Getting help is effective only when we are willing to stop looking for magic and participate fully in solving our own problems with the help of our helper. — Thomas Harris
Aspiring writers sometimes start their journey thinking, I’ll do it all myself. They want to prove their talent, maintain creative control, and avoid the vulnerability of relying on others.
Think of a lighthouse. It stands tall and solitary, but it still depends on the sun or electricity for light. Without connection to its source, it’s just a tower in the dark. Writers also need a source of light—both spiritually and practically.
Dependencies You Can’t Escape
Writing is already a solitary task. Cut yourself off from wise counsel, critique, and support, and you risk losing both momentum and running out of gas. Some dependencies are built into life. Just as you can’t write without food, water, and rest, you can’t grow as a writer without reading, practicing your craft, and engaging with others.
- Reading is to writing what water is to the body—you simply can’t thrive without it.
- Practice is the food that strengthens your skill.
- Rest replenishes your creativity so you can avoid burnout.
Ignoring these is like trying to stay awake for days. You might get a few words down, but the quality will quickly collapse.
Dependencies You Choose
Some dependencies are the result of deliberate choices.
- The type of projects you accept can lock you into a certain style or genre.
- The bills you take on may push you toward work you don’t enjoy, just to cover expenses.
- The people you choose to partner with can either encourage or drain you.
Many writers feel trapped by these dependencies, believing they have no choice. But like financial debt, some of these ties can be untangled over time with intentional decisions—freeing you to choose projects that bring both creative fulfillment and purpose.
Good and Bad Dependencies
Dependency is not the enemy. The object of your dependency is what matters. In writing, a good dependency might be:
- A trusted critique partner who gives you honest, constructive feedback.
- A writing group that keeps you accountable.
- The discipline of regular reading and study to sharpen your skills.
A harmful dependency might be:
- Chasing social media likes as your only measure of worth.
- Relying solely on one editor or publisher who limits your growth.
- Letting fear of rejection dictate what you write.
The same applies spiritually. Depending on God for wisdom and direction brings life and clarity. Depending on your own ego, or the shifting trends of the market, leads to burnout and compromise.
Model for the Dependent Writer
Fully capable of acting on his own, even Jesus chose to live in complete dependence on the Father. He sought God’s will before acting (John 5:19) and aligned his mission with his Father’s plan, even when the path led through hardship—and death.
Writers can learn from this. It’s wisdom to seek guidance—not weakness. Dependence means you invite God into your creative process, asking not just what to write but why and how. It also means being willing to wait, to refine, and to follow a slower but richer path.
The Right Source
Every writer depends on something—critics, readers, mentors, deadlines, or inspiration. The question is, Who or what is your ultimate source? If you depend on God, you’ll find a steady foundation that doesn’t shift with trends or opinions. You’ll write with both confidence and humility, knowing your words are guided by the One who gave you the gift. If you depend solely on your own strength, you will probably burn out or lose direction.
You don’t have to prove you can do it alone. The most successful writers—spiritually and professionally—are those who recognize their need for connection, community, and God’s guidance.
I can write anything if Christ will give me the ability and stamina. — Philippians 4:13 Scripture for Writers
Never Write Alone
Wanting to write, I once had a big dream,
“I’ll write by myself. I’ll be quick. I’ll be keen.”
But soon I found out that my plan wasn’t sound—
My words had no sparkle. My joy tumbled down.
I needed some help, just a nudge or a guide—
A mentor to cheer me, to walk by my side.
For writing, you see, isn’t my only chore.
I’m best with help from One who knows more.
I once chased the likes and the claps and the praise,
But that made me stumble in all sorts of ways.
For trends come and go, and the world shifts so fast,
But truth and God’s wisdom are treasures that last.
So now I depend on the Lord when I write,
To guide every word and to help me shine light.
I’m free from the myth of “I’ll do it alone.”
With him in my story, the best seeds are sown.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
