%402x.svg)
The Hidden Writer's Life: What Kings in Disguise Can Teach Us
The post talks about how Christian writers face a dilemma of how to be hidden with Christ while needing to promote their writing (and themselves) to find writers.
%402x%20(medium-dark).svg){kind=icon}
The Hidden Writer's Life: What Kings in Disguise Can Teach Us
On Easter I wrote a post on my Biblical Human Substack about the concept of our lives being "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3-4). I used the story of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who would disguise himself as a commoner to walk among his people, as a metaphor for this spiritual reality.
But it got me thinking: how does this concept of "hidden life" apply specifically to us as Christian writers?
Here's the central paradox we face: we write to be read. There's no getting around that. We put our words into the world hoping they'll find their audience—which requires visibility.
Yet we're called to a life "hidden with Christ."
How do we reconcile this tension?
The Visibility Paradox
As writers, we face a unique struggle. We need readers to fulfill our calling, yet seeking visibility can easily become about self-promotion rather than message-promotion.
We stamp our names on our work—not just for recognition, but because taking responsibility for our words is an act of integrity. Ironically, this public ownership can itself be a form of death to self. We expose our thoughts to criticism, opening ourselves to rejection in service of the message.
Maybe this mirrors Christ's own paradox—fully revealed yet often unrecognized.
The Hidden Writer
When a Christian puts words on the page, something mysterious happens.
Your true identity as a writer isn't found in your byline, your follower count, or your book sales.
It's hidden with Christ in God.
This changes everything about how we approach our craft. With that, enjoy these 5 Keys to the Hidden Writing Life.
1. Writing from Death, Not for Life
Most writers work to make a name for themselves.
The hidden writer has already died to that ambition.
Like the Caliph who set aside his royal identity to move freely among his people, we set aside our need for recognition to serve our readers more effectively.
Your best writing will flow not from self-promotion but from self-forgetfulness.
2. Finding Security Beyond the Numbers
When your writing life is "hidden with Christ in God," your worth isn't determined by metrics.
Book sales fluctuate. Email open rates vary. Reviews can be brutal.
But none of these touch your true identity.
The hidden writer works from a place of unshakeable security.
This frees you to write what needs to be written, not just what will be well-received.
3. Creating from Identity, Not for Identity
You don't write to become significant.
You write because you already are significant in Christ.
This subtle shift transforms the entire writing process.
Instead of using words to establish worth, you use words to express the worth already established in Christ.
The pressure lifts. The words flow differently.
4. Embracing the Strategic Advantage of Obscurity
The Caliph discovered he could accomplish things in disguise impossible in royal robes.
Similarly, there's a strange power in writing without needing everyone to know who you are.
Some of history's most impactful writing came from anonymous or pseudonymous authors.
The hidden writer understands that sometimes impact increases as visibility decreases.
Your most transformative work might happen when you're least concerned with who gets the credit.
5. Anticipating the True Reveal
"When Christ appears, you also will appear with him in glory."
The hiddenness is temporary. The impact of faithful words often outlives the writer.
Many writers whose work changed history didn't live to see their full impact.
The hidden writer trusts that faithful work will bear fruit in God's timing, whether or not they're around to witness it.
Practical Application
What does this hidden writing life look like practically?
It means seeking readers without seeking fame.
It means putting your name to your work as an act of responsibility, not recognition.
It means celebrating other writers' successes without envy.
It means focusing on faithfulness to your calling rather than expanding your platform.
It means writing truth even when it's not trending.
It means continuing to develop your craft even when recognition is slow in coming.
Most importantly, it means remembering that your writing ministry flows from who you are in Christ, not from what others think of your work.
Your true writing life is hidden with Christ in God.
And that's the most secure place it could possibly be.
We've got the answers for your questions
Publishing can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Here are answers to common questions—if you need more help, just reach out!
At Indie Christian Book, our difference is rooted in two core commitments:
Excellence in Editing: We take exceptional pride in our thorough editing process. Your manuscript undergoes multiple stages of careful refinement—structural, content, line, and proofreading—ensuring your book reaches readers in its most polished and powerful form. We believe that meticulous editing honors both your message and your readers.
Personalized Guidance: We recognize that each author's journey is unique. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we partner closely with you to understand the specific purpose God has placed on your heart. Your book receives individualized attention tailored to your particular vision, audience, and ministry goals.
This combination of editorial excellence and personalized care ensures that your published work truly reflects both your voice and God's purpose for your writing.
The timeline varies based on your book’s needs, but most projects take 4-6 months from manuscript to publication.
Yes! We offer platform development, book launch strategy, and promotional support.
Each project is unique—contact us for a custom quote tailored to your publishing needs.
We publish a wide range of faith-based books, including:
- Teaching Materials
- Memoirs & Biographies
- Devotionals
- Biblical Studies
- Ministry Resources
- Christian Living