Christian Publishing 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 outWhether 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 betweenWhether 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 readersIf 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 impactIf 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

In college, I took a class on entrepreneurship, where our big project was to write a business plan. That same semester, I was also working on a book proposal, and I realized that book proposals are business plans.Fundamentally, they serve the same purpose. A business plan helps you convince investors to invest in your business, and a book proposal helps you convince publishing companies to invest in your book.To be traditionally published, you need to think like an entrepreneur and to be independently published, you need to be an entrepreneur.In this week's episode, we'll hear from Kara Swanson. She's a successful fantasy author, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of The Author Conservatory, an online college alternative for aspiring writers.You'll learn how to·      Build a financially sustainable writing career·      Build your skillset for marketing your book·      Build a schedule that balances creativity and businessListen in or check out the blog and learn how to become an author entrepreneur by leveraging transferrable business skills to build a sustainable writing career.Support the show

I'm excited to announce that tickets are now for sale for the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference. The conference will be held in Austin, Texas, on January 17th and 18th. This event is not a typical writer's conference where you learn how to write and publish a book. Our conference is focused on book marketing, and our goal is to help you make 2025 the best year of your author career so far!In this episode, you'll find out·      Three special ingredients that make the Novel Marketing Conference unique·      How this year's conference will differ from last year's·      Why we've made certain deliberate choices for this year's conferenceListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to get details about the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference.Support the show

You've likely heard the advice that writers should show instead of tell. Sometimes, it's good advice and can make your scenes better and your story more compelling. But it can also be terrible advice that will make your book unbelievably long and hard to get through.If you show every single thing in the room or on the journey where your story takes place, then the plot, characters, and even the dialogue get crowded out.But how do you know when you should and shouldn't show?In this month's episode, Angela Hunt lays out some guidelines on when showing improves your story and when it doesn't. You'll learn:When showing has the most impactWhen telling is actually usefulWhere writers are often tempted to tell when they should showListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to find out when you can break the rule of "Show, don't tell."Support the show

Stories communicate truth in ways that facts and statistics cannot. They touch places in our souls that sermons cannot reach. When you open your Bible, the very first thing you find is not the Ten Commandments but a story. Even biblical instruction is often couched in a story because a story is a powerful tool for communicating truth.God knows that. He created in us a desire for story.Christian authors can leverage story to communicate truth, but sometimes, whether by mistake or on purpose, we communicate lies.In this month's episode, author and podcaster Zackary Russell and I discuss the four laws of Christian storytelling. You'll discover:What makes a story glorifying to GodHow we may inadvertently communicate lies in our storiesWhether Christian storytelling is evangelism or notThe gift of storytelling must be stewarded and taken seriously. Listen in or check out the blog version of this episode to discover four laws to govern your Christian storytelling that will ensure you glorify God and communicate truth and love to your readers.Support the Show.

Discover what makes a romance novel appeal to a Christian readership and how you can write Christian romance books your readers will love.Support the Show.

Some authors just want to get their book "out there." They don't plan on writing additional books or becoming professionals. But others want to make writing a career and maybe pay the bills with income earned from their writing.If you want to have a career as a professional writer, you have to do at least two things.First, you must become an amazing writer. Second, you need to start acting like a business owner. Regardless of whether you're independently or traditionally published, you'll need to keep track of finances, payments, taxes, marketing, and a lot more.You must be willing to wear their business hats to be considered professionals.If that sounds overwhelming, this week's episode will provide some relief and direction. In my interview with Angela Hunt, you'll learn:What upfront and ongoing costs an author should plan forA bare-bones method for tracking your business income and expensesA Thomas-approved method for getting free feedbackAnd much moreIf you want to make a career out of your writing and pay bills with the income you earn, listen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to learn how.Support the Show.

If you've ever transcribed a conversation between two people, you know the resulting text is a bunch of incomprehensible, run-on sentences and fragments. Natural conversation does not translate well onto the written page.When we write novels, we need to realize that good, written dialogue does not imitate the way real people talk. We also don't want our written dialogue to sound contrived and awkward.How do you write good dialogue?In this episode, Angela Hunt teaches usHow to handle dialects or accentsHow to use dialogue to reveal characterHow to imply what's being said without saying itListen in or check out the blog post to find out how to write good dialogue that keeps readers turning pages and learn what dialogue mistakes to avoid.Support the Show.

Most humans try to avoid conflict as much as possible, but novelists love conflict. Without conflict, a novelist has no story. Conflict keeps your novel moving forward and your readers turning pages. As Vladimir Nabokov once said, "The writer's job is to get the main character up a tree, and then once they are up there, throw rocks at them."But how do you get your protagonist up a tree? What kind of rocks should you throw?In this week's episode, I interview professional fictional rock-thrower, Angela Hunt, to discuss the six classic conflicts. In this episode, you'll discover Biblical and modern examples of classic conflictsHow to mix the conflicts to make your story more interestingWhich conflicts resonate with most readers todayIf you want to up the tension in your book or make your next novel more riveting, listen in or check out the blog post to find out how to add and layer the six classic conflicts to keep your readers reading.BookLaunch.fun Support the show

You're probably tired of hearing that you need a large platform to be a successful author.Some industry professionals believe having a large platform is equivalent to having a large social media following.If you've been listening to the Christian Publishing Show or Novel Marketing, you know that having a social media following doesn't necessarily mean you have a platform. Nor does it mean you'll sell more books than someone not on social media.In fact, sometimes people sell more books by spending less time on social media.Authors hear me say, “Your social media following isn't very important.” But when they talk to a literary agent or publisher, those people care about social media numbers.How do you navigate this platform predicament?I asked Mary DeMuth, literary agent and author of more than 50 books. She's been in the Christian publishing industry for 20 years and recently wrote about how author platform is broken.In this episode, you'll learnThe history behind the prominence of author platformHow the author-platform landscape is changingYour biggest advantage in a digital worldListen in or read the blog version to learn how to navigate the author platform predicament and what you can do to help change the status quo in the publishing industry. Be sure to add your comments and questions at AuthorMedia.social.Support the show

When authors attend writers conferences, they often have big expectations but make common mistakes that squash their goals and diminish the return on their investment in the conference.In this episode, you'll learn11 common mistakes authors often make and how to avoid themHow to avoid missing opportunitiesThe right time to attend your first conferenceListen in or read the blog version to find out how to make the most of your first (or next) writers conference.Support the show

The stories we ingest shape the morality we develop, but only to a point.If a story's morality strays from reality or gets too twisted, the story fails to resonate with readers. Moral confusion is why movies and TV shows are less entertaining than they used to be.But what is morality?Why is it so important for good stories?How do you put a message into your book without being preachy?In this month's episode, you'll learn:Why you must carefully consider your own moral system before writing a storyHow to keep your book from being boringHow to write a story that resonates for decadesFiction can be a powerful tool to demonstrate the consequences of actions. It allows us to learn from the mistakes and triumphs of others. Listen in and discover why establishing a clear moral system is critical in writing a timeless story that conveys a memorable message. Check out the blog version of this episode here.Support the show

God often calls authors into periods of waiting. Learn how to improve your writing and your chances of success by making the most of the wait.https://www.christianpublishingshow.com/how-to-prepare-for-success-as-a-new-author-with-laura-richmond/Support the show

If you don't test your book ideas, you may write a book no one wants to buy. Learn how a podcast can help you test your ideas so you can write a commercially viable book.Support the show

Professional authors often struggle to find health insurance coverage, but healthcare for Christian authors is readily available.Support the show

Public speaking is historically one of the best ways to sell books. Find out how you can turn your book into an engaging and memorable talk. You can listen to this episode From Page to Stage: How To Adapt Your Writing Into a Captivating Speech With Kirsten Holmberg on Christian Publishing Show.

Public speaking is historically one of the best ways to sell books. Find out how you can turn your book into an engaging and memorable talk.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Award-winning author Angela Hunt shares her reproducible revision process that has helped her write, revise, and publish more than 150 books. You can listen to this episode Beyond First Drafts: How to Master the Art of Revision With Angela Hunt on Christian Publishing Show.

Award-winning author Angela Hunt shares her reproducible revision process that has helped her write, revise, and publish more than 150 books.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Liz shares how she became a writer, what she learned from her victories and failures, and how new authors can learn from them as well. You can listen to this episode Finding Peace in the Plot: How to Trust God in Your Writing Journey with Liz Curtis Higgs on Christian Publishing Show.

Liz shares how she became a writer, what she learned from her victories and failures, and how new authors can learn from them as well.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Find out why attending a local church in person can benefit your physical and spiritual health as well as your book sales. You can listen to this episode The Secret to Becoming a Successful Christian Author: Church With Chase Replogle on Christian Publishing Show.

Find out why attending a local church in person can benefit your physical and spiritual health as well as your book sales.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Writing books for boys is a worthy and noble pursuit. Find out what elements your book needs, and what to avoid, to thrill boys. You can listen to this episode How to Write Books Boys Will Love With Tim Shoemaker on Christian Publishing Show.

 How to Write Books Boys Will Love With Tim Shoemaker www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Find out what to expect and how to make the most of your first in-person Christian writers conference. You can listen to this episode What to Expect at the Write to Publish Writers Conference on Christian Publishing Show.

The director of the Write to Publish Christian writers conference shares what to expect from your first in-person conference.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Thirty days. That's all you've got. Do it wrong, and you're toast. Do it right, and it's crème brûlée that will last for months, maybe even years.  What 30 days are we talking about? The first 30 days after you make your book available to the world.  During the first 30-60 days after your release, […] You can listen to this episode The 2023 Book Launch Blueprint on Christian Publishing Show.

Thirty days. That's all you've got.Do it wrong, and you're toast. Do it right, and it's crème brûlée that will last for months, maybe even years. What 30 days are we talking about? The first 30 days after you make your book available to the world. During the first 30 days after your release, bookstores decide whether to keep your book on the shelves. If you have a strong launch, bookstores will continue to stock your book and order more copies. If you have a bad launch, even the books you think you sold will be returned unsold. Only during the first 30 days post-release can you earn the #1 New Release badge on Amazon. For 30 days, readers won't judge you for not having reviews. As you can see, your book's first 30 days will determine its success. So how can you set yourself set you up for success? You conduct a strong book launch. www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Learn why Bible study is important for authors and how it improves your book as well as readers' lives. You can listen to this episode How to Advance Christ's Kingdom Through Your Writing With Carolyn Rice on Christian Publishing Show.

Learn how and why Bible study is important for authors and how it improves your book as well as readers' lives.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Learn how Christian authors can organically incorporate their worldview without writing preachy novels that fall flat. You can listen to this episode World-Building and Worldview: How Good Theology Can Make Your Book More Interesting With L.G. (Laura) McCary  on Christian Publishing Show.

Learn how Christian authors can organically incorporate their worldview without writing preachy novels that fall flat.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

This year, set writing goals that are ambitious and reasonable and learn how to stick with your plan. You can listen to this episode New Year Goal Planning With Mary DeMuth on Christian Publishing Show.

This year, set writing goals that are ambitious and reasonable. Learn how to stick with a plan so you can finish your book or start another.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Learn the tips and best practices for assembling and facilitating an effective and enjoyable writers critique group. You can listen to this episode How to Start a Writers Group with Sharon Tedford on Christian Publishing Show.

Learn the tips and best practices for assembling and facilitating an effective and enjoyable writers critique group.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Writing and marketing your book is a hard job. Find out how authors can avoid book marketing burnout. You can listen to this episode How to Manage Book Marketing Burnout With Nika Maples on Christian Publishing Show.

Writing and marketing your book is a hard job. Find out how Christian authors can avoid book marketing burnout.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

What would you do with two extra hours every day? Have lunch with a friend? Pick up a 10-hour-per-week, part-time job? Exercise? Read? Pray? Begin learning a new language? Write a book? Today, I'm sharing an episode from another podcast because it is relevant and important for authors.  We recently had a long discussion about Leaving […] You can listen to this episode What would you do with two extra hours every day? on Christian Publishing Show.

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In this interview Allen Arnold shares a framework for creatives who want to create their art with God rather than as a performance for him. You can listen to this episode Creatively Cowriting With God With Allen Arnold on Christian Publishing Show.

In this interview Allen Arnold shares a framework for creatives who want to create their art with God rather than as a performance for him.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show

Learn how and why you need to choose a genre, and find out what to do if your book doesn't conform to one specific genre. You can listen to this episode How to Choose a Genre for Your Novel with Karin Beery on Christian Publishing Show.

Learn how and why you need to choose a genre, and find out what to do if your book doesn't conform to one specific genre.www.NovelMarketingConference.com Support the show