Less is More by Kathryn Howard

Less is More

by Kathryn Howard

“Do not despise the days of small beginnings for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”

(Zechariah 4:10, NLT).

Writing is a dream for many. Research shows eighty-one percent of us say we want to write a book, but only three percent actually do it. Why? What stops us? My own unfinished novel has remained stuck in park for almost five years.

“The Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT). Why do writers often despise the elementary stages of our craft? Just as we don’t expect kindergarteners to do algebra, we shouldn’t expect ourselves to perform as experts when we begin our writing journey. In doing so, we essentially attempt to run a publishing marathon before we’ve jogged around the block a few times.

Let’s turn the binoculars around for a minute. We might be approaching the writing journey backwards.

While attending a recent writer’s conference, I gained a new perspective and understanding of the value of short form writing. Defined as a piece quickly consumed in a thousand words or less, it provides a way to exercise muscles and build our stamina. We learn to write tight.

Consider some added perks of short form. There is a much broader audience, higher rate of pay, and more realistic publication opportunities, even for novice authors. Sounds amazing, right?

Novels aren’t the only vessels for God to reach audiences. Poetry and short-form pieces offer many fertile opportunities for us to spread the message we’ve been called to share. Encouraging others through personal journey stories is a spiritual offering. A phrase can change a life. Some have motivated me for years.

Life’s hard chapters prepare us for the pages to come. Gather the fodder. Devotions and articles enrich the authorial soil as we nurture each phase of our writing lives. Finishing any piece, no matter what size, and seeing it published brings great rewards. These opportunities fuel writing dreams.  They inspire us to keep going. Keep writing. Keep growing.

I will finish my novel. But to assure it represents my best, I must hone my craft, practice consistency, and set goals with deadlines. For now, that means short form writing. Small beginnings lead to great endings that please our Lord. The important thing for us is not to overlook any writing opportunity God sends our way. Big or small, he blesses them all.

Are you dreaming of a book? Me too. Let’s try splashing around in the short form puddle first and then see where God leads.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities of short form. Remind us we write for your glory. Give us patience in the journey as we learn to crawl before we walk. Then let us run and one day, fly!

Kathryn Howard is mama to five precious humans, two adorable dogs and five, yes five, gorgeous kitties. She is a middle school teacher, audiobook addict and a joyful creative. She loves hosting parties, walking country roads, and exploring nearby cities with her kids. Her current goal is to finish writing the first draft of her novel by July 31^st 2026.

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