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.
[Read more…] about 283: 5 Ways to Save Your Characters Without Ruining Your Story282: The Meta Piracy Controversy
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 Power of Back Matter: A Guide for Indie Authors

As authors, we pour our hearts into crafting compelling stories, but what happens after “The End” matters just as much as what comes before it. The back matter—the content that follows the final words of your book—plays a crucial role in engaging readers, driving future sales, and building a loyal audience. Let’s break down what back matter is, why it’s important, and what it should (and shouldn’t) include.
[Read more…] about The Power of Back Matter: A Guide for Indie Authors281: From Idea to Manuscript: How a Book Coach Can Help with Elyse Seal
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.
280: How to Add Conflict to Your Story
This week we’re exploring conflict in the second 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.
Plotting a Cozy Mystery: A Guide

If you’re a writer looking to dive into the world of cozy mysteries, you’ve come to the right place! In episode 152 of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast, we discussed the art of plotting a cozy mystery—from the essential elements of a mystery to the cozy-specific twists that make this genre so beloved. Let’s break it down!
[Read more…] about Plotting a Cozy Mystery: A Guide279: The Importance of Conflict
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.
So, You Want to Write a Novel? Here’s How to Get Started

Have you ever felt that spark of inspiration—the deep desire to write a novel but weren’t sure where to begin? If so, you’re not alone! Whether you have a clear story idea or are still searching for inspiration, this blog is packed with practical tips to help you take that first step.
[Read more…] about So, You Want to Write a Novel? Here’s How to Get Started277: Top 10 Romance Tropes and Why They Work
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 enough of these beloved tropes, this episode is packed with insights, writerly wisdom, and, as always, a few laughs along the way.
Managing Editorial Criticism with Grace

Coping Strategies for Authors: Managing Editorial Criticism with Grace
Receiving editorial feedback can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing. As writers, we pour our hearts into our work, so when criticism arrives, it can feel personal. However, learning to manage emotional reactions to critique is essential for growth and improvement. Here are some coping strategies for handling editorial criticism with grace and professionalism.
[Read more…] about Managing Editorial Criticism with Grace