Created to Write

Stuck in an endless edit loop? Battling self-doubt every time you sit down to write? In this episode, Michelle Dennis Evans breaks down 10 essential principles every aspiring writer needs to conquer the blank page. Drawing from her own journey as a published author, she shares honest reflections and practical strategies for navigating the emotional and practical hurdles of the writing life. You'll...

In this episode of Created to Write , author Jeff Maxim shares how a real-world discovery of a Cold War facility sparked a debut novel and a writing life he never saw coming. His middle-grade novel Smoke and Mirrors is the kind of story only a curious mind could conjure, but Jeff is refreshingly honest about what it took to get there. He underestimated the technical discipline of Christian writing...

In this episode of Created to Write , author Jacquelane Cox shares a refreshingly honest look at what it means to pursue Christian writing as a divine calling rather than just acareer. Her first traditional publishing success came from a spontaneous conference pitch, a reminder to every Christian writer that preparation and opportunity have a habit ofcolliding when you least expect it. Jacquelane...

In this special 50th episode, host Michelle Dennis Evans celebrates fifty episodes of Created to Write and the vibrant community that has grown around it. From nervous first-time authors to seasoned novelists, the show has featured some of the most generous voices in Christian writing. Guests have shared lifelong dreams, wholesome fiction across every genre, personal testimonies, family stories, a...

In this episode of Created to Write , author coach Colin Murugiah shares a writing journey that began at fifteen and hasn't slowed down since. A sprawling, scripture-rooted adventure at the intersection of Christian writing and speculative fiction. Colin blends science fiction and fantasy to reflect biblical principles and the nature of God's kingdom, making him a distinctive voice in Christian cr...

In a fun twist, the tables turn this episode and Michelle Dennis Evans becomes the guest, giving listeners a rare, intimate look at the heart behind the host of Created to Write . Michelle writes young adult contemporary fiction that doesn't flinch. Her verse novel was inspired by a true maritime tragedy and the  Spiralling trilogy was born from a desire to explore redemption for girls navigating...

In this episode of Created to Write , we meet Maria Crane, author, educator, and a beautifully grounded voice in the Christian writing community whose creative process is as organic as it is intentional. Maria's portfolio spans children's literature, poetry, artwork and Christian devotionals - but it's her book Silver Song that stops you in your tracks. An autobiographical story written to help st...

In this episode of Created to Write , we meet Christine Dillon, a multi-genre Christian author, full-time missionary, and one of the most methodical voices in the Christian writing community. Christine's move into fiction was never part of the plan. She resisted novels for years until her background in oral storytelling gave her both the voice and the confidence to make the leap into contemporary...

Your Body Is Your Creative Vessel: Michelle Dennis Evans onWriter Health and Longevity In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans tackles something most Christian writers ignore until it's too late - what prolonged sitting is doing to your body and your creativity. Drawing from her own past health crisis, Michelle makes acompelling case for disciplined self-care as part of every C...

In this episode of Created to Write , Christian author Roberta Brown opens up about one of the most raw and redemptive memoirs you'll encounter on A Mother's Wilderness Journey. Roberta's story is not for the faint-hearted. A widow raising eight children, fighting to save her daughter from drug addiction, navigating serious health battles, and through it all, documenting her faith-driven resilienc...

In this episode of Created to Write , Melbourne-based Christian author Simon Camilleri shares a writing journey that is as intentional as it is inspiring, rooted in fatherhood, rhythm, and a deep love for making faith accessible to children. Simon writes theologically grounded children's books designed to help parents introduce Christian faith and prayer in ways that are engaging, age-appropriate,...

In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans tackles one of the most avoided conversations in the Christian writing community… how do you actually pay for your writing career? From editing costs to publishing expenses, the financial reality of being a Christian author is real. Michelle reframes it around creative stewardship - managing your time, energy and resources as gifts entrus...

In this episode of Created to Write , Christian author Susan J. Bruce takes us on a fascinating journey from veterinary science and science journalism to writing uplifting cozy mysteries that leave readers with hope, warmth, and a renewed sense of empathy. For anyone exploring writing, Susan's story is a masterclass in playing to your strengths. Her unique blend of theology, science, and storytell...

What separates writers who finish from writers who dream? According to writer and editor Kiara Thomas, it starts with one non-negotiable: you have to be a reader first. In this episode, Kiara brings sharp, experienced insight into the craft, from beating writer's block through meticulous planning and outlining (and why "pantsing" might be quietly sabotaging you), to her fascinating r...

In this special episode, host Michelle Dennis Evans gets personal, reflecting on her writing journey that began with a secret passion and survived the kind of discouragement that silences too many voices too soon. Michelle opens up about teachers who dismissed her creative efforts as immature and impractical, and the years she spent writing poetry in secret. Her story will resonate with every Chri...

Fantasy novelist Justice Tilsher didn't start with a keyboard; he started with a love of visual storytelling. In this episode, Justice traces his creative journey and delivers some of the most practical, faith-rooted writing advice you'll hear - stop measuring yourself against other authors and start measuring yourself against who you were yesterday. For writers stuck in the comparison tra...

Author and illustrator Alexia Macken left academia behind to follow her creative calling and she hasn't looked back. In this episode, Alexia walks us through her published works, from a practical discipleship guide for mothers to an illustrated children's book rooted in spiritual prophecy, proving that writers don't have to be boxed into one genre. For aspiring writers, this one's...

In this episode of Created to Write , host Michelle Dennis Evans tackles a topic many Christian writers find uncomfortable but absolutely cannot afford to ignore - money. Michelle brings her trademark straight-talking warmth to the financial realities of a writing career, reminding every Christian author that valuing your work isn't pride, it's stewardship. From understanding your worth to recogni...

Church planter, educator, and author Pedro Alexandrino shares his journey from Brazil to New Zealand to Australia and the book that came out of it. Pedro breaks down how he blended the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai with a Christian worldview to write a purpose-driven guide that resonates with readers across cultures. For writers, this episode is packed with insight: Pedro opens up about his writin...

We’ve been sold the idea that success in writing comes down to discipline and structure—but what if that’s not true for everyone? In this episode of Created to Write , Melissa Gijsbers opens up about navigating creativity with autism and ADHD, and why rigid systems nearly shut her down. This powerful conversation speaks directly to Christian writers and faith-based creatives, exploring what it tru...

In this episode, Michelle Dennis Evans calls on her listeners to recognise the sacred value hidden in their personal stories. Your life experiences, the trials, triumphs, and quiet moments of faith, are not meant to remain hidden. By faithfully documenting them through autobiographies, blog posts, personal letters, or journals, and maybe one day a book, you can become a source of encouragement and...

In this episode of Created to Write, Michelle Dennis Evans speaks with author Tony Rissen about building a writing life that reflects both passion and stewardship. Through her journey from teacher to author and biographer, Tony has followed a path shaped not by trends but by a genuine love for storytelling and people. Her work captures the histories of businesses and families, highlighting the pow...

In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans speaks with author Steph Penny about what it looks like to answer the creative call, even in the middle of life’s challenges. From writing non-fiction to stepping into the world of fantasy, Steph shares the heart behind her Survival Series , which explores chronic illness, childlessness and resilience through a Christian lens. We talk abo...

In this episode, author Michelle Dennis Evans tackles one of the biggest writing roadblocks: getting stuck in the first chapters because you are editing while you write. If you have ever struggled with writer’s block, overthinking your words, or constantly rereading instead of making progress, this episode will shift your approach. Michelle introduces the powerful “brain dump” writing method, a pr...

In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans talks with Christian author Janette Grant Thompson, a lifelong writer who discovered her love for words at just six years old. With a career spanning decades, including a biography that has remained in print for over 30 years, Janette shares what it really takes to build a lasting writing journey. Her character-driven approach reminds us...