Series: Overcoming Obstacles

Episode 15, Part 2: Lauraine Snelling, A Season of Harvest

In part two of my interview with bestselloing award-winning author Lauraine Snelling, Lauraine discusses the practical aspects of writing fiction, including research, fiction structure, pre-writing rituals, and more. Listen in and learn from this wise and seasoned author.

Episode 15, Part 1: Lauraine Snelling, A Season of Harvest

Lauraine Snelling, author of more than 130 books, shares her experience, wisdom, and faith as she discusses the obstacles writers encounter, how to overcome them, and the hidden value they offer. In this inspiring interview, Lauraine recounts some of the personal obstacles she’s faced, the way God has provided during difficult times, how she’s written so many books, and more.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this episode is for you!

Episode 14: The Lady Lits, Good Tidings: A Christmas Anthology

Members of The Lady Lits, a Mastermind Group, discuss their collaborative effort, Good Tidings: A Christmas Anthology, the unexpected and heartrending obstacle they encountered as they neared publication of their book, personal obstacles they’ve encountered and overcome, imposter syndrome, the necessity of commitment for writers, and the value of a supportive community. Writers, don’t miss this inspiring and uplifting episode!

Episode 13: Amy Lynn Taylor, Unbridled Trust

As author Amy Lynn Taylor neared the publication of her debut novel the unthinkable happened and her life was turned upside down. Listen as Amy shares her story of publishing through grief, fully dependent on God’s faithfulness and strength, and the true love story that inspired her beautiful romance novel, Unbridled Trust.

Episode 12, Part 2: Holly Varni, On Moonberry Lake

In part 2 of my interview with debut author and podcaster, Holly Varni, Holly continues her story about reaching the milestone of publication, talks about the role of an important mentor in her life, and answers questions from listeners. Holly offers encouragement to writers who’ve grown weary in their pursuit of publication as she shares her inspiring story of patience and perseverance.

Episode 12, Part 1: Holly Varni, On Moonberry Lake

Debut author and podcaster, Holly Varni, discusses the inspiration for her novel, On Moonberry Lake (Revell), and obstacles she faced on her path to publication. Holly offers encouragement to writers who’ve grown weary in their pursuit of publication as she shares her inspiring story of patience and persistence.

Series: Resources for Writers

Episode 11: Susy Flory, Everything Memoir

Do you have a personal story you’d like to write? Does the idea of writing a memoir intrigue you, but you aren’t sure where to begin? New York Times Bestselling Author, and founder of Everything Memoir, Susy, Flory, shares her passion for serving writers, and discusses the elements necessary for a publishable memoir, the similarities between memoir and fiction, and her upcoming program, My One-Year Memoir, a small group for those seeking instruction and encouragement as they write their memoir over the course of a year.

Series: Words With Literary Agents

Episode 10: Rachelle Gardner, Gardner Literary

Have you ever wondered exactly what a literary agent does for an author? Literary agent and founder of Gardner Literary, Rachelle Gardner, offers excellent insight into the expertise and services an experienced agent offers authors. Those services go far beyond contract negotiations. She also discusses whether or not it’s important for an agent and author to share the same theological views, the elements of a strong memoir, and more. An informative conversation with a leading literary agent.

Episode 9: Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Management

Janet Kobobel Grant, Founder and President of Books & Such Literary Management, along with Wendy Lawton, Vice President of Books & Such, share valuable information about publishing, the importance of community for writers, and they answer specific questions about the platform numbers publishers seek. This episode is a mini-masterclass in publishing!

Episode 8: Sharon Norris Elliott, CEO & Literary Agent, AuthorizeMe

Sharon Norris Elliott is passionate about serving writers!  Literary agent, author, speaker, writing coach, and editor, Sharon discusses the types of projects she’s looking for, her ideal client, and her unique approach as an agent, taking a writer from idea to publication. She also talks about the importance of racial equity in Christian publishing, and her latest release, A Woman God Can Bless.

Episode 7: Julie Gwinn, The Seymour Agency

What criteria determines whether a writer seeking traditional publication should pitch their project in the Christian or General Marketplace? Vice President and Agent with The Seymour Agency, Julie Gwinn, discusses that question and more, including platform target numbers, and her ideal author. The inside scoop from a respected literary agent with a multifaceted background in the publishing world.

Series: Words With Award-Winning Novelists

Episode 6: Ginny L. Yttrup – The Path to Publication

Words For Writers Podcast host and award-winning novelist, Ginny L. Yttrup, shares her path to publication, including her qualifications, or lack-thereof, to write, the crucial role conferences played in her publication story, and talks about the backstory of her Christy Award winning novel, Words. Ginny also issues a challenge to writers to allow God to prepare them for publication.

Episode 5: Cynthia Ruchti, Facing the Dawn

Award-winning, bestselling author, and literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management, Cynthia Ruchti, discusses the writing of her new release, Facing the Dawn (Revell, March 2, 2021), including how to give  readers breathing space during intense scenes, weaving in spiritual themes, and the artistry in her writing. She also shares her productivity tips for authors. This episode is especially significant for those writers or readers who are interested in exploring the deeper life.

Episode 4: James L. Rubart, Cast the First Stone

James L. Rubart, bestselling author, member of the Christy Awards Hall of Fame, and co-owner of the Rubart Writing Academy, offers a behind the scenes look at his collaboration on the new The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone Series with authors Susan May Warren, and David Warren. He also discusses the impact of writing awards, writing the themes of our lives, and offers wisdom for writers.

Episode 3: Suzanne Woods Fisher, The Moonlight School

Bestselling, award-winning novelist, Suzanne Woods Fisher discusses her new historical fiction release, The Moonlight School (February 2, 2021 – Revell). Suzanne, whose books have sold over a million copies, talks about marketing fiction, capturing dialects in dialogue, and creating unique character voices. She also has words of wisdom for writers on the importance of research.

Episode 2: Sarah Sundin, When Twilight Breaks

Award-Winning, bestselling novelist Sarah Sundin discusses the inspiration behind her new release, When Twilight Breaks (Revell, February 2, 2021), her research for historical fiction, her intricate plotting system, and her role as co-conference director for West Coast Christian Writers.

Episode 1: Erin Bartels, All That We Carried

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels discusses her latest release, All That We Carried (Revell, January 5, 2021). She shares the inspiration behind the story, and talks about her writing process, women’s fiction, and publishing in the Christian marketplace.

Bonus Episode

Bonus Episode: Patricia Raybon, From Memoir to Fiction

Bestelling, award-winning author, Patricia Raybon, discusses how she made the shift from writing memoir, devotionals, and personal essays to fiction, including how she learned the craft of fiction, and her takeaway for writers from the events of 2020.