Learning to Listen as a Writer {Day 10 :: Listen}

As writers, we rarely struggle for a shortage of words. We are verbose. We like communicating and being heard.

But just as important as getting words on paper or the screen is the art of listening.

Learning to listen takes time and effort, but it’s so necessary for writers. We need to listen to others — through personal conversations, the news, social media. We need to listen to authors and the messages they offer through their books. But first and foremost, we need to set aside regular chunks of time to listen to God and His Word.

This discipline will not only give us fuel and plenty of writing material, it will make us better writers.

Learning to listen well will affect your craft. It will impact the effectiveness of your message.

[Tweet “”Learning to listen will strengthen your craft as a writer.” ~ @k8motaung”]

If you just plow forward with whatever you feel like saying, you might regret it later. Without paying attention to God, His Word, and His people, you could lead someone astray, lose your audience, or miss an opportunity to make a difference.

Stay attentive. Take time to listen. 

What practical tips would you share with someone who struggles to slow down and listen? How have you benefited from the practice of taking time to listen to others and God’s Word?

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This post is Day 10 in the series, 31 Days in the Life of a Christian Writer. Each post was written in five minutes as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes challenge. Visit this page to view other posts in this series.