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 redemptive spark when saints meet sinners.

Chrissy opens up about her 2021 writer's block breakthrough, when God nudged her to just type by transcribing a dusty 1989 manuscript, reigniting her creativity. Drawing from her chaplain role, she runs a student writing group tackling life's tough themes through stories. Her advice to fellow Christian writers is to build a supportive tribe that champions your calling—and don't forget, writing should be fun!

https://chrissygarwood.com/https://www.facebook.com/chrissygarwoodauthor

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 creative storyteller, this episode will help you discover your natural writing style while learning to partner with God in the process. Michelle shares her personal journey of struggling with rigid, school-style plotting and how she learned to trust the way God designed her mind to create.

If you have ever felt stuck on a blank page, overwhelmed by writing a book, or unsure how to finish your manuscript, this episode will encourage you to release perfectionism, let go of pressure, and write from a place of faith instead of fear.

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 book, she reveals how creating with God transforms pressure into purpose. Stephanie opens up about the journey of over-editing, perfectionism, and learning to embrace grace over performance.

If you’re a Christian writer longing to create with impact, influence through authenticity, and write from a place of faith rather than fear, this episode will encourage you to start before you feel ready. Because you can’t edit a blank page, but you can invite God into every word.

Website: www.stephaniewalters.com.auBook Link: www.amazon.com.au/Its-Not-Sprint-Endurance-Marathon/dp/1763772047/Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephwalterswritesFacebook: www.facebook.com/stephwalterswrites

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 launched a 20-year writing career spanning seven novels and four non-fiction books rooted in faith-based writing and centred on God’s love and grace.

Jo-Anne reflects on the spiritual discipline of creating with God, learning to silence self-doubt and the “enemy’s voice” by focusing instead on obedience and God’s delight in her work. She speaks candidly about writing with purpose, staying faithful to her message despite criticism about the strong Christian themes in her books.

She also highlights the vital role of community for Christian authors - from the encouragement of Omega Writers to the dedicated prayer team that has supported her through decades of writing and public speaking.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that it is never too late to step into your calling and become the person God created you to be.

www.jo-anneberthelsen.comwww.joanneberthelsen.wordpress.comwww.facebook.com/joanne.berthelsen

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.

Break free from overthinking, quiet the inner critic, and partner with God in the creative process. From brain dumping your thoughts to stepping into other creative outlets, you will discover how to unlock clarity, reignite inspiration, and move forward in obedience, not perfection.

This is not about getting it right.
It is about getting it written.

Because your words have purpose.

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 issues. She aims to reach readers who are away from the faith and nudge them closer to God through relatable characters and storytelling.

In her journey of creating with God, Belinda has had to unlearn the "lie" of the creative muse, discovering that faith-based writing requires discipline regardless of whether one feels "inspired" or "in the flow". She is a passionate advocate for the Christian author community and founded Grace Writers in 2017 to support those writing for the mainstream. Her current project, Scorched Earth, reflects her commitment to deep research, as she recently spent time in Coober Pedy to authentically capture the experience of living underground for her mystery setting.

Ultimately, Belinda encourages other writers to protect and nourish their unique, God-given voice, believing that every creator is uniquely fashioned to offer a perspective no one else can.

In this episode of Created to Write, Nola Lorraine share how she is a versatile Christian writer and speaker who identifies as a "genre butterfly," purposefully weaving words of courage and hope across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and devotions,. Her work is deeply influenced by a drive for social justice and her personal journey as an adoptee, which inspired her novel Scattered.

Beyond her 25-year career as a university academic, Nola is dedicated to creating with God, often following divine leading to shift between projects, such as pausing a novel sequel to release her devotional, Comfort Zone.

Nola is a strong advocate for the Christian author community, emphasising the importance of "finding your tribe" and finding the wisdom and vulnerability necessary to share impactful stories.

Aside from writing, Nola runs The Write Flourish editing business with her husband, Tim.

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 inner voices questioning punctuation, ability, and calling. She explores what it truly means to create with God, choosing faith over self-doubt and staying anchored in the purpose behind the story.

This episode also unpacks the balance between humility and conviction - receiving editorial feedback while protecting the heart of the message true to the characters God has entrusted to you.

If you’re a Christian writer navigating the publishing journey, struggling with fear of criticism, or learning to write with purpose, this episode will inspire you to push past the hurdle and polish your story with confidence.