In this episode of Created to Write, host Michelle Dennis Evans talks with American author Heidi Honey about faith, perseverance, and the unexpected twists of the publishing world. Heidi opens up about the hurdles she faced early in her writing journey, including the sudden passing of her first publisher, navigating self-publishing on Amazon KDP, and overcoming costly marketing missteps.

She shares how her deep Christian faith inspires her writing, from blog posts turned into books to personal stories of marital restoration and divine encounters in everyday life. Heidi also reflects on the joy of sharing her work at women's ministry events and leaving a lasting legacy for her family and community. Wrapping up the interview, Heidi offers practical encouragement for aspiring authors, recommending writing exercises by Leslie Leyland Fields and stressing the importance of daily writing discipline.

Find out more about Heidi's work on her Musings Along Life's Journey Blog and check out Leslie Leyland Fields' book Your Story Matters.

In this episode of Created to Write, Julie Modra, author, secondary teacher, and Master of Creative Writing student, shares how personal resilience and faith shape her inspiring storytelling.

Julie opens up about writing hope-filled fiction through real-life adversity, including childhood trauma, cancer journeys, and grief. She reflects on her published works, from her autobiography A Life More Than Ordinary (written as Julie Tyrie) to her teen novella Oscar Was Here (Rhiza Press), and discusses the craft of balancing middle-grade, teen, historical, and inspirational fiction with romantic elements. Drawing on her experience as an English teacher and tertiary lecturer, Julie also shares how she champions and mentors other writers along the way.

Whether you’re navigating personal challenges while writing, exploring multiple genres, or looking for encouragement from a fellow educator-author, this episode offers honest insight and hope for your own creative journey.

Oscar Was Here by Julie Modra https://amzn.to/46EYzP6
Connect with Julie at juliemodra.com

Facebook @ Julie Modra Author

Instagram @juliemodra.author

Subscribe to Created to Write for weekly encouragement, practical writing tips, and interviews with faith-led authors.

Are you feeling stuck, not knowing where to start or battling blank-page paralysis? Are you wondering how to navigate the publishing process? It’s time to move past the roadblocks andbring your message to the world.

In this episode of Created to Write, Michelle Dennis Evans breaks down practical, faith-infused strategies to help you gain clarity, stay consistent, and take your book from draft to published reality. Whether you're an aspiring author or working through your latest manuscript, discover howto align your creative vision with purposeful action.

Subscribe to Created to Write for weekly encouragement, practical tips, and interviews with faith-led authors.

What’s the biggest challenge keeping you from finishing yourbook? Let us know in the comments below!

Books by Michelle Dennis Evans

michelledennisevans.com

What happens when a top sales trainer and multi-time author surrenders his writing process to God?

In this episode of Created to Write, host Michelle Dennis Evans speaks with mentor, entrepreneur, and author Ray Higdon. After coming to Christ in 2022, Ray experienced a radical shift in how he approaches his work, transition from traditional business authoring to writing spirit-led books guided by prayer and faith.

In this episode...

• Faith in Business & Writing: How Ray transitioned from writing traditional sales books to releasing spirit-led titles like Faith Driven Wealth.

• Surrendering the Process: Why Ray stopped relying on traditional interviewing/editing methods and started waking up at 3:00 AM to let God guide every chapter.

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: How someone who failed high school English landed a six-figure traditional publishing deal with Hay House.

• Walking by Faith, Not Sight: Ray’s powerful advice for aspiring authors who are waiting for "the right time, money, or platform" before starting their book.

"He didn't call you to have the money for publishing; He called you to write the book. When you're obedient to how God is nudging you, doors fling wide open." — Ray Higdon

Books by Ray: https://amzn.to/4qNaGTA

Connect with Ray: Ray Higdon's Official Site

In this inspiring episode of Created to Write, host Michelle Dennis Evans interviews Ruth Saw—a corporate trainer, Gallup-certified Strengths coach, and international bestselling author from Singapore. Ruth shares her powerful journey from self-doubt to Amazon bestseller success, offering hope and practical wisdom for aspiring authors, faith-based writers, and anyone writing through life’s hardest seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Overcoming Writer’s Self-Doubt: Despite failing English in school, Ruth pushed past insecurity and wrote her first book, Clarity Is Power, during a career transition and the COVID-19 pandemic. To her surprise, it became an Amazon bestseller on launch day—proof that your past doesn’t define your writing future.
• Writing for Impact, Not Just Achievement: Ruth reveals how her motivation shifted from personal success to transforming lives. One reader came to faith after reading a salvation prayer in her book; another experienced breakthrough in both career and family.
• Writing Through Grief & Faithfulness: She opens up about the painful season surrounding her father’s passing, which initially stalled a book project on communion and healing. Through her grief, God healed her heart first—enabling her to publish Dancing With My King and later complete the communion book in her father’s honor.
• Encouragement for Aspiring Authors: Ruth’s advice is freeing: relieve the pressure by writing for yourself first. Treat the writing process as a personal journey of healing, discovery, and partnership with God.

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, writing through grief, chasing your first bestseller, or seeking to create books that change lives, this conversation delivers honest encouragement and faith-filled wisdom every Christian writer and aspiring author needs to hear.

Ruth Saw is an international bestselling author, speaker, and leadership trainer passionate about helping people discover their identity and walk in their calling. She has written 7 books on clarity and faith, including multiple Amazon bestsellers and a Chinese publication. She hosts the Clarity Is Power podcast, where she equips professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence in the marketplace.

Ruth's Books: https://amzn.to/3T8uEvJ

https://www.theclarityexpert.co/

What happens when international travel plans fall apart, leaving you stranded in a foreign country? In this episode, host Michelle Dennis Evans shares her adventurous story offlying to America alone - only to realise her host was a full day away. Yet, what could have been a nerve-wracking mishap quickly transformed into a powerful lesson in God’s provision, safety, and divine intervention.

Beyond a spiritual reflection on stepping out in faith, this episode doubles as a practical tool to help Christian authors break through creative blocks. Tune in as Michelle delivers awriting challenge with a prize!

Ready to turn unexpected life moments into published fiction?

Write up to 500 words (listen now for writing prompt details) - Competition closed.

Subscribe to Novelish News, then submit your story via Michelle Dennis Evans Connect page 👉🏼 https://michelledennisevans.com/contact/

Books by Michelle Dennis Evans

Entries close 31st August 2026

In this episode of Created to Write, host Michelle Dennis Evans sits down with award-winning Australian author Karen Brough of Heart Hope Publishing. Karen shares her inspiring journey from primary school teacher to faith-based author and children’s book creator after an autoimmune diagnosis changed the course of her life.

She explains why she thrives as a “pantser,” following passion and divine inspiration instead of rigid outlines and how that approach fuels authentic storytelling. Karen also discusses writing for two unique audiences: serving faith-focused readers navigating chronic illness or grief, while reaching secular audiences through heartfelt children’s picture books. She opens up about the devastating moment an editor stripped away her authentic voice, how she recovered, and why every author must become their own voice’s biggest cheerleader. Finally, she offers practical advice for new authors on rejecting one-size-fits-all strategies and building a sustainable, introvert-friendly writing and marketing path that plays to personal strengths.

Whether you’re a faith-based writer, children’s book creator, pantser, or introverted author looking for realistic marketing tips, this conversation offers encouragement, hard-won wisdom, and practical strategies to help you write with purpose and protect the voice that makes your stories uniquely yours.

Karen Brough is an award-winning Australian author and founder of Heart Hope Publishing, creating books that nurture hearts and minds through life’s journeys. She writes children’s picture books and faith-based resources that gently support emotional wellbeing, grief, and everyday life challenges. Karen is also the creator of the Introvert-Friendly Book Marketing course, helping authors share their work with confidence in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Karen's Books: https://amzn.to/4zPYSE9

https://karenbrough.com/

https://hearthopepublishing.com/

https://introvertbookmarketing.com/

From Air Force Researcher to Historical Fiction Author:Brock Meier's Remarkable Second Act

In this episode of Created to Write, retired Air Force researcher Brock Meier proves it's never too late to answer a creative calling.

Brock brings a scientist's precision to faith-based writing, evolving from a spontaneous pantser into a structured researcher who digs into archaeological studies to ground his historical fiction. His Christian author process is methodical, and the results speak for themselves.

What makes his work distinctive is its accessibility. Brock's Christian faith subtly shapes his biblically based narratives without alienating secular readers, a balance every Christian author writing for a broad audience needs to hear about.

His advice to aspiring creators is direct - push through imposter syndrome and stay the course, because the long game is always worth it.

After a half-century career of scientific research, BrockMeier now explores the incredible, untold stories of little-known people from centuries past. Written, cultural, and material history are the springboard from which his “Stories Begin Where the History Ends.” When not writing, BrockMeier makes exotic wines and experimental desserts as he listens to jazz, opera, and classical music—all while thinking where the next story is headed.Brock lives in the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country. His debut novel, The Stone Cutter, was awarded the Ancient World Historical Fiction Book of the Year.

Brock Meier's books: https://amzn.to/4i76snJ

https://brockmeierauthor.com