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In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers Podcast, we’re talking about how to write a Christian book that shares faith, offers hope, and changes lives — without turning your story into a sermon.

Many Christian authors struggle to balance biblical truth with compelling storytelling. How do you weave faith naturally into fiction? How do you avoid heavy-handed dialogue, unrealistic “perfect” Christian characters, or on-the-nose moral lessons?

We cover:

• Why Christian fiction can sometimes feel preachy
  
  
• How to write faith-based stories that feel authentic
  
  
• Practical ways to show faith instead of lecturing readers
  
  
• How to create believable character arcs rooted in spiritual growth
  
  
• Tips for indie Christian authors who want their books to genuinely help people
  
  

If you’re writing Christian fiction, faith-based novels, or inspirational books, this episode will help you strengthen your craft while staying true to your message.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website:
https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts…
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/+
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

Sprint Prompt: fragment, golf, wilderness, apology, recommendation

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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.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website:
https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts…
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/+
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

Sprint Prompt: Theme: Enough is Enough

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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.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website:
https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts…
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/+
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

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

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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.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website:
https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts…
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

Sprint Prompt
Spend the entire sprint crafting one extended metaphor.

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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.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

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

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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.

Support this ministry on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

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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!

Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts...
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

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

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‘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! 

Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts...

Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/

Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/

Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

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

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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?” 

Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts...

Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/

Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/

Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

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

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In 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.

Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwp

Visit our website: https://christianindiewriters.net/

Learn more about the hosts...

Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/

Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/

Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

Sprint Prompt:: Unanswered Prayers — a prayer that wasn’t answered the way expected.

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n this second episode about  Formatting and 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.

Support this ministry on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/christianindiewriters

30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MGR7431

Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/listenersofciwpSprint 

Prompt:: Unanswered Prayers — a prayer that wasn’t answered the way expected.