In today’s episode, Josiah joins Story Embers staff members, Mariposa Aristeo and Lori Scott, as they take an in-depth look at the children’s genre. They discuss what makes the genre unique from others, how the age of your audience affects the writing process, and what authors from any genre can learn from children’s fiction.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course! (https://storyembers.org/academy/)- Meet Lori and Mariposa on our staff page! (https://storyembers.org/meet-the-team/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-44-childrens-fiction/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Story Embers Podcast

Children’s Fiction

"Deconstruction" has become a popular term online over the past year to describe those who are rejecting some Christian beliefs and seeking new answers. While "deconstructing" may be a new term, there have always been people who doubt what they believe, and in today’s episode, Josiah DeGraaf, Daeus Lamb, Rose Sheffler, and Martin Detwiler discuss the importance of portraying doubting or “deconstructing” Christians in fiction.Is it important to portray doubting believers in your stories? What are common triggers for doubts in real life that authors should be aware of? What are common mistakes that Christian writers can make when writing these characters? They tackle these questions and more in this episode.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Our article series on The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry! (https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-stories-that-christian-readers-actually-need/)- Our podcast interview with Chris Fabry on writing The Promise of Jesse Woods! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/163137/3941270-interview-with-chris-fabry-about-the-promise-of-jesse-woods)- Meet Rose and Martin on our staff page! (https://storyembers.org/meet-the-team/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-43-portraying-doubting-or-deconstructing-christians-in-stories/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Portraying Doubting or "Deconstructing" Christians in Stories

In today’s episode, Josiah, Hope, and Gabby discuss how writers can create unique and interesting villains. They share their favorite examples of memorable villains, warn against common pitfalls writers encounter when crafting attention-grabbing villains, and debate whether or not a villain can be too unique. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Read Gabrielle&apos;s article "Why Realistic Motives Alone Don&apos;t Create Believable Villains"! (https://storyembers.org/why-realistic-motives-alone-dont-create-believable-villains/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-42-crafting-unique-villains/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Crafting Unique Villains

Last summer, several Story Embers staff members watched the first season of The Chosen together. In this episode, Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus discuss what they loved about the series and the techniques Christian storytellers can draw from it. What made the show’s characters so memorable and its thematic moments so poignant? What can authors learn from The Chosen about portraying representations of Christ in their stories? They tackle these questions and more in today&apos;s episode.Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Watch The Chosen! (https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-41-what-the-chosen-gets-right-about-christian-storytelling/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

What The Chosen Gets Right about Christian Storytelling

In today’s episode, Josiah, Hope, and Gabby tackle the strengths and weaknesses of different POVs and explore how a character’s perspective impacts readers’ relationship with the story. They share their personal preferences and give tips on how to choose the right POV character for your story.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-40-the-power-of-point-of-view/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

The Power of Point of View

Finding the right theme to explore in a story can be a struggle. How can you make sure your theme is deep instead of shallow? What are some common mistakes writers make when selecting themes? Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus tackle these questions and more on today’s episode. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-39-choosing-the-right-themes-to-write-about/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Choosing the Right Themes to Write About

The second act is notoriously difficult for many writers—how can you keep your story’s middle engaging while progressing the plot at the correct pace? Hope, Josiah, and Gabrielle give tips on how to remedy a sagging second act and discuss how writers can ensure that every scene in the story’s middle is essential.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Learn more about The School of Kingdom Writers and join the movement! (https://sokw.org/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-38-overcoming-the-sagging-middle/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Overcoming the Sagging Middle

Some stories have conflict that immediately grabs readers while others fall flat. In this episode, Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus discuss their favorite examples of engaging conflict and offer tips on how to build up to those moments. Listen to their conversation below!What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-37-crafting-irresistible-plots-conflicts/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Crafting Irresistible Plot Conflicts

Today Josiah, Rolena, Daeus, and Hope tackle the ins and outs of effective worldbuilding. They discuss common worldbuilding mistakes they’ve seen authors make and give tips on how to introduce worldbuilding to readers without info-dumping.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Wordbuilding Questionnaire and other resources: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Daeus&apos;s article "How to Create Original Slang that Enriches Your Story World": (https://storyembers.org/how-to-create-original-slang-that-enriches-your-story-world/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/?s=podcast)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Everything You Need to Know About Worldbuilding

Today Josiah, Brianna, and Gabrielle share their experiences with professional editing and how it has helped them grow as writers. They debunk common misconceptions that writers have about working with a professional editor and discuss the advantages of hiring one. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Have your work sharpened by Story Embers&apos; recommended editor: (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html)- Josiah’s article “3 Truths You May Not Realize About Professional Editing”: (https://storyembers.org/three-truths-you-may-not-realize-about-professional-editing/)- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-35-what-professional-editing-is-like/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

An In-Depth Look at Professional Editing

Today Josiah, Rolena, Daeus, and Hope tackle one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal: subtext. What is it? Why is it important? What do you lose when your story lacks it? What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE How to Weave Christian Themes into Your Story worksheet: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-34-demystifying-subtext/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Demystifying Subtext

Almost every piece of writing advice is served with a side of “keep your readers in mind,” but what exactly does that phrase mean? And how can writers practice it effectively? In today’s episode, Josiah, Brianna, and Gabrielle share tips for how to focus on your readers during the writing and editing process.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE Ask the Reader e-book: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-33-how-to-keep-your-readers-in-mind/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

How to Keep the Reader in Mind

The eighth resolution of our Christian Storytellers Manifesto describes our commitment to “paint traces of hope in even the darkest situations.” However, this raises several questions. Why do Christian writers need to shine light into pitch-black moments? How do we achieve a balance between the two? And does this mean we shouldn’t write sad endings? Josiah, Daeus, Rolena, and Hope weigh in on today’s episode.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- Read the Christian Storytellers Manifesto: (https://storyembers.org/manifesto/) - Download our FREE Tricky Subjects for Christian Storytellers article series: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-32-should-christians-write-stories-with-dismal-endings/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers) Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Should Christians Write Dismal Endings?

Producing a novel isn’t a one-man show. Today Josiah DeGraaf, Brianna Storm Hilvety, and Gabrielle Pollack discuss the hidden heroes who help an author give readers a fully fleshed-out and polished story. How do each of these team members contribute to the writing process? How can writers fail to effectively collaborate with them? Listen to the panelists tackle these questions on today&apos;s episode!What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Have your work sharpened by Story Embers&apos; recommended editor: (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html)- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-31-unsung-heroes-of-the-writing-process/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Unsung Heroes of the Writing Process

At the end of last year, Story Embers sent out a survey to the Christian writing community. Nearly half of the respondents reported that their biggest challenge wasn’t plot, characters, theme, or style but finding time to write! Josiah, Hope, and Rolena have tackled writing habits on the podcast before, but today Josiah, Hope, and Brandon discuss how to incorporate writing into a busy schedule. They also talk about how to recognize when lack of time is a true problem or just an excuse. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Our episode on other writing habits and disciplines: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-4-writing-habits-and-disciplines/)- Download our FREE Words for the Weary Writer e-book: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-30-finding-time-to-write-when-you-have-no-time/) - Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Finding Time to Write with a Busy Schedule

A podcast dedicated to guiding and inspiring Christian storytellers to glorify God with excellent craftsmanship. Tune in every first and third Saturday of the month as podcast host Grace Livingston and various members of the Story Embers staff discuss topics from all areas of storycraft. Whether it’s writing habits, character development, complex themes, or plot gimmicks, we’ll be tackling all that and more from a Christian perspective on the Story Embers podcast!

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Story Embers Podcast

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