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

Trauma shapes your character’s view. Your job is to reveal it. Readers connect with characters who struggle, endure, and grow—just like we do in real life. Title: How to Create a Trauma-Informed Main Character Readers Will Root For (Even if She’s Messy) Have you ever read a book where a character has a traumatic past—but it never seems to affect her choices, emotions, or behavior? It doesn’t just feel unrealistic. It feels wrong. In this episode, I talk about how to create a trauma-informed main character readers will genuinely root for—not because she’s perfect, but because she’s real. We’ll explore how trauma shows up beyond backstory, how coping mechanisms shape behavior, and why uneven healing actually makes characters more relatable and compelling. This episode is for writers who want to create clean, meaningful fiction with depth and heart—especially Christian writers who care about honesty, hope, and redemption. Whether you’re writing a cozy mystery, middle grade, YA, or adult novel, this conversation will help you build a protagonist readers trust, understand, and stay invested in. In this episode, we cover: Why trauma doesn’t stay in the backstory How “messy” characters create stronger reader connection How behavior communicates history and survival Why healing should be uneven—but visible How to write from truth instead of tropes   📣 Resources & Community ✉️ Join my email list for encouragement and writing insights for Christian writers: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter 👩‍💻 Join the Novel Writing for Christians Skool Community for faith-centered support and structure: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians 📚 Grab a copy of Fatal Fixer-Upper — a clean cozy mystery with layered, trauma-informed characters: 👉 https://a.co/d/03ArgCQ6

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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

I share her real-life struggles with perfectionism and how years of rewriting kept her stuck. If you’ve ever asked “Am I doing this right?” or “Will my writing ever be good enough?” — this episode will speak to your heart. Perfect for: Christian women writers, clean fiction authors, faith-based creatives, recovering perfectionists, and anyone navigating writing with integrity and purpose. ✨ Free Community for Christian Women Writers: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about 📝 Weekly Newsletter (Tips, Promos, Encouragement): https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/newsletter   📚 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

Think you have to be tech-savvy or “ready” to publish your book? You don’t. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I take to self-publish — without overwhelm, confusion, or perfection. Whether you’re just starting to write or sitting on a finished manuscript, you’ll learn how simple it really is to get your book into readers’ hands. 👩‍💻 We’ll cover: • How to set up your FREE Amazon self-publishing account • What you actually need to publish (and what can wait) • Budget-friendly tools and resources for editing, formatting, and cover design • The one mindset shift that helped me finally start 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED: • Set up your free Amazon KDP account: https://kdp.amazon.com • Get your ISBN (optional): https://www.bowker.com • Formatting software I use (Mac only): https://vellum.pub • Affordable cover design: https://getcovers.com • Find freelance editors/designers: https://reedsy.com • Book metadata/SEO tips: https://publishdrive.com/how-to-choose-keywords-for-amazon-kdp.html 💡Want to keep learning + get support from other Christian fiction writers? Join our community → 👉 https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about 📬 Get weekly encouragement, podcast updates & free resources 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Have you been telling yourself, “I’ll start writing when life slows down” — but somehow the year’s almost over and your story’s still sitting on your heart? This episode is your gentle push forward. You’ll learn: • Why you don’t need to wait for January 1st • The mindset shift that helped me go from scattered to scheduled • How to start small — and actually finish • What Scripture says about committing your plans to the Lord If you’re a Christian woman who’s been putting off her book, this is your sign: start today. 📖 Mentioned in this episode: • Join our writing community: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about • Weekly writing tips & encouragement: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/newsletter  Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”  Free books - https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/thegirlwhodidntexistbook https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery • Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor

You’re over 50, the kids are grown, and you finally have time to breathe — but when you sit with that quiet space, something stirs: What if I wrote a Christian book? But almost immediately, the doubts creep in. Isn’t it too late? What if I missed my chance? What if this is just a silly dream? In this episode, Kathleen Guire shares the truth no one tells you about writing in this season — including what to expect, how to overcome obstacles (both practical and spiritual), and why small beginnings matter more than you think. You’ll learn: Why feeling behind is a lie (and what Scripture says about beginnings) How to handle resistance — from distractions to discouragement The real reason starting your book now might be exactly what God is calling you to do 📚 Sponsored by Fatal Fixer-Upper — Cozy mystery, clean content, and a Labradoodle with great instincts. https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Fixer-Upper-Christian-Suspense-Mysteries/dp/B0DFLXZH72 📚 Ready to write your Christian novel — and want support doing it? Join the Novel Writing for Christians Skool community for just $3 (lifetime access)- https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about?

Becoming an empty nester can leave you wondering, “What’s next for me?” If you’ve ever felt that tug to write a Christian novel — but questioned your age, your ability, or if it's even worth starting — this episode is for you. Kathleen Guire shares her own story of writing through motherhood, milestones, and messy seasons, and gives you 3 powerful truths to help you stop waiting and start writing. If you’ve been carrying a story on your heart and asking “Could I really be an author?” — the answer is yes. Now is your time. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why perfect conditions are a myth — and how to start writing anyway How to silence the “what ifs” that keep you stuck Why your voice and your story are needed — now more than ever 👉 Join our Skool Community for Christian novelists who want to write stories that honor God — and do it together: https://www.skool.com/novel-writing-for-christians-2728/about? 📚 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

If writing keeps slipping to the bottom of your list, you’re not lazy — and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, we’re talking about why starting feels so hard for faith-driven writers… and how to shift your mindset so you can finally begin with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✨ Why writing your book is actually an act of service — and how to treat it like the ministry it is ✨ A simple, step-by-step way to carve out writing time (even if life is full) ✨ How to stop feeling selfish for pursuing your God-given creativity ✨ Why your personal experience — even trauma — can fuel meaningful, clean fiction ✨ Encouragement from Kathleen’s own journey as a trauma-informed author and adoptive mom 🎧 Whether you’re 50+, starting over, or simply stuck — this episode will help you reframe the struggle and take your next faithful step. 💡 Grab the free Author Mindset Check-In — a printable tool to help you move past self-doubt and into action: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist 📚 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

You don’t need a degree or someone else’s permission to start your novel — you need a strong why, a relatable character, and a commitment to begin. In this episode of Novel Writing for Christians, Kathleen Guire walks you through the foundational steps to start writing clean, faith-filled fiction — even if you’ve never written a book before. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✨ Why your calling to write matters more than credentials or approval ✨ How to ground your writing in purpose — and treat it like an act of obedience ✨ Step-by-step exercises to create your protagonist:  • Character interview prompts  • Mind-mapping their motivations and relationships  • Backstory development that shapes the plot ✨ How to plan your character’s “epic fail” moments to build a redemptive arc ✨ Encouragement to overcome self-doubt and start writing your Christian novel today 🎧 This episode is for every Christian woman who’s thought, “I’m not qualified to be an author” — and it’s your reminder that God can use your story to reach others. 💡 Grab your free Author Mindset Check-In to quiet the inner critic and move forward with clarity: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist 📚 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

Feel like you missed your shot at becoming a writer? In today’s episode, we’re talking about what holds so many Christian women back before they ever begin: the belief that if you’ve never called yourself a writer, you can’t write a book. I’ll walk you through three mindset shifts that will help you start from scratch — no writing degree, fancy tools, or perfect outline required. You’ll learn how to claim your identity as a writer, start small without getting overwhelmed, and approach your writing as a form of worship. I’ll share my own experience of facing that blank page — and the truth that finally set me free. 👉 If you’re ready to start your novel but unsure where to begin, listen next to: How to Create Memorable Characters Using Quirks & Trauma How to Write Trauma-Informed Characters Without Stereotypes 📥 Grab the free 5-Step Checklist for Christian Writers: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist 📚 Sponsored by Fatal Fixer-Upper — Cozy mystery, clean content, and a Labradoodle with great instincts. https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Fixer-Upper-Christian-Suspense-Mysteries/dp/B0DFLXZH72

Feeling called to write but unsure where to begin? In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful truths every Christian author needs to hear before they write their first page — especially if you’re over 50, faith-driven, and wondering if your story still matters. We’ll talk about why it’s not too late, how you can write compelling fiction without compromising your beliefs, and why clarity doesn’t come before you start — it comes as you start. I’ll also share a personal story about staying true to my values in a writing group that didn’t share my faith — and how that experience shaped my calling. 👉 If you’re looking for more practical tips on where to begin, listen to Episode: How to Start Your Novel: Writing an Unforgettable First Chapter — it’s the perfect companion to this conversation. So grab your coffee and a notebook — and if you’re ready to root your writing journey in purpose and faith, let’s dive in. Mentioned in this episode: 📥 Free Christian Writer’s Mindset Checklist: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist 📚 Sponsored by Dead Quiet at the Library — Free Kindle download- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery + Audiobook -https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Quiet-Library-Small-Town-Goldendoodle/dp/B0F4ZLNX55 for just $4.99- 

Have you ever whispered, “I’ve always wanted to write a book”… but didn’t know where to begin? Welcome to Novel Writing for Christians — the podcast for Christian women who’ve carried a story on their heart for years and are finally ready to write it. Hosted by Christian author and trauma-informed writing coach Kathleen Guire, this show blends faith-filled encouragement with clear, step-by-step guidance for writing clean, God-honoring fiction — without compromise. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, struggling to stay focused, or wondering if it’s “too late” to start, this space is for you. You’ll find honest conversations, trauma-sensitive storytelling tools, and spiritual support to help you write the book God’s been preparing you to tell. Each episode brings you practical help for writing powerful fiction — plus real talk on the internal and spiritual battles that often come with stepping into your calling. So grab your coffee and your notebook — you’ve waited long enough. It’s time to write your story.

For years, I hesitated to say, “I’m a writer.” Even after publishing my first book, I felt like I was waiting for permission to step fully into my calling. Maybe you’ve felt the same way—dreaming of writing a novel, creating characters, or building a fictional world, but fear and self-doubt keep holding you back. In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, I talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence as a Christian author, and embracing your identity as a writer. I share how writing my Cozy Corner Mysteries helped me see that my perspective—even my challenges as someone on the autism spectrum—wasn’t a limitation, but a strength. The same is true for you: your unique story, experiences, and struggles are what make your writing powerful, authentic, and needed. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: ✨ Why Christian writers don’t need outside “permission” to start writing ✨ How your struggles and experiences can fuel authentic storytelling ✨ Why no one else can write your book the way you can ✨ How faith and Scripture (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) affirm your calling as a writer ✨ Encouragement to own your voice and step boldly into your role as an author Whether you’re writing Christian fiction, a cozy mystery, or a faith-based memoir, remember this: God has already equipped you with the experiences, perspective, and voice to tell the story only you can write. Stop waiting for permission—your time to write is now. 👉 Need extra encouragement? Download my free Author Mindset Checklist: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist