Podcast appearances and mentions of christian writing

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

Greg Morse | The craft of Christian writing obsesses over reality, arranges truth with care, quests for fitting phrases — and stands ever enthralled by the One above all words.

To follow up on episode 77 on preparing your book proposal to pitch to publishers, here's a list of the annual Christian writing conferences. Each of these offer an opportunity to schedule a 15-minute appointment with a publisher or literary agent.LIST OF CHRISTIAN WRITING CONFERENCES:https://kimstewartmarketing.com/78SCHEDULE A BOOK MARKETING POWER HOUR:https://kimstewartmarketing.com/powerhourJUMPSTART YOUR PODCAST PITCHING (FREE):http://kimstewartmarketing.com/jumpstart/LET'S CONNECT:https://www.instagram.com/kimstewinspired/#bookmarketingmania

Are you attending a Christian Writers Conference this summer? It's the best opportunity to pitch your book idea to a traditional publisher or literary agent.My guest today is Barb Roose, publishing agent at Books and Such, and she's sharing the top four features that agents look for in a book proposal and tips to ease your anxiety as you prepare for your 15-minute publishing appointment at a conference.CONNECT WITH BARB:https://www.booksandsuch.comSCHEDULE A BOOK MARKETING POWER HOUR:https://kimstewartmarketing.com/powerhourJUMPSTART YOUR PODCAST PITCHING (FREE):http://kimstewartmarketing.com/jumpstart/LET'S CONNECT:https://www.instagram.com/kimstewinspired/#bookmarketingmania

Having a Christian Writing Coach could be beneficial for you to take your writing to the next level. They will help you improve your skills while keeping an eye to share your story for God's glory. But how do you find one? Listen to this episode to learn more. Get Coaching from CJ and Shelley Hitz If you're looking for a Christian Writing Coach, we can help! Christian Book Academy is our online membership where you can get access to us, CJ and Shelley Hitz, as your Christian writing coach online. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom writers here.  

If you go to the Word, there are reminders for believers to know that they are never alone.  Although the enemy desires you to think differently, the choice of what to believe is left to you. Do not rely on others, feelings, or thoughts. Rely on the Word.

Did you know that God can speak to us clearly to give us direction or encouragement? Listen to today's conversation between Sue and Jacqui Wilson to learn more about hearing God's voice. Jacqui is an action-oriented author, speaker, podcaster, leader, coach, and entrepreneur who shares personal experiences and leaps of faith. God called her from a professional position to start Christian Children's Empowerment (CCE). In doing mission work through CCE, she saw the need for an online school. The concept of Empowerment University for Children was born. Then, she had friends who were seeking to connect with Christian authors, and the Christian Writing & Speaking (CWS) podcast was born.God speaks to us first and foremost through the Word of God. His Spirit can speak meaningful messages to our minds when we need help. When God speaks to us, He is patient if we need more confirmation. Daily time in the Word helps us to be able to hear God's voice more clearly. When we step out and obey, our faith is strengthened. If the voice you hear is confusing or not consistent with the Bible, then you can know it is not from the Lord. Sometimes we hear a thought, a Scripture, a word or phrase, a conviction, a directive, or a picture. If He asks us to do something and we don't do it, we may not hear Him again until we obey. Timing is also key. After we hear from God to do something, then we need to pray about the timing.  We can seek in groups with other believers to hear direction from the Lord. The more we practice listening and obeying, the more He will speak His will to us. It will require faith to step out and trust His voice.Please SUPPORT His Heartbeat through Crown of Beauty InternationalDonation Page// Cru-Crown of Beauty InternationalCONNECT with His Heartbeat and Crown of Beauty InternationalWebsite// Facebook//InstagramConnect with Sue Corl's Instagram//WebsiteSUBMIT your own scenarios or questionsEmail: crownofbeautyinternational@gmail.comCONNECT with Jacqui Wilson:Podcast: Christian Writing & Speaking with Jacqui Wilson Jacqui Wilson's Website

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

Do Your Stories Captivate Readers? With each word you type, you have the opportunity to impact the world for Christ. Unfortunately, writing clichéd or heavy-handed novels is so easy that you may not even realize you're failing to move readers. What if you could find a more effective approach to crafting stories as a Christian? Writing Is a Craft -- Five-star stories don't happen overnight. You don't need get-rich-quick schemes shoved in your face. You need training and support that sets you up for the long haul. Storytelling Must Be Genuine -- Novels should be about more than a faith-based message. Storytellers honor God by imitating the way He tells stories, not by bland sermonizing. For the Christian author looking to take their writing to the next level, Story Embers is here for you. I had the pleasure of being on a panel discussing difficult topics in Christian fiction, and let me tell you, the people behind Story Embers are here to help you create great stories.  Find out how by listening to my conversation with Josiah DeGraaf, Summit and Marketing Director at Story Embers on Tuesday, July 26th at 7 PM Eastern time. You can listen in at 646-668-8485, and press 1 to be live on air. Follow us on podcast platforms everywhere. Or, click on the link here: http://tobtr.com/12115203.

There's a lot of talk out there about how authors should narrow their niche. Today's guest, Dawn Klinge, has successfully drilled down on her niche ... and it all came about because of the settings of her novels. Listen in today as we also discuss: research, deadlines, the importance of editors,and a fun way to promote your book within Instagram (note - it doesn't have anything to do with reels or carousels).Visit https://inkandimpact.com for full show notes and links. And while you're there, be sure to subscribe!********************#DawnKlinge #DaleneBickel #inkandimpact #inkandimpactpodcast #narrowyourniche #settings #historicalfiction #christianwriting #christianwritingcommunity #christianpodcast 

Dr Christian starring Jean Hersholdt, originally broadcast June 27, 1945, Dr Christian Award Winners of 1945. Jean Hersholt describes his trip to Europe. Doctor Christian returns to the program and presents the award winners of 1945. The second prize winners speak from KDAL, Duluth, Minnesota. A Dr. Christian story is not told on the program. The $2000 award winner ($32,000 today) and several $350 winners ($5600 today) are interviewed. Yes, many of the scripts were not written by a writing staff, but by listeners! Of course, the scripts were professionally edited, but it was a huge draw for the show. Also part 3 of the 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Longshot Matter, originally broadcast June 27, 1956. Beauty may be skin deep, but fear goes a lot further down than that! Sometimes as deep as death!

We're checking the pulse of Australian Christian writing with Sparklit ahead of the Australian Christian Book of the Year entry deadline. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven reads a short letter written by C. S. Lewis, a Christian theologian and famous for writing the Cronicles of Narnia, in 1942. Fearing a loss of a free world due to the threat of fascism and communism. This letter is of a young man asking the Devil how he gets so many people into Hell? It was written in WWII for fits for this time right now and will be obvious why I wanted to share it once you hear it.  New class starting, go to www.EnlightenmentTV.com to learn more.  

Welcome to part three of our three-part series with author Lizzie Jayne. In part one we talked about the vision behind her book, The Gift. In part two, we explored the contents of the book and some of the struggles we face as we seek to live according to God's will. In the final episode of this series, we discuss the struggle to discover purpose, the expectations that people have of Christians, and the difficulties we may face as we continue to do the work of God. Plus, we receive a sneak-peek into Lizzie Jayne's next book release. Let's get into this episode.

Welcome to part two of our three-part series with author Lizzie Jayne. In part one, we spoke about the vision behind her book, The Gift. In this episode, we continue the conversation, exploring the contents of the book and discussing the challenges we face as we seek to live life utilizing the gift God has given to us. Let's get into the conversation.

Welcome to part one of our three-part series with author Lizzie Jayne. She is the author of The Gift, a Christian fantasy story about a little girl's journey to discovering an incredibly special light. In this episode, Lizzie Jayne shares the vision behind her book and the revelation that led her to write the story. Join us on the journey. Listen now and be inspired.

On today's episode of Tulips and Honey Lauren and Dave discuss handling criticism in your writing and podcast journey, building credibility as a writer and author, the local church and accountability for writers and authors, and the process of writing a helpful review. Topics You'll Hear About on This Episode: · Handling criticism as a writer or podcaster. · The importance of building an audience before you publish. · Dealing with rejection as a writer. · Writing in a truthful and graceful way. · The importance of humility in working with an editor. · Building credibility as a writer and author. · The local church and having accountability as a writer and podcaster. · How to receive encouragement as a writer and podcaster and give thanks to the Lord. · The process of writing a very helpful review. Subscribing, sharing, and your feedback You can subscribe to Tulips and Honey via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or YouTube. If you like what you've heard, please consider leaving a rating and sharing it with your friends (it takes only takes a second and will go a long way to helping other people find the show). You can also connect with me on Twitter at @LaurenHereford, on Facebook, on Instagram, or via email to share your feedback. For more information about Dave you can check out his website here: https://servantsofgrace.org You can find Dave's book The Word Explored: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Explored-... Subscribe to Dave's podcast Servants of Grace here: https://servantsofgrace.org/subscribe... Links to find Dave on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveJJenkins https://twitter.com/Servantsofgrace Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveJJenkins https://www.facebook.com/Servantsofgrace Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantsofg... https://www.instagram.com/davejjenkins/ MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/davejenkins18 Thanks for listening to this episode of Tulips and Honey.   p.s. And a HUGE thanks to our new Podcast Manager, the very same, Dave Jenkins!

In this interview, Author Nina Borum speaks about discovering and living your identity in Christ. However, to do so, we must prioritize God in our lives. Living a multi-faceted life, we can find ourselves bombarded with the world's standards, but through spiritual discipline and outlook, we can live fulfilled in every area of our lives.

We dedicate this episode of CWS to all medical workers, especially those who go beyond their duties to bring joy to those they serve. In this episode of CWS, we interview Geri Grooms Boyd, who is a career nurse and paramedic. While her primary job involves medical care for the elderly, her other passion is blessing people through writing and music. What started as a simple desire to minister to women in prison has now expanded to encase the youth of her community, those on her job, and her church family. Healing comes in many forms, and Geri has no problem doling out physical and spiritual healing to enlighten lives.

In this powerful interview with Michelle Winfield Fuqua, she shares how the seeds of negativity sown into your life can become the obstacles keeping you from being who God has called you to be in this life. However, you must remember that God has a purpose and a plan specifically for you. It's time to push out those seeds of negativity, embrace your call, and step into the space that God has prepared for you. As you are obedient, your confidence will grow. Listen to her interview today and be empowered. 

Tom Blubaugh's mission is to help Christians who have received the call to write. As he empowers them through his authors' community, he imagines all the lives that they will change with their works, fulfilling the mission God has called them to execute. In turn, those affected lives will go out and empower more. It only takes one to affect the one who will influence the lives of millions.     

You are made for greatness. You can't go back to what you used to be. Healing and surrender will open the door once your mind shifts because God wants glory for your story. Bound for a life of criminality but delivered for the glory of God, Reginald Foreman shares how God changed his life to bring hope to others. Learn how that can be your story too.

Are you using what God gave you? Are you telling your story through your works? Are you multiplying upon your gifts, talents, and abilities? These are the challenges Linda Kuriloff raised throughout her interview. If you have it, God wants you to use it, and then, you will have a much better appreciation of what you have when you see how your talent, gift, or ability blossoms in other people's lives. Click now to listen.

Do you feel overwhelmed by all that is "expected" of you? Do you want a moment to just breathe, for someone else to pick up the load that feels so heavy? In this interview, Claire shares how she felt the same. However, when God started knocking down walls and building a new foundation, she gained a new perspective on what she needed and what God expected of her versus what people expected of her. Listen to her story and how you can overcome too.

When Kim said yes to God, that's when her life became uncomfortable, but it became uncomfortable in a positive way. As God changed her life through a variety of difficult circumstances, He opened her eyes to the bright spots in her life, sealing her purpose to help others find theirs. Now, she helps the multi-tasking mom (and many others) step closer to God and find their bright spots. In doing so, they become bright spots in the lives of others.

She needed an answered. An ongoing issue at her daughter's school forced her to think about what needed to happen next. However, when God called her to homeschool her child, she felt in no way ready for the challenge. Yet, as she trusted God, He equipped her, provided resources, used others to bless her, and grew her spiritually during the most challenging stages. In the end, it was all worth it to see her daughter's success. Now, she wants to help others as God so graciously helped her.

Her teacher's words left a hole in her heart, and the hole became bigger as others reiterated that damaging message, stripping her layer by layer until she found the strength to say no more. The moment she found her strength, she started to glow, and as she glowed, God purposed her with helping others glow. Now, she helps others dig for the gold inside of them. Listen to Dr. Crystal Clay's journey to triumph and how she is helping others find their triumphant moments.

Keela Dee is a writer. She writes commercially for a employer and fiction and non-fiction in her own time. Years ago, Keel stumbled upon the concept of "subcreation", introduced by JRR Tolkien.  She explains how God is the ultimate Creator. Only He can create something out of nothing. All that we do is subscreation.What else we talk about:Does what we create has to be Christian?What about bad creations like porn or anything that doesn't honor God? How did that come into existence? The 4 questions every Christian doing some sort of creative work should ask him/herselfFiction vs. non-fictionEnjoy! Keela Dee's Blog Keela Dee TwitterKeela Dee IG Mentioned in this podcast:Book: The Lord of the RingsBook: Images and Idols by Thomas J Terry and J Ryan ListerThe essay On Fairy Stories by J.R.R. TolkienJordan Raynor's Podcast, Jordan talking to Sho Baraka Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Keela Dee is a writer. She writes commercially for a employer and fiction and non-fiction in her own time. Years ago, Keel stumbled upon the concept of "subcreation", introduced by JRR Tolkien.  She explains how God is the ultimate Creator. Only He can create something out of nothing. All that we do is subscreation.What else we talk about:Does what we create has to be Christian?What about bad creations like porn or anything that doesn't honor God? How did that come into existence? The 4 questions every Christian doing some sort of creative work should ask him/herselfFiction vs. non-fictionEnjoy! Keela Dee's Blog Keela Dee TwitterKeela Dee IG Mentioned in this podcast:Book: The Lord of the RingsBook: Images and Idols by Thomas J Terry and J Ryan ListerThe essay On Fairy Stories by J.R.R. TolkienJordan Raynor's Podcast, Jordan talking to Sho Baraka Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Have you experienced the protecting power of Psalm 91? Can you testify to its power in your life? In our interview with Dee Price, she testifies to how her mother's insistence of her learning Psalms 23 and 91 became the protective shield she needed for her life, how she continues to use Psalm 91 as a shield in the life of her family, and how its protection came to fruition even in the lives of nonbelievers.

You've lived the "American Dream". You've had the job, the family, the house, and all that comes with it, but what happens when you lose it all? What inside of you will keep you going? What will fill the hole that declining health has revealed? Will you give up, or will you ask God to save you? That's the question Jeff Gamwell had to answer for himself. He shares his journey of how he lost it all, and how God revealed he had all he needed - Him and the purpose for his life.

This episode of Solum Podcast features fiction writer Andrew Reichard on experimental fiction and what makes for good storytelling craft.Find out more about Andrew here: https://www.solumpress.com/contributors-andrew-reichardCheck out Solum Journal Vol. I: Fall 2020 referenced in the show here: https://www.solumpress.com/publicationsIntro music by Erokia, found here: @Erokia/sounds/183881/. CC0 1.0 Universal (creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/).Listen on Apple Podcasts: @ast/solum-podcast/id1560886734Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solum-podcast/id1560886734Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VDA9ZkZBBYJmrwsd8rrvT?si=SA3q_bKEQxirlBRCZTgdgQ&dl_branch=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29sdW1wcmVzcy5jb20vcG9kY2FzdD9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjQubqwjIPyAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBQTwitter: @SolumPressInstagram: @solumpresshttps://solumpress.cominfo@solumpress.com

In this episode, author and speaker Lindsay Morgan Snyder shares her journey of how she learned to let love in.  After dealing with the heartbreak of dating life, Lindsay found herself calling out to God. When she called, God answered, and she started this wonderful journey of learning to love herself, truly putting into context the scripture of love thy neighbor as yourself. 

What happens when you come face to face with one of the greatest tragedies of your life again? That's what happened with today's guest Elizabeth Cantu, who had to relive the tragic death of her seventeen-year-old sister because the one who caused her death moved in across the street. For eighteen months, she struggled, but God was working during that time. Though it was a struggle, she came to a place of peace, and God gave her something greater to give to the world as a result.

This episode of Solum Podcast features Veronica McDonald, Editor of Heart of Flesh Literary Journal, on using darkness in writing to emphasize the light of Christ.Visit Heart of Flesh Literary Journal here: https://heartoffleshlit.comVisit Pure in Heart Stories here: https://pureinheartstories.wordpress.comVisit Veronica here: veronicamcdonald.comCheck out Solum Journal Vol. I: Fall 2020 referenced in the show here: https://www.solumpress.com/publicationsIntro music by Erokia, found here: @Erokia/sounds/183881/. CC0 1.0 Universal (creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/).Listen on Apple Podcasts: @ast/solum-podcast/id1560886734Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solum-podcast/id1560886734Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VDA9ZkZBBYJmrwsd8rrvT?si=SA3q_bKEQxirlBRCZTgdgQ&dl_branch=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29sdW1wcmVzcy5jb20vcG9kY2FzdD9mb3JtYXQ9cnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjQubqwjIPyAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBQTwitter: @SolumPressInstagram: @solumpresshttps://solumpress.cominfo@solumpress.com

When we go through challenges in life, we never know where they will lead. However, we know that if we put it all in God's hand, our mess can become a message. Karina Hudson, five-time author and founder of Blended not Shaken Ministry shares her story of divorce, shame, abuse, and restoration to marital happiness and how she not only helped her children/step-child cope but also how she is helping others deal with the same.     

What does pantsing mean? Who plots their books? Learn the answer to these questions and more when you watch our 124th episode, “Plotting vs. Pantsing - Revisited”. Join us to find out if we’ve revised our basic book writing plans.

Jacqui Wilson sits down with Sarah Wright, Author of Thriving through Seasons to talk about how she overcame the looming darkness by doing what she loved.

Billy and Yolanda Jackson are the authors of the book I Thee Wed: A Couple's Journey to a Godly Marriage, and together, they run Live in Peace Ministries. Once living life in pieces, God placed them on one accord to create a beautiful mosaic, taking all the broken pieces and revealing the beauty of a Godly marriage. Now, their testimony of how God empowered them to be the couple they are today is breathing life into marriages everywhere. 

I had the opportunity to interview a power couple in the ministry, whom I have had the privilege of knowing all of my life. As they have allowed God to reshape their lives, they have excelled in multiple areas of their lives. It's never too late to start, and what you prepare today will help build the future for others. ... Ultimately, what we do is for others, so they can know who God is through our tests and trials. It's all for His glory! 

In this interview with mindset and manifestation coach Dalila Conaway, author of the book Manifest: Walking in Faith & Favor and the producer of The Ultimate Dream Lifestyle Manifestation Toolkit and the Manifestation Mindset Masterclass, she shares how God took her from perpetual life disappointment to embrace the greater He desired for her. Manifestation is a process, and through the process, it is when we discover the greater God and the greater He wants to develop in us....

I had an opportunity to sit down with writer, author, and producer Nikki Miller to talk about her journey into the Christian film world and her project Change of Heart, which has become a multi-dimensional outreach for hope and change. Three statements of wisdom I gathered from our chat are as follows. 1. Your path to success starts early in life. Set yourself up for it. 2. The difference between you making it in life and not is God. 3. Your story is for someone else. Tell it.

She is “The Hope Coach”, author of Unarmed but Dangerous, and the co-producer of the upcoming movie Eagle without Wings. I connected with her because we have similarities in that our mothers and grandmothers used their voices to empower us. Though she was born without certain limbs, her mother told her that there was nothing she could not do, and her grandmother told her at four years old that God had given her everything she needed to do the things she needed to do. 

In this fifth episode of the Gracewriters Podcast, Belinda Pollard, Alison Young and Donita Bundy discuss Perseverance – or, should Christian writing be this hard?! New writers often think they are failing if they find writing hard, but the fact is, it's a common complaint. We discuss ways to place a reality check on the difficulties, and how to push past them to the writing that we love to do. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! And go to gracewriters.com to tell us about topics you'd like discussed, and writers you'd like us to interview.

Ahead or the announcement of the Australian Christian Book of the Year, we are talking to Michael Collie from Sparklit about the standard of Christian writing in Australia. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been around the independent publishing world for any amount of time, you’ve heard writer’s speak (often, lovingly,) of their “Team.” Sometimes, they specifically mention a “beloved BETA reader,” or a treasured member of “my ARC team.”This week on the podcast, we discuss what a BETA reader is, why you want one, and where you can find one. In future episodes, we’ll cover what you can do with an ARC team of your very own!

Weand'll talk to the organiser of the upcoming Australian Christian Book of the Year Awards about the standard of Christian writing in Australia. Help Vision to keep 'Connecting Faith to Life': https://vision.org.au/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blake Atwood joins me to talk editing and why every writer needs an editor. We spend time discussing the stages of editing and tips you can use to be more objective in editing your own writing. You'll enjoy Blake's honesty and willingness to serve writers with his own blog, podcast, conferences, and advice.

Effective Christian Writing by WLCC Wichita

Michelle Derusha joins me to talk about memoir and the challenge of telling your own story. We discuss how an author decides what to include and what gets cut, we talk about writing as a form of prayer, and we discuss the challenges of focusing your attention on the discipline of writing. You’ll appreciate Michelle’s honesty and vulnerability—hallmarks of good memoir.

Mick Silva is a freelance editor and writing coach who has spent nearly 20 years in the Christian publishing industry. He has worked for Focus on the Family Books and WaterBrook & Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

  Carrie Stuart Parks is an internationally recognised forensic artist and creator of the award winning Gwen Marcey suspense series featuring an FBI trained forensic artist who is always being thrust out of her studio into life and death action. Six things you'll learn from this Joys of Binge Reading episode: How Carrie found her mentor through a thoughtful Christmas gift Why writing "kept her sane" in dark times The 'Don't Lie To Me' workshops that contribute to Gwen's character The two things behind Carrie's writing success How book research led her to Pentecostal serpent handlers Why she breeds Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs Where to find Carrie Stuart Parks: Website: www.carriestuartparks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieStuartParksAuthor/ For more details, a full transcript follows:  Note – this is a “close as” rendering of our full conversation with links to key points. (Not totally word for word) Jenny: Hi there: I'm your host Jenny Wheeler, and today Carrie Stuart Parks is talking about writing inspirational suspense. But before we hear from Carrie, just a reminder that the show notes for this BingeReading episode are available at the website, thejoysofbingereading.com That's where you'll find links to Carrie's website and books, as well as a free E book, and information on how to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss future episodes. And now here's Carrie. Hello there Carrie, and welcome to the show. It's great to have you with us. Carrie: Thank you Jenny and I am absolutely thrilled to be here. Carrie Stuart Parks - thriller author Jenny:  You obviously are a very talented artist - you give forensic art workshops and you have written several how to paint and draw instruction books - so what was the “Once Upon A Time” moment or process that led you to express yourself through writing rather than through pencil and paint? Carrie: The original writing I did was for 'How To Books.' I decided I really needed to put down what I taught my students in a book rather than explain it over and over again. So I ended up doing five books with my husband Rick on how to draw and how to watercolour paint. And I thought that all I could do was write non fiction  - "here's how to sharpen your pencil." Eventually I moved over to writing novels, but it wasn't until I'd been writing non fiction books for a number of years that I ended up in this place. Jenny:  Yes and it's a very different process writing novels to writing fiction. Was there something that led you to make that jump? Carrie:  Yes, and it's a strange story!  I have a girl friend who has absolutely everything and every year I spend hours looking for the perfect Christmas gift for her. Well this one year I just couldn't find anything. So I thought maybe I'll just  write a little short story about people who go on this adventure. So I wrote this story about two gals who go on this adventure. A murder mystery kind of a thing.  And I gave it to her for Christmas.  And she'd be reading it in bed and laughing out loud and her husband said "What are you reading?" And she said "well there's this really funny short story" and she read it out loud to him.  He rang me up the next day and he said "I want to come over to your house" and I said "OK" and he came over and said "I think you have writing talent. I think you can write fiction and I am happy to teach you how to do it better." Well the gal I gave it to was Barbara Peretti, and the guy who came over was Frank Peretti (famous as the author of The Present Danger and Piercing the Darkness - editor note)  So for the next eight years the 'Dean of Christian Writing' was my personal mentor. Writing mentor Frank Peretti and Carrie Stuart Parks Jenny: Gwen is similar to you in many ways - for a start she is a forensic artist - and in other ways of course she is very different...   Tell us about those similarities and differences.

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy's devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women's conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas' imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist and a special needs advocate. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy's Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist and a special needs advocate. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Finding a great podcast amidst all the bland rice cake christian lite stuff is like finding a microbrew that produces something other than IPAs! Well your search is over! Take a long drink and share it with some friends! We are the Double Bock of broadcasting! Like, follow, share! TOPICS: 1. CINDY KOCH AND HER NEW BOOK - WOMAN: THE FORGOTTEN STORY. Cindy talks about why she wrote it and how it uniquely tells the story of women's identity as God sees it! It is nothing but centered in Jesus Christ! 2. HANDLING CRITICISM. When you write stuff, someone is bound to not like it. Do you just ignore criticism? Do you dwell on it? Do you use it? How do writers handle it? How should they? What is truly criticism and what is disingenuous rabble rousing? 3. VULGARITY AND CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. Should all forms of literature that is meant to address christian issues refrain from any sort of explicit discussion of sex, etc. Should the preacher ever swear? How far is too far? 4. FAVORITE COCKTAIL! What's your favorite cocktail? Have yours changed over the years? What makes a good cocktail? 5. SHOULD PETER HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF THE BOAT AND TRIED TO WALK ON WATER? doesnt seem like it. How is this text preached wrongly. What can we learn from Peter, from Jesus. 6. ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES ILLOGICAL AD REGARDING SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS. Are peoples concerns over same sex simply a matter of abstract morality? or adherence to a book not everyone agrees with. Does nature have anything to say about same sex relationships! REFERENCES: WOMAN, THE FORGOTTEN STORY - by Cindy Koch. By it on amazon MR. BOSTON: all new official bartenders and party guide The Gospel according to Matthew - chapter 14 D.N.A. Kendrick Lamar