Tension: The Key Ingredient for a Novel Readers Can’t Put Down
Discover the many different types and methods of writing tension into your novel to keep readers reading to the end.
How to Write a Novel Faster Using Dictation Software
Discover tips and tools for using dictation to write your novel. Learn how the newest tools can spur creativity and help you write more books.
How to Write Your Novel from the Middle
Strengthen your novel’s structure by creating a great midpoint that can turn your story into a classic and make your ending unforgettable.
Discovery Writing 101: How to Craft Gripping Stories Without an Outline
Explore discovery writing, organic storytelling techniques, and the power of pivots to keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Beginnings and Endings of Novels with Angela Hunt
A compelling beginning and ending is essential for a novel’s success. Avoid common mistakes and write a story that resonates from start to finish.
How to Write Your First Novel
Learn to overcome writer’s block, craft compelling characters, outline a plot, and deal with your fear so you can write your first novel.
How to Become a Better Novelist with Brad Pauquette
Learn to master the fundamentals, develop your voice, interpret feedback, and stay true to your Christian values.
How to be a Successful Author Entrepreneur
Become an author entrepreneur by learning to leverage transferrable business skills to build a sustainable writing career.
Announcing the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference
Learn the details of the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference, how it will differ from last year’s conference, and what makes it unique.
Show *AND* Tell With Angela Hunt
Writers know the rule “Show, don’t tell,” but is telling always bad? Find out how and when to use both showing and telling in your writing.
How to Write Powerful Christian Stories with Zackary Russell
Discover four laws of Christian storytelling that will ensure your story is good for your readers and portrays the truth of God and humanity.
Faith and Love: Tips for Writing Authentic Christian Romance With Sara Turnquist
Discover what makes a romance novel appeal to a Christian readership and how you can write Christian romance books your readers will love.
Crafting a Career: How to Become a Professional Author with Angela Hunt
If you want to make writing a career and pay bills with income earned from your writing, you want to be a professional writer. Find out how.
How to Write Good Dialogue With Angela Hunt
Find out how to write good dialogue that keeps readers turning pages and learn what dialogue mistakes to avoid.
Writing Conflict: How to Keep Your Protagonist on Their Toes
Without conflict, you don’t have a story. Find out how to add and layer the six classic conflicts to keep your readers reading.
The Platform Predicament: How to Connect With Readers Off Social Media
Learn how to navigate the author platform predicament and what you can do to help change the status quo in the publishing industry.
Mistakes to Avoid at Your First Writers Conference
Discover 11 mistakes authors often make at a writers conference and learn how to avoid those mistakes and what to do instead.
The Key Ingredient for Timeless Christian Storytelling: Morality
Learn how to keep your book from being boring and unbelievable and discover why a clear moral system is critical in writing a timeless story.
How to Prepare for Success As a New Author With Laura Richmond
God often calls authors into periods of waiting. Learn how to improve your writing and your chances of success by making the most of the wait.
From Podcast to Bestselling Book: How to Use Audio to Refine Your Book’s Message
If you don’t test your book ideas, you may write a book no one wants to buy. Learn how a podcast can help you test your ideas so you can write a commercially viable book.
A Christian Author’s Guide to Health Insurance
Professional authors often struggle to find health insurance coverage, but healthcare for Christian authors is readily available.
From Page to Stage: How To Adapt Your Writing Into a Captivating Speech With Kirsten Holmberg
Public speaking is historically one of the best ways to sell books. Find out how you can turn your book into an engaging and memorable talk.
Beyond First Drafts: How to Master the Art of Revision With Angela Hunt
Award-winning author Angela Hunt shares her reproducible revision process that has helped her write, revise, and publish more than 150 books.
Finding Peace in the Plot: How to Trust God in Your Writing Journey With Liz Curtis Higgs
Liz shares how she became a writer, what she learned from her victories and failures, and how new authors can learn from them as well.
The Secret to Becoming a Successful Christian Author: Church
Find out why attending a local church in person can benefit your physical and spiritual health as well as your book sales.
How to Write Books Boys Will Love With Tim Shoemaker
Writing books for boys is a worthy and noble pursuit. Find out what elements your book needs, and what to avoid, to thrill boys.
What to Expect at the Write to Publish Writers Conference
Find out what to expect and how to make the most of your first in-person Christian writers conference.
The 2023 Book Launch Blueprint
Thirty days. That’s all you’ve got. Do it wrong, and you’re toast. Do it right, and it’s crème brûlée that will last for months, maybe even years. What 30 days are we talking about? The first 30 days after you make your book available to the world. During...How to Advance Christ’s Kingdom Through Your Writing With Carolyn Rice
Learn why Bible study is important for authors and how it improves your book as well as readers’ lives.
World-Building and Worldview: How Good Theology Can Make Your Book More Interesting With L.G. (Laura) McCary
Learn how Christian authors can organically incorporate their worldview without writing preachy novels that fall flat.
New Year Goal Planning With Mary DeMuth
This year, set writing goals that are ambitious and reasonable and learn how to stick with your plan.
How to Start a Writers Group With Sharon Tedford
Learn the tips and best practices for assembling and facilitating an effective and enjoyable writers critique group.
How to Manage Book Marketing Burnout With Nika Maples
Writing and marketing your book is a hard job. Find out how authors can avoid book marketing burnout.
What would you do with two extra hours every day?
In a scene from The Princess Bride, the six-fingered man takes Wesley into the pit of despair to suck away one year of Wesley’s life with “the machine.” A nefarious “machine” could be sucking away years of your life, one hour at a...Creatively Cowriting With God With Allen Arnold
In this interview Allen Arnold shares a framework for creatives who want to create their art with God rather than as a performance for him.
How to Choose a Genre for Your Novel with Karin Beery
Learn how and why you need to choose a genre, and find out what to do if your book doesn’t conform to one specific genre.
How to Write Realistic Characters with Becca Puglisi
Author and writing coach Becca Puglisi shares tips and tools to help you write believable characters that your readers will love.
How to Find Time to Write As a Busy Mom With Asheritah Ciuciu
Tips from busy mom and author Asheritah Ciuciu on setting boundaries and upholding your calling to parenting and writing.
Book Proposal Tips and Tricks with Ann Kroeker
If you want to be traditionally published, you need to attract an agent and a publisher. To get an agent and publisher, you need an amazing book proposal. For an author, a book proposal is like a business plan and resume all in one. It communicates all the...How to Adapt Your Book Idea Into an Online Course with Becky Kopitzke
Learn how to further engage your readers and earn income from your expertise by creating an online course that complements your book.
How to Tighten Your Writing with Angela Hunt
Write better sentences using fewer words. Angela Hunt teaches authors how to identify needless words and ruthlessly cut or replace them.
Publishing Mistakes You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way
One author shares what he learned from eleven publishing mistakes. Find out how to avoid these common mistakes so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
How to Launch Your Book on a Budget
Is your book launch budget filled with expenses or investments? Learn how and where to spend your time and money to get the greatest return.
How to Expand Your Role as a Writer by Writing Sunday School Curriculum
Learn how you, as a Christian writer, can impact the world for Christ without having to publish a book first.
How to Save the Christian Publishing Show
Big changes are ahead for The Christian Publishing show. Find out how you can join us to get your publishing questions answered.
Big News!
I have a couple of big announcements. If you have been wondering why there hasn’t been a new episode in a few weeks I have a good reason. Announcement #1: New Baby! We just had a baby! Jack Umstattd was born on December 23rd weighing 9 pounds 10 ounces. Both he...How to Write Deep Point of View with Karen Witemeyer
If you want your readers to connect with your writing, you need to immerse them deeply into the mind of your characters. Your readers need to hear, see, and experience everything that your character experiences. But how do you do this? The answer is deep point of...How to Create Compelling Secondary Characters for Your Novel with Angela Hunt
We have had episodes about protagonists, the characters who want something that drives the plot forward, and antagonists who get in their way. But stories do not live on protagonists alone. Side characters, or supporting characters, play a vital role in your novel....How to Keep Fear from Blocking Your Creativity with David Lee Martin
You have a creative idea. You feel inspired to pursue it. But your head is filled with doubt. “What if I can’t make it work? What if I can’t provide for my family? What if my work isn’t good enough? What if people think my creation is stupid?” We have a guest on the...How to Become a Professional Freelancer with Sharon Norris Elliott
Find out how working for other writers and book professionals can help you improve your skills and reach your publishing goals faster.
How to Fight Cancel Culture As a Christian Author with Laura Lynn Hughes
113 How to Fight Cancel Culture as a Christian Author with Laura Lynn Hughes There’s no question that we live in a cancel culture. You may be tempted to bury your head in the sand and try to never offend anyone, but that’s not how the Bible calls us...Where Christian Publishing Came From with Leslie Stobbe
Find out where Christian publishing came from, how the industry has changed, and how you can connect with and relate to today’s readers.
Why You Need a Writing Retreat with Kathy Ide
Do you feel discouraged or burnt out by your writing journey? Do you want to connect with other writers who understand your goals and pain? Do you need some time to get away from life, refocus on your goals, and connect with God? Perhaps what you need is a writing...How to Write a Book in 90 Days with Kristen Clark
It may sound impossible to write a book in 90 days, but it is possible. Learn how to create a viable plan to accomplish your writing goal.
The Four Essential Pillars of Novel Construction with C.S. Lakin
Discover four foundational elements your story needs in order to keep readers hooked and leave them satisfied with the ending.
How to Edit and Proofread Your Own Manuscript with Denise Loock
Learn insider tips on self editing so you can deliver to your editor the cleanest manuscript possible (and save yourself time and money).
How to Use Books to Complement Your Ministry & Increase Revenue with Crystal Daye
Many times Christian writers think that once their book is published, then they can minister to people. But they have it all backwards. You can and should start ministering to and blessing people right now, and your book will be an overflow of that ministry. We have...A New Social Network for Authors
Are you tired of getting distracted every time you log in to one of your Facebook author groups? Are you sick of feeling discouraged by the spammers and trolls who lurk in the depths of the group? Are you hesitant to trust the information shared in Facebook groups...How to Write the Last 50 Pages of Your Book with James Scott Bell
Discover the keys to writing a satisfying ending to your novel that will thrill your readers and keep them wanting more.
How to Write a Bible Study with Mindy Kiker
Perhaps you’ve considered writing Bible studies for your local church, or maybe you’re interested in writing Bible studies for publication. How do you write Bible studies that people want to read? We have a special guest with us today who is going to share her...How to Write a Query Letter with Mary DeMuth
Learn how to avoid 8 common mistakes authors make when writing query letters and how to make your query stand out in the best way.
How to Develop Patience and Endurance in Publishing with Chase Replogle
Many first-time authors think that all they need to do is write a book, upload it to Amazon, and voilà Readers will come flocking. This is not the case. The reality is that the journey of writing and publishing a book is a long and arduous one. For most authors it...How to Navigate the Fragmenting of Social Media As a Christian Author with Scott Minor
This episode comes with a trigger warning. We are going to talk about social media, politics, culture, and what to do as a Christian author in a world that is growing more hostile to Christian authors. If you don’t want to hear about that today, I can recommend a...How to Find a Good Critique Group with Eva Marie Everson
Discover how a Christian writers critique group can enhance your writing, expand your ideas, and help you publish a book readers love.
Book Launch Secrets Webinar Replay
A couple of weeks ago, Thomas Umstattd Jr. and Steve Laube hosted a Book Launch Secrets webinar. More than 500 authors registered for the webinar from five different continents. This episode of the Christian Publishing Show is the audio of that webinar. If you prefer...How Jerry B. Jenkins Got His Start as a Writer
In this interview, Jerry Jenkins tells authors how he got his start as a writer and how he’s maintained his career for decades.
Writing App Roundup with Dave Chesson, Kindlepreneur
Discover which writing tools will work best for authors and which you can avoid.
How to Write for Children with Jennifer Grant
Children’s books are a hot genre right now. With libraries closed, more parents are purchasing children’s books than ever before, and more authors are trying their hand at writing a children’s book. How hard could it be to write a children’s...How to Create Companion Products for your Book with D’vorah Lansky
It’s very common these days for books, especially nonfiction, to come with additional workbooks, study guides, and video courses. These extra materials are also a great way to connect with your readers on a deeper level, while at the same time creating additional...How to Write Devotionals with David Sluka
Devotionals are almost unique to Christian publishing. While some non-Christian publishers dabble with devotionals of different kinds, Christians have been writing and reading devotionals for centuries. So how do you write a devotional? Well, that is what we are...How to Write a Biblically Accurate Book with Catherine DeVries
One of the big differences between Christian and non-Christian books is that Christian books have an absolute standard of truth they are compared to. Or, put another way, Christian books are all a derivative of the Bible in one way or another. We are a people of the...How to Write Better & Faster With Plottr and the Snowflake Method
Learn how this powerful duo and their features can streamline your writing process, boost creativity, and play to your strengths.
Simon & Schuster Bought by Penguin Random House Discussion With Steve Laube
For everything, there is a season. A time to gather stones and a time to scatter stones. A time to merge companies and a time to spin off new companies. Right now, it is a time for merging companies. The “Big Five” are now the “Big Four.” You may have...How to Write for Children with Linda Howard
If you want to write for children, you must learn the ingredients for a great children’s book and avoid these common mistakes.
Behind the Publishing Curtain: Fulfillment & Distribution with Tracy Higley
How do dead trees turn into books in people’s hands? It’s not magic. Behind the scenes, thousands of people work hard to ensure books get from the printer into the hands of readers like you. If you want your book to end up in readers’ hands, Tracy...How to Write Split-Time Fiction with Melanie Dobson
One popular genre in Christian publishing right now is split-time fiction. Split-time fiction is when you tell two stories separated by time that are connected in some way, sometimes by a theme or an item. Some popular split-time books include The Wedding Dress by...How to Get Out of the Slush Pile – With Deborah Raney
You would like to think that as soon as you are done with your proposal and send it off to an agent that he or she is sitting there by the inbox ready to read it as soon as it comes in. If only. Before email became the submission method, agents and acquisitions...How to Write with Joy in Hard Times with Mary DeMuth
Writing is hard. Writing during difficult times is even harder. And yet, it is persistence through adversity that separates successful writers from those that don’t make it. So, how do you write when the going gets tough? How do you do it with joy? We have a special...The 10 Commandments of Book Marketing
Recently, I heard a publishing “guru” talk about his approach to writing and marketing books. He publishes dozens of books each year with nothing more than quick proofread, which he does himself. He then promotes them using various Amazon hacks. This guy...How to Write YA with Jill Williamson
Learn how to write compelling young adult fiction that resonates with today’s teens by blending authentic storytelling, cultural awareness, and spiritual depth.
How to Use Scrivener with David Martin
Writing is hard. But using the right tools can make it easier. One popular tool many authors rely on is Scrivener. But others find it impenetrable. This is why I am excited to introduce our guest today. He is an ordained pastor, church planter, author, and creative...How to Craft Unforgettable Characters with James Scott Bell
Discover the necessary elements for an unforgettable character–one who will keep readers reading and linger in their memories long after the story has ended.
How to Survive Cancel Culture As a Writer
The Christian Author’s Guide to Cancel Culture This post first appeared here and is shared with permission. Last month tens of thousands of Twitter accounts attacked J. K. Rowling. They tried to get her books pulled from publication. Her books were burned, and...Audiobook Production and Promotion with Brennan McPherson
Learn how to turn your book into an audiobook. Discover production options, distribution strategies, and marketing tactics to maximize sales.
How to Overcome Writer’s Block With Robin Lee Hatcher
A lot of writers think, If I could just have more time, I could do more writing. Well, 2020 gave most writers a lot more time; and, yet, most of them are writing about the same as they were before. What keeps us from being more productive as writers? Is it writer’s...Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference
In this episode, Steve Laube and Thomas Umstattd Jr. talk about the 2021 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Kickstarter Campaign. If you have any questions about the conference or about the Kickstarter campaign, this is not an episode you will want to miss. You...Writing for a Canadian Market
Readers in other countries read American books. American readers also read books by authors from other countries. For American authors, the most important country to think about and write for is Canada. Our guest today is the author of multiple books, including The...Show, Don’t Tell With Tim Shoemaker
Learn when to show and when to tell within your story and find out the advantages of each method of conveying story information.
Character vs. Plot With DiAnn Mills
Bestselling author DiAnn Mills shares her time-tested tips for creating compelling characters and an engaging plot.
How to Overcome Book Marketing & Money Challenges With Chautona Havig
It is possible to make a full-time living as a writer. One way to do so is to write one book that sells like crazy. Another way is to write a bunch of books. Our guest today makes a full-time living with her writing. She has written over 70 books. Whether offering a...How to Overcome Fear and Comparison
Fear can be crippling. If we let it, it will become our master and sit on the throne in our hearts. And here is the crazy thing: We can’t make fear go away. And we wouldn’t want to even if we could. Sometimes fear is helpful to keep us from doing something stupid. But...How to Write Compelling Villains with Brian Godawa
Our guest today is an award-winning screenwriter; his first feature film was To End All Wars. He is also the best-selling author of the Chronicles of the Nephilim series and a new series, Chronicles of the Watchers. Links: https://godawa.com/ Sponsor: Book...How to Crowdfund Your First Novel on Kickstarter
Find out what authors need to run a successful Kickstarter campaign for a book and how you can begin preparing for your Kickstarter.
Writing Fiction With a Powerful Christian Message Without Getting Preachy
One goal of Christian books is to convey a powerful Christian message through literature. But readers won’t get that message if they are turned off by the writing. One thing that turns potential readers away is heavy-handed preachiness. So how can Christian writers...How Beth Vogt Went from Unpublished to Award-Winning Author
Our guest today won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year; she has also won a Christy Award and a Carol Award. Beth Vogt, welcome to the Christian Publishing Show! Links:...Author Branding & Book Launching with Randy Ingermanson
Book Launch Branding and How to Launch a Book With a Small Email List with Randy Ingermanson
How to Start an Author Podcast
This episode originally aired on the Novel Marketing Podcast. This is effectively a short audiobook on how to start a podcast. If you have ever thought about starting your own podcast, this is not an episode you will want to miss. You can find a blog version here....How to Write Split Time With Rachel Hauck
Our guest today is a New York Times bestselling author whose novel Once Upon a Prince (affiliate link), was made into an original Hallmark movie. She writes from a quarantined location in sunny, central Florida. Links: Website: RachelHauck.comInstagram:...How to Write Fiction with a Christian Worldview with Brian Godawa
Our guest today is an award-winning screenwriter, his first feature film was To End All Wars. He is also the best-selling author of the Chronicles of the Nephilim and his new series, Chronicles of the Watchers.
How to Write Faster with Tricia Goyer
Discover how to organize your day to maximize your writing time and make the most of the time you have to write so you can write faster.