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

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

Unlocking Character Transformation: How to Create a Middle-Grade Hero That Grows

Great stories don’t just entertain—they transform. In this episode, I’m sharing how to craft middle-grade protagonists—or heroes of any age—who solve mysteries and grow through real struggles, faith challenges, and life lessons.

We’ll dive into how to develop flawed, relatable characters whose faith feels authentic and whose journey resonates deeply with readers. Whether you're writing for kids, teens, or adults, these strategies will help you create characters that stick with readers long after they finish your book.

You’ll learn:

• What readers truly want in a protagonist
• How to weave faith naturally into your character’s arc
• Why transformation matters more than just solving the plot
• How to apply these principles across genres

Want a shortcut to building compelling characters and structuring your novel?
Grab the Middle Grade Magic Workbook—a 28-page guide packed with templates, exercises, and strategies to craft unforgettable heroes and faith-filled stories. Perfect for middle-grade writers and easily adaptable for any genre! Grab it HERE!- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic

Why You Should Write Christian Fiction if You’re Over Fifty

Is it too late to start writing Christian fiction after 50? Absolutely not. In this inspiring episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of launching a successful author career in my empty nest years—and why now is the perfect time to step into your calling as a writer.

You’ll discover how your life experience, faith, and wisdom uniquely equip you to write clean, meaningful stories that the world is waiting for. If you’ve been battling doubts, wondering where to start, or thinking you’ve missed your chance—this episode is your reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.

You’ll learn:

• Why purpose doesn’t have an expiration date
• How God redeems time and multiplies your impact
• The growing demand for clean, faith-filled fiction
• How to begin your writing journey today

Ready to take the first step?
Grab my Complete Roadmap for Jump Starting Your Author Career—a practical guide to overcome mindset blocks and start writing the book God placed on your heart.

Grab it HERE.

Episode 12: Faith in Fiction – How to Weave Christianity Into Your Story Without Preaching 🎙️

One of the biggest struggles Christian fiction authors face is how to include faith without making their books feel like sermons. Readers don’t want a lecture—they want a compelling, authentic story where faith is naturally woven into the characters’ lives.

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares practical ways to make faith an organic, meaningful part of your storytelling. You’ll learn:

✅ How to “show, not preach” faith in fiction – Let characters live their faith through actions, choices, and struggles rather than stopping the story for a sermon.
✅ Why faith arcs matter – Real people wrestle with doubt, questions, and growth—your characters should too.
✅ Using symbolism and themes – Some of the most powerful Christian messages come through subtext and deeper meaning rather than direct explanation.

Through examples from Winter Camping Caper, Fatal Fixer-Upper, The Case of the Missing Skeleton, and classic Christian fiction like C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, Kathleen breaks down how to make faith feel real, not forced in your writing.

Love clean, twisty mysteries? 🎁 As a thank you for listening, grab your FREE novella—Dead Quiet at the Library! A cozy, faith-filled mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Download it now HERE -https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery

🎧 Hit play and start writing stories that matter today! ✍️✨ #ChristianWriters #FaithBasedFiction #CleanReads #WritingWithPurpose

Christian Fiction That Tackles Tough Topics (Without Losing Hope)

Christian fiction often falls into two extremes—either too sanitized or too heavy-handed. But what if we could write authentic, faith-driven stories that tackle real-life struggles while still offering hope?

In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, host Kathleen Guire explores how to address cultural and moral issues in fiction with grace, truth, and powerful storytelling. Using real-world examples from The Girl Who Was Trafficked, Francine Rivers' Bridge to Haven, Fatal Fixer-Upper, and The Girl Who Was Haunted, Kathleen shares how to navigate difficult themes without alienating readers.

You'll learn:

✅ How to write about tough topics without preaching – Let characters wrestle with faith organically, rather than force-feeding readers a message.
✅ The balance between realism and hope – Show brokenness without glorifying it, and leave readers with a sense of redemption.
✅ Handling pushback – Some readers will think you went too far. Others will say you didn’t go far enough. The key? Write the story God put on your heart.

Want to strengthen your writing mindset? Download my free Author Mindset Checklist to stay focused, faithful, and confident in your writing journey. Grab yours here: Grab YOUR CHECKLIST!

🎧 Listen now and start writing stories that make an impact! ✍️✨ #ChristianWriters #FaithBasedFiction #WritingWithPurpose