Created to Write

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...

In this episode, Michelle Dennis Evans offers practical and faith-filled guidance for authors on how to navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges of receiving feedback. She stresses the importance of carefully vetting editors by requesting trial samples to ensure their communication style and vision align with your own. While every writer must build resilience to handle criticism and negativ...

In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans speaks with Australian author Jenny Woolsey about writing through real-life challenges with courage and purpose. Living with Crouzon syndrome and visual impairment, and raising children with disabilities, Jenny has created a body of work that reflects God’s ability to bring beauty, meaning and connection through struggle. Her “weirdly won...

In this episode of Created to Write , Christian author Penny Reeve shares what it means to pursue faith-driven, God-led writing with purpose. A prolific children’s writer across picture books, junior fiction and YA, Penny is passionate about telling stories that explore big truths of faith and make lasting Kingdom impact. Writing under multiple names yet guided by one mission — to honour God — she...

In this episode, we sit down with Chrissy Garwood, a Tasmanian Christian author and school chaplain who's spent decades weaving faith into storytelling. Once convinced that serious Christians skipped fiction, she now crafts truth-filled tales in romantic suspense and middle grade and young adult fantasy. As a neurodivergent rule keeper, her work probes the clash of light and dark, and the rede...

In this episode of Created to Write , host Michelle Dennis Evans explores one of the most debated topics in the writing world: pantser vs plotter. Are you someone who carefully outlines every chapter, or do you prefer to write freely and let the story unfold? More importantly, how does your God-given creativity shape the way you write? Whether you are a Christian writer, aspiring author, or creati...

In this powerful episode of Created to Write, Christian writer and ultra-marathon runner Stephanie Walters shares how faith, endurance, and vulnerability shape both her life and her writing. As an award-winning memoirist and copy editor, Stephanie understands that writing isn’t just about craft - it’s about surrender. From running ultra-marathons to navigating the long road of completing her first...

In this insightful episode, Jo-Anne Berthelsen, a prolific Christian writer and author of 11 books, shares her powerful journey of answering God’s call later in life. Although she dreamed of writing as a child, it wasn’t until her late 50s, while journaling by the Mediterranean Sea, that she sensed God clearly say it was time to “go home and start writing.” That moment of divine permission launche...

Blank Page No More: Write with God, Not Fear If you dream of becoming a published author, this episode is your permission slip to finally begin. In this episode of Created to Write , Michelle Dennis Evans tackles the struggle many writers face: the blank page. Michelle reminds you that your story does not start when everything is perfect. It starts the moment you surrender and put pen to paper. Br...

Former journalist, Belinda Pollard, now writes books, is a book editor, and coach who specialises in writing mainstream crime novels, such as her "Wild Crimes Mysteries" series. Rather than writing traditional Christian fiction, she focuses on writing with purpose by incorporating what she calls grace notes with subtle hints of the Kingdom into stories that tackle difficult real-world is...

Genre Butterfly, Brave Storyteller: Christian Author Nola Lorraine on Courage, Hope and Community In this episode of Created to Write , author Nola Lorraine proves that refusing to be boxed into one genre is not a weakness - it's a superpower. A self-described genre butterfly, Nola moves freely between fiction, poetry, and devotionals, drawing from a deeply personal well. As anadoptee, her own...

In this episode of Created to Write , author Michelle Dennis Evans shares the emotional and spiritual challenges of the editing process. As she completes the final book in her Spiralling trilogy, a project ten years in the making, she reflects on the resilience required to move from rough draft to published book. Michelle opens up about the insecurity many Christian writers face during edits - the...

Clean Romance, Real Redemption: Christian Author MarleeBlake's Courageous Writing Journey In this episode of Created to Write , Marlee Blake shares how childhood bullying and a strict upbringing didn't silence her voice - they shaped it. Writing became Marlee's safe place early, and that emotional honesty now fuels her clean romance fiction, stories that tackle difficult themes like hu...

Maps, Worlds and an Aurealis Award: The Remarkable Creative Life of Christian Author Jeanette O'Hagan In this episode of Created to Write , Brisbane-based fantasy and sci-fi author Jeanette O'Hagan takes us inside a creative universe that began with childhood maps and has grown into eight published works and counting. Jeanette's faith-based writing doesn't conform to market categor...

In this episode of the Created to Write podcast, bestselling author Michelle Dennis Evans shares the thrill and challenges of stepping out in faith to finally launch her creation after years of dedication to faith-based writing. She opens up about creating with God, writing with purpose, and trusting His timing throughout the publishing journey. With her young adult contemporary fiction series, th...

Wholesome Sci-Fi Without the Sermon: Lynne Stringer on Writing Faith Into General Fiction In this episode of Created to Write , young adult science fiction author Lynne Stringer tackles one of the most nuanced challenges in Christian writing - how do you honour your faith without alienating your audience? Her answer is refreshingly practical. Lynne writes wholesome, hope-filled stories for the sec...

Empathy, Inclusion and Hope: Catriona McKeown'sMission-Driven Fiction In this episode of Created to Write , inclusive education teacher and author Catriona McKeown shares how her classroom experience and life as a mother shaped a writing mission that goes far beyond storytelling. Catriona writes young adult fiction that centres characters with autism, PTSD, and dyslexia, not as plot devices, b...

Are you stuck in learning mode instead of finishing your book, blog, song, or creative project? Many writers and creatives fall into the trap of constant learning, consuming courses, podcasts, and personal development content, while struggling to actually complete their work. In this episode of the Created to Write podcast, Michelle Dennis Evans explores learning addiction, creative procrastinatio...