Uncovering Your Writing Calling: Wisdom from an Editor's Journey

In this episode of The Unsidelined Life, host Eileen Noyes sits down with Krista Dunk, her trusted editor and the founder of the International Prophetic Writers Association. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Krista has helped countless authors bring their books to life while publishing several of her own. Her journey began with her first book in 2011, which unexpectedly launched her career helping others navigate the writing and publishing process. As an author, editor, and mentor, Krista brings a wealth of knowledge about not just the technical aspects of writing, but also the spiritual dimensions of creating content that truly serves readers. For anyone who feels called to write but doesn't know where to start—or anyone stuck in the middle of a manuscript wondering how to finish—this conversation offers practical guidance, spiritual insight, and the encouragement needed to put words on the page with purpose.

Finding Your Unique Writing Path  

Krista's journey to becoming an author wasn't a direct route. In her twenties, she worked for the state of Washington at a desk job that paid the bills but left her feeling unfulfilled. Though she always had entrepreneurial and creative tendencies, she didn't immediately recognize writing as her calling. After having children and staying home with them, she experimented with various small business ideas, seeking both creative outlets and ways to contribute financially to her family.

Her writing journey began in earnest around 2008-2009 when she started documenting personal experiences and insights God had shown her. What began as casual journaling in a Word document gradually took shape as something more structured. Krista realized she might be writing a book, though she initially had no idea how to transform her collection of thoughts into a publishable manuscript. She invested in a coaching program to learn the craft and business of writing, eventually publishing her first book, "Step Out and Take Your Place: How to Discover and Live Your Everyday Calling," in early 2011.

This experience parallels what Eileen shared about her own journey—the sense of searching for purpose and trying various ventures before finding writing as her true calling. Both women describe feeling a divine nudge toward writing, even when they weren't sure exactly where the path would lead. Their stories offer encouragement for anyone who feels drawn to write but hasn't yet found their way. The winding road of experimentation, rather than being wasted time, actually prepared them for their eventual calling as authors.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Authors  

One of the most practical pieces of advice Krista offers is to find writing methods that work for your unique life circumstances. While some writers thrive with dedicated writing retreats or long blocks of uninterrupted time, others—particularly parents or those with demanding jobs—need to capitalize on small pockets of time throughout their day. Eileen shared how she writes entire books on her phone, snatching 15-20 minute windows while waiting for her children or early in the morning before the household wakes up.

Creating an outline becomes particularly important when writing in these fragments of time. Krista explained that while her first book emerged from scattered thoughts she later organized, her subsequent books benefited from having a structure in place from the beginning. An outline not only keeps you focused on your core message but also allows you to jump into different sections depending on what you feel inspired to work on that day. This approach prevents writers from wasting precious minutes trying to decide what to write about when they finally have a moment to work.

Both Krista and Eileen agree on the importance of writing for a specific audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. Eileen shared how focusing her first book specifically on NFL wives made the writing process more manageable and authentic, even though the book ultimately reached a much wider audience. Narrowing your focus allows you to write with a consistent voice and develop content that deeply resonates with your target readers. It's better to connect meaningfully with a defined audience than to create something so general it doesn't truly speak to anyone.

The Heart of Prophetic Writing  

When discussing "prophetic writing," Krista offered a perspective that might surprise those unfamiliar with the concept. Rather than referring exclusively to predicting future events, she explains prophetic writing as creating content that reflects God's heart and priorities. It begins with recognizing that our creative abilities are gifts from God that can be dedicated back to Him for His purposes. This mindset transforms writing from a self-focused endeavor into a spiritual practice where the writer seeks to serve readers through God-inspired content.

Prophetic writing requires spending time in prayer and listening for divine guidance about what to share. Krista notes that this can be challenging for action-oriented people who prefer doing over waiting. Yet she emphasizes that sitting quietly with an open Bible and journal, capturing thoughts and impressions, can lead to writing that carries spiritual weight and transformative power. Sometimes this manifests as directly transcribing what she feels God is communicating, while other projects involve collaboration where her personal stories illustrate spiritual principles.

This approach applies to both non-fiction and fiction writing. Krista revealed that while most of her published works are non-fiction, she's currently working on fiction projects that emerged from story ideas that came to her unexpectedly. She describes waking up one morning with a complete story concept in her mind—an experience she attributes to divine inspiration. Through her International Prophetic Writers Association, she's exploring the concept of "prophetic fiction" that entertains while subtly conveying spiritual truths, offering an alternative to literature that potentially harms readers' spiritual well-being.

The Editing Journey: Finding the Right Partnership  

The relationship between writer and editor is crucial to producing quality work. Krista recommends finding an editor through personal recommendations from other authors you trust. This approach provides more security than working with someone completely unknown. Additionally, she suggests requesting an editing sample before committing to work together. By sending a chapter of your manuscript and seeing how an editor approaches it, you can determine if their style and sensibilities align with your vision.

For faith-based writers, finding an editor who shares your spiritual perspective is particularly important. Editors inevitably bring their own understandings and preferences to your work, and alignment in fundamental values ensures they enhance rather than undermine your message. This doesn't mean an editor won't challenge you to improve—in fact, the best editors will—but it does mean they'll respect the core of what you're trying to communicate.

When preparing to work with an editor, understand that editing is an investment that varies based on how much assistance your manuscript needs. Krista explained that she evaluates writing samples not only to determine if the content aligns with her values but also to assess how much work will be required. Some manuscripts need minor polishing while others require substantial restructuring. While most editors are willing to provide a sample edit without charge, the full editing process represents significant time and expertise that requires fair compensation.

Writing Tips from Krista Dunk:  

• Use small time windows effectively - Don't wait for the "perfect" writing time; use the 15-20 minute segments available throughout your day

• Create an outline before writing - Having a roadmap keeps you focused and allows you to work on different sections depending on your inspiration that day

• Write for a specific audience - Imagining you're writing to one person makes your voice more authentic and your content more impactful

• Find your natural voice - Determine if you're writing as a friend, a coach, or an expert, and maintain consistency throughout

• Limit self-editing during drafting - Spend no more than 5 minutes reviewing previous work before moving forward with new content

• Write from a healed place - When sharing personal stories, examine your motivations and ensure you're writing to help others, not for vindication

• Join a community of writers - Connect with others who understand your journey and can provide accountability and encouragement

Your Writing Journey Begins Today  

Every author's journey is unique, but certain principles remain constant. As both Eileen and Krista discovered, the path to becoming a writer often involves exploration, experimentation, and unexpected turns. What matters isn't finding the perfect starting point but taking that first step and remaining open to divine guidance along the way.

If you feel called to write—whether a book, blog, or simply personal reflections—begin today with whatever time and resources you have available. Remember that your words have the potential to impact others in meaningful ways, particularly when offered as a gift back to the One who gave you the ability to write in the first place. Don't let perfectionism or uncertainty keep you from starting.

As Krista shared in her closing thoughts, writing from a place of healing rather than hurt ensures your work will truly serve readers. Take time to examine your motivations, especially when sharing difficult personal experiences. Ask yourself what needs to change within you so that your writing honors God and helps others experience breakthrough rather than simply airing grievances or seeking validation.

Whether you're just beginning to explore writing or you're stuck in the middle of a manuscript wondering how to finish, know that the community of writers is larger than you might imagine. Resources like Krista's International Prophetic Writers Association offer both practical guidance and spiritual support for your journey. The world needs your unique voice and perspective—the stories and insights only you can share. Take that first step today, and trust that the path will unfold before you one word at a time.

To learn more about Krista Dunk and the International Prophetic Writers Association, visit internationalpwa.com or connect with her on Facebook. For more inspiring conversations about living your purpose, tune in to The Unsideline Life podcast with Eileen Noyes.