I started blogging back in August of 2009 when I was 16. Even if I had wanted to make money from writing, I would have had no idea where to start.
Growing up, writing was an outlet and a creative medium. Over time, I continued to write because it helped me discover what I thought and felt and believed. Now I write because I can’t not write. I keep at it because this is what I’m called to, at least for this season, and I pray that every word, every blog post, every tweet and Instagram caption will glorify God.
It isn’t about the money and it never has been, which is good because, uh, what money?
If you spend much time in the ‘blogging world’ then you know what I’m talking about. I bet a few names come to mind when I say what you already know:
Sometimes bloggers become authors and sign multi-book contracts.
Sometimes writers make a full-time income from affiliate marketing and sponsored posts.
Sometimes writing blog posts equals making money.
And sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes we show up day after day to blank page after blank page and we give it our all, spilling out our heart and walking in obedience, but a check doesn’t show up in the mail.
Sometimes we wake in the middle of the night with the title for a blog post or one sentence that doesn’t let us go, so we tap it out in the Notes section of our phone but those words will never find their way to a printed book.
Maybe you have scraps of paper with ideas to write out or twenty half-finished blog post drafts and you’re doing your best to keep at it even though it doesn’t make you even one penny.
Maybe, like me, you self-published a book and now dodge questions about if it’s made you any money and how it’s truly going, laughing to yourself because you know that is so very much not the way to get rich.
Here’s the truth:
Your writing changes lives whether it makes you money or not – and you can’t put a price tag on that.
You don’t need an invitation to a speaking event or a book contract for your writing to matter. It already does and the weight of the importance of your words doesn’t hang on a check arriving in your mailbox.
So keep at it. Keep showing up and spilling out the words that He gives you to share. Your writing brings glory to the Author of life and perhaps it will lead to a paycheck down the road, but it won’t be any more valuable on that day than it does right now.
Just because you don’t get a pay stub doesn’t mean you shrink back or play small or give it all up. Do your thing. Play your note. We are all watching and learning, moved. You are making the world kinder, more beautiful, wiser, funnier, richer, better. Give your gifts the same attention you would if you got paid. – Jen Hatmaker, For the Love
If you can make money along the way without feeling icky about it, go for it. Use affiliate links when you mention products your readers would love. Write an ebook and make it available for a small fee. Maintaining a blog isn’t cheap, I know this, and so if you can bring in a little extra income I seriously think that’s fantastic.
But don’t put a price tag on your worth as a writer and don’t you dare, not for one second, think that your writing needs to make money to change lives.
Nope. You’re already doing that. You’re changing lives and glorifying God and leaning into your giftings by continuing to pull open a blank page and offer a piece of yourself.
Charles de Lint said it so clearly, that “no one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell.”
And so you must tell them. And maybe you’ll make some money, but that won’t mean your stories are worth more than another’s.
You are a writer. You can claim it, it’s okay.
You continue to unwrap the gift that He has given you as you offer it back to Him by sharing your gift with the ones around you.
To write is to give. To be flat out, all out generous with your story. – Lisa-Jo Baker
*The quote by KM Logan (from the book Called To Write) clearly struck a chord with me and so I made one and then two and then three graphics because I couldn’t help myself. Feel free to choose your favorite and share with a friend or pin it so you won’t forget: your writing matters.
Related post: When It’s Hard To Keep Writing
affiliate links used
I’ve needed these words! When I started writing I felt God whisper, If you reach just one for me, I will be pleased. I’m beginning to think that “one” is me! Thanks for the encouragement.
I just replied to a comment from Katherine on another post and told her what I’d say to you, too. Somehow the words we easily tell others seem to often be the words we need to hear as well! We may be the “one.”
Thanks. I needed that.
Love this post and your work! Keep it up, girl :)
Thank you for the words of encouragement Kaitlyn! I’m sure every Christian writer has experienced those feelings of doubt and wondering God’s purpose for their writing talents. I am thankful and humbled that God ask called me to write and I hope that what I share makes an impact for Christ. Any benefits that come from writing are blessings from Him. What a pleasure to find your site today via Purposeful Faith. You have such an amazing story to share. I hope you have a wonderful week and may God continue to richly bless you in all your endeavors!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to not only visit, but to leave this encouraging comment. I appreciate that! I hope you’ll keep writing in your corner of the internet, too.
Oh, Kaitlyn, you have no idea how relevant your words are to me this summer. I’m reminded too of the struggle that Madeleine L’Engle faced before she was a well-known author, the feeling of “not pulling her weight financially” as she scribbled. So much angst associated with this issue, and you’ve given grace-words.
Michele, I need to read more of Madeleine L’Engle! I’ve been meaning to for so long but the book pile is so high. You’ve encouraged me to dig in!
Oh, thank you. I’m in the really scary place where I don’t know what’s next… and claiming that “writer” title is starting to feel like it doesn’t matter if it’s not bringing in any income. You just have no idea how much I needed this today. Whew. Pinning to read in the future!
It matters. Your words matter – their worth isn’t tied to views or stats or comments. Your worth isn’t, either. If we’re walking in obedience with Him and writing what He gives us to write, we’re doing what we are to be doing.
Kaitlyn, I was nodding and saying yes to practically every sentence of this. Honestly, I wish every blogger and writer who longs to make a difference for the Kingdom could read what you’ve written and take it to heart. So true, and so encouraging. #TellHisStory
I love that you were nodding along… it seems like so many of us have the same thoughts but most don’t speak them out loud. Hopefully several people “going first” ends up being like passing along bravery and truth.
Kaitlyn,
Thanks for the reminder and sharing the quote :-)
Thanks for visiting!
Always a needed reminder Kaitlyn. And that Jen Hatmaker quote? I’m pretty sure that it’s underlined, highlighted, and circled five times in my copy of FTL. :)
Isn’t it a great quote?!