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Have you decided to write a book but feel overwhelmed by everything there is to learn? Wondering where to start, what to write first, or how to know if your writing is any good? In this episode, I talk with New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins (215 books, 73+ million copies sold) about how new and beginning authors can start the right way. In this interview, you’ll discover: What your first project should be a book and how it can help you grow quickly as a writer.A mindset shift that will change how you think about feedbackHow to find your writing voiceIf you want practical advice from a seasoned writer that will save you years of frustration, listen in or read the blog version. Support the show

Mystery isn't just a genre. It's a storytelling skill that every author can use to keep readers turning pages, no matter what they write. In this month’s episode, USA Today bestselling mystery author Sara Rosett reveals how writers of any genre can use elements from the mystery genre to keep readers hooked. Whether you write mystery, fantasy, romance, or nonfiction, this conversation will change the way you think about story structure and reader engagement. You’ll discover: Which genres benefit from using elements of mystery writingHow to hide clues and red herrings in a way that feels natural but surprisingCommon mistakes new mystery writers make and how to avoid themIf you want to build stories that feel more immersive, compelling, and satisfying, listen in or read the blog version and make your next story un-put-down-able. Support the show

You’ve heard it said that a great beginning will sell your book, but a great ending will sell your next book. Every bestseller becomes a bestseller because word spreads from reader to reader, and what creates that good word of mouth? Satisfying endings. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn: What makes an ending satisfying (hint: it doesn’t have to be happy!)How endings must vary from genre to genreWhat advantage Christian authors have over secular authors when writing endingsListen in or read the blog version if you want to write an ending that your readers can’t stop talking about. Support the show

Many authors have received that dreaded rejection letter from a traditional Christian publisher siting platform size as the reason for the rejection. Is there a platform size that makes you a shoo-in for a traditional Christian publisher? What if even millions of followers can’t get you a contract with a traditional Christian publisher? Is there something else going on? In this episode, Chase Replogle and I discuss trends in Christian publishing that we’ve observed from the inside. We’ll discuss What makes a Christian publisher “Christian”Questions we ought to be asking of the Christian publishing industryHow Christian authors can navigate the current publishing landscapeListen in or read the blog version to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Christian publishing has changed over the years. Support the show

If social media leaves you drained and you’re unsure what to do with AI, this week’s episode is for you. I recently appeared on the Writing off Social podcast to unpack how authors can step off the social treadmill and put AI to work without losing their voice. In our conversation you’ll learn: What boundaries you can set around your use of AIWhere to start using AI in your workMy prediction for the future of nonfiction (and how to make sure you control your brand of expertise)Listen in or read the blog version and get practical steps for using AI to increase your productivity and relieve you of the writing and publishing tasks you don’t enjoy. Support the show

Last week brought heartbreaking news. Charlie Kirk, a Christian author and speaker, was shot and killed while addressing his audience. In this special episode of the Christian Publishing Show, we share an Author Update conversation about what Charlie’s life, work, and death mean for Christian authors today. You’ll discover: How Charlie built his platform through books, speaking, and social media without compromising his convictions.Why listening well to your audience can make you a stronger communicator and writer.What authors should (and shouldn’t) say during emotionally charged cultural moments.This is a sobering episode, but also an inspiring one for anyone called to write, speak, and share truth with courage. Listen in, read the blog version, or watch on YouTube. Support the show

Is using AI sinful, helpful, or just complicated? In this thought-provoking episode, bestselling author Kate Angelo joins us to discuss the ethical, practical, and spiritual implications of AI for Christian writers. From biblical analogies to real-world tools, this conversation explores some pressing questions for Christians about AI, creativity, and ethics, without the hype or fear-mongering. In this episode, you'll discover: How AI is similar to and different from other technologies that became mainstreamHow good and evil impact or result from the use of AIHow Christians can leverage AI for goodWhether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, listen in or read the blog version to discover how Christian authors are thinking about AI and how it can be leveraged for good in your marketing, productivity, and writing. Support the show

The cultural ground beneath us is shifting fast. The kinds of books that impacted your faith a decade ago, and possibly inspired you to write, likely won’t have the same effect on readers in this cultural moment. How do you write books that resonate with readers without compromising biblical truth? In this week’s episode, I speak with pastor and author Chase Replogle to talk about 21st-century apologetics and why Christian authors must rethink what it means to “engage culture.” You’ll discover What current readers value more (fact or feelings?)How your book can rise above the noise without creating more noiseWhat Jordan Peterson and other influential voices teach writers about relevanceIf you want to impact people for Christ by answering the questions they’re asking without compromising truth or sounding cliché, this conversation is for you. Support the show

Why do some books keep readers up all night while others fall flat? If you've ever wondered whether your novel is gripping enough, you're not alone. One of the biggest challenges writers face is keeping readers hooked to the end. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into what truly drives great storytelling. Whether you're writing legal thrillers, Amish fiction, or epic fantasy, tension is your secret weapon, and knowing how to dial it up or down can make or break your story. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why reading current bestsellers (without judgment!) is key to leveling up your writingHow different genres handle tension differentlyWhat every author needs to understand about their reader’s motive for readingListen in or read the blog version to discover the many types of tension and how to weave it into your novel to keep readers reading to the end. Support the show

Did you know the Apostle Paul didn’t write the book of Romans by hand? He dictated it to a someone else who wrote it down, and he’s not the only famous author to do so. In this week’s episode, we explore how authors from Cicero to Agatha Christie to USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller have used dictation to write faster, better, and with more freedom. In this interview with Misty, you’ll learn: ✅ How to overcome the intimidation of hearing your own voice ✅ Which dictation tools are most accurate and beginner-friendly ✅ How to spur creativity and increase your output without burning out Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, dictation can save you time and unlock your most natural storytelling voice. Misty shares how she writes up to six books a year using this technique and how you can too. Write faster. Write smarter. Write like the Apostle Paul. Listen in or read the blog version to learn more. Support the show

Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start? In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most powerful ideas: the mirror moment. You’ll learn ✅ Why the midpoint is more than just the halfway mark ✅ How to turn a sagging middle into your novel’s strongest moment ✅ What Casablanca, Goodnight Moon, and The Cat in the Hat have in common ✅ How one scene can help you fix your beginning, your ending, and everything in between Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, listen in or read the blog version of this episode. It will change how you approach your next novel. Support the show

The term "pantser" has been used to describe writing a book without an outline. At writers conferences, outlining and "pantsing" (also known as discovery writing) are often framed as rivals. However, most writers fall between the two extremes. I've seen successful authors across that spectrum. What truly matters is finding the method that works best for you. While there are countless books on outlining, there are very few on discovery writing. So how do you learn to "write by the seat of your pants"? In this month's episode, I interviewed bestselling author Steven James, who shared his secrets for discovery writing—the art of writing "by the seat of your pants" while creating gripping stories. He shared ✔️ Four questions that can solve any plot problem ✔️ What truly drives a great story to a satisfying ending ✔️ How to use pivots to surprise and satisfy your readers If you've ever struggled with outlining or wondered if  "pantsing" could work for you, this episode will give you the guidance and courage to give it a try. Listen in or read the blog version to learn more. Support the show

Have you ever started a book but struggled to get past the first few chapters? Or maybe you finished one, only to feel let down by the ending? The truth is, beginnings and endings can make or break a novel. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Christy Award-winning author Angela Hunt to unpack what makes a strong opening that hooks readers and a satisfying ending that keeps them talking. We’ll cover: How to craft an opening that keeps readers turning pages The secret to endings that spark word-of-mouth recommendations Common mistakes that weaken your novel’s impact If you want to grab your reader’s attention from page one and leave them with an unforgettable conclusion, listen in or read the blog version. Support the show

Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel but don’t know where to start? Maybe you've tried before, but the story just didn’t come together—or you’re staring at a blank page, unsure of what to do next. In our latest episode, we’re talking to Steve Laube, seasoned literary agent and co-author of Write Your First Novel. Steve shares actionable advice on: Creating characters your readers will love.Crafting a plot that keeps readers hooked.Overcoming fear and embracing the writing process.You’ll also learn the key to writing boldly and how to avoid common pitfalls that hold writers back. If you’re ready to finally start your novel (and finish it!), listen in or read the blog version. Support the show

Imposter syndrome sometimes tells you the truth.Sometimes, you really do need to get better at the task in front of you to succeed. Many gurus will tell you that you already have everything you need. You just need to pay them money so you can be successful. But in the real world, success requires the hard work of improving your craft. Now, it's true, sometimes imposter syndrome lies, but deep down, you know you can improve.But how do you know where you need to improve? And once you find out, how do you get better?In this week's episode, you'll hear from Brad Pauquette about structuring a novel and improving your craft. He's a 15-year industry veteran who's helped hundreds of authors write and publish their best work, hit bestseller lists, and win awards. He's also the author of The Novel Matrix: The Complete Novel Writing Guide.You'll learn ·      Three phases of improving your craft ·      What feedback to implement or ignore ·      How to ensure your writing is accurate and believableListen in or read the blog and discover insights on balancing creativity with structure, interpreting feedback wisely, and staying true to your Christian values by continually inviting the Holy Spirit into your work. Support the show