Tony Tips Tuesdays: Writing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

This truth hits every writer—whether you’re a beginner with a dream or a seasoned wordsmith wrestling through a deadline. Writing is not about bursts of speed but endurance, discipline, and showing up over and over again. One word. One sentence. One chapter at a time.

The Lie of the Sprint

In a culture that praises instant gratification and viral success, it’s easy to believe the lie that writing should be quick, easy, and constantly inspired. But here’s the reality: the most powerful books you’ve ever read weren’t written overnight. They were built in the quiet, steady hours when no one was watching.

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Writing is about consistency, not speed. You don’t have to write 5,000 words a day to be considered a writer. If you wrote 200 words a day, that’s 73,000 words in a year—the length of a full novel.

Keep Pacing, Not Pressuring

Some days will feel productive. Others won’t. Some seasons will flow. Others will drag. The key is pacing yourself, not pressuring yourself.

“Progress, not perfection.”

Perfectionism whispers that your work isn’t good enough. But excellence whispers, “Keep showing up. You’re growing.”

Here’s how to pace with grace:

• Set realistic word goals.

  
  

• Track your wins, not your ‘failures.’

  
  

• Take breaks without guilt.

  
  

• Celebrate small milestones.

Declaration:

“I give myself permission to move forward at my own pace. My journey is valid. My progress is worthy.”

Biblical Inspiration for Endurance

The Bible is filled with people who endured long journeys to reach their calling:

• Moses led a 40-year journey before reaching the Promised Land.

  
  

• David was anointed king years before he wore a crown.

  
  

• Jesus waited 30 years before beginning his earthly ministry.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

Waiting doesn’t mean wasting. Pacing doesn’t mean pausing your purpose.

Real Writers. Real Marathon Stories.

Octavia Butler worked menial jobs while writing early in the morning before work. Her first book didn’t come easy, and she was rejected many times—but she paced herself and stayed in the race. Today, she is celebrated as one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time.

Toni Morrison was a single mother working full-time as an editor when she wrote her first novel. She wrote late at night, while her children slept, one page at a time.

C.S. Lewis said: “We are what we believe we are.” He endured personal loss and long academic stretches before publishing his life-changing works.

They didn’t sprint. They endured. So can you.

Pace Produces Purpose

Sometimes the slow pace teaches us:

• How to discipline ourselves

  
  

• How to hear God more clearly

  
  

• How to develop deeper characters

  
  

• How to appreciate the process

Fast writing may feel productive, but paced writing is where the heart of the story grows. Don’t rush what God is building in you.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Tips for the Writing Marathon

1. Use the Pomodoro Technique — Write for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

   
   

2. Keep a writing journal — Document your thoughts, victories, and days you showed up.

   
   

3. Read while you write — Fuel your creativity.

   
   

4. Don’t compare your pace to others — Your writing race is your own.

   
   

5. Pray before and after writing — Invite God into your process.

Final Word: Progress is Progress

Don’t let the pace fool you. Every page matters. Every writing session counts.

If all you did was think about your story today, that’s progress. If you opened your laptop and only wrote a sentence, that’s progress. If you rested to come back stronger tomorrow, that’s progress.

Declaration: “I will not despise small beginnings. I honor my process, and I embrace the pace that God has assigned to my writing.”

Writing is a marathon. Breathe. Stretch. Walk. Jog. Run. Rest. Repeat.

Keep going. You’re closer than you think.

To read more encouragement for writers and creators, visit www.tyronetonyreedjr.com.

About the Author:

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr. is the author of the inspirational superhero novel series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. This faith-driven, action-packed series follows teen heroes Kevin Edwards (Angelo) and Juanita Grayson (Angeline) as they battle demons, face impossible odds, and discover their true purpose as defenders of light in a dark world.

If you're looking for stories filled with hope, purpose, action, and supernatural battles between good and evil—S.O.L.A.D.™ is for you.

Order your autographed copies today at: www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/shop

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