thousand-word novel is hard enough when you love what you’re doing. The experience is miserable if you’re trying to be someone you’re not.
I explained in an earlier ACFW column about how I tried to rush the completion of my second book, A Year in the Room. I did this because I wanted to emulate other authors I know and become a “book a year” guy. After introspection, I realized I’m not that type of writer, and juxtaposing my writing career with someone else’s was making me miserable. The result was that I completely deleted two months of effort and began being patient with 
myself. In the end, the story took three years to finish, but I’m satisfied with the outcome.
I’ve applied that lesson while writing the third book in my trilogy, Beyond the Room. Today, I’m under five thousand words. This is because I was struggling with one aspect of the plot and couldn’t find a path to follow. Instead of pushing ahead blindly, I’ve taken my time, and recently, the log jam broke. The words are now flowing, and I’m moving forward.
Years ago, a work colleague reminded me that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” He reinforced his words by adding, “God only made one you.” Recently, a close friend suggested I “Keep planting one seed at a time. God will take care of the rest.” I encourage you to take these quotes to heart. Trust that God will speak through your work and deliver your words to the audience He wants you to find. Not someone else’s words or audience. Yours.
Steven Rogers is the author of the “Reluctant Pilgrim” series. His most recent novel, the award-winning A Year in the Room, was published in November 2024. The book is a sequel to his award-winning debut novel, Into the Room. He lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, Kathy.
Comments 14
Thank you.
Thanks for reading!
Hi Steven, I’m not a novel-a-year kind of person, either. I find joy in the creation, not just the completion, so a slower pace is perfectly fine with me. Thought-provoking post!
Thank you. And thanks for reading!
Hi Steven,
Great article. I heard that quote not long ago.
We must honor our uniqueness, a great gift from God, which includes the gift of storytelling.
Thank you!
Thanks for reading and for your comment.
Thank you, Steven. Perfect timing, brother!! And congratulations on all your success. Beginners like me find your accomplishments extraordinary! 🙂
Wow! Thanks. Feel free to reach out at anytime: rogerssteven334@gmail.com
Steven, thank you for the reminder. I tell myself that I am okay, if God has me writing for only a small audience, but then I see other authors I know with more reviews and putting out even more than one book a year. I start feeling like I’m getting behind. But you’re right, their journey is not my journey. By the way, I just purchased A Year in the Room. It sounds intriguing.
Wow. Thanks for buying the book. Feel free to contact me if you ever want to discuss the story: rogerssteven334@gmail.com
Steve, this is brilliant. I’ve had a lot of “imposter syndrome” lately, and where does that come from? Comparison.
I also agree with you about Christian Fiction. It’s God’s timing, otherwise it wouldn’t be Christian.
Thanks for sharing — and for endorsing my book!
Of course! And thank you for reading/commenting. I have to keep working on avoiding the collision of my ego (which I’ve learned stands for (Easing God Out) and my mission.
Good reminder, that we might plant one seed at a time. Very slow writer here, finding my way along the path writing * with * God.
Thanks for reading. The “one seed at a time” concept has really resonated with me.