Novel Writing For Christians/ How to Write a Book, Motivation, Writer, Empty Nester, Trauma-Informed

What Every Christian Author Needs to Know Before They Begin

Feeling called to write but unsure where to begin?

In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful truths every Christian author needs to hear before they write their first page — especially if you’re over 50, faith-driven, and wondering if your story still matters.

We’ll talk about why it’s not too late, how you can write compelling fiction without compromising your beliefs, and why clarity doesn’t come before you start — it comes as you start.

I’ll also share a personal story about staying true to my values in a writing group that didn’t share my faith — and how that experience shaped my calling.

👉 If you’re looking for more practical tips on where to begin, listen to Episode: How to Start Your Novel: Writing an Unforgettable First Chapter — it’s the perfect companion to this conversation.

So grab your coffee and a notebook — and if you’re ready to root your writing journey in purpose and faith, let’s dive in.

Mentioned in this episode:
📥 Free Christian Writer’s Mindset Checklist: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist
📚 Sponsored by Dead Quiet at the Library — Free Kindle download- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery + Audiobook -https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Quiet-Library-Small-Town-Goldendoodle/dp/B0F4ZLNX55 for just $4.99- 

Novel Writing For Christians Trailer

Have you ever whispered, “I’ve always wanted to write a book”… but didn’t know where to begin?
Welcome to Novel Writing for Christians — the podcast for Christian women who’ve carried a story on their heart for years and are finally ready to write it.

Hosted by Christian author and trauma-informed writing coach Kathleen Guire, this show blends faith-filled encouragement with clear, step-by-step guidance for writing clean, God-honoring fiction — without compromise.

Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, struggling to stay focused, or wondering if it’s “too late” to start, this space is for you. You’ll find honest conversations, trauma-sensitive storytelling tools, and spiritual support to help you write the book God’s been preparing you to tell.

Each episode brings you practical help for writing powerful fiction — plus real talk on the internal and spiritual battles that often come with stepping into your calling.

So grab your coffee and your notebook — you’ve waited long enough. It’s time to write your story.

Stop Waiting for Permission: Embrace Your Calling as a Christian Writer

For years, I hesitated to say, “I’m a writer.” Even after publishing my first book, I felt like I was waiting for permission to step fully into my calling. Maybe you’ve felt the same way—dreaming of writing a novel, creating characters, or building a fictional world, but fear and self-doubt keep holding you back.

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, I talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence as a Christian author, and embracing your identity as a writer. I share how writing my Cozy Corner Mysteries helped me see that my perspective—even my challenges as someone on the autism spectrum—wasn’t a limitation, but a strength. The same is true for you: your unique story, experiences, and struggles are what make your writing powerful, authentic, and needed.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:
✨ Why Christian writers don’t need outside “permission” to start writing
✨ How your struggles and experiences can fuel authentic storytelling
✨ Why no one else can write your book the way you can
✨ How faith and Scripture (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) affirm your calling as a writer
✨ Encouragement to own your voice and step boldly into your role as an author

Whether you’re writing Christian fiction, a cozy mystery, or a faith-based memoir, remember this: God has already equipped you with the experiences, perspective, and voice to tell the story only you can write. Stop waiting for permission—your time to write is now.

👉 Need extra encouragement? Download my free Author Mindset Checklist: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist

Is God Calling You to Write? Overcoming Doubt as a Christian Author

Do you ever feel like writing your book is selfish—or question whether your voice really matters in Christian publishing? I’ve been there. After raising seven children, I believed my role was to serve others and keep my writing dream tucked away. Then I read Habakkuk 2:2: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets…” and realized that writing isn’t just a dream—it’s a calling from God.

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, I talk about overcoming doubt as a Christian author, battling imposter syndrome, and finding confidence in your unique voice. I share how Scripture—like Habakkuk 2:2 and Psalm 139—reminded me that:

✨ No one else can write your story the way you can
✨ God has already gifted you with perspective, experiences, and words that matter
✨ Christian writers don’t have to compromise faith to write compelling, page-turning fiction
✨ Writing clean, faith-based fiction isn’t selfish—it’s obedience to your calling

If you’ve wrestled with fear, comparison, or the thought that “it’s too late,” this episode will encourage you to step forward. Your book could be the one that inspires, comforts, or strengthens another believer. Someone is waiting for your story told your way.

👉 Need extra encouragement? Download my free Author Mindset Checklist here: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist

Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 3 Clean Fiction Habits Christian Writers Use to Finish Their Novel

Have you ever opened your laptop to write… and then frozen?
You want to tell the story God placed on your heart — but suddenly, self-doubt sneaks in.
Am I too old? Too late? Does clean, Christian fiction even matter anymore?

If you’ve asked those questions, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing 3 simple, faith-fueled habits that help you build a writing rhythm that fits your life — so you can finally finish your novel without compromising your values, your peace, or your calling.

These are the same practices I use!

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Block out time for writing — without the hustle or guilt
✅ Build a routine that fits your real life (not someone else’s ideal)
✅ Set milestones that keep you moving forward — one scene, one chapter, one faithful yes at a time

Plus a bonus habit that helps you actually finish your draft — even when perfectionism tries to take over.

Friend, your story matters. Your voice matters. And no — it’s not too late. Let’s break through the doubt and get you back to the page.

💌 Want a real-life example of clean fiction that holds depth, heart, and twists? Grab my free cozy mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library → https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery

What If No One Wants to Read My Book? 3 Biblical Ways To Meet Reader's Expectations

Feel like the odd girl out in writing spaces that celebrate edgy, explicit content? Wondering if there’s still a place for clean, faith-filled fiction — or if anyone even wants to read your book?

In this heartfelt episode, Kathleen Guire shares 3 biblical, practical ways Christian writers can meet reader expectations without watering down their values. If you’ve ever feared your story won’t be taken seriously because it’s clean, this conversation will remind you that faith-filled fiction can be powerful, layered, and deeply needed.

You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Understand genre expectations while staying true to your convictions
✔️ Let go of pressure to “write to market” in ways that compromise your faith
✔️ Build community with like-minded Christian writers who get it

Whether you’re just starting out or wondering if your clean, Christian stories matter in today’s world — this episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your stories have impact, and there are readers waiting for exactly what God has called you to write.

💌 Bonus: Grab Kathleen’s free clean mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library, right here → https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery

3 Common Obstacles Christian Writers Face — and How to Overcome Them with Faith and Purpose

If you’ve ever struggled to carve out writing time, quiet the critical voice in your head, or felt discouraged because you don’t have a degree — you’re not alone. In this honest, practical episode, I’m sharing the three biggest obstacles I see Christian writers face (and yes, I’ve faced them too).

We’ll talk about:
• Why buying back your time might not look the way you think
• How to silence the opinions — and inner voices — that keep you stuck
• What self-education really means (and why it’s not too late to start learning)

This episode is part encouragement, part strategy — all rooted in the belief that your stories matter and your calling hasn’t expired.

3 Important Steps Every Christian Author Should Take Before Starting Their Novel

Every writer starts with an idea. But what comes next?

If you’ve ever felt stuck between inspiration and action, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the three key steps every Christian writer should take before writing their novel — steps that will save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you build a strong, faith-aligned foundation.

You’ll learn:
• Why your idea matters — and why it’s worth celebrating
• How to choose your genre so your story connects with readers
• What kind of research will actually move you forward (hint: it’s not endless Googling)

This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about writing stories that reflect your faith, resonate with readers, and stay true to the calling on your heart.

Whether you’re starting your first book or returning to a dream you’ve carried for decades — you belong here.

🎧 Suggested follow-ups:
• How to Create Memorable Characters Using Quirks, Trauma, and Emotional Depth
• 3 Pre-Writing Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their Novel