Jamie Hershberger

318: How much description is too much?

Are you over-describing your scenes? How much description is too much in fiction?

In this episode, we talk about one of the most common writing struggles: overwriting description. Many writers fear the reader won’t “see” the story unless every detail is spelled out. But too much description can slow your pacing, stall the plot, and tempt readers to skim.

We’ll explore the difference between immersive detail and infodumping, practical ways to tighten your prose, and how to weave description naturally into action.

If you want stronger pacing, sharper scenes, and more powerful storytelling, this episode will help you learn when to cut and when to let the reader’s imagination do the work.

Sprint Prompt: Theme: Enough is Enough

317: How to Write the Five Senses in Fiction

What makes a story unforgettable? It’s not just the plot, it’s the experience!
In this episode, we explore how sensory writing brings fiction to life, helping readers feel the story instead of simply watching it unfold. Join us as we discuss practical ways to use the five senses to deepen emotional connection, reveal character, and create immersive scenes, all without overwhelming your reader.
We’ll cover common pitfalls, share revision strategies you can apply immediately, and talk about how faith and discernment guide us in writing vivid yet purposeful descriptions that reflect the beauty of God’s creation.
Whether you’re drafting or revising, this episode will equip you to craft stories readers don’t just read… but truly experience.

Sprint Prompt: era, restaurant, laboratory, bare, freshman

316: More Than “Like” and “As”: Using Metaphors and Similes to Strengthen Your Writing

According to Jen, a simile is like a cup of tea made from pre-used grounds. Metaphors, meanwhile, crush it in the comparison competition. Jamie says, “not all metaphors are similes, but all similes are metaphors. Or something.” Confused? You won’t be, after this episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast.

Sprint Prompt: Spend the entire sprint crafting one extended metaphor.

315: How to Write Weather in Fiction | Setting, Mood, and Atmosphere

Weather is more than background scenery—it can shape mood, reveal character, heighten tension, and even point readers toward deeper spiritual truths. In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast, we explore how to write the weather with purpose and power. From snowstorms that trap characters together to heat that frays tempers, we’ll talk about using weather as a storytelling tool rather than filler. Whether you write romance, fantasy, historicals, or suspense, this episode will help you make the forecast work for your story, not against it.

Sprint Prompt: snow, wind, silence, shelter, wait

314: AI and the Indie Author

Join us for a thoughtful and faith-centered conversation about AI and the indie author. In this episode, the hosts of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast explore how artificial intelligence fits into the modern self-publishing workflow, from brainstorming and drafting to book formatting tips, metadata, and indie author distribution. We’ll discuss what AI can do well, where caution and discernment are needed, and how Christian writers can steward technology without compromising creativity, calling, or integrity. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this episode will help you navigate AI as a tool—not a replacement—for the author God created you to be.

Sprint Prompt:: quarrel, unfair, remember, bird, breakfast

313: Rhythm, Routine, Revamp: How a Christian Indie Author Boosted Productivity

Join us for an exciting look into host Christina Catane’s freshly created game plan for moving her writing career forward! This episode is sure to provide hints, tips, and inspiration for you to get your own writing career back on track for 2026!

Sprint Prompt: quarrel, unfair, remember, bird. breakfast

312: From Brooding CEO to Lumberjack: Your Guide to Writing Hallmark Hunks

‘Tis the Season for…Hallmark Christmas movies!! They are so popular! Of course, they have big Hollywood-style money behind them, and can afford to deck the halls and hire…whomever!…to star in them! You don’t have any of that, but you do have us! Previously, we’ve shown you how you can turn any plot into a Hallmark hit. This week, we’ll help you craft a Hallmark Christmas story hunk – a hero worthy of the “Big H” stamp of approval!
During an episode at the end of October, 2025, Jen mentioned her plan to complete one writing sprint per day. Jamie and Tina thought they might jump in as well, and this was the beginning of the first ever Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast 30 Days of Writing Sprints challenge! Patreon Supporters and Indie Authors joined us for the journey, and today we celebrate the sprinting, shenanigans, and support we experienced all month long. Join us on this episode to celebrate the successes of our supporters and to find out the answer to the burning questions, “how did we do?” and, “Will we repeat this challenge?”

Sprint Prompt:: “I swear, I’m only wearing this flannel because every clean shirt I own mysteriously smells like peppermint.”

311: 30 Days of Writing Sprints Challenge Recap

During an episode at the end of October, 2025, Jen mentioned her plan to complete one writing sprint per day. Jamie and Tina thought they might jump in as well, and this was the beginning of the first ever Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast 30 Days of Writing Sprints challenge! Patreon Supporters and Indie Authors joined us for the journey, and today we celebrate the sprinting, shenanigans, and support we experienced all month long. Join us on this episode to celebrate the successes of our supporters and to find out the answer to the burning questions, “how did we do?” and, “Will we repeat this challenge?”

Sprint Prompt:: estate, left, spell, craft, member

310: How to Publish Your Book Step-by-Step: Part 3: Distribution

IIn this third episode about Distribution, we cover the next steps to bridge the gap between “my book is finished!” and “My book is published!” We’ll help you put the finishing touches on your book. From front matter to fonts to flow, we’ve got you covered (pun intended)! It’s an episode you won’t want to miss, and one you’ll want to return to several times as you move forward with publication.

Prompt: Chain, fire, bread, path, trust