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 d...
Dec 18, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 79
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 fin...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 78
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 fiction how to know when you’re experienced enough to tackle a theme how to create realistic, subtle character arcs that convey a theme and much more! Show notes: - Purchase 'The Songweaver's Vow' by Laura VanArendonk Baugh here! - Purchase 'Offsides' by Lori Z. Scott here! - Purchase 'Lost Bits' b...
Oct 28, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 77
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: - Purchase 'Recruit of Talionis' by CJ Milacci here! - Purchase 'Out of the Water' by Ann Marie Stewart here! - Purchase 'Calor' by JJ Fischer here! - Comment on this episode on our blog! - Become a supporter ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 76
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 no...
Aug 19, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 75
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 supporte...
Jul 15, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 74
If the Bible reveals a creative God, how does His Word inspire and expand a writer’s creativity? In today’s episode, Daeus, Lori, and Martin explore how to ground your creative life in Scripture and how to depict characters who both are and aren’t walking in truth. They also share some 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 ...
Jun 17, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 73
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 w...
May 21, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 72
Cliffhangers entice you to turn pages long into the night. But how do you write in a thrilling way that avoids disappointment and boredom? What actually keeps readers invested in a story when they encounter a dangling plot point? In today’s episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Daeus show you how to engage readers with scenes that close at a nerve-wracking moment and later reach a satisfying conclusion. Show notes: - Comment on this episode on our blog! - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive ...
Apr 15, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 71
We live in a world that’s become increasingly focused on fame, and “success” for a writer means having thousands of followers, signing with a large publisher, and hitting the bestseller list. The goal is to be in the spotlight and make a hefty income. But, as Christians, we write for God’s glory, not our own. Knowing this, we wrestle with moral questions about our dreams and ambitions. What if we want to be published by the Big Five? How do we grow an audience but not our pride? If we’re not see...
Mar 18, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 70
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 as Christians that means we must lay ourselves down and seek to serve our audiences. But what does the application of that look like? Listen as Josiah, Gabby, and Daeus unpack the motivations and actions of a servant-hearted writer, why it’s such an important mindset to have, and how building relationships with readers can be li...
Jan 15, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 69
Like Tolkien’s depiction of The Shire, portraying moments of warmth and joy can be a powerful way to convey that Christ’s path is vastly different from the darkness in the world. How can showing characters’ potential to thrive give hope to readers? And how can writers do that while still being honest about sin 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 co...
Dec 18, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 68
What role does a writer play as a member of Christ’s Body? How do we respect others and their gifts, even when their purpose looks vastly different from ours? And how do we respond when we feel like our value is misunderstood? Listen as Josiah, Gabby, and Daeus tease out where our identity comes from, 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 outside it. Show notes: - Comment on this episode on our...
Nov 20, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 67
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 ) Mus...
Oct 17, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 66
No matter what you’re writing, your book is meant for someone, whether yourself or a specific group of people. But at what point should you decide who your target audience is? And how does that choice affect your writing process? In today’s episode, Lori, Mariposa, and Daeus dive into these questions and discuss Christian vs. secular audiences, when writing for yourself is helpful, and more. Show notes: - Comment on this episode on our blog! - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story...
Sep 18, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 65
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 - Purp...
Aug 21, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Some of the most memorable, enduring literature portrays tragic heroes and deep, powerful themes. So how can you depict these characters from a Christian perspective? In today’s episode, Lori, Gabby, and Josiah discuss negative arcs and give insightful advice on how to write 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: Pos...
Jul 17, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 63
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 m...
Jun 19, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 62
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 suppor...
May 15, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 61
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...
Mar 20, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 60
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...
Feb 20, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 59
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-plan...
Jan 16, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 58
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! - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! ( https://www.patreon.com/storyembers ) Music c...
Dec 19, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 57
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! - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! ( https://www.patreon.com/st...
Nov 21, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 56
“Show, don’t tell” is a common writing mantra, but can it extend to how the gospel influences your fiction? What are some practical ways you can allude to God’s reality without becoming preachy? 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. Show notes: - Comment on this episode on our blog! ( SE Podcast #55: How to Show and Not Tell the Gospel in Fiction - Story Ember...
Oct 17, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 55
The most powerful stories end with a sacrifice. But why does that theme resonate with readers? In today’s episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss why sacrifice is vital to the protagonist’s growth and how you can craft an impactful scene. Show 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 ...
Sep 19, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 54
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 m...
Aug 15, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 53
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 th...
Jul 18, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 52
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...
Jun 20, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 51
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...
Apr 23, 2022•28 min•Season 2Ep. 50
