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

Kathleen Guire, Author
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Have you always wanted to write a book, but don’t know where to start? Is it hard to stay focused with so many distractions pulling at your time? Do you wonder if it’s too late to finish the novel on your heart? Are you struggling to build a consistent writing habit — no matter how badly you want to? I’m so glad you’re here! This podcast will help you finally finish your first clean, faith-aligned novel, glorify God through your writing, and build confidence in your voice — one simple, step-by-step episode at a time. Hey, I’m Kathleen — a Christian author, writing mentor, and former homeschool mom who knows what it’s like to carry a story in your heart for years. I started late, battled distraction and self-doubt, and wondered if I’d missed my chance — but God had other plans. I tried forcing myself into secular writing spaces, following industry advice that left out faith, and pretending I could figure it out alone — but none of it worked. I felt lost, frustrated, and like maybe I wasn’t cut out for this after all. What finally worked? I stopped waiting for the perfect conditions, studied how to write a book, and built a step-by-step process to help me finish my first clean, Christian novel — without compromising my faith, values, or voice. If you’re ready to finally write the clean, Christian novel that’s been on your heart for years… If you want step-by-step support, faith-rooted guidance, and a process that fits your real life — not someone else’s  — this podcast is for you. Grab your notebook and a fresh coffee  — it’s time to start writing.

  1. 5 days ago

    The Number One Reason Writers Don't Finish Their Book—and How to Avoid It

    Have you been saying you want to finish writing your book — but somehow everything and everyone else keeps coming first? If you've been struggling to create a consistent writing habit, make time to write, or turn your book idea into a finished novel — you're not alone. The problem may not be that you don't know how to write. It may be that you don't consistently come back to your book. In this episode, I'm sharing the three reasons I believe so many aspiring authors don't finish writing their novels — including the one I've struggled with myself for years. We'll talk about people pleasing, guilt, writing motivation, learning novel structure, and why finding a writing community matters. I'll also share why I once thought my entire kitchen had to be clean before I could write, what The Big Leap taught me about making room for my writing, why watching another episode of Poirot isn't always "research," and what bad apples, brown bananas, and the first terrible song I ever wrote have to do with finding your writing people. We'll talk about: • Why putting everyone and everything else first can keep you from finishing your book • How to make time for writing even when the laundry, dishes, and life aren't finished • Why having a book idea isn't the same as knowing how to build a complete novel • How learning novel structure can help you move from an idea to chapters, conflict, dilemmas, and a finished story • Why guilt and shame aren't enough to create lasting writing motivation • How finding a supportive writing community can help you keep going when writing gets hard You don't have to finish your whole novel today. You just have to come back to your book. Stop looking backward at all the days you didn't write. Open the manuscript, find where you left off, and keep pressing forward. Your stories matter. And it's not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Sponsored by Fatal Fixer-Upper -https://a.co/d/092EOCBN The Big Leap -https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level-ebook/dp/B0026772QU

  2. 2 Sept

    When Your Editor's Comments Make You Feel Like an Imposter

    Have you ever opened your manuscript after your editor sent it back and thought, "Oh my gosh. Look at all these comments. Why am I even writing books?" If editor feedback, developmental editing, or revising your novel sends your imposter syndrome into overdrive — you're not alone. I've written more than twenty books, and I still get that wave of panic when I open an edited manuscript and see all those comments waiting for me. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the editing process for Winter Wedding Murder and sharing actual comments from my editor — including one pretty big character-name oops! We'll talk about how to approach editor feedback without letting overwhelm or self-doubt convince you that you're not a "real" writer. I'll also share how I break novel edits into manageable pieces, why editing takes a different kind of brain power, and why you should actually celebrate when your manuscript comes back covered in comments. We'll talk about: • Why editor feedback can trigger imposter syndrome — even for experienced authors • How developmental editing helps uncover plot holes, missing clues, confusing details, and story problems • Why you don't have to tackle every editing comment at once • How to work through novel revisions at a pace that doesn't overwhelm you • Why an editor's suggestions don't mean you failed as a writer • The character-name mistake my editor caught in Winter Wedding Murder Your editor didn't write the book. You did. They're helping you polish the story you've already created — and sometimes they're helping you remember that you've already used the name Dale in another book. Your stories matter. And it's not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned This episode was sponsored by my free cozy mystery novella - Dead Quiet At The Library - Grab your copy - https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery Or listen on Audible -https://a.co/d/0bvwGD7f Save The Cat Writes A Novel - https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745 How To Write A Cozy Mystery: Step By Step - https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Cozy-Mystery-Reader-Favorite-ebook/dp/B0BLQF3PK3  Winter Wedding Murder : 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Wedding-Murder-Maplewood-Goldendoodle-ebook/dp/B0FSK57NJV

  3. 10 Jun

    How to Write a Blackest Moment in Fiction & Why Your Character Needs to Fail

    Think your character has to be perfect for readers to love them? If you’ve been trying to write clean fiction with strong, likable characters — but your story still feels flat, predictable, or emotionally disconnected — you’re not alone. And honestly, the problem might be that your character’s life is just too easy. In this episode, I’m sharing why your character needs to fail, what a blackest moment actually is, and how disasters and dilemmas create the emotional depth readers connect with most. I’ll walk you through practical ways to raise the stakes in your middle grade or YA novel while still writing clean, faith-aligned fiction full of heart, growth, and emotional tension. We’ll talk about: • What a blackest moment is and why every story needs one • Why flawed characters are more relatable than perfect ones • How disasters and dilemmas create emotional depth • Why hard choices and consequences keep readers invested • How false confidence makes your blackest moment hit harder emotionally You do not have to write perfect characters to write meaningful stories. You can write characters who struggle, fail, grow, and keep going — and honestly, those are often the stories readers remember most. Your stories matter. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Grab the Middle Grade Magic Workbook: 👉 https://bit.ly/middlegrademagic Sponsored by Sera Craven Mystery #1 — The Case of the Missing Person: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Person-Craven-Mystery/dp/1727391764 Grab the FREE Social Media Safety Workbook: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/socialmediasafety Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

  4. 3 Jun

    How to Write a Clean Middle Grade Novel That Kids Actually Want to Read

    Think clean middle grade fiction can’t keep readers hooked? If you’ve been trying to write middle grade or YA fiction that’s exciting without relying on profanity, graphic scenes, or inappropriate content — feeling unsure whether readers will actually stay engaged — you’re not alone. And trying to figure this out on your own can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing how to write a clean middle grade novel kids genuinely want to read — while still honoring your Christian values and keeping your stories full of adventure, heart, mystery, and emotional depth. I’ll walk you through a few key elements that make clean fiction work, especially if you’re a Christian writer who wants to create meaningful stories without compromising your faith. We’ll talk about: • Creating a main character readers truly connect with • Why quirks and unique traits make characters unforgettable • How to include adult guidance in middle grade fiction without losing tension • Why clean fiction can still have cliffhangers, danger, twists, and emotional depth • Using the read-aloud test to protect the integrity of your story You don’t have to compromise your faith to write compelling fiction. You can start small. You can start where you are. But you don’t have to do this alone. Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Grab the Middle Grade Magic Workbook: 👉 https://bit.ly/middlegrademagic Sponsored by Sera Craven Mystery #1 — The Case of the Missing Person: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Person-Craven-Mystery/dp/1727391764 Grab the FREE Social Media Safety Workbook: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/socialmediasafety Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

  5. 27 May

    How to Overcome Fear of Technology and Finally Finish Your Book (with Donna Sherrie)

    Is technology is one more obstacle standing between you and writing your book? If you’ve been trying to figure out things like writing software, publishing platforms, websites, or even basic tech tools… feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or wondering if you’re “too behind” to learn it all — you’re not alone. And trying to navigate the tech side of writing alone can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Donna Sherrie — author, book writing coach, and host of the globally ranked podcast Book Writing Made Simple. Donna helps women of faith write and finish their books using Holy Spirit-led strategies, and in today’s conversation, we’re talking about overcoming fear of technology, simplifying the writing process, and moving forward with confidence even when the tech side of writing feels intimidating. This episode is especially for Christian authors, writers, and empty nesters who know God placed a story on their heart — but feel overwhelmed by all the technology that seems to come with modern writing and publishing. We’ll talk about: • Why fear of technology keeps so many Christian writers stuck • How to simplify the writing and publishing process • Why you do not need to master technology before you begin writing • Practical encouragement for moving forward with confidence, one step at a time You don’t have to let fear of technology stop you from stewarding your story. You can start small. You can learn as you go. But you don’t have to do this alone. Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Connect with Donna Sherrie and listen to Book Writing Made Simple 👉Grab her book - Untarnished Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

  6. 20 May

    Why You’re Distracted From Writing — And The Shift That Changed Everything for Me

    Tired of trying to make time for writing while everyone else’s needs keep coming first? If you’ve been trying to write your book between volunteering, caregiving, housework, errands, and exhaustion… feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or wondering why writing always seems to end up at the bottom of the list — you’re not alone. And trying to figure this out alone can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing the mindset shift that completely changed the way I approach writing — especially as a Christian woman who spent years believing writing was selfish or less important than everyone else’s needs. I’ll walk you through the deeper reason many Christian writers struggle with distraction and how learning to treat writing like obedience instead of indulgence helped me finally protect the calling God placed on my life. This episode is especially for Christian authors, writers, and empty nesters who are ready to stop pushing their stories to the back burner and finally move forward with novel writing for Christians. We’ll talk about: • Why distraction may actually be a permission problem • The hidden guilt many Christian women carry around creativity • Why you do not have to earn the right to write • The one mindset shift that helped me start treating writing as a calling instead of a hobby You don’t have to keep treating writing like the leftover scraps of your life. You can start small. You can start where you are. But you don’t have to do this alone. Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Grab the Author Mindset Checklist: 👉 https://bit.ly/authormindsetchecklist Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter This week's episode was sponored by Fatal Fixer-Upper, grab your copy - https://a.co/d/03Vv9BMU

  7. 13 May

    Stumped On Writing Dialogue? 3 Powerful Tips To Get Your Characters Talking

    Sick of trying to figure out how to get your characters talking when you’ve never written a book before? If you’ve been thinking about writing a book but feel stuck when it comes to dialogue, unsure what your characters should say, or wondering how to make your story sound natural — you’re not alone. And trying to figure this out on your own can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful tips to help you get your characters talking — along with examples from my own writing. I’ll walk you through simple, practical ways to approach dialogue to help you move forward with novel writing for Christians — especially if you’ve been wanting to write your book but don’t know how to bring your characters to life on the page. We’ll talk about: • Why knowing your character is the foundation for writing dialogue • How to use simple verbal tags to make your characters sound real • How dialogue helps tell your story instead of just describing everything • How to write clean dialogue that still feels natural and engaging You don’t have to feel stuck when it comes to writing dialogue. You can start small. You can start where you are. But you don’t have to do this alone. Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter Sponsored by Fatal Fixer-Upper -https://a.co/d/092EOCBN

  8. 6 May

    Empty Nest Season? 3 Reasons This is the Best Time to Write A Book

    Wondering if you’re supposed to write a book in this empty nest season of life — but not knowing where to start? If you’ve been going through your days feeling like something has shifted, quietly thinking about writing a book, or wondering if this might finally be your time — you’re not alone. And trying to figure this out on your own can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing why this empty nester season might actually be the best time for you to write your book — and how I walked through this shift myself. I’ll walk you through three simple reasons to help you move forward with novel writing for Christians — especially if you’ve been thinking about writing a book but haven’t started yet. We’ll talk about: • Why this new season of life might be creating space for you to write your book • How writing a book is still a way to serve others through your faith • Why that idea you’ve carried for years matters more than you think You don’t have to keep wondering if you should start. You can start small. You can start where you are. But you don’t have to do this alone. Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter 📚 Get the free cozy mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery 🎧 Listen to the audiobook on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/0cE2jpvq

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Have you always wanted to write a book, but don’t know where to start? Is it hard to stay focused with so many distractions pulling at your time? Do you wonder if it’s too late to finish the novel on your heart? Are you struggling to build a consistent writing habit — no matter how badly you want to? I’m so glad you’re here! This podcast will help you finally finish your first clean, faith-aligned novel, glorify God through your writing, and build confidence in your voice — one simple, step-by-step episode at a time. Hey, I’m Kathleen — a Christian author, writing mentor, and former homeschool mom who knows what it’s like to carry a story in your heart for years. I started late, battled distraction and self-doubt, and wondered if I’d missed my chance — but God had other plans. I tried forcing myself into secular writing spaces, following industry advice that left out faith, and pretending I could figure it out alone — but none of it worked. I felt lost, frustrated, and like maybe I wasn’t cut out for this after all. What finally worked? I stopped waiting for the perfect conditions, studied how to write a book, and built a step-by-step process to help me finish my first clean, Christian novel — without compromising my faith, values, or voice. If you’re ready to finally write the clean, Christian novel that’s been on your heart for years… If you want step-by-step support, faith-rooted guidance, and a process that fits your real life — not someone else’s  — this podcast is for you. Grab your notebook and a fresh coffee  — it’s time to start writing.

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