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

Kathleen Guire, Author
  • 5.0 (6)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    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

    26 min

  2. May 27

    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

    23 min

  3. May 20

    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

    30 min

  4. May 13

    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 Sponored by Fatal Fixer-Upper -https://a.co/d/092EOCBN

    27 min

  5. May 6

    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

    28 min

  6. Apr 29

    5 Truths About Writing as a Christian Author — and Why Compromise Isn't the Answer

    Sick of trying to write a book as a Christian author without compromising your values? If you’ve been trying to figure out how to write a book while staying true to your faith, feeling unsure about what you should include, or wondering if clean, faith-based fiction can really succeed — you’re not alone. And trying to do this alone can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 truths about writing as a Christian author — and why compromise isn’t the answer. I’ll walk you through what it really looks like to stay rooted in your faith while writing meaningful, engaging stories, to help you move forward with novel writing for Christians — especially if you’re a Christian writer or empty nester who’s ready to finally write your book with clarity and confidence. We’ll talk about: Why writing clean, faith-centered fiction means going against the grain • What to do when others don’t understand your standards as a Christian writer • How to write books you’d be proud to share with your children and grandchildren • Why you may feel like an outsider — and why that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path You don’t have to compromise your faith to become a Christian author. 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 📚 Want to see what clean, layered Christian fiction can look like? Download my 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

    31 min

  7. Apr 22

    How Do I Know If I'm Ready To Write A Book?

    Sick of wondering if you’re really ready to write a book? If you’ve been trying to figure out how to write a book, feeling unsure if it’s too late, questioning if you’re qualified to be a Christian author, or wondering if you should wait until you feel more prepared — you’re not alone. And trying to do this alone can keep you stuck longer than you need to be. In this episode, I talk about 3 simple ways to know if you’re ready to start writing your first novel — along with what might be holding you back. I walk you through these readiness signs to help you move forward with novel writing for Christians — especially if you’re a Christian writer or empty nester who’s ready to finally write your book with clarity and confidence. In this episode, I talk about: Why you can’t seem to let go of the idea to write a book • What self-doubt really means (and why it doesn’t mean stop) • How to recognize the small ways you’ve already started writing • Why waiting to feel “ready” is often what keeps you stuck You don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready. 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 📚 Want to see what clean, layered Christian fiction can look like? Download my 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

    29 min

  8. Apr 15

    How to Outline a Novel the Easy Way (for Christian Writers Who Feel Stuck)

    Does outlining your novel feel overwhelming… like you have to figure everything out before you even start writing? If you’ve been trying to figure out how to write a book but keep getting stuck at the outlining stage — unsure where to begin or how to structure your story — you’re not alone. And this is where many Christian writers lose momentum before they ever get started. In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple, step-by-step way to outline your story — without overthinking it or making it more complicated than it needs to be. This approach comes straight from my Middle Grade Magic workbook, and while it’s designed for middle grade and YA, these principles work for any novel. What we cover: How to start with your main character and build your story from there • Why your character needs to fail — and how that shapes your plot • The moment that changes everything (and how to identify it) • Simple ways to make your characters feel real and relatable • How to identify your story’s lowest moment • How to keep your outline simple so you can actually move forward You don’t need a complicated outline to write a meaningful story. You just need a clear path — and the confidence to take the next step. You can start small. You can build as you go. And you don’t have to figure this out on your own. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Get your free book — The Girl Who Didn’t Exist: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/thegirlwhodidntexistbook Middle Grade Magic Workbook (step-by-step outlining help): 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

    26 min
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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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