Yesterday I got to type two of the most blessed words in an author’s vocabulary.

The End.

Ahhh, the satisfaction. There’s a rush of emotion that accompanies the typing of those six little letters. I’ve had this experience four times now (twice with this manuscript), and more often than not there’s a heady rush of happy tears, a feeling of awe that my story has come together.

I did it. I wrote a novel! The characters and setting that live in my heart have found their way onto the screen. They have a beginning, a middle, and an end. They have worry and joy, despair and triumph. And I hope someday I’ll get to share them with you.

It’s said that a great many people want to write a book, but only a very small percentage will ever follow through on that desire. I’m not here to tell you it’s easy (it’s not!), and in fact writing is only a fraction of what goes into getting a book from your imagination into the hands of readers. But what I can tell you: the process happens like everything else in life—one step at a time.

Each writer has to find what motivation and style works for them, and there’s no wrong approach. Some prefer to set aside entire days to pound thousands and thousands of words into their computer and get the bulk of their manuscript done as quickly as possible. Some write in layers, going over their scenes half a dozen times, adding color and detail with each pass, while others have a hard time turning off their inner editor and want to capture the perfect emotion and description on the very first try.

I’ve found that my motivation comes through writing streaks. Committing to spend time each day working on my manuscript provides its own sense of purpose. Whether I have a super busy day when I can only spend 5 minutes writing, or it’s a more productive day when I can sit down for an hour+, the key is opening the file, immersing myself into my story world, and continuing the momentum. After a while, I can’t let myself down. I’ve gone __ days so far, and today won’t be the day I miss! Even if it’s 11 p.m. and my brain is completely exhausted, I can always type at least a couple paragraphs to keep the streak going.

There’s so much of life that goes this way. When you show up with everyday faithfulness, big things can be accomplished. It’s amazing what you can do in 5-10 minute increments if you do it consistently. I know I feel better if I spend even 5 minutes tidying things up or 10 minutes exercising per day. Of course to thoroughly organize the house or build muscle tone I have to commit to more, but if 5-10 minutes is what I have, it’s going to take me further than not doing it at all. Little steps add up.

Each word on the page counts. And eventually you string enough of them together that it turns into a whole story that you hope someone will want to read. I have worked on this manuscript for 164 straight days, from blank screen and feelings of doubt to dozens of chapters and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

What’s next for my story now that I’ve reached The End? I’ll be polishing up my book proposal and sending it to a literary agent. She gave me the open door to submit after a great pitch meeting last fall, and I’m hopeful. If she signs me, she’ll champion my story to various publishing houses to see if there’s interest. If she passes, there’s another agent who has also shown interest in my work. If I receive a no from both of them, I’ll look for other connections with agents and editors as opportunities arise.

But I’m not too worried about that today. Today is a day of celebrating. Because every day I showed up, and piece by piece my story came together.

What things can you accomplish with the application of everyday faithfulness? There’s no limit. Little is much when God is in it, and if He has placed a dream in your heart, don’t let lack of time hold you back. I’ve had my share of 5-minute writing days, and there will be more in the future. But now there’s a finished manuscript ready to find a home and more stories waiting to find their way onto the page. Find the motivation that works for you, invest the time you have even if it’s limited, and trust God that He will finish the good work He has begun in you. He’s the very example of faithfulness!