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

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

By Kathleen Guire, AuthorEducationSelf-ImprovementHow To
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Novel Writing For Christians/ How to Write a Book, Christian Author, Writer, Empty Nester, Trauma-Informed episodes

  • Self-Publishing Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide

    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

     

    22 min
  • How to Start Writing the Book You’ve Been Avoiding All Year

    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:

     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
      19 min
    • Writing a Christian Book After 50? Here’s What No One Tells You

      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

         

        21 min
      • Empty Nester? Start Writing Your Christian Book Now

        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:

        1. Why perfect conditions are a myth — and how to start writing anyway
        2. How to silence the “what ifs” that keep you stuck
        3. Why your voice and your story are needed — now more than ever
        4.  

          📚 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

          20 min
        5. Why Writing a Book Feels So Hard — and the Step-by-Step Way to Actually Start

          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

          22 min
        6. Writing a Christian Book: The Basics and How to Begin

          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

          23 min
        7. How to Write a Book from Scratch — Even If You've Never Called Yourself a Writer

          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

            18 min
          • What Every Christian Author Needs to Know Before They Begin

            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- 

            17 min
          • Novel Writing For Christians Trailer

            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.

            3 min
          • Stop Waiting for Permission: Embrace Your Calling as a Christian Writer

            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

            18 min

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

          From the publisher's feed

          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 finish the novel on your heart?
          Are you struggling to build a consistent writing habit — no matter how badly you want to?