Story Embers Podcast

How can you approach sympathetic villains and antiheroes from a Christian perspective, especially in our modern culture? In today’s episode, Gabby, Hope, and Daeus give inspiring and thought-provoking advice on how to make a villain relatable without condoning his actions. They also explain how the Apostle Peter demonstrates that antiheroes need to be explored as much as heroes and villains. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more!Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

Do you want to supercharge your writing habits during the new year? In today’s episode, Daeus, Hope, and Gabby give their top tips for setting writing goals that will help you maintain a consistent schedule no matter how busy your life is. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

In this special episode, we’re taking a step back to think about Christmas. Traditionally, this is a season of anticipation for the future and remembering the long wait for a Savior. Lori, Josiah, and Mariposa discuss how to cope with seasons of waiting as writers and how to find time to rest during the holidays.Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

How does the content you digest affect your writing? How can you be more intentional about what’s influencing your stories? In today’s episode, Lori, Mariposa, and Josiah discuss practical ways they use their favorite books to deepen their works-in-progress and how you can tell if your latest read is damaging your creative process. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog!- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the showSupport the show

“Show, don’t tell” is a common writing mantra, but can it extend to how the gospel influences your fiction? What are some practical ways you can allude to God’s reality without becoming preachy? In today’s episode, Mariposa, Josiah, and Lori discuss how characters’ actions can point to Christ, as well as the purpose of writers within the broader context of the church. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (SE Podcast #55: How to Show and Not Tell the Gospel in Fiction - Story Embers)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

The most powerful stories end with a sacrifice. But why does that theme resonate with readers? In today’s episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss why sacrifice is vital to the protagonist’s growth and how you can craft an impactful scene. Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/?p=150718)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

In today’s episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus share the various ways Scripture has influenced their creative choices as storytellers and deepened their work. How does the Bible model the kinds of stories we want to tell? And how does the truth contained within our favorite verses seep into our fiction?Show notes:- Comment on this episode on our blog! (SE Podcast #53: The Bible’s Impact on Writing - Story Embers)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

Welcome to a special edition of our podcast in conjunction with our article series and book study on Sara Ella’s Coral. Today Brianna Storm Hilvety, Mariposa Aristeo, and James Noller sit down with the author to discuss her experience while writing the novel. Sara gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what inspired her ideas and explains how she balanced sensitive issues like depression and suicide with her love of fairy tales.Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-52-interview-with-sara-ella-about-coral)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

 Edits that affect your entire manuscript can be daunting. How do you know what to change, when to change it, and whether you’ve fixed the problem? In today’s episode, Martin, Lori, and Daeus discuss how to manage large-scale revisions and find the motivation to edit when you’re overwhelmed. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-51-ho…during-revisions/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Positive Motivation - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show

 In today’s episode, the panelists celebrate Story Embers’ fourth anniversary with a walk down memory lane and a heartfelt goodbye to current podcast host, Grace Livingston. Josiah, Daeus, and Grace reminisce about Story Embers’ development from a daring concept to the site’s launch in 2018, and Lori shares how our mission drew her in years later. They reflect on how Story Embers has shaped them personally, grown their knowledge of storytelling, and more. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-50-reflecting-on-four-years-of-story-embers/)- 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

In today’s episode, Josiah, Daeus, and Lori tackle a common storytelling obstacle: forgettable themes. They discuss examples of underwhelming themes, propose possible causes, and give advice on how to ensure that your story’s theme is relatable and impactful. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Learn more about The Resonant Themes Summit--registration closes April 17th! (https://storyembers.org/summit/) - Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-49-how-to-avoid-forgettable-themes/)- 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

Engaging fiction comes from a fountain of creativity within the author, but ideas gush out more fluidly on some days than others. In today’s episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Lori share the habits that keep their imaginations primed for use and give tips to help other writers through dry spells. Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Read Lori's article "5 Classroom Techniques Writers Can Adopt to Improve Creativity"! (https://storyembers.org/5-classroom-techniques-writers-can-adopt-to-improve-creativity/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-48-embracing-your-inner-creativity/)- 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

Some authors write because it’s a calling—others write just for the joy of it. In today’s episode, Daeus, Rose, and Martin share what motivates each of them as authors and discuss what it means to be “called” to write. They talk about the importance of understanding your own motivations as a storyteller and give practical tips for deciding what place writing holds in your life.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Read Daeus's article "How to Triple Your Writing Speed in One Day"! (https://storyembers.org/how-to-triple-your-writing-speed-in-one-day/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-47-does-god-call-people-to-write/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Leg

As the old saying goes, good writers are good readers first. But what books should writers be reading? In today’s episode, Josiah, Mariposa, and Lori talk about the importance of exploring genres outside the ones they write in and the lessons they’ve learned when doing so. They also give practical tips on how you can expand your own reading selections. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org! Show notes:- For more book promotion and platform help, listen to the Novel Marketing Podcast! (https://www.authormedia.com/novel-marketing/)- Comment on this episode on our blog! (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-46-reading-widely/)- 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

The fourth resolution of our manifesto states, "We resolve to infuse our storytelling with truth, being bold and unafraid of our stance while presenting it with love and tact, recognizing that truth in storytelling is best communicated when shown, not told." Telling the truth in love is a common mantra in Christian circles. But how do you apply it to fiction, and what does it look like in practice? Josiah, Daeus, Rose, and Martin tackle these questions and more in 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/how-to-subtly-and-effectively-speak-truth-in-fiction/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://ww

In today’s episode, Josiah joins staff members Mariposa and Lori as they take an in-depth look at kidlit. They discuss what makes the genre unique, how the age of your audience affects the writing process, and the lessons authors of any genre can learn from children’s stories.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

"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.or

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's article "Why Realistic Motives Alone Don'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 th

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'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)Music credits:Legendary - Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Support the show

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