Have you ever opened your manuscript after your editor sent it back and thought, "Oh my gosh. Look at all these comments. Why am I even writing books?"

If editor feedback, developmental editing, or revising your novel sends your imposter syndrome into overdrive — you're not alone. I've written more than twenty books, and I still get that wave of panic when I open an edited manuscript and see all those comments waiting for me.

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the editing process for Winter Wedding Murder and sharing actual comments from my editor — including one pretty big character-name oops!

We'll talk about how to approach editor feedback without letting overwhelm or self-doubt convince you that you're not a "real" writer. I'll also share how I break novel edits into manageable pieces, why editing takes a different kind of brain power, and why you should actually celebrate when your manuscript comes back covered in comments.

We'll talk about: • Why editor feedback can trigger imposter syndrome — even for experienced authors • How developmental editing helps uncover plot holes, missing clues, confusing details, and story problems • Why you don't have to tackle every editing comment at once • How to work through novel revisions at a pace that doesn't overwhelm you • Why an editor's suggestions don't mean you failed as a writer • The character-name mistake my editor caught in Winter Wedding Murder

Your editor didn't write the book.

You did.

They're helping you polish the story you've already created — and sometimes they're helping you remember that you've already used the name Dale in another book.

Your stories matter. And it's not too late to start.

This episode was sponsored by my free cozy mystery novella - Dead Quiet At The Library - Grab your copy - https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/cozymystery

Or listen on Audible -https://a.co/d/0bvwGD7f

Save The Cat Writes A Novel - https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745

How To Write A Cozy Mystery: Step By Step - https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Cozy-Mystery-Reader-Favorite-ebook/dp/B0BLQF3PK3

Winter Wedding Murder : 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Wedding-Murder-Maplewood-Goldendoodle-ebook/dp/B0FSK57NJV

Think your character has to be perfect for readers to love them?

If you’ve been trying to write clean fiction with strong, likable characters — but your story still feels flat, predictable, or emotionally disconnected — you’re not alone. And honestly, the problem might be that your character’s life is just too easy.

In this episode, I’m sharing why your character needs to fail, what a blackest moment actually is, and how disasters and dilemmas create the emotional depth readers connect with most.

I’ll walk you through practical ways to raise the stakes in your middle grade or YA novel while still writing clean, faith-aligned fiction full of heart, growth, and emotional tension.

We’ll talk about: • What a blackest moment is and why every story needs one • Why flawed characters are more relatable than perfect ones • How disasters and dilemmas create emotional depth • Why hard choices and consequences keep readers invested • How false confidence makes your blackest moment hit harder emotionally

You do not have to write perfect characters to write meaningful stories.

You can write characters who struggle, fail, grow, and keep going — and honestly, those are often the stories readers remember most.

Your stories matter. And it’s not too late to start.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Grab the Middle Grade Magic Workbook: 👉 https://bit.ly/middlegrademagic

Sponsored by Sera Craven Mystery #1 — The Case of the Missing Person: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Person-Craven-Mystery/dp/1727391764

Grab the FREE Social Media Safety Workbook: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/socialmediasafety

Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians

Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter

Think clean middle grade fiction can’t keep readers hooked?

If you’ve been trying to write middle grade or YA fiction that’s exciting without relying on profanity, graphic scenes, or inappropriate content — feeling unsure whether readers will actually stay engaged — you’re not alone. And trying to figure this out on your own can keep you stuck longer than you need to be.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to write a clean middle grade novel kids genuinely want to read — while still honoring your Christian values and keeping your stories full of adventure, heart, mystery, and emotional depth.

I’ll walk you through a few key elements that make clean fiction work, especially if you’re a Christian writer who wants to create meaningful stories without compromising your faith.

We’ll talk about: • Creating a main character readers truly connect with • Why quirks and unique traits make characters unforgettable • How to include adult guidance in middle grade fiction without losing tension • Why clean fiction can still have cliffhangers, danger, twists, and emotional depth • Using the read-aloud test to protect the integrity of your story

You don’t have to compromise your faith to write compelling fiction.

You can start small. You can start where you are. But you don’t have to do this alone.

Your story matters. And it’s not too late to start.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Grab the Middle Grade Magic Workbook: 👉 https://bit.ly/middlegrademagic

Sponsored by Sera Craven Mystery #1 — The Case of the Missing Person: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Person-Craven-Mystery/dp/1727391764

Grab the FREE Social Media Safety Workbook: 👉 https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/socialmediasafety

Join the Novel Writing for Christians community: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelwritingforchristians

Join the email list for encouragement and writing tips: 👉 https://bit.ly/novelnewsletter