Story Embers Podcast

The time has come for the grand finale of the Story Embers Podcast!To celebrate the last five years of the podcast and to reflect on this big season of change for Story Embers, podcast host James Noller sat down with Josiah DeGraaf, Mariposa Aristeo, and Daeus Lamb to discuss how to navigate seasons of change as a writer.The panelists dig deep in this episode to share personal stories of change in their own writing journeys. They give heartfelt advice on what to do when your writing practice doesn't look the same as it used to during big life transitions, and also what to do when you are changing as a writer.Thank you to all our listeners who have supported us over the last 5 years! It has been such a joy creating this podcast and sharing it with such deep and thoughtful writers whose hearts are fully set on loving God with their writing. We are so grateful for each of you! May you continue to walk step by step with God in every season of your writing journey. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Join Christian authors Amanda Dykes, Laurie Lucking and Faith Blum as they share advice on: how to make characters unique from each other how to write redemption arcs how to tackle character dialogue how to make character descriptions pop and more!Also, as I mention in the episode, we have a sad announcement to make. Due to shifting commitments for many Story Embers team members, next month will be the last episode of the Story Embers Podcast. You're invited to join us this December for our final episode of the podcast, Navigating Seasons of Change in a Writer's Life. It's going to be a special one!Show notes:- Purchase 'Born of Gilded Mountains' by Amanda Dykes here!- Purchase 'Be Still My Soul' by Faith Blum here!- Purchase 'Traitor' by Laurie Lucking here!- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Listen to expert advice from Christian authors Kerry Nietz, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, and Lori Z. Scott as they show you:how to discover the theme of your story how to write about God authentically in fictionhow to know when you're experienced enough to tackle a themehow to create realistic, subtle character arcs that convey a themeand much more! Show notes:- Purchase 'The Songweaver's Vow' by Laura VanArendonk Baugh here!- Purchase 'Offsides' by Lori Z. Scott here!- Purchase 'Lost Bits' by Kerry Nietz here! - Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Join award-winning authors J.J. Fischer, Ann Marie Stewart and C.J. Milacci as they reveal how to build suspense in every chapter of your novel, how to turn sagging middles into tension-pounding scenes, how suspense works differently in romance vs action stories, and much more!Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Great stories require deep thinking. But how can you create space for deep thoughts in a world filled with distractions and other commitments?In today's episode, Lori, Martin, and Daeus give some key insight into cultivating deep thoughts as a writer. They share the SCAMPER technique, discuss the difference between linear and web thinking, and describe how to “push beyond the wall” inside your mind. They also give suggestions for what to do when you're too busy to write or think deeply. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the Show.

How do you create characters who are dynamic, unpredictable, and who leap off the page? In today's episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss what makes a nuanced, well-rounded character – and how to avoid the pitfalls of a boring protagonist. Tune in to discover the ingredients to finding depth in your characters and learn how digging into your own experiences can help the lives of your story's inhabitants connect to a reader.  Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the Show.

If the truth of the Bible reveals a creative God, how then does God's Word inspire and expand our own creativity?In today's episode, Daeus, Lori, and Martin explore what it means to let your creative life be grounded in Scripture, and also how to depict characters who are both walking in truth – and who aren't.They also share some key examples of stories that engage with Scripture without coming across as ‘preachy'.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the Show.Support the Show.

Every human heart longs for heaven. And, as Christians, the anticipation of going home to heaven one day is a unique theme we can poignantly wrestle with in our fiction.We can explore the tension we feel between the now of living for Christ in an imperfect world and the not yet of experiencing the new heavens and earth.In today's episode, Daeus, Mariposa, and Josiah discuss how to write about a home we yearn for but haven't yet seen. They also give advice on staying faithful each day without wishing to “escape” to heaven.Show notes:- Purchase 'The Shards of Elan' tetralogy by Laura VanArendonk Baugh here!- You can visit Laura VanArendonk Baugh's website by clicking here.- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the Show.

Cliffhangers keep us reading long into the night. But how do we write them in a way that thrills the reader? How do we avoid disappointment or boredom? What actually keeps us invested in a story when we read a cliffhanger?In today's episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Daeus show us how to create cliffhangers that keep the reader biting their nails, and still left smiling at the thrill of it even after the cliffhanger is resolved. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

We live in a world that is increasingly becoming focused on fame, and where ‘success' for a writer means to have more followers, to be published with a bigger publisher, to have more books out, to be seen by a lot more people – and to make a lot of money doing it.But for the Christian writer, we don't write for ourselves. We write for God. Yet, we still wrestle with many questions. What do we do if we want to be published with a bigger publisher? How do we think about ‘gaining followers' as Christians? If we're not seen, are we really having influence? Today, Josiah, Mariposa, and Daeus tackle some big questions about what it means to serve God with our writing - both with a huge platform and when we're unseen. Show notes:- Click here to purchase Lori Z. Scott's new book, Offsides!- Click to discover more about Lori Z. Scott on her website. - Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Jesus said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.' As writers who intend for others to read our work, we desire to be leaders, and therefore the way of following Jesus as a writer means to lay ourselves down and to seek how to serve our readers. But what does that look like practically?Listen as Josiah, Gabby, and Daeus unpack the motivations and actions of a servant-hearted writer, why it is such an important mindset as a Christian writer, and how the act of making friends with readers can be like inviting them into a warm house on a rainy day.Show notes:- Discover more about Traitor by Laurie Lucking here! - Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Like Tolkein's depiction of The Shire, showing what wholeness and human flourishing is like can be a powerful way to contrast how Jesus' path is vastly different to the darkness in the world. In what ways is showing the potential for human flourishing and wholeness important to give hope to readers? And how can we do that while still being honest about darkness and the hardships we all go through?Listen as Josiah, Gabby, and Daeus explore the concept of wholeness, its importance within fiction, and whether hope comes from waiting for heaven's completeness or if we can experience hope and flourishing here on earth as well.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

What role does a person who writes play as a member of the Body of Christ? How do we honor others and the role they play in the Body, even when that role looks vastly different to ours? And how do we respond when we feel like our role is misunderstood by others?Listen as Josiah, Gabby, and Daeus tease out where our identity comes from as people who live within the Body of Christ, how our actions involve much more than simply the task of writing, and how we can be a blessing to others both within the Body of Christ and in the world around us.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Famous writers throughout the ages attribute their growth to short stories. But is this literary form relevant to modern novelists?Listen as Lori, Mariposa, and Daeus discuss how short stories have (or haven't) helped them, when a writer is ready to begin longer works, and how to hone your craft using short stories.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

No matter what you're writing, you're writing for someone, whether it's for yourself or for a large public audience. But at what point should you decide what group of people you are writing for? And how does that choice affect your writing process?In today's episode, Lori, Mariposa, and Daeus dive into the question of audience and discuss Christian vs secular audiences, when it's helpful to write for yourself, and more. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

What keeps a reader turning page after page? Unique and surprising plot twists. But how do you pull them off? In today's episode, Lori, Mariposa, and Daeus give practical and inspiring advice to superpower your ability to create plot twists that shock and delight again and again.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Tragic heroes can be powerful. Some of the literature that has lasted the longest has portrayed tragic heroes and deep, powerful themes. So, how can we write tragic heroes and negative character arcs from a Christian perspective? In today's episode Lori, Gabby, and Josiah continue our conversation on negative character arcs and give us some powerful advice on how to create the climax of a tragic arc.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Human beings were created by God as unique individuals and have been given the ability to create. So where do we find the balance between creating something completely new and original, and fitting in with today's publishing world? Genre expectations are deeply established, but if God has called us to explore new directions within our work, how can we navigate that and still have a publishing career? In today's episode, Josiah, Lori, and Gabby share clear and practical thoughts that illuminate many sides of this issue.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

You've probably heard the saying that “someone who wants to write a great story must first live a great story.” But how do you tackle the questions and struggles you've faced through your characters and plot? Where should you draw the line between fiction and reality? In today's episode, Lori, Gabby, and Josiah discuss a big topic: how writers can find inspiration in their own personal stories while still being servant-hearted.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

We're taking a break for the month of April due to some technical challenges, but we'll be back on May 15th for a brand new episode of the Story Embers Podcast.In the meantime, check out our upcoming Riveting Revisions summit to supercharge your editing process on April 27-29: https://storyembers.org/summit/.Support the show

How do you structure a chapter? Where should a scene start and end? In today's episode, Gabby, Daeus, and Hope dive into the fundamentals of crafting chapters and scenes, including choosing the right pacing to create powerful effects.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more!Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

How can you approach sympathetic villains and antiheroes from a Christian perspective, especially in our modern culture? In today's episode, Gabby, Hope, and Daeus give inspiring and thought-provoking advice on how to make a villain relatable without condoning his actions. They also explain how the Apostle Peter demonstrates that antiheroes need to be explored as much as heroes and villains. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more!Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Do you want to supercharge your writing habits during the new year? In today's episode, Daeus, Hope, and Gabby give their top tips for setting writing goals that will help you maintain a consistent schedule no matter how busy your life is. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

In this special episode, we're taking a step back to think about Christmas. Traditionally, this is a season of anticipation for the future and remembering the long wait for a Savior. Lori, Josiah, and Mariposa discuss how to cope with seasons of waiting as writers and how to find time to rest during the holidays.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/?p=155968)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

How does the content you digest affect your writing? How can you be more intentional about what's influencing your stories? In today's episode, Lori, Mariposa, and Josiah discuss practical ways they use their favorite books to deepen their works-in-progress and how you can tell if your latest read is damaging your creative process. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/?p=155623)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the showSupport the show

It's common advice for writers to ‘Show, don't tell' in their stories, but can this advice extend to how the Gospel influences our fiction? What are some practical ways that the Gospel can influence our stories in natural, thought-provoking ways, rather than preachy messages? In today's episode, Mariposa, Josiah, and Lori discuss how characters' actions can point to Christ, as well as the purpose of writers within the broader context of the Church. Listen to the conversation below!Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (SE Podcast #55: How to Show and Not Tell the Gospel in Fiction - Story Embers)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

The most powerful stories we read end with a powerful sacrifice. But why does the theme of sacrifice resonate with us? Why does sacrifice make a story meaningful? In today's episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss why sacrifice is so vital in the journey of a protagonist, and how you can craft impactful moments of sacrifice within your story. Listen to the conversation belowShow notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/?p=150718)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

In today's episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus share the various ways Scripture has influenced their creative choices as storytellers and deepened their work. How does the Bible model the kinds of stories we want to tell? And how does the truth contained within our favorite verses seep into our fiction?Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (SE Podcast #53: The Bible's Impact on Writing - Story Embers)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

Welcome to a special edition of our podcast in conjunction with our article series and book study on Sara Ella's Coral. Today Brianna Storm Hilvety, Mariposa Aristeo, and James Noller sit down with the author to discuss her experience while writing the novel. Sara gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what inspired her ideas and explains how she balanced sensitive issues like depression and suicide with her love of fairy tales.Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-52-interview-with-sara-ella-about-coral)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

 Edits that affect your entire manuscript can be daunting. How do you know what to change, when to change it, and whether you've fixed the problem? In today's episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss how to manage large-scale revisions and find the motivation to edit when you're overwhelmed. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-51-ho…during-revisions/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

 In today's episode, the panelists celebrate Story Embers' fourth anniversary with a walk down memory lane and a heartfelt goodbye to current podcast host, Grace Livingston. Josiah, Daeus, and Grace reminisce about Story Embers' development from a daring concept to the site's launch in 2018, and Lori shares how our mission drew her in years later. They reflect on how Story Embers has shaped them personally, grown their knowledge of storytelling, and more. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-50-reflecting-on-four-years-of-story-embers/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

In today's episode, Josiah, Daeus, and Lori tackle a common storytelling obstacle: forgettable themes. They discuss examples of underwhelming themes, propose possible causes, and give advice on how to ensure that your story's theme is relatable and impactful. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Learn more about The Resonant Themes Summit--registration closes April 17th! (https://storyembers.org/summit/) - Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-49-how-to-avoid-forgettable-themes/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Engaging fiction comes from a fountain of creativity within the author, but ideas gush out more fluidly on some days than others. In today's episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Lori share the habits that keep their imaginations primed for use and give tips to help other writers through dry spells. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Read Lori's article "5 Classroom Techniques Writers Can Adopt to Improve Creativity"! (https://storyembers.org/5-classroom-techniques-writers-can-adopt-to-improve-creativity/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-48-embracing-your-inner-creativity/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Some authors write because it's a calling—others write just for the joy of it. In today's episode, Daeus, Rose, and Martin share what motivates each of them as authors and discuss what it means to be “called” to write. They talk about the importance of understanding your own motivations as a storyteller and give practical tips for deciding what place writing holds in your life.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Read Daeus's article "How to Triple Your Writing Speed in One Day"! (https://storyembers.org/how-to-triple-your-writing-speed-in-one-day/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-47-does-god-call-people-to-write/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

As the old saying goes, good writers are good readers first. But what should writers be reading? In today's episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Lori talk about the importance of reading outside the genre you write in. They share lessons they've learned from reading outside the genres they typically enjoy and give practical tips on how writers can branch out with their reading selections.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-46-reading-widely/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

The fourth resolution of our manifesto states, "We resolve to infuse our storytelling with truth, being bold and unafraid of our stance while presenting it with love and tact, recognizing that truth in storytelling is best communicated when shown, not told." Telling the truth in love is a common mantra in Christian circles. But how do you apply it to fiction, and what does it look like in practice? Josiah, Daeus, Rose, and Martin tackle these questions and more in today's episode. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- Read the Christian Storytellers Manifesto! (https://storyembers.org/manifesto/)- Download our FREE Tricky Subjects for Christian Storytellers article series! (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-45-speaking-truth-in-stories-without-beating-readers-over-the-head/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

In today's episode, Josiah joins Story Embers staff members, Mariposa Aristeo and Lori Scott, as they take an in-depth look at the children's genre. They discuss what makes the genre unique from others, how the age of your audience affects the writing process, and what authors from any genre can learn from children's fiction.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course! (https://storyembers.org/academy/)- Meet Lori and Mariposa on our staff page! (https://storyembers.org/meet-the-team/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-44-childrens-fiction/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

"Deconstruction" has become a popular term online over the past year to describe those who are rejecting some Christian beliefs and seeking new answers. While "deconstructing" may be a new term, there have always been people who doubt what they believe, and in today's episode, Josiah DeGraaf, Daeus Lamb, Rose Sheffler, and Martin Detwiler discuss the importance of portraying doubting or “deconstructing” Christians in fiction.Is it important to portray doubting believers in your stories? What are common triggers for doubts in real life that authors should be aware of? What are common mistakes that Christian writers can make when writing these characters? They tackle these questions and more in this episode.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Our article series on The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry! (https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-stories-that-christian-readers-actually-need/)- Our podcast interview with Chris Fabry on writing The Promise of Jesse Woods! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/163137/3941270-interview-with-chris-fabry-about-the-promise-of-jesse-woods)- Meet Rose and Martin on our staff page! (https://storyembers.org/meet-the-team/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-43-portraying-doubting-or-deconstructing-christians-in-stories/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

In today's episode Josiah, Hope, and Gabrielle discuss how authors can create unique and interesting villains. They share their favorite examples of memorable villains, warn against common pitfalls writers encounter when crafting attention-grabbing villains, and debate whether or not a villain can be too unique.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Read Gabrielle's article "Why Realistic Motives Alone Don't Create Believable Villains"! (https://storyembers.org/why-realistic-motives-alone-dont-create-believable-villains/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-42-crafting-unique-villains/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Last year several Story Embers staff members watched the first season of The Chosen together. In this episode, Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus discuss what they loved about the series and what advice Christian storytellers can draw from it. What made the show's characters so memorable and its thematic moments so poignant? What can authors learn from The Chosen about portraying representations of Christ in their stories?Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Watch The Chosen! (https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-41-what-the-chosen-gets-right-about-christian-storytelling/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

In today's episode, Josiah, Hope, and Gabby tackle the strengths and weaknesses of different POVs and explore how a character's perspective impacts readers' relationship with the story. They share their personal preferences and give tips on how to choose the right POV character for your story.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-40-the-power-of-point-of-view/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Finding the right theme to explore in a story can be a struggle. How can you make sure your theme is deep instead of shallow? What are some common mistakes writers make when selecting themes? Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus tackle these questions and more on today’s episode. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-39-choosing-the-right-themes-to-write-about/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

The second act is notoriously difficult for many writers—how can you keep your story’s middle engaging while progressing the plot at the correct pace? Hope, Josiah, and Gabrielle give tips on how to remedy a sagging second act and discuss how writers can ensure that every scene in the story’s middle is essential.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-38-overcoming-the-sagging-middle/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-37-crafting-irresistible-plots-conflicts/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Today Josiah, Rolena, Daeus, and Hope tackle the ins and outs of effective worldbuilding. They discuss common worldbuilding mistakes they’ve seen authors make and give tips on how to introduce worldbuilding to readers without info-dumping.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Wordbuilding Questionnaire and other resources: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Daeus's article "How to Create Original Slang that Enriches Your Story World": (https://storyembers.org/how-to-create-original-slang-that-enriches-your-story-world/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/?s=podcast)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Today Josiah, Brianna, and Gabrielle share their experiences with professional editing and how it has helped them grow as writers. They debunk common misconceptions that writers have about working with a professional editor and discuss the advantages of hiring one. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Have your work sharpened by Story Embers' recommended editor: (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html)- Josiah’s article “3 Truths You May Not Realize About Professional Editing”: (https://storyembers.org/three-truths-you-may-not-realize-about-professional-editing/)- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-35-what-professional-editing-is-like/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE How to Weave Christian Themes into Your Story worksheet: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-34-demystifying-subtext/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE Ask the Reader e-book: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-33-should-christians-write-stories-with-dismal-endings/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

The eighth resolution of our Christian Storytellers Manifesto describes our commitment to “paint traces of hope in even the darkest situations.” However, this raises several questions. Why do Christian writers need to shine light into pitch-black moments? How do we achieve a balance between the two? And does this mean we shouldn’t write sad endings? Josiah, Daeus, Rolena, and Hope weigh in on today’s episode.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- Read the Christian Storytellers Manifesto: (https://storyembers.org/manifesto/) - Download our FREE Tricky Subjects for Christian Storytellers article series: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-32-should-christians-write-stories-with-dismal-endings/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers) Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Producing a novel isn’t a one-man show. Today Josiah DeGraaf, Brianna Storm Hilvety, and Gabrielle Pollack discuss the hidden heroes who help an author give readers a fully fleshed-out and polished story. How do each of these team members contribute to the writing process? How can writers fail to effectively collaborate with them? Listen to the panelists tackle these questions on today's episode!What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Have your work sharpened by Story Embers' recommended editor: (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html)- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-31-unsung-heroes-of-the-writing-process/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

At the end of last year, Story Embers sent out a survey to the Christian writing community. Nearly half of the respondents reported that their biggest challenge wasn’t plot, characters, theme, or style but finding time to write! Josiah, Hope, and Rolena have tackled writing habits on the podcast before, but today Josiah, Hope, and Brandon discuss how to incorporate writing into a busy schedule. They also talk about how to recognize when lack of time is a true problem or just an excuse. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Our episode on other writing habits and disciplines: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-4-writing-habits-and-disciplines/)- Download our FREE Words for the Weary Writer e-book: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-30-finding-time-to-write-when-you-have-no-time/) - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)