What Makes a Story Meaningful? A Christian Writer’s Guide to Darkness, Hope, and Redemption

From Edie: Discover what makes a story truly meaningful through a Christian lens. Learn how to balance darkness with hope, build redemptive themes, and create stories that resonate deeply with readers.

What Makes a Story Meaningful? A Christian Writer’s Guide to Darkness, Hope, and Redemption

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

In anticipation of this year’s Oscars, I’ve been watching as many nominated films as I can—an unpleasant task at times, given the dark worldviews many of these films present. The problem isn’t that these films portray the plight of the human condition. Great stories often do. The problem is when a story makes assumptions about human beings that render suffering meaningless or inevitable.

So today I want to explore the difference between a dark tragedy and a nihilistic story. By nihilism, I don’t mean a story that is bleak or emotionally heavy. I mean a story that assumes there is no ultimate meaning, no moral order, and no real possibility of redemption.

Do Christian Writers Need a Statement of Faith? 7 Reasons It Matters for Your Writing Ministry

From Edie: Do Christian writers need a statement of faith? Discover 7 powerful reasons it matters for your writing ministry, builds trust with readers, and opens doors with publishers, ministries, and speaking opportunities.

Do Christian Writers Need a Statement of Faith? 7 Reasons It Matters for Your Writing Ministry

by Lori Hatcher

“Do you have a Statement of Faith on your website?” I sometimes ask fellow writers.

Their responses vary.

“Ummmmm, no.”

“Yes! Here’s the link: _________.”

“I’ve never really thought about it. Do I need one?”

If you don’t have a Statement of Faith on your blog or website, here are seven good reasons to add one.

How to Raise Stakes in Your Story: Why Your Hero Must Face Death (and Why It Matters)

From Edie: Learn how to raise stakes in your story by making your hero face physical, emotional, or spiritual death. Discover powerful techniques to build tension, deepen conflict, and keep readers fully engaged.

How to Raise Stakes in Your Story: Why Your Hero Must Face Death (and Why It Matters)
by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Today I want to discuss how to add more depth and suspense to our stories. It doesn’t matter what genre you write; this title question applies to all of them.

Tolkien Reading Day: 4 Writing Lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien Every Author Should Know

From Edie: From Edie: Celebrate Tolkien Reading Day with five powerful writing lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien. Discover how imagination, faith, and life experience can strengthen your storytelling and inspire your writing journey.

Tolkien Reading Day: 4 Writing Lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien Every Author Should Know

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Since 2003, March 25 has been celebrated as Tolkien Reading Day. J.R.R. Tolkien’s books have entertained and inspired readers since his first fantasy book, The Hobbit was published September 21, 1937. I found that he wrote this story for his children, just like so many of us begin our writing careers by creating something for our children. 

According to The Tolkien Society, “The 25th of March is the date of the downfall of the Lord of the Rings (Sauron) and the fall of Barad-dûr.” This year’s theme is Unlikely Heroes. His fascinating life story reveals the background of one of the world’s greatest writers. I encourage you to visit the Tolkien Society’s website and explore the many offerings available for Tolkien readers.

Tolkien’s quotes provide us a glimpse into his mind and heart, not only for writing but for hope, faith, and the betterment of our culture. 

Dipping the Quill Deeper; Finding Writing Inspiration in Life & Scripture

From Edie: Discover how one writer’s story idea developed over 40 years and what it teaches about trusting God’s timing, creative process, and patience in writing and publishing.

Dipping the Quill Deeper; Finding Writing Inspiration in Life & Scripture

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

A single Dear Abby letter. One that told a story of a woman who woke up in the dead of night to the sound of a man snoring in the bed next to her.

Problem was, she wasn’t married and he was a stranger.

This was forty years ago, which was about 10 years before I began my career as a professional writer. But I distinctly remember reading this article and saying, “That would make a great novel premise.”

AI for Writers: Friend or Foe? How to Use Artificial Intelligence Without Losing Your Writing Voice

From Edie: Discover how writers can use AI without losing their unique voice. Learn the benefits, risks, and best practices for using artificial intelligence in your writing process.

AI for Writers: Friend or Foe? How to Use Artificial Intelligence Without Losing Your Writing Voice

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I was tasked with writing a fundraising letter for our nonprofit community theatre company. I'm a fiction writer. There isn't an iota of grant writer in me. I played, edited, and played around again with the plea, but the tone was wrong. My thoughts were all over the place—like following an ADD character’s train of thought. Squirrel! 

Finally, I went to ChatGPT and asked it to polish it. I was gobsmacked! The site took my words, tweaked them, organized them, and made the letter sound good. Then, I passed it by another board member who added a couple of their own tweaks. We ended up with a letter that sounded us like us but better. Success. 

10 Book Contest Tips and Christian Indie Award Winner Announcement

From Edie: Discover 10 practical book contest tips to boost credibility, visibility, and sales—plus the 2026 Christian Indie Award winners announcement.

10 Book Contest Tips and Christian Indie Award Winner Announcement

by Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga

When your book wins a contest, its status elevates. It reassures readers that your book is worth their time, attention, and money. Book contests are one of the most effective—and often overlooked—marketing tools available to authors. Winning a contest can open doors to credibility, visibility, and sales.