Wholesome Sci-Fi Without the Sermon: Lynne Stringer on Writing Faith Into General Fiction

In this episode of Created to Write, young adult science fiction author Lynne Stringer tackles one of the most nuanced challenges in Christian writing - how do you honour your faith without alienating your audience?

Her answer is refreshingly practical. Lynne writes wholesome, hope-filled stories for the secular market without preaching, letting the values speak through the narrative rather than the dialogue. It's faith-based writing with a light touch and a long reach.

As a self-described pantser, her writing process is freewheeling by design, but she balances creative spontaneity with rigorous self-editing to catch the inconsistencies that come with writing without a map.

She's also candid about the emotional weight of the craft, including imposter syndrome and the particular pressure Christian authors face to meet religious expectations from their own communities. For any new writer bracing for that tension, Lynne's honesty is both validating and genuinely useful.

Her parting advice is worth saving: embrace the joy first, then prepare for the hard work of editing and marketing. In that order.

Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before starting to write novels, mostly in the science fiction genre. https://www.lynnestringer.com/Or social...

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Empathy, Inclusion and Hope: Catriona McKeown'sMission-Driven Fiction

In this episode of Created to Write, inclusive education teacher and author Catriona McKeown shares how her classroom experience and life as a mother shaped a writing mission that goes far beyondstorytelling.

Catriona writes young adult fiction that centres characters with autism, PTSD, and dyslexia, not as plot devices, but as fully realised people deserving of representation. It's writing with purpose at its most intentional, designed to build empathy in readers one story at a time.

Her decision to write for the general market rather than Christian fiction wasn't a step away from faith but a strategic move toward broader impact, carrying hope and purpose into spaces where it's needed most. With anovella on e-scooter safety and a historical fiction novel in the pipeline, her range continues to grow.

For any new writer tempted to go it alone, Catriona's advice is clear - find your community, seek professional feedback, and never underestimate what another set of eyes can do for your work.

Catriona is passionate about issues of social justice and often writes with such ideals in mind. Her current work is in Inclusive Education; she is passionate about education that allows every child to reach their full potential and has a particular heart for teens with learning hurdles such as ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD and Autism. She uses her writing to promote representation of these teens in her novels.

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Are you stuck in learning mode instead of finishing your book, blog, song, or creative project? Many writers and creatives fall into the trap of constant learning, consuming courses, podcasts, and personal development content, while struggling to actually complete their work.

In this episode of the Created to Write podcast, Michelle Dennis Evans explores learning addiction, creative procrastination, and the fear that keeps aspiring authors from finishing their books. She shares practical, faith-based strategies to help you discern God’s calling, clarify your priorities, overcome distraction, and move from perpetual student to published creator.

If you’re a writer, artist, or faith-driven creative ready to finish your book and create with purpose, this episode will equip you to take your next step with confidence.

From Ditties to Novels: Judy Rogers' Joyful and Unhurried Creative Journey

In this episode of Created to Write, retired special education teacher Judy Rogers shares a creative story that unfolded not by plan but by providence, shaped by a seminar, a season of illness, and a garden.

Judy's path from writing short songs to publishing a middle-grade fiction novel is a warm reminder that Christian writing doesn't always arrive on schedule. Her spontaneous writing process trades strict routines for natural inspiration, catching ideas while gardening or driving, and trusting that creativity shows up when it's ready.

Her published book and music CD sit alongside a career highlight that no award could top - her daughters performing her songs. It is faith-based writing and songwriting as a family legacy.

For any beginner writer wondering how to improve, Judy's advice is practical and proven - seek feedback from your actual target audience, attend writing conferences and edit relentlessly. Persistence, she proves, is its own kind of gift.

Australian author Judy Rogers writes in a diverse range of genres. In 2020, her unpublished children’s fantasy manuscript, The Farmyard Prince, was shortlisted in the CALEB Awards. Judy also writes poetry and has released a CD of fun and inspirational songs. Judy is a retired primary Special Education teacher. She is also a leadership Trainer volunteering with Girl Guides Queensland. She enjoys gardening, painting, travelling and spending time with her children, ten grandchildren and two spoilt puppies. As a teacher, Judy encouraged her students to look beyond themselves and explore the world around them. Her aim is to encourage others to step out of the box, to explore possibilities and to think big and wide and wild

Christian Authors Showcase Queensland https://www.casq.online/Omega Writers https://omegawriters.com.au/

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Spaces: Christian Author AdamCollings on Faith-Filled Sci-Fi

In this episode of Created to Write, Australian indie author Adam Collings invites us into the creative world behind his Jewel of the Stars series, where everyday people navigate the vastness of space with all their very human complications intact.

Adam's Christian writing process is methodical and structured, built on detailed outlines and formal story frameworks. But what fuels the stories is deeply personal, real-life experiences, including family challenges and cruise ship adventures that feed his signature "ordinary people in space" approach.

His faith-based writing philosophy is nuanced and intentional. Rather than presenting faith as a neat solution, Adam aims for compassionate, realistic portrayals of religion within science fiction, the kind that secular and Christian readers alike can respect.

For any new writer finding their feet, his advice is practical - study character arcs, master story structure, and find your community. Creating with God and writing with craft are not mutually exclusive, and Adam Collings is living proof.

Adam David Collings is a science fiction and fantasy author. He lives in Tasmania, Australia with his wife Linda and his two adult children. Adam draws inspiration for his stories from his overactive imagination, his life experiences and his faith.

Be sure to check out Adam's books...

AdamDavidCollings.combooks2read.com/jewel

In this episode of the Created to Write podcast, bestselling author and growth mentor Michelle Dennis Evans explores the frustration of not fitting into personality types or society’s expectations. If you’ve ever felt boxed in or pressured to label yourself, this conversation on identity and personal growth will help you break free.

From a Christian perspective, Michelle shares mindset shifts to build lasting self-confidence, embrace your uniqueness, and step into your authentic purpose. You don’t need a category to validate your worth — you were designed intentionally and you are already enough.

If you’re a creative, writer, or entrepreneur ready to stop shrinking and start owning who you truly are, this episode is for you.

#ChristianWriter #Faithbasedwriting #CreatingwithGod #WritingwithPurpose #ChristianAuthors

In this episode of Created to Write, school chaplainturned fiction author Donita Bundy shares her writing process that threw outthe rulebook and trusted the calling instead.

Her Armor of Light series was born from vividchildhood dreams and a desire to bring a grounded Christian perspective topopular supernatural fiction. It's faith-based writing with spiritual teeth,crafted for readers who want more than surface-level inspiration.

Donita is refreshingly candid about being a dyslexic authorand how rejecting standard writing formulas unlocked her own unique creativevoice. For any beginner writer who feels boxed in by rules, her story is bothpermission and proof.

She also addresses critical feedback about her theologicalinterpretations head-on, modelling something every Christian writer needs - theconviction to stay true to your own creative and spiritual vision regardless ofoutside noise.

Meet Donita Bundy, a former Chaplain turned bold storyteller who’s not afraid to challenge norms and share hope through her powerful series. Incredible dreams that led to a self-driven thesis. A raw journey of writing, faith, fiction and finding your creative voice. You are going to love this! ✨💖Who is Donita Bundy? … The inaugural Somerset Writer in Residence. She has gone on to write five novels, the sixth to be published next year. Along with monthly short stories with the Somerset Writers Group, Donita blogs regularly on her website and contributes to the Gracewriters Podcast. When she’s not writing, she enjoys photographing the local area as well as designing book covers. https://www.donitabundy.com/https://www.facebook.com/donitabundywriterhttps://www.instagram.com/donitabundy/

In this episode of Created to Write, Rebekah pulls back the curtain on what writing as a Christian really looks like -not polished and perfect, but honest, disciplined, and deeply rooted in faith.

Beck shares how she found her way into Christian writing and the practical rhythms that keep her creative life alive, including her signature Writing Wednesdays and Thousand-Word Thursdays. It's the kind of intentional structure that every beginner writer needs to hear, proving that consistency beats inspiration every single time.

Her creative fuel? Personal experience and spiritual insight. Rebekah doesn't write around her flaws, she writes through them, weaving transparency and imperfection into her work in a way that makes her storytelling genuinely compelling. For anyone wrestling with the fear of being too much or not enough, Rebekaha's embrace of authenticity over perfection is both disarming and deeply encouraging.

One of the highlights of this conversation is Rebekah's passionate championing of Christian writing community, giving well-deserved shoutouts to Rendered Realms, Australasian Christian Writers, Christian Writers Downunder, Grace Writers, and Christian Author Showcase Queensland. These communities, she believes, are not optional extras for the Christian author... they are essential.

Rebekah also opens up about the lies she had to unlearn and the truth she now stands on, and closes with golden advice that every writer, new or seasoned, genuinely needs to hear.

The multi-talented Rebekah Robinson is a New Zealand-born Australian residing in Brisbane. The daughter of missionaries, she is married with two adult children.

Rebekah is a writer, singer, songwriter, and graphic designer with a deep passion for the creative arts.

Find Beck's books here ... https://www.beckoncreative.biz/publishing

Christian Author Showcase Queensland https://www.casq.online/

What If You Stopped Settling for 'Good Enough'?In this episode of Created to Write, Christian author and speaker Michelle Dennis Evans delivers a powerful, personal call to action for every Christian writer who has put their creative calling on the back burner.

Drawing from her own story, Michelle unpacks the real cost of ignoring your God-given passions, and how Christian writers' fear and soul-crushing decisions can quietly lead to illness, regret, and a life unlived. Her message is both urgent and deeply compassionate.

If your creative dreams have been sitting in the waiting room of 'one day,' this episode is your nudge... Michelle brings the kind of straight-talking, faith-rooted encouragement that turns hesitation into action.https://michelledennisevans.com/

In this episode, we meet Ruth Bonetti - author, classical musician, and one of the more remarkable voices in Christian writing today.

Ruth's journey spans continents and languages, moving from a global career in classical music to an award-winning bibliography that includes educational music publications and historical memoirs drawn from her Nordic heritage. Her multilingual background and experience presenting across multiple continents bring a rare international depth to her storytelling.

Now, having already made her mark in nonfiction, Ruth is turning toward historical fiction, exploring the lives of influential figures in music. For Christian writers and readers alike, her ability to weave together artistry, heritage, and faith makes this a conversation worth savouring.

This episode serves as a warm introduction to Ruth's creative vision and her continued contribution to the Christian Authors Showcase in Queensland — a community where faith-based writing truly comes alive.

Ruth Bonetti's career in classical music became a passport to the world. She is author/editor of a dozen publications about music, education, performance and historical biography; five through her imprint Words and Music and two with Oxford University Press. Palette of Grace: A collection of short works and the subsequent Symphony of Grace (which she co-edited) were listed as Notable Books in The Weekend Australian. Ruth is fascinated by stories of real people, past and present. Destiny led her to Sweden and Finland, where she researched her grandfather's story, resulting in her award-winning Midnight Sun to Southern Cross trilogy (historical biography/memoir). Ruth has presented extensively in Australia, for seven years in Europe (speaking German, French and Swedish) and USA. Moving from nonfiction to fiction opens an exciting new vista: reworking research into historical novels from Finnish, Estonian and Russian history. Her vision is to write a series of books about Musicians Who Changed History.

https://www.ruthbonetti.com

Christian Authors Showcase Queensland https://www.casq.online/