Novel Writing For Christians/ How to Write a Book, Motivation, 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 finally finish the story 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. 1D AGO

    3 Truths About Writing a Book — and Why Hustle Culture Isn’t Helping

    If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or convinced you don’t have enough time to write a book, this episode is for you. Hustle culture tells writers they need constant pressure and long hours—but that mindset often leads to burnout, not finished books. In this episode, I share three sustainable truths that help writers slow down, stay motivated, and actually make progress—especially if you’re over 50 or juggling a full life. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why you don’t need eight hours a day to write How creativity often happens away from the desk Why reading is part of the writing process, not a distraction This conversation is especially for Christian women, empty nesters, and writers who want to write clean, faith-aligned fiction without hustle or shame. 📣 Resources & Next Steps ✉️ Join my email list for weekly encouragement and writing support: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter 👩‍💻 Join the Novel Writing for Christians Skool Community for structure, accountability, and encouragement: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 📚 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 You’re not behind. You’re not too late. Your story matters. And you don’t have to do this alone.

    23 min

  2. FEB 11

    How to Write a Christian Book With a Theme That Matters To You

    If you’re a Christian woman writing clean fiction, this episode is for you. Today, I’m diving into something that matters even more than plot twists or character arcs — your theme. That deeper message that turns your story into a faith-rooted experience your readers will remember. Whether you’re writing cozy mystery, middle grade, or even memoir, your theme is what gives your story heart, purpose, and power. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: ✨ What theme really is (and what it’s not) ✨ How your personal convictions — your “soapbox” — shape powerful stories ✨ How I use trauma-informed themes in my own fiction ✨ The difference between theme in a series vs. a standalone ✨ Real-life examples to help you define your story’s theme with confidence If you’ve ever asked, “What is my story really about?” — or you want to write fiction that reflects your values and glorifies God — you’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and practical tools to move forward. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: 🔗 Fatal Fixer-Upper: https://a.co/d/hJeLbiZ 👉 Join my Skool community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 👉 Get weekly writing tools and encouragement: https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

    21 min

  3. FEB 4

    How to Find Christian Book Ideas: 3 Inspiration Tips for Writers Who Feel Stuck

    Ever sit down to write and think, “I want to write a Christian novel… but I have no idea what to write about”? You’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, I’m sharing 3 simple, faith-rooted ways to spark inspiration for your next clean Christian novel — especially if you’ve been Googling how to write a Christian book, or praying for motivation to finally start. Whether you’re an empty nester writer, a trauma-informed creative, or someone who’s carried a story in your heart for years, these tips will help you find clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Use righteous anger and deep curiosity to shape your stories ✅ Recognize when the Holy Spirit is highlighting something worth writing about ✅ Take real-life moments and remix them into redemptive, purpose-filled fiction I’m also sharing the story behind Fatal Fixer-Upper — and how I created a neurodivergent, agoraphobic amateur sleuth who doesn’t fit the mold… but still solves the mystery. ✨ If you’re looking for motivation, writing ideas, or permission to trust your voice as a Christian fiction writer, this episode is for you. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: 🔗 Fatal Fixer-Upper: https://a.co/d/jlTDC4Z 👩‍💻 Join the Skool Community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 📬 Get weekly writing tools + encouragement: https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

    23 min

  4. JAN 28

    The Mindset Shift Every Christian Writer Needs to Start Their Book

    Still waiting to “feel ready” before you start writing your book? Let’s change that. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, we’re unpacking the real reason so many faith-driven writers stay stuck — they’re waiting for confidence instead of building it. But confidence doesn’t come from credentials, platform, or praise. It comes from calling. You’ll learn: ✔ Why obedience builds more momentum than self-doubt ever will ✔ Two practical, faith-rooted ways to anchor your writer mindset ✔ A powerful declaration you can speak before every writing session If you’ve ever said, “Who am I to write this?” — this episode is your answer. 👉 Join our Skool community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about ✨ Get weekly writing support + bonus mindset tools when you join my email list: https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter 📚 Want to see what clean, layered Christian fiction can look like? Download Kathleen’s free cozy mystery novella Dead Quiet at the Library: • Get the eBook: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery • Or listen to the audiobook: https://a.co/d/aOS40mt

    27 min

  5. JAN 21

    From Idea to Christian Novel — Made Simple.

    Got a Christian book idea — but no idea what to do with it? You’re not alone. So many faith-driven writers have powerful story sparks… but freeze when it’s time to build a real plot. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, I’ll walk you through a simple, stress-free framework to turn that idea into a meaningful novel — without compromising your values or getting stuck in overwhelm. You’ll learn how to: ✔ Clarify your story in one powerful sentence using this formula: This story is about a [main character] who wants [goal], but [obstacle], and they learn [lesson or growth point]. ✔ Identify the core conflict that drives your plot ✔ Sketch a beginning, middle, and end — even if you’ve never outlined before ✨ Before you dive in: 👉 Join our Skool community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/aboutMake sure you’re on my email list — it’s where I send extra writing tips, mindset encouragement, and behind-the-scenes updates you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll also be the first to know when new resources drop. 👉 Sign up here (it’s free + full of encouragement): https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

    27 min

  6. JAN 14

    Why Your Story is Always Valuable as a Christian Author — and 3 Easy Ways to Start

    If you’ve ever felt like your story doesn’t matter — maybe because of trauma, life detours, or feeling “too late” to start — this episode is for you. Inside this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, I’m sharing how God led me from years of serving others to stepping into my true calling as a Christian author — and how your lived experience is not a disqualifier, it’s the foundation. I’ll walk you through 3 simple, tactical steps to help you start writing your book today — without the overwhelm: Write down your why — the God-given theme behind your story Create a main character your readers will root for Interview your character to bring out their depth and drive your story forward Whether you're an empty nester, a trauma-informed writer, or just trying to figure out how to write a Christian book, this episode will give you both the motivation and the map to get started. Here’s a formula to help: The (character) wanted (goal), so (they took action), but (obstacle stood in their way), which forced them to (change or grow) 🎧 Want to go deeper? 👉 Join the Skool Community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 👉 Get weekly encouragement and writing tools: https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter Grab your copy of The Girl Who Was Trafficked - https://bit.ly/4swlSET

    24 min

  7. JAN 7

    Want to Write a Christian Book but Don’t Know How? Start Here

    If you’ve ever felt called to write a Christian book but didn’t know where to begin — you’re not alone. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, I’m walking you through a step that most writing advice skips — and it’s the step that makes all the difference. When I started writing fiction, it wasn’t because I had a perfect plot or a background in publishing. It was because something on my heart wouldn’t let go. That’s where real stories begin — with a theme that matters to you, rooted in purpose, not pressure. So if you’re an empty nester, a faith-based writer, or someone who’s been carrying a story for years, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll unpack why the writing process can feel so overwhelming — and how starting with what breaks your heart (or lights it up) gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Here’s what I’ll walk you through: • Why “I don’t know where to start” is so common for Christian writers • The first, most important step I teach — before plot, characters, or structure • How your lived experience becomes your greatest writing asset • Why clean, Christian fiction still matters — and how it can change lives • A trauma-informed, values-driven way to uncover your story’s purpose Whether you’re writing Christian fiction, exploring trauma-informed themes, or looking for real-world help on how to write a book with faith and integrity, this episode gives you the first step — and the motivation — to begin. Resources I Mention: 👉 Join the Skool Community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 👉 Get on my Novel Writing for Christians Insider List for weekly encouragement and practical tips: https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start with what matters. Grab your copy of The Girl Who Was Trafficked - https://bit.ly/4swlSET

    25 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    3 Secrets to a Renewed Mindset as a Christian Author in a Secular Publishing World

    Do you ever feel like the “odd one out” as a Christian writer? In this powerful episode, I  share 3 biblical mindset shifts that every faith-based fiction author needs to thrive in the modern, secular publishing world. Drawing from personal experience, Scripture, and my own writing journey, I equip Christian women writers to stand strong in their calling — without conforming to industry pressure. ✨ You’ll learn how to: Renew your mind through Scripture and purpose Stay true to your faith while navigating the publishing world Write clean, meaningful fiction without compromising your values Discern which voices to trust in a noisy writing culture Embrace your unique calling as a Christian author If you’re tired of writing advice that pushes edgy content and secular trends, this episode will ground you in truth, encourage your heart, and give you practical steps to move forward — boldly and biblically. 📚 Perfect for: Christian authors, clean fiction writers, trauma-informed storytellers, women over 50 pursuing a writing dream, faith-based creatives, and anyone resisting the pressure to conform. 👉 Join our Skool community for Christian women writing clean fiction: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about 📝 Sign up for weekly encouragement & podcast updates: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/newsletter   📚 Want to see how Kathleen weaves healing, faith, and real-life issues into clean mystery fiction? Check out her Cozy Corner debut: Fatal Fixer-Upper — Read it here on Amazon

    22 min
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About

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 finally finish the story 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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