Claim OwnershipNovel Writing For Christians/ How to Write a Book, Author, Christian Books, Imposter Syndrome, Self-Publishing
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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 that lukewarm coffee (we both know you reheated it twice already) — it’s time to start writing.
41 Episodes
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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
Do you ever feel like writing your book is selfish—or question whether your voice really matters in Christian publishing? I’ve been there. After raising seven children, I believed my role was to serve others and keep my writing dream tucked away. Then I read Habakkuk 2:2: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets…” and realized that writing isn’t just a dream—it’s a calling from God.
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, I talk about overcoming doubt as a Christian author, battling imposter syndrome, and finding confidence in your unique voice. I share how Scripture—like Habakkuk 2:2 and Psalm 139—reminded me that:
✨ No one else can write your story the way you can
✨ God has already gifted you with perspective, experiences, and words that matter
✨ Christian writers don’t have to compromise faith to write compelling, page-turning fiction
✨ Writing clean, faith-based fiction isn’t selfish—it’s obedience to your calling
If you’ve wrestled with fear, comparison, or the thought that “it’s too late,” this episode will encourage you to step forward. Your book could be the one that inspires, comforts, or strengthens another believer. Someone is waiting for your story told your way.
👉 Need extra encouragement? Download my free Author Mindset Checklist here: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/mindsetchecklist
Have you ever opened your laptop to write… and then frozen?
You want to tell the story God placed on your heart — but suddenly, self-doubt sneaks in.
Am I too old? Too late? Does clean, Christian fiction even matter anymore?
If you’ve asked those questions, this episode is for you.
I’m sharing 3 simple, faith-fueled habits that help you build a writing rhythm that fits your life — so you can finally finish your novel without compromising your values, your peace, or your calling.
These are the same practices I use!
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Block out time for writing — without the hustle or guilt
✅ Build a routine that fits your real life (not someone else’s ideal)
✅ Set milestones that keep you moving forward — one scene, one chapter, one faithful yes at a time
Plus a bonus habit that helps you actually finish your draft — even when perfectionism tries to take over.
Friend, your story matters. Your voice matters. And no — it’s not too late. Let’s break through the doubt and get you back to the page.
💌 Want a real-life example of clean fiction that holds depth, heart, and twists? Grab my free cozy mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library → https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery
Feel like the odd girl out in writing spaces that celebrate edgy, explicit content? Wondering if there’s still a place for clean, faith-filled fiction — or if anyone even wants to read your book?
In this heartfelt episode, Kathleen Guire shares 3 biblical, practical ways Christian writers can meet reader expectations without watering down their values. If you’ve ever feared your story won’t be taken seriously because it’s clean, this conversation will remind you that faith-filled fiction can be powerful, layered, and deeply needed.
You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Understand genre expectations while staying true to your convictions
✔️ Let go of pressure to “write to market” in ways that compromise your faith
✔️ Build community with like-minded Christian writers who get it
Whether you’re just starting out or wondering if your clean, Christian stories matter in today’s world — this episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your stories have impact, and there are readers waiting for exactly what God has called you to write.
💌 Bonus: Grab Kathleen’s free clean mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library, right here → https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery
If you’ve ever struggled to carve out writing time, quiet the critical voice in your head, or felt discouraged because you don’t have a degree — you’re not alone. In this honest, practical episode, I’m sharing the three biggest obstacles I see Christian writers face (and yes, I’ve faced them too).
We’ll talk about:
• Why buying back your time might not look the way you think
• How to silence the opinions — and inner voices — that keep you stuck
• What self-education really means (and why it’s not too late to start learning)
This episode is part encouragement, part strategy — all rooted in the belief that your stories matter and your calling hasn’t expired.
Every writer starts with an idea. But what comes next?
If you’ve ever felt stuck between inspiration and action, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the three key steps every Christian writer should take before writing their novel — steps that will save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you build a strong, faith-aligned foundation.
You’ll learn:
• Why your idea matters — and why it’s worth celebrating
• How to choose your genre so your story connects with readers
• What kind of research will actually move you forward (hint: it’s not endless Googling)
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about writing stories that reflect your faith, resonate with readers, and stay true to the calling on your heart.
Whether you’re starting your first book or returning to a dream you’ve carried for decades — you belong here.
🎧 Suggested follow-ups:
• How to Create Memorable Characters Using Quirks, Trauma, and Emotional Depth
• 3 Pre-Writing Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their Novel
You’ve probably heard the saying: “There’s a reader out there who needs exactly what you have to say.” But let’s take it further — there are countless readers searching for squeaky clean fiction that won’t traumatize them every time they open a book.
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares three powerful, faith-centered reasons Christian authors should be writing and publishing more books:
1️⃣ You’ve been called to write — stop arguing with God and start writing the story someone is waiting to read.
2️⃣ You are an image bearer of God — which means you were created to create.
3️⃣ Christians shouldn’t abandon the arts — we should flood them with truth, beauty, and clean, faith-filled stories.
If you’ve ever doubted whether your writing matters or if the market even needs your voice, this episode will remind you: your calling is real, your stories matter, and the world needs your words now more than ever.
👉 Tune in to discover why writing clean, faith-driven fiction is not only possible but deeply necessary.
It’s easy to let other people’s opinions—or our own inner critic—shut down the writing dream God placed on our hearts. But your worth as a writer isn’t measured by negative voices or discouraging comments.
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares practical, faith-rooted steps to silence the noise and move forward with confidence:
1️⃣ Seek honest encouragement from people who lift you up
2️⃣ Limit the voices that tear down your writing dreams (and learn how to “dissent from the noise”)
3️⃣ Join a supportive writing community
Bonus point: Meditate on Scripture to renew your confidence and courage
Don’t let criticism derail your calling. You can write squeaky-clean, meaningful stories that honor God and connect with readers.
Do you dream of writing a clean, faith-driven novel—but life and self-doubt keep getting in the way? You’re not alone. In this goal-getting episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares three transformative writing habits rooted in faith and productivity systems to help Christian writers like you finally finish your story.
Discover how to:
✔ Schedule writing time with intentional calendar blocks
✔ Establish a consistent routine, complete with treadmill writing, music, coffee, and one-hour Dabble sprints
✔ Set visible deadlines in color-coded events for your cozy mystery, middle grade, or YA projects
We’ll also explore how Isaiah 41:15 reminds us that God equips us to “thresh the mountains”—even our own manuscript mountains. Plus, learn the bonus habit of setting handoff deadlines for your editor or accountability friend.
Bonus: Download your free cozy mystery novella, Dead Quiet at the Library, and meet amateur sleuth Gabby Keats in a small-town murder mystery.
Ready to finish your book—with faith, focus, and confidence?
Check out my one‑on‑one coaching option for Christian writers [HERE]-
https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/coaching
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’re diving into the very first steps every faith-driven author should take before writing their novel. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed staring at a blank page, unsure how to start your clean, compelling story — you’re not alone.
I’ll walk you through three practical, prewriting steps to help you:
✔ Create a relatable, layered main character
✔ Define their core desire and motivation
✔ Understand how failure deepens your character’s growth — and your story’s impact
You don’t have to sacrifice your values to write great fiction — and it’s never too late to start your story.
Ready for step-by-step, personalized support? I offer one-on-one coaching for Christian writers like you. Together, we’ll map out your story with clarity, confidence, and no overwhelm.
[Learn more about coaching HERE]- https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/coaching
Think clean thrillers can’t have jaw-dropping twists? Think again. In this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to create suspenseful plot twists that keep readers hooked—without relying on graphic violence, profanity, or explicit content. You’ll learn how to build high-stakes drama using psychological tension, moral dilemmas, and spiritual depth that honors your faith-based values and delivers real page-turning suspense.
If you want to see exactly how clean thrillers can tackle tough subjects with high-stakes tension—without crossing the line—grab your free copy of The Girl Who Didn’t Exist. This is the origin story of Adelina from the Adelina Thriller Series, where I take you inside her world of danger, trauma, and hope—without graphic violence or explicit scenes. You’ll see these clean thriller techniques in action. Just head over to -https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/thegirlwhodidntexistbook -to grab your free copy today.
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