Author and illustrator Alexia Macken left academia behind to follow her creative calling and she hasn't looked back. In this episode, Alexia walks us through her published works, from a practical discipleship guide for mothers to an illustrated children's book rooted in spiritual prophecy, proving that writers don't have to be boxed into one genre.

For aspiring writers, this one's gold. Alexia shares her signature "brain dump" writing method, how she tackles the unique challenges of editing across multiple genres - including verse and young adult fiction - and her honest take on modern book marketing. She also gets real about imposter syndrome and how her faith became the bridge over it.

Her message to anyone sitting on a story? Just start. Your creativity exists to inspire others — so use it.

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 recognising the red flags of industry scammers, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the business side of writing.

For those considering investing in their growth through conferences, coaching, or professional development,Michelle offers a balanced, practical framework. She's a firm advocate for investing wisely in yourself, while sounding a clear warning against high-cost vanity publishers that prey on the hopes of beginner writers. Her advice? Lean into your community, ask hard questions, and use every modern tool available to verify the legitimacy of any offer that lands in your inbox.

The conversation also turns to the often-overlooked power of authentic reviews and Michelle makes a compellingcase for readers and writers to actively support their peers with honest, generous feedback. In a crowded market, community generosity is a strategy as much as it is a virtue.

Woven throughout is the spiritual thread that makes this more than just a business conversation. Michelle grounds every practical insight in faith-based writing values, encouraging creators to trust in divine provision and walk in obedience even when the finances feel uncertain. It's the intersection of Christian creativity and real-world resourcefulness at its most practical.

Christian Author ShowcaseQueensland https://www.casq.online/

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 writing philosophy, why he believes in crafting a meaningful literary legacy over using AI-generated content, and the personal growth that surprised him throughout the publishing process. He also discusses building free Bible schools and local faith communities - proof that one person's story can fuel both a book and a movement.

Whether you're working on your first manuscript or searching for your author's voice, Pedro's story is a masterclass in writing with intention.

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 truly means to create with God, embrace your unique design, and step into writing with purpose instead of pressure. You’ll be reminded that creative play, curiosity, and authenticity aren’t weaknesses—they’re part of how God designed you to write.

If you’re an aspiring or established Christian author who feels like you don’t fit the mould, this episode will encourage you to trust your process, honour your calling, and write in alignment with your faith—not just the rules of the industry.

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 hope for others walking similar paths.

Michelle also explores the profound power of fiction as a tool for spiritual growth. Just as Jesus used parables to reveal Kingdom truths, immersive stories allow readers to safely process their own life lessons, emotions, and faith journeys. Storytelling is not just creative, it is a divine instrument for personal transformation and building deeper connections with God and His people.

It is time. Just start. God can breathe life into the smallest notes and fragments. Your stories are seeds of greatness, treasures entrusted to you by the Lord. Take that step of faith with obedience and share your story. Never underestimate the potential your words have to bless, heal, and glorify God.

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 power of listening well and writing with intention.

This podcast explores the discipline required to protect creative time, the challenge of comparison, and the freedom found in not forcing yourself into a single niche.

This conversation will encourage you to take your writing seriously, not someday, but now. What you do with your calling matters.Storyteller and cultural historian Dr Toni Risson has penned everything from a picture book about mermaids to a PhD about lollies. An expert on Australia’s Greek café phenomenon, Toni published two books on the subject, and following a State Library fellowship, curated one of the Library’s most popular exhibitions: Meet me at the Paragon ran for six months in 2019-2020. Toni now finds herself writing family business histories. After completing a book for a trucking company, she wrote another Greek migrant story—this time about Australia’s cinema history—and she’s now working on the story of a local shoe shop. She is also an active member of Women Writers Queensland and has published their anthology for the past four years. In the cracks between all this activity, Toni enjoys writing short stories.https://greekcafesinbrisbane.wordpress.com/author/tonirisson/https://tonirisson.wordpress.com/

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 about writing as ministry, balancing creativity with work and health, and the role of community in overcoming self-doubt. Steph also opens up about how the Omega Writers network has supported her journey and helped her keep moving forward.

If you’ve been questioning whether your ideas matter, this episode will remind you that your story has purpose and it’s time to start writing.

Steph Penny is an author, blogger, songwriter and chocoholic. Steph’s latest book, Surviving Chronic Illness, is the third in her Survival series of non-fiction quirky self-help books, and she is currently writing her first fantasy short stories and novels. Steph lives with her husband and pet cat and works as a psychologist in between writing projects.Website: https://stephpenny.com.au/YouTube channel: / @stephpenny Books: https://koorong.com/search?authors=St...

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 proven strategy for overcoming perfectionism and building writing momentum. Instead of stopping to edit, fix grammar, or second-guess every sentence, you simply get the words out. This creative writing technique helps aspiring authors, bloggers, and content creators finally move forward and finish what they start.

She also reframes writing as an act of worship, reminding listeners that creative ideas are seeds planted by God, meant to be expressed, not buried. When you honour the process and show up consistently, you create space for both creativity and spiritual growth.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to write a book, grow in faith, and develop stronger writing habits. Michelle highlights the importance of discipline, consistency, and trusting God in the creative process, showing that great writing is built through action, not just moments of inspiration.