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Christian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.3 Writing Habits That Guarantee You’ll Finish Your BookDo 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 a...2025-07-1635 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.3 Prewriting Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their NovelIn 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 fi...2025-07-0924 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Clean Thriller Plot Twists That Pack a Punch—Without Graphic ViolenceThink 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...2025-07-0230 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.How to Write Trauma-Informed Characters Without Stereotypes: Christian Fiction Writing TipsIn this episode, we’re diving deep into trauma-informed storytelling for Christian fiction writers. You’ll discover how to write characters who’ve faced real trauma while honoring both their struggles and their healing journey—without falling into stereotypes or harmful clichés. We’ll talk about how trauma impacts your character’s faith, decisions, and relationships, how to avoid common Christian fiction mistakes, and how to write hope that’s authentic, not superficial.
👉 If you want to go even deeper, grab my Creating Trauma-Informed Characters Workbook—it walks you through step-by-step how to build layered characters who reflect real tra...2025-06-2535 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.How to Craft a Page-Turning First Scene (Even If You Have No Idea Where to Start)Struggling to start your story? You’re not alone. If you’ve ever stared at a blank page thinking, “How do I hook a reader before they scroll away?”—this episode is your lifeline.
In this week’s episode of the Christian Writers Podcast, I’m walking you through how to craft a powerful, page-turning opening scene—using the same bonus worksheet I give my students in the Middle School Magic writing class.
Whether you're writing clean fiction for kids, cozy mysteries, or faith-based stories for grown-ups, this episode will help you write an unforgettable first page—with...2025-06-1828 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.It’s Not Too Late: How to Start Writing After 50 (Even If You Feel Behind)Think it’s too late to write that novel? Feel like the starting line moved while you were raising kids, running the church bake sale, or caregiving? Friend, I see you—and I’ve got news: You are not behind. You are being prepared.
In this powerful episode of the Christian Writers Podcast, I’m speaking directly to the over-fifty woman who’s whispered, “Did I miss my chance?” Whether you’re 52 or 72, your story matters—and I’m giving you real, faith-filled encouragement plus practical first steps to finally start writing it.
We’ll bust the myth that wri...2025-06-1128 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.How to Create Memorable Characters Using Quirks, Trauma, and Emotional DepthWant to create characters your readers will never forget? In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’re exploring how to use quirks—those unique habits, traits, or talents—to write emotionally resonant, relatable characters for your novel.
Quirks aren’t just fun—they reveal backstory, trauma, and hidden strengths. Whether you're writing middle grade, YA, or clean Christian fiction for adults, this episode will show you how to build depth into your protagonist from page one.
You’ll learn:
What a character quirk really is (and what it’s not)
How to use qui...2025-06-0422 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.How to Start Your Novel: Writing an Unforgettable First Chapter That Hooks ReadersAre you struggling to write the first chapter of your novel? In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll break down how to start your book with an inciting incident that grabs your reader’s attention from page one. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or clean Christian fiction for adults, you’ll learn how to create a compelling opening scene that sets the stage for your entire story.
Discover how to:
Write a first chapter that hooks readers emotionally and moves the plot forward
Develop a strong inciting incident that forces y...2025-05-2821 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.How to Start Your Story with a Powerful Inciting Incident (Christian Writers Guide)Every unforgettable story begins with one powerful moment: the inciting incident. In today’s episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll break down how to craft an inciting incident that launches your character out of their everyday world and into the heart of your story.
Whether you write middle grade, YA, or adult fiction, you’ll learn how to structure that all-important first shift—and how it mirrors the spiritual “call” to something greater.
✍️ Ready to plan your story with clarity and confidence? Download the Middle Grade Magic Workbook, a step-by-step guide to building your novel from...2025-05-2121 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Why Your Character Needs to Fail: A Plot Strategy for Aspiring Christian WritersWhy does your main character need to fail? Because that’s where transformation begins. In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll explore how intentional failure builds stronger character arcs and deepens emotional resonance in your fiction.
If you’re an aspiring Christian author who wants to write clean, meaningful stories with heart, this episode will show you why the fall is often the first step toward redemption. Learn how to use failure to reveal lies, shape growth, and connect with your readers.
📘 Want to take this further? Grab my Middle Grade Magic Workbook—...2025-05-1421 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Unlocking Character Transformation: How to Create a Middle-Grade Hero That GrowsGreat stories don’t just entertain—they transform. In this episode, I’m sharing how to craft middle-grade protagonists—or heroes of any age—who solve mysteries and grow through real struggles, faith challenges, and life lessons.
We’ll dive into how to develop flawed, relatable characters whose faith feels authentic and whose journey resonates deeply with readers. Whether you're writing for kids, teens, or adults, these strategies will help you create characters that stick with readers long after they finish your book.
You’ll learn:
What readers truly want in a protagonist
How to weave faith...2025-05-0720 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Why You Should Write Christian Fiction if You’re Over FiftyIs it too late to start writing Christian fiction after 50? Absolutely not. In this inspiring episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of launching a successful author career in my empty nest years—and why now is the perfect time to step into your calling as a writer.
You’ll discover how your life experience, faith, and wisdom uniquely equip you to write clean, meaningful stories that the world is waiting for. If you’ve been battling doubts, wondering where to start, or thinking you’ve missed your chance—this episode is your reminder that God’s timing is alwa...2025-04-3021 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Episode 12: Faith in Fiction – How to Weave Christianity Into Your Story Without Preaching 🎙️One of the biggest struggles Christian fiction authors face is how to include faith without making their books feel like sermons. Readers don’t want a lecture—they want a compelling, authentic story where faith is naturally woven into the characters’ lives.
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, Kathleen Guire shares practical ways to make faith an organic, meaningful part of your storytelling. You’ll learn:
✅ How to “show, not preach” faith in fiction – Let characters live their faith through actions, choices, and struggles rather than stopping the story for a sermon.
✅ Why faith arcs mat...2025-03-1219 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Christian Fiction That Tackles Tough Topics (Without Losing Hope)Christian fiction often falls into two extremes—either too sanitized or too heavy-handed. But what if we could write authentic, faith-driven stories that tackle real-life struggles while still offering hope?
In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, host Kathleen Guire explores how to address cultural and moral issues in fiction with grace, truth, and powerful storytelling. Using real-world examples from The Girl Who Was Trafficked, Francine Rivers' Bridge to Haven, Fatal Fixer-Upper, and The Girl Who Was Haunted, Kathleen shares how to navigate difficult themes without alienating readers.
You'll learn:
✅ How to writ...2025-03-0527 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.What Traffickers Pray You'll Never Discuss With Your TeenDid you know traffickers don’t just target vulnerable kids—they scout confident, loved, and safe-seeming teens too? They look for the ones who don’t see them coming.
In today’s episode, we’re tackling this tough topic head-on, showing you how simply starting a conversation could keep your teen safe. Instead of a lecture, we’ll explore how a story—like my novel The Girl Who Was Trafficked—can be a powerful, non-threatening way to educate and empower your teen.
You’ll learn:
Why a novel can be more effective than a pamphlet
Six pract...2025-02-2629 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Finding Yourself in Fiction: Why Relatable Characters Matter📖 Finding Yourself in Fiction: Why Relatable Characters Matter Have you ever read a book and thought, That character is me!? The best stories are the ones where we see ourselves in the struggles, quirks, and triumphs of fictional characters. But what makes them feel so real? In this episode, we dive into trauma-informed storytelling—creating characters with authentic coping mechanisms, real-life struggles, and journeys of hope and healing. ✨ What You’ll Discover: ✔️ Why relatable characters resonate deeply with us ✔️ How trauma-informed writing makes characters feel authentic ✔️ The power of hope and healing in fiction Meet characters like: 📚 Harper – A cozy mystery writer battli...2025-02-1916 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.3 Tactics To Squash Your Inner Critic For Writers3 Tactics to Squash Your Inner Critic While Writing
You’ve finally carved out time to write, but just as you start typing, your inner critic shows up like a menacing Balrog! While channeling your inner Gandalf and shouting, “You shall not pass!” sounds great, it’s not enough. Your inner critic won’t disappear with one command—you need practical strategies to silence it and keep writing.
In this episode, I share 3 proven tactics to overcome self-doubt and perfectionism so you can confidently write your book:
📝 Follow Your Inner Critic – Recognize where your doubts come from...2025-02-1220 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.What Does It Take to Educate Your Child Through Literature Without A Curriculum?What Does It Take to Educate Your Child Through Literature Without a Curriculum? 📚🎙️
As parents, we all want to educate our children about life’s important topics, but finding age-appropriate materials can be a challenge. Many novels today are either too graphic or disconnected from reality. That’s why I started writing fiction—to create stories that engage readers while tackling crucial cultural issues in a thoughtful and impactful way.
In this episode, we’re exploring how you can educate your child through literature—without a rigid curriculum. Instead of traditional lessons, books can serve as powerful tools...2025-02-0523 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Rewriting the Script: How Relatable Characters Can Help Kids Challenge Harmful Childhood MessagesOur kids are constantly absorbing messages—some positive, some damaging—about who they are and what they’re capable of. These messages shape their self-image and worldview, often staying with them for life. But what happens when these messages are harmful? 📖 In this episode, we’ll explore: ✔️ How childhood messages shape self-esteem and decision-making ✔️ The role of relatable characters in reshaping negative beliefs ✔️ Practical ways to help kids unlearn harmful messages and build resilience Through engaging storytelling and real-life examples—including Sera from The Case of the Missing Skeleton—we’ll discuss how fiction can empower kids to see themselves in a new light. 🎧...2025-01-2918 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.The Perfect Mix of Mystery, Quirky Characters, and Murder for Clean Fiction Readers🎙️ The Perfect Mix: Mystery, Quirky Characters, and Clean Fiction
What makes a clean mystery so irresistible? In this episode, we explore the art of crafting and enjoying mysteries that captivate without the grit. From charmingly quirky characters to twisty plots and murder mysteries that stay family-safe, discover why clean fiction readers can have it all—intrigue, heart, and strong moral themes.
What You’ll Discover:
How clean mysteries deliver excitement without graphic content
The role of quirky, relatable characters in unforgettable storytelling
Why clean fiction is the perfect choice for faith-filled, family-friendly readers
✨ Looking for...2025-01-2220 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.🎙️Finding the Perfect Clean Read for Tweens and Teens🎙️Finding the Perfect Clean Read for Tweens and Teens
Looking for books that are safe, engaging, and filled with strong moral themes for your tweens and teens? In this episode, we’re diving into three practical tips to help you find the perfect clean read. Whether you’re navigating the shelves for wholesome family-friendly mysteries, faith-filled fiction, or clean thrillers without the grit, this guide has you covered.
What You’ll Learn:
How to spot clean books that align with your family’s values
The importance of relatable, inspiring characters for young readers
Why clean reads c...2025-01-1524 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.🎙️ Debunking Myths: The Truth About Clean Thrillers🎙️ Debunking Myths: The Truth About Clean Thrillers
Are clean thrillers less suspenseful? Do they cater only to younger audiences? In this episode, we tackle these misconceptions head-on, revealing how clean thrillers deliver heart-pounding excitement without explicit content. Join us as we explore the depth and complexity of faith-based suspense novels that captivate readers of all ages.
Highlights:
Unpacking the myth that clean thrillers lack intensity
Exploring the appeal of family-friendly mystery books
Understanding the balance of strong moral themes in engaging narratives
✨ Ready for your next thrilling read? Download The Girl Who Didn’t Exist, a...2025-01-0817 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.6 Tips For Teaching Social Media Safety (With A Tween Novel)🎙️ Navigating the digital landscape can be daunting for tweens and their parents. In this episode, we delve into six essential strategies to teach social media safety, inspired by the tween novel The Case of the Missing Person. Discover how to initiate meaningful conversations about online dangers, set appropriate boundaries, and empower your child to make informed decisions in the digital world.
✨ Ready to dive deeper? Download your FREE Social Media Safety Guide today and start building safer online habits together! 👉 Click here to grab your free PDF
Let’s empower the next generation to stay safe and thr...2025-01-0141 minChristian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.Trailer Christian Writers PodcastThe Christian Writers Podcast – Trailer 🎙☕
Are you a Christian writer looking to craft relatable characters, trauma-informed stories, and unforgettable plot twists—all while honoring your faith? The Christian Writers Podcast is here to help!
Hosted by Indie Christian author Kathleen Guire, this podcast dives into faith-based fiction, clean storytelling, character development, and publishing strategies for writers who want to make an impact. Whether you're writing a cozy mystery, YA novel, or middle-grade fiction, you'll find practical tips, encouragement, and expert insights to take your storytelling to the next level.
Grab your coffee, hit subscribe...2024-12-2303 min