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

3 Reasons Christian Writers Should Flood the Market With Their Books

You’ve probably heard the saying: “There’s a reader out there who needs exactly what you have to say.” But let’s take it further — there are countless readers searching for squeaky clean fiction that won’t traumatize them every time they open a book.

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares three powerful, faith-centered reasons Christian authors should be writing and publishing more books:

1️⃣ You’ve been called to write — stop arguing with God and start writing the story someone is waiting to read.
2️⃣ You are an image bearer of God — which means you were created to create.
3️⃣ Christians shouldn’t abandon the arts — we should flood them with truth, beauty, and clean, faith-filled stories.

If you’ve ever doubted whether your writing matters or if the market even needs your voice, this episode will remind you: your calling is real, your stories matter, and the world needs your words now more than ever.

👉 Tune in to discover why writing clean, faith-driven fiction is not only possible but deeply necessary.

When You Let Other People's Opinions Stop You From Writing

It’s easy to let other people’s opinions—or our own inner critic—shut down the writing dream God placed on our hearts. But your worth as a writer isn’t measured by negative voices or discouraging comments.

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares practical, faith-rooted steps to silence the noise and move forward with confidence:

1️⃣ Seek honest encouragement from people who lift you up
2️⃣ Limit the voices that tear down your writing dreams (and learn how to “dissent from the noise”)
3️⃣ Join a supportive writing community
Bonus point: Meditate on Scripture to renew your confidence and courage

Don’t let criticism derail your calling. You can write squeaky-clean, meaningful stories that honor God and connect with readers.

3 Writing Habits That Guarantee You’ll Finish Your Book

Do you dream of writing a clean, faith-driven novel—but life and self-doubt keep getting in the way? You’re not alone. In this goal-getting episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares three transformative writing habits rooted in faith and productivity systems to help Christian writers like you finally finish your story.

Discover how to:
✔ Schedule writing time with intentional calendar blocks
✔ Establish a consistent routine, complete with treadmill writing, music, coffee, and one-hour Dabble sprints
✔ Set visible deadlines in color-coded events for your cozy mystery, middle grade, or YA projects

We’ll also explore how Isaiah 41:15 reminds us that God equips us to “thresh the mountains”—even our own manuscript mountains. Plus, learn the bonus habit of setting handoff deadlines for your editor or accountability friend.

Bonus: Download your free cozy mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library, and meet amateur sleuth Gabby Keats in a small-town murder mystery.

Ready to finish your book—with faith, focus, and confidence?
Check out my one‑on‑one coaching option for Christian writers [HERE]-

https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/coaching

3 Prewriting Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their Novel

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’re diving into the very first steps every faith-driven author should take before writing their novel. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed staring at a blank page, unsure how to start your clean, compelling story — you’re not alone.

I’ll walk you through three practical, prewriting steps to help you:
✔ Create a relatable, layered main character
✔ Define their core desire and motivation
✔ Understand how failure deepens your character’s growth — and your story’s impact

You don’t have to sacrifice your values to write great fiction — and it’s never too late to start your story.

Ready for step-by-step, personalized support? I offer one-on-one coaching for Christian writers like you. Together, we’ll map out your story with clarity, confidence, and no overwhelm.

[Learn more about coaching HERE]- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/coaching

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.”