Christian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.

Clean Thriller Plot Twists That Pack a Punch—Without Graphic Violence

Think clean thrillers can’t have jaw-dropping twists? Think again. In this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to create suspenseful plot twists that keep readers hooked—without relying on graphic violence, profanity, or explicit content. You’ll learn how to build high-stakes drama using psychological tension, moral dilemmas, and spiritual depth that honors your faith-based values and delivers real page-turning suspense. 

If you want to see exactly how clean thrillers can tackle tough subjects with high-stakes tension—without crossing the line—grab your free copy of The Girl Who Didn’t Exist. This is the origin story of Adelina from the Adelina Thriller Series, where I take you inside her world of danger, trauma, and hope—without graphic violence or explicit scenes. You’ll see these clean thriller techniques in action. Just head over to -https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/thegirlwhodidntexistbook -to grab your free copy today.

 

How to Write Trauma-Informed Characters Without Stereotypes: Christian Fiction Writing Tips

In this episode, we’re diving deep into trauma-informed storytelling for Christian fiction writers. You’ll discover how to write characters who’ve faced real trauma while honoring both their struggles and their healing journey—without falling into stereotypes or harmful clichés. We’ll talk about how trauma impacts your character’s faith, decisions, and relationships, how to avoid common Christian fiction mistakes, and how to write hope that’s authentic, not superficial.

👉 If you want to go even deeper, grab my Creating Trauma-Informed Characters Workbook—it walks you through step-by-step how to build layered characters who reflect real trauma, real healing, and real hope. You can grab it at https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/traumainformed.

How to Craft a Page-Turning First Scene (Even If You Have No Idea Where to Start)

Struggling to start your story? You’re not alone. If you’ve ever stared at a blank page thinking, “How do I hook a reader before they scroll away?”—this episode is your lifeline.

In this week’s episode of the Christian Writers Podcast, I’m walking you through how to craft a powerful, page-turning opening scene—using the same bonus worksheet I give my students in the Middle School Magic writing class.

Whether you're writing clean fiction for kids, cozy mysteries, or faith-based stories for grown-ups, this episode will help you write an unforgettable first page—with heart, tension, and clarity.

We’ll break it down into 5 simple steps:

1. Show your character’s “normal” before the chaos
   
   
2. Hook readers with emotion, not exposition
   
   
3. Skip the info dump—drop them into action
   
   
4. Give us a reason to care
   
   
5. Leave a question dangling so they have to turn the page
   
   

✍️ Download the free bonus worksheet:
👉 Crafting the Perfect Opening Scene

🎁 BONUS: Need help with more than your first page?
Let’s work together! Book your personalized coaching session here:
👉 Christian Writer Coaching with Kathleen

📘 And if you love a clean, clever mystery with small-town charm, grab my cozy whodunit Book Club Murder—now available on Kindle Unlimited!

It’s Not Too Late: How to Start Writing After 50 (Even If You Feel Behind)

Think it’s too late to write that novel? Feel like the starting line moved while you were raising kids, running the church bake sale, or caregiving? Friend, I see you—and I’ve got news: You are not behind. You are being prepared.

In this powerful episode of the Christian Writers Podcast, I’m speaking directly to the over-fifty woman who’s whispered, “Did I miss my chance?” Whether you’re 52 or 72, your story matters—and I’m giving you real, faith-filled encouragement plus practical first steps to finally start writing it.

We’ll bust the myth that writing is only for the young, name the lies that hold us back (like “I’m too old” or “I’m not tech savvy”), and walk through a simple plan you can follow today to begin your author journey—no degree, platform, or perfect outline required.

You’ll also hear how authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frank McCourt, and Harriet Doerr didn’t start publishing until their 60s and 70s—and why that’s good news for us.

✨ This episode is for you if:

• You’ve ever Googled “Am I too old to write a novel?”

• You feel God tugging on your heart to share a story… but don’t know where to start

• You need practical steps, spiritual encouragement, and a clean-fiction writing coach who gets it

🕯️ Mentioned in this episode:
• Book Club Murder – my cozy mystery full of twists, golden doodles, and small-town charm. It’s available now on Kindle Unlimited!
• Psalm 138:8 — “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”
• Writing tips for late-blooming authors
• Your 4-step plan to start writing right now
• One small assignment that could change everything

🎁 BONUS: Ready for one-on-one support? I’m opening up limited Christian writing coaching spots. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or in the middle of a messy draft, I’ll help you write the story only you can tell.

📬 Don’t forget to subscribe, and if this episode encouraged you, send it to a friend who needs to hear: “You’re not too late. You’re right on time.”

How to Create Memorable Characters Using Quirks, Trauma, and Emotional Depth

Want to create characters your readers will never forget? In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’re exploring how to use quirks—those unique habits, traits, or talents—to write emotionally resonant, relatable characters for your novel.

Quirks aren’t just fun—they reveal backstory, trauma, and hidden strengths. Whether you're writing middle grade, YA, or clean Christian fiction for adults, this episode will show you how to build depth into your protagonist from page one.

You’ll learn:

• What a character quirk really is (and what it’s not)
  
  
• How to use quirks as coping mechanisms or key character traits
  
  
• Why emotionally wounded characters are more relatable to readers
  
  
• How to write clean, trauma-informed fiction with heart and hope
  
  

📘 Want step-by-step help building unforgettable characters?
Grab my Middle Grade Magic Workbook—your faith-based guide to writing emotionally grounded stories with depth, voice, and purpose.
👉 Download it now: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic

Perfect for Christian writers over 50 ready to start writing meaningful, clean fiction that matters.

How to Start Your Novel: Writing an Unforgettable First Chapter That Hooks Readers

Are you struggling to write the first chapter of your novel? In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll break down how to start your book with an inciting incident that grabs your reader’s attention from page one. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or clean Christian fiction for adults, you’ll learn how to create a compelling opening scene that sets the stage for your entire story.

Discover how to:

• Write a first chapter that hooks readers emotionally and moves the plot forward
  
  
• Develop a strong inciting incident that forces your main character into action
  
  
• Avoid common beginner mistakes like info-dumping or starting too slow
  
  
• Use emotion, movement, and mystery to make your first page impossible to put down
  
  

📘 Want step-by-step guidance to build your novel from the ground up?
Grab my Middle Grade Magic Workbook—packed with exercises and prompts to help you write strong characters, meaningful conflict, and unforgettable stories.
👉 Get it here: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic

Perfect for new Christian writers who want to tell clean, impactful stories that reflect their faith without being preachy.

How to Start Your Story with a Powerful Inciting Incident (Christian Writers Guide)

Every unforgettable story begins with one powerful moment: the inciting incident. In today’s episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll break down how to craft an inciting incident that launches your character out of their everyday world and into the heart of your story.

Whether you write middle grade, YA, or adult fiction, you’ll learn how to structure that all-important first shift—and how it mirrors the spiritual “call” to something greater.

✍️ Ready to plan your story with clarity and confidence? Download the Middle Grade Magic Workbook, a step-by-step guide to building your novel from the inside out. Find it now at https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic

Why Your Character Needs to Fail: A Plot Strategy for Aspiring Christian Writers

Why does your main character need to fail? Because that’s where transformation begins. In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll explore how intentional failure builds stronger character arcs and deepens emotional resonance in your fiction.

If you’re an aspiring Christian author who wants to write clean, meaningful stories with heart, this episode will show you why the fall is often the first step toward redemption. Learn how to use failure to reveal lies, shape growth, and connect with your readers.

📘 Want to take this further? Grab my Middle Grade Magic Workbook—designed to walk you step-by-step through building compelling characters and writing emotionally grounded stories. Get it now at- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic