Writing for the “Now” and “Next Generation”

A few days ago my three teens and I were having a conversation in the kitchen. It was about what generation they are in and what generation I am in, my husband is in, and even my parents.

Their conversation went something like, “Kids today don’t know what it’s like not to have a phone” and “Wow, Mom, you’re young for your generation!” That teen was rewarded promptly.

But as the conversation went on, we talked about how kids learn differently now than when we all were younger. Devices, reading styles, and content were much different “back then” than now.

And for writers, this opens new opportunities! Remembering back to my first cell phone at age 28, I’ve often thought about how books are read or listened to on a phone more now than they were when cell phones were devised. With each generation of a cell phone comes a new generation of readers.

My focus as a publicist, literary agent, and author has been about making sure books reach the “now” and “next” generation. We write for needs that are present now, but that will carry over into the next generation. Write an adult book paired with a book for kids or teens, or write a manuscript that is so relatable that it comes up time and again as it becomes a generational book.

My personal mission as an author has been to span generations: moms, dads, sons, daughters, and friends in different age groups.

What I’ve noticed in publishing is that cycles of books repeat. What is published today often comes back a couple of years later with a different title, a slightly changed premise, but speaking to the generation that needs that “now” word.

We never know who will pick up our books. We can guess, but I think writing to the now and next generation just simply means that we are asking God to give us an Ecclesiastes 3 mindset.

If King Solomon did indeed write the book of Ecclesiastes and he was considered one of the wisest men in history (and look at who he learned from – his father David), and if there is a season under heaven for everything, then we know that writing will live in the season in which God has purposed it. I really zero in on verse 11 in Ecclesiastes 3: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

If God makes ALL things beautiful in time, and has put inside of us eternity, then our words will stand all seasons and the breadth of time. We may have a beginning with our words, but God knows no end to how he can take and multiply our words across all seasons, all hearts.

Friend, if your writing seems short-sighted, let’s remember that nothing God does is temporal. He is eternal, and therefore His words are. His words through you are, too. 

What words is God giving you now that are not just for now, but for the next generation? If the children who are growing up now, some in homes where the Gospel is central and some where it is not, what are the words we can reach them so that they believe Jesus is Lord and serve Him with their whole hearts? How does this change the focus of what we’re to write when Jesus made it clear that we’re to love the Lord God with all that we are and to make him known?

May we reflect well on what our mission is as writers and write to that. If our words are going to stand, then they need to stand on the unchanging truths of God. His truth is for now and the next generation. 

Question:  In addition to the Bible, what is the most timeless book you’ve ever read? How did it impact you?

Travel with Carol Kent on the “Footsteps of Paul” trip to Greece on September 8-16, 2025, with an optional Israel extension on September 16-20, 2025.