Christian Writers Podcast: Write Clean Fiction With Quirky Characters and Plot Twists Readers Don’t See Coming.

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 the...

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 wan...

In 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 ...

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 fi...

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 ...

Want 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 ho...

Are 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:

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 mirr...

Why 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 fir...

Great 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, o...

Is 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 waitin...

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 “sh...

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 Tr...

Did 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 powerfu...

📖 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...

3 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 ...

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 issue...

Our 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 ...

🎙️ 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.