Send us a text Cliffhangers aren’t just for thrillers—they can make Christian fiction irresistible when done right. In this episode, Jen, Tina, and Jamie break down how to end chapters with tension, suspense, and faith-filled payoff without frustrating your audience—or compromising your message. What we cover in this episode: • What makes a cliffhanger effective (and what doesn’t) • Chapter-ending vs. book-ending cliffhangers • Faith-based tension: balancing hope and suspense • How to avoid chea...
Oct 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 305
Send us a text Every story has a heartbeat—and as a writer, you control its rhythm. In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast , we’re diving into pacing and momentum. Together, they create the pulse that keeps your readers turning pages. Whether you’re writing Christian fiction, fantasy, romance, or mystery, this episode will give you the tools to balance speed with soul—so your stories engage the mind and stir the spirit. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ch...
Oct 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 304
Send us a text Have you seen or heard of KPop Demon Hunters? It’s sweeping the nation right now. But, how can it help you become a better writer? This week on the podcast we’re talking Allegory and inspiration. If you want to write a good Allegory, you first need to be able to understand what one is. On today’s episode we’ll train you to spot Allegory, even if it seems like a bit of a stretch! In this thought-provoking episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast , we dive into the unexpected...
Oct 03, 2025•56 min•Ep. 303
Send us a text Tired of the same old POV? In this episode, we explore how writing from a side character’s point of view can add depth, mystery, and fresh insight to your novel. Learn when and why to use this underused POV, how it supports unreliable narration, and ways it can strengthen your story’s spiritual and emotional impact. Perfect for Christian fiction writers looking to level up their storytelling....
Sep 26, 2025•54 min•Ep. 302
Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast , our hosts open up about navigating personal grief while trying to keep writing. From the brain fog and burnout that follow loss, to the surprising ways sorrow can shape our creative voice, we share honest stories, practical tips, and biblical encouragement for writing through hard seasons. We also reflect on the collective grief surrounding recent public tragedies, like the death of Charlie Kirk, and how cultural l...
Sep 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 301
Send us a text Three hundred episodes. Seven years. Countless words, stories, and conversations. In this special milestone episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast , the hosts take a heartfelt look back at the journey so far—sharing favorite memories, lessons learned, and the moments that shaped both the show and their writing lives. They’ll also look ahead to the future of the podcast, exploring what’s next for the community, the craft, and the calling that brought them together in the f...
Sep 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 300
Send us a text We’re halfway through the year—how’s your writing journey going? In this episode, we’ll pause to celebrate the progress you’ve made, reflect on your original writing goals, and reset your focus for the next six months. Whether you’ve published a book, drafted a few chapters, or just kept your creative spark alive, this is your chance to realign with what really matters.
Sep 05, 2025•55 min•Ep. 299
Send us a text Your indie author journey was never meant to be walked alone—but how do you find your people without losing your purpose? In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast , we explore how to form meaningful collaborations with fellow writers, editors, and readers while staying grounded in your faith. From red flags to watch for in networking circles to crafting gracious boundaries, we’ll help you navigate partnerships that are both professional and spiritually aligned....
Aug 22, 2025•56 min•Ep. 298
Send us a text “Is your fantasy world leading readers closer to God, or just into the woods?” Christian fantasy authors often wrestle with a big question: Can I use magic in my stories without compromising biblical truth? In this episode, we break down how to create magic systems that are imaginative, compelling, and Christ-honoring.
Aug 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 297
Send us a text Can you write fantasy fiction as a Christian without sounding preachy or compromising your values? In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we explore how to write Christian fantasy that resonates with both secular and faith-based readers.
Aug 01, 2025•55 min•Ep. 296
Send us a text Not every scene in your novel needs explosions or emotional breakdowns to be powerful. In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast , we dive into how to write “quiet” scenes—moments that might seem mundane but are rich with subtext, emotion, and transformation. Learn how to craft meaningful everyday moments that deepen your characters, maintain story momentum, and resonate with readers on a heart level. We’ll cover techniques for building tension without conflict, usin...
Jul 25, 2025•55 min•Ep. 295
Send us a text Should you write what you know—even if it’s deeply personal? In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers' Podcast, we’re talking about how to weave real-life experiences into your fiction in a way that adds emotional depth and authenticity, without turning your novel into a memoir. You’ll learn how to balance truth with creativity, protect relationships, and use your story to glorify God. We also share practical tips for fictionalizing personal events and knowing when it’s time...
Jul 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 294
Send us a text Christian fiction is evolving—and so are its authors. In this episode, we explore current trends, predict where the genre is headed, and share how indie writers can innovate while staying true to their faith and message. Whether you’re a seasoned indie author or just starting your writing journey, we’ll equip you with insights, inspiration, and practical tips to stay ahead of the curve—without compromising your message or mission. Tune in as we explore how to write stories that re...
Jul 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 293
Send us a text Could short stories be the missing piece in your writing journey? In this week’s episode of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast , we explore the top 5 benefits of writing short stories—and how they can enhance your craft, expand your reach, and help you share your message with greater impact. From honing your storytelling skills to growing your audience and experimenting with fresh ideas, short fiction offers a versatile way to develop as a writer and communicate your faith more ...
Jun 27, 2025•54 min•Ep. 292
Send us a text Perhaps you’ve grown your reading audience to gigantic proportions. If so, congratulations and keep up the good work! But if you find yourself struggling to do so, or if you’ve not yet set out to grow your readership, this episode is for you! We’ll talk about the realities of a small readership, including some benefits that you may not have considered. We’ll also offer encouragement and support to keep you writing, even if it is for an audience of one! Support this ministry on Pat...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 291
Send us a text In this episode we’re digging into the storytelling genius of Jesus. We all know His parables are full of spiritual power—but they’re also brilliant examples of tight, compelling narrative. So, what can we as fiction writers learn from the way Jesus told stories? Tune in to find out. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/gro...
Jun 13, 2025•53 min•Ep. 290
Send us a text Maybe you’ve wondered how to handle hard topics—abuse, trauma, addiction, mental illness—etc. And maybe you’ve found yourself asking: should Christian writers go there? How do we shine the light of Christ in dark places through our fiction and nonfiction? Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp Visit our...
Jun 06, 2025•53 min•Ep. 289
Send us a text With the approach of Memorial Day here in the US, the ladies take some time to reflect upon the holiday, its origins, its traditions, and what it means to each of them. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/ Learn more about the hosts... Jamie: https...
May 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 288
Send us a text Warren Buffett once said,"It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes." We at the podcast agree, and that is what we are going to talk about on this week’s episode. We start off with a cautionary tale as Jamie’s “what’s up” and then launch into a discussion of mistakes we’ve either made or witnessed in our writing careers so that you can avoid them. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days ...
May 16, 2025•56 min•Ep. 287
Send us a text Last episode, we discussed dialogue Dos and Don’ts. This week we are continuing the discourse, honing in on the specifics of writing dialogue that works! Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/ Learn more about the hosts... Jamie: https://writingshort...
May 09, 2025•54 min•Ep. 286
Send us a text Perhaps you like your hero to be the ‘strong silent type’ or your female protagonist to be introverted and bookish, exuding “black cat energy.” Perhaps you enjoy taking your readers on a scenic meandering of a town or vista, and wonder, “who needs dialogue, anyway?” But guess what? Without dialogue, you couldn’t even wonder such a thing! On today’s episode, we’re going to show you what else dialogue can do for the betterment of your story. Support this ministry on Patreon: https:/...
Apr 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 285
Send us a text What makes a villain truly villainous ? And how can Christian storytellers write villains that both challenge their heroes and point readers toward deeper spiritual truths? In this episode, we explore the art of crafting compelling villains in faith-driven fiction. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp...
Apr 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 284
Send us a text So, we’ve convinced you to heap trouble upon your characters, and now you’ve gotten them into a real fix! The question is, how do you untangle this mass of complications, peril, or genuine disaster you’ve created? This week, the ladies have five techniques you can use to save your characters while preserving the believability and relatability you have worked so hard to cultivate earlier in the story. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 3...
Apr 04, 2025•46 min•Ep. 283
Send us a text If you’re anywhere on social media, you’ve likely encountered The Atlantic’s article about META scraping millions of books and scientific papers to train its AI, without giving a dime of compensation to the authors. One of our hosts has fallen victim to this scheme, and we’re going to talk about it today. Ready or not, AI is here, and it's coming after our creative works. What are the ramifications, and what can the Indie Author do about it? The Atlantic article: https://www.theat...
Mar 28, 2025•50 min•Ep. 282
Send us a text In this follow up to our ‘Should you hire a book coach’ episode, we will be talking to Tina’s book coach Elyse Seal from Author Accelerator. Come join us as we discuss the benefits and details of hiring a book coach. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 281
Send us a text This week we’re exploring conflict in the second of two episodes about this meaty topic. At the end of these episodes it is our hope that you will learn to embrace conflict as an author. While we may do whatever we can to keep the peace in our real lives, in our books, conflict is a necessary tool for crafting an excellent narrative. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR74...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 280
Send us a text This week we’re exploring conflict in the first of two episodes about this meaty topic. At the end of these two shows, it is our hope that you will learn to embrace conflict as an author. This week, we’re talking all about the basics of conflict - why is it necessary? What does it add to your story? It’s sure to be an episode you do not want to miss. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazo...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 279
Send us a text Today we’re introducing a new series of episodes concerning mental health and the author! Podcast fan, Christian Therapist, and author Katherine Karrol has agreed to join us to discuss issues of mental health. Today we’re talking anxiety - the clinical component as well as from a spiritual perspective. Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://w...
Feb 21, 2025•57 min
Send us a text In this Valentine’s edition of the Christian Indie Writers' Podcast, we dive into the top 10 most popular romance tropes and explore why they continue to captivate readers. From the sizzling tension of Enemies to Lovers to the heartwarming journey of Friends to Lovers, we break down what makes these classic story elements so effective. Whether you're a romance writer looking for inspiration, a non-romance writer looking to add a little love to your story, or a reader who can’t get...
Feb 14, 2025•52 min•Ep. 277
Send us a text In this episode, Tina shares the lowdown of having a Book Coach, including how to find one and what to expect in the first days. Bring your questions to the live chat or send them to us in the Facebook Group! Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431 Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/ Le...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 276
