Stop Writing “Christian Stories:” How to Write Fiction with a True Christian Worldview

From Edie: Zena Dell Lowe offers insight as to why so much Christian fiction feel shallow. With her help, learn how to write stories rooted in a true Christian worldview—honest, compelling, and aligned with biblical truth without being preachy.

Stop Writing “Christian Stories:” How to Write Fiction with a True Christian Worldview

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Why are so many Christian stories so bad? Not all of them. But enough of them that even Christians hesitate to recommend them. It’s not because the talent isn’t there or the stories don’t matter. It’s because we’ve misunderstood what we’re trying to make.

Somewhere along the way, people started using the term Christian as a genre label. But a Christian worldview is not a genre. It’s a lens through which reality is interpreted. Confusing the two is exactly why so much faith-based content feels preachy, shallow, emotionally dishonest… and, if we’re being honest, bad.

Is Passive Voice Always Wrong? When and How to Use Passive vs Active Voice in Writing

From Edie: Is passive voice always wrong? Lori Hatcher shares when and how to use passive vs active voice to strengthen your writing with clear, practical examples and simple guidelines.

Is Passive Voice Always Wrong? When and How to Use Passive vs Active Voice in Writing

by Lori Hatcher

One of the first lessons I learned in professional writing was to purge passive voice from my writing. “Passive voice weakens your writing,” they said. “Instead of using To Be verbs, use strong action words instead.”

Am I Writing for God or for People? Finding the Right Motivation as a Christian Writer

From Edie: Are you writing for God or for people? Discover how to realign your motivation, overcome creative struggle, and write with purpose as a Christian writer.

Am I Writing for God or for People? Finding the Right Motivation as a Christian Writer

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT.

Not too long ago, I had a tough time with a story. When I finally went to God about it—I stress finally because I would have avoided a whole lot of pain if I’d gone to him before I even started. I ended up tossing that completed manuscript.

My problems happened because I didn’t follow Colossians 3:23. I wasn’t writing for the Lord; I was writing for people. In reality, I was writing to make myself noticed. See how clever I am. See how creative I am. Aren’t these characters outstanding? Don’t these plot twists blow your mind?

How to Use Setting as an Antagonist in Your Novel: A Powerful Technique to Strengthen Plot and Character

From Edie: Learn how to use setting as an antagonist in your novel to create conflict, deepen character growth, and strengthen your plot through place, time, and culture.

How to Use Setting as an Antagonist in Your Novel: A Powerful Technique to Strengthen Plot and Character

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Is setting an important element of a novel?

Writing a novel involves weaving literary techniques together to create a powerful story. Novelists use characterization, plot, emotion, dialogue, symbolism, sensory detail, and setting to bring characters to life as they journey through the story.

Always choose an antagonistic setting. A behind-the-scenes antagonist—often the setting itself—forces the character to grow, change, and embrace strength not previously experienced. Setting influences plot by creating barriers and struggles for the characters, while also shaping mood and emotional response.

Writing Through Hard Seasons: How to Stay Consistent When Life Feels Impossible

From Edie: Struggling to write during a difficult season? Discover practical ways to stay consistent, find strength in small wins, and keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming.

Writing Through Hard Seasons: How to Stay Consistent When Life Feels Impossible

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

There was a season in my life when everything felt stacked against me, yet it became the very time that taught me how to keep writing when life is at its hardest. I was a doctoral student at Arizona State University in Arizona, living in a state that felt both exciting and lonely. I had left behind my family and friends in New York and stepped into an entirely new world. Along with graduate studies, I was teaching a combined 4th- and 5th-grade class—bright, energetic children who deserved my very best, even on the days when I felt at my worst.

Financially, it was a sacrifice. I had taken a $20,000 pay cut to pursue my doctorate. At home, life wasn’t peaceful. My marriage was strained and dysfunctional, adding emotional weight to already heavy days. And then, in the midst of it all, I discovered I was pregnant while raising my grade-school daughter.

There were nights when discouragement felt like a thick fog. Writing my dissertation, this massive, scholarly book felt impossible. The idea of completing it while balancing teaching, motherhood, pregnancy, financial strain, and isolation seemed almost laughable.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

From Edie: Feel like your platform is too small to matter? Discover why your words have value right now and how to faithfully steward your message, no matter the size of your audience.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Have you ever felt like your words don't really matter yet?

Like you need a publishing contract or a couple of books on a shelf before anyone will take you seriously? Honestly, before you take yourself seriously?

Or maybe you've stared at your subscriber count and felt the slow leak of discouragement that comes when the numbers don't match your effort. You pour yourself into the words, hit send, and then... silence. A low open rate. Maybe a few replies. Does anyone care?

10 Reasons Every Writer Should Attend a Writers Conference (And Why It’s Worth the Investment)

From Edie: Wondering if a writers conference is worth it? Discover 10 powerful reasons every writer should attend to grow skills, connect with industry professionals, and build a lasting writing community.

10 Reasons Every Writer Should Attend a Writers Conference (And Why It’s Worth the Investment)

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I’ve had a lot of conversations with writers about the value of attending a writing conference. The comments I receive are as varied as the folks I talk to. Most who have attended are enthusiastic about them, and share their favorites or talk about a new one they’re going to attend this year. We trade experiences and create an excitement for the next one we’ll go to.

Then there are folks who have not gone to any writers’ conferences at all. They have many reasons why and a few are valid points for their circumstances. I have to admit, though, the response that often leaves me puzzled is this: why should I bother spending the money and wasting my time?