Today's Read Contributor Dr. Alvin Haywood reflects on the spiritual journey, perseverance, and purpose behind writing books that inspire hope and faith.
For many people, writing a book is a personal achievement. For Dr. Alvin Haywood, Ed.D., it is something much deeper, a calling rooted in faith. Every manuscript represents more than words on a page; it is the product of prayer, perseverance, and a belief that God places messages in the hearts of those willing to share them.
Now living in northwest Peoria, Arizona, about 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix, Haywood describes his path to authorship as one shaped by both life’s victories and its greatest trials. A California native with more than three decades of experience as an elementary and middle school educator, he survived a life-threatening battle with cancer in 2007 before feeling called to relocate to Arizona in September 2022. As a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and licensed minister, he arrived in Arizona having already guided several books through the publishing process, an experience he credits to God’s direction and faithfulness. Today, he continues to write with the conviction that every book has the potential to encourage, inspire, and transform lives.
Writing Is Rarely As Simple As It Appears
Readers often see only the finished product sitting on a bookshelf or online marketplace. What they rarely see are the countless hours spent researching, writing, editing, revising, proofreading, and questioning every chapter before a manuscript is ready for publication.
According to Haywood, every author experiences the process differently, but one truth remains consistent: publishing a book demands patience and perseverance. A manuscript may take months, or even years, to complete, depending on how much refinement the author believes it requires before sharing it with the world.
Even after the writing is finished, another stage begins. Working through revisions, production, and communication with a publisher can become one of the most challenging parts of the journey. Yet those moments make the reward even sweeter when the first printed copies finally arrive.
Haywood often reflects on a quote that captures that experience perfectly:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” , Nelson Mandela
Faith Provides Strength During The Process
Throughout every stage of writing, Haywood says his greatest source of strength has been his faith.
One Scripture he continually returns to is Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
That verse serves as a reminder that the challenges of writing are not faced alone. Whether overcoming creative obstacles or navigating the long publishing process, Haywood believes perseverance grows through trusting God rather than relying solely on personal ability.
For him, writing is not simply about completing a project. It is about remaining faithful to the message he believes he has been entrusted to share.
A Book Can Change Lives
Haywood believes books possess a unique ability to reach people long after they are written. While an author may never personally meet every reader, every reader has the opportunity to encounter the author’s heart, experiences, and convictions through the pages of a book.
That belief has guided his own publishing journey. To date, he has published five books available through Amazon, including two International Impact Book Award-winning titles:
- Take Up Your Bed And Walk: This Is My Story!
- Students Loving Math: What’s Reading Got to Do With It?
The first shares Haywood’s deeply personal testimony of surviving malignant cancer after retiring from a 34-year career in public education. During one of the darkest periods of his life, the pain became so severe that he prepared for death by finalizing his will and selecting the clothes he wished to be buried in. Instead, he recovered, earned his doctorate in education, and found renewed purpose. Today, the book encourages readers facing retirement, illness, or life-changing adversity to believe that difficult seasons can become the beginning of something greater.
His second award-winning book focuses on education, offering practical guidance to parents, teachers, and future educators on helping students overcome anxiety surrounding mathematics. Drawing from decades in the classroom, Haywood demonstrates how literacy and mathematics work together to build stronger learning experiences from preschool through high school.
As Haywood often reflects, a single book can offer courage, restore hope, and influence lives in ways the author may never fully witness.
When Writing Becomes A Divine Assignment
Some books begin with curiosity. Others begin with research or professional expertise. Haywood believes some begin with something even greater, a divine assignment.
He points to Jeremiah 30:2 as a reminder of that calling:
“Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.”
For Haywood, that Scripture reflects the responsibility of remaining committed to the message God places on his heart, even when the writing process becomes difficult. Endurance, conviction, and faith become just as important as creativity and technical skill.
The challenges may be demanding, but they are outweighed by the belief that the finished work can fulfill a greater purpose than the author alone could imagine.
Looking Ahead To The Next Chapter
Haywood is currently working on his sixth book, a project he describes as an ongoing journey of prayer, reflection, and continual revision. Rather than rushing toward publication, he allows time for new insights and spiritual direction to shape the manuscript as it develops. He explains that new revelations often come between writing sessions, reinforcing his belief that every book unfolds according to God’s timing rather than his own schedule.
He believes every book has its own season, and that publication comes according to God’s perfect timing rather than human deadlines.
For readers who have followed his work, the next release represents not simply another title, but the continuation of a lifelong mission to teach, encourage, and share messages of faith through the written word.
Learn More About Dr. Alvin Haywood
Readers interested in learning more about Dr. Alvin Haywood and exploring his published works can visit his Amazon Author page, where his books and future releases are available. As he continues working on his sixth book, his message remains unchanged: perseverance, faith, and purpose can transform both the writer and the reader. For speaking engagements, media inquiries, or to connect directly with Dr. Haywood, he can be reached by email at [email protected].
