Story Embers Podcast

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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

In today’s episode Josiah, Lori, and Daeus tackle a common storytelling obstacle: stories with forgettable themes. They discuss examples of underwhelming themes, propose possible culprits, and give advice on how to ensure your story’s theme is resonant 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

"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 (https://www.patreon.com/sto

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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Finding the right theme to explore in a story can be a struggle. How can you make sure your theme is deep instead of shallow? What are some common mistakes writers make when selecting themes? Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus tackle these questions and more on today’s 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/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-39-choosing-the-right-themes-to-write-about/)- 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

The second act is notoriously difficult for many writers—how can you keep your story’s middle engaging while progressing the plot at the correct pace? Hope, Josiah, and Gabrielle give tips on how to remedy a sagging second act and discuss how writers can ensure that every scene in the story’s middle is essential.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-38-overcoming-the-sagging-middle/)- 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Some stories have conflict that immediately grabs readers while others fall flat. In this episode, Josiah, Rolena, and Daeus discuss their favorite examples of engaging conflict and offer tips on how to build up to those moments. Listen to their conversation below!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/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-37-crafting-irresistible-plots-conflicts/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Today Josiah, Rolena, Daeus, and Hope tackle the ins and outs of effective worldbuilding. They discuss common worldbuilding mistakes they’ve seen authors make and give tips on how to introduce worldbuilding to readers without info-dumping.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Access our FREE Wordbuilding Questionnaire and other resources: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Daeus's article "How to Create Original Slang that Enriches Your Story World": (https://storyembers.org/how-to-create-original-slang-that-enriches-your-story-world/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/?s=podcast)- 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Today Josiah, Brianna, and Gabrielle share their experiences with professional editing and how it has helped them grow as writers. They debunk common misconceptions that writers have about working with a professional editor and discuss the advantages of hiring one. What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes:- Have your work sharpened by Story Embers' recommended editor: (https://www.theliterarycrusader.com/welcome.html)- Josiah’s article “3 Truths You May Not Realize About Professional Editing”: (https://storyembers.org/three-truths-you-may-not-realize-about-professional-editing/)- Access our FREE Cultivating a Mindset for Success e-course: (https://storyembers.org/mindset/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-35-what-professional-editing-is-like/)- Become a supporter and get access to exclusive Story Embers updates, swag, and more! (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)Music credits:Legendary - Purple P

Today Josiah, Rolena, Daeus, and Hope tackle one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal: subtext. What is it? Why is it important? What do you lose when your story lacks it? What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE How to Weave Christian Themes into Your Story worksheet: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-34-demystifying-subtext/)- 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)

Almost every piece of writing advice is served with a side of “keep your readers in mind,” but what exactly does that phrase mean? And how can writers practice it effectively? In today’s episode, Josiah, Brianna, and Gabrielle share tips for how to focus on your readers during the writing and editing process.What topics would you like to hear discussed on the podcast? Let us know at info@storyembers.org!Show notes: - Download our FREE Ask the Reader e-book: (https://storyembers.org/resource-library/)- Comment on this episode on our blog: (https://storyembers.org/se-podcast-33-how-to-keep-your-readers-in-mind/)- 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 (https://www.patreon.com/storyembers)