Pencil Shavings

Send us Fan MailHave you finished a goal setting sprint?  Did you write 50K words in November? If you tried to hit a writing goal in a month and need to evaluate your results what do you look for? In this episode Christina talks about how to evaluate your progress and how to use January to set yourself up for a good writing year.If you have any feedback or suggestions for season 2 send them to [email protected] work with Christina on your editing project check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailJoin me in talking with Mavery Ellscott an action thriller author. We talk about her process for creating stories, reader interaction, and transition to the indie publishing pace. To learn more about Mavery and her books check out https://maveryellscott.com/If you have any writing questions for me send them over to [email protected] or check out my website at pencilshavingsediting.comUntil next time . . . like, follow, and share

Send us Fan MailThis week I had the privilege of interviewing Kate Battistelli about her transition to writing later in life and her journey through empty nesting. An encouraging talk for women of all ages and some insights into starting your lifelong writing journey a little later in life. You can check out more about Kate and her books at her website https://katebattistelli.com/ If you have any writing questions for me send them over to [email protected] or check out my website at pencilshavingsediting.comUntil next time . . . like, follow, and share

Send us Fan MailJoin me in talking with Kristen Gwen, author of The Starcluck Adventures an adventure series about chickens in space! You can find out more about Kristen at her website https://kristengwen.com/ If you have any writing questions for me send them over to [email protected] or check out my website at pencilshavingsediting.comUntil next time . . . like, follow, and share

Send us Fan MailJoin me for an interview with Greg Scott, a computer guy turned novelist. His passion for cyber security comes through in his novels and conversation. We talk about computer projects, marketing, and cockroaches.To learn more about Greg and his books check out his website https://www.dgregscott.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, editor Christina Fennell discusses the three actions writers need to do to build a writing process for a lifetime. These actions will be habits that fuel your writing well for the long-run. You can learn more about Christina at pencilshavingsediting.com 

Send us Fan MailI had the privilege of interviewing Paul Regnier. He writes light-hearted adventures with comedy for adults and is branching into middle grade. We talk about his journey to published author and his approach to marketing and so much more.You can find out more about Paul and his books at https://www.pauljregnier.com/ 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, editor Christina Fennell shares her guiding principles for a writer's lifetime writing practice. Inspired by Daniel David Wallace Escape the Plot Forest Summit 2025. Check out more about Daniel David Wallace at https://danieldavidwallace.com/ Check out more about Brad Listi at https://www.bradlisti.com/about 

Send us Fan MailJoin me in talking with Joanna K. Harris a multi-genre author. In this episode we talk about her author journey, publishing pivot, and view of using multiple projects to fill her creativity.To learn more about Joanna check out her website at http://gracepossible.com/ To learn more about Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailLooking for an editor? In this episode Christina talks about the different types of editing and gives tips for picking an editor and knowing when to show your manuscript to an editor. If you want a list of recommended editors, email [email protected] to get Christina's list of vetted editors. She can get you connected with the right person for the job.To learn more about Christina and her editing services check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we meet an award winning Christian romance writer, Lori Dejong and talk about her journey as a writer and character driven plots.Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. Lori’s debut novel, "Love’s True Calling", Book One of her True Calling Series, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and placed 2nd in the 2024 FHL Readers' Choice Awards. It was published by Scrivenings Press in June 2023, "Love’s True Home" in 2024, and "Love’s True Measure" will be released in 2025. https://loridejongwrites.com/ To learn more about Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailLet's create a writing habit that is built into our day by finding pockets of time and defining what type of story creation we can accomplish in each pocket. In this episode we talk about finding the pockets of time, creating realistic goals for each pocket of time, and tracking progress. Recommended Resources:Atomic Habits by James ClearGetting Things Done by David AllenEat That Frog by Brian TracyIf you have questions about writing send them to [email protected] to have your questions answered on a podcast episode. To work with Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailWhat's a story without a dead body? Crime fiction/romantic suspense writer Claire O'Sullivan always has a dead body in her stories and it has become a part of her process and yet she is able to weave in light moments of humor to break up the tension. Find out more as her and I talk about the editing process and her author journey. Check out more about Claire and her books here: https://www.claireosullivan1.com/ To learn more about Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailWhat is involved in creating a published book? What are the elements an author needs to put together? What are the types of publishers out there? Join me as we discuss a beginner's overview of the types of publishing available and a unique spin on the book creation process. To find a publisher check out these author guides:Christian Writers Market GuideAuthors PublishTo work with Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailJoin me as I interview Talena Winters and learn about her author journey. We talk about how to balance being creative in many areas such as music, writing, and knitting. We also dove into plot structure and Talena's unique approach. Did I mention she is also an editor? Check out her bio and links below and listen in to be inspired!Talena Winters writes page-turning, heartfelt fantasy, romance, and adventure novels. She’s also an award-winning songwriter. Her editing clients have gone on to win awards and land literary agents, and her copywriting work has helped clients from authors to professionals to corporate brands tell their stories.She and her husband—plus a rotating cast of their three young adult sons—live on an acreage in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, with two Husky dogs and a neurotic orange cat named Aang. Her writing is grounded in a deep belief in God, love, redemption, and hope against all odds, and fuelled by an insatiable passion for stories, dark chocolate, and making the world a better place. And she would really like to know why the tea is always gone.Web: www.talenawinters.comEmail: [email protected] you want to reach me and send me questions about writing and publishing, feel free to email me at [email protected] or check out my website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I had the privilege of talking with Michelle Ule novelist, essayist, blogger, and official biographer of Mrs. Oswald Chambers. The conversation started with submarines and ended with spiritual encouragement. Michelle has encouraging stories and advice about letting God guide your writing and marketing endeavors. Take a listen, laugh with us, and get ready to be inspired. You can find more about Michelle at www.michelleule.comIf you have any writing questions feel free to send them to me at [email protected] learn more about Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailLooking for a writer's group? Finding out how to find one and the benefits of a writing group in this episode.Have a writing question? Send your questions to [email protected] to get your questions answered in a future episode.Want to work with Christina? Check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailMeet Rachel Keith, author of the Squad: Rising a middle grade sci-fi/fantasy series. In this interview we discuss her writing process, publishing journey, and series inspiration.  To learn more about Rachel and her books check out https://rachelkeithbooks.com/If you have any questions about the writing process, send them to me at [email protected] or check out my Pencil Shavings website to learn about my editing services. 

Send us Fan Mail"Write Every Day"? How do you do that? Find out in today's episode.Have a writing question? Send them to [email protected] and have them answered in a future episode.Want to work with Christina? Check out pencilshavingsediting.com for more information.

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when your writing sessions don't go as planned? What do you do when your story isn't turning out the way you want? Here are some tips to help you get back to your writing and fix your story.To learn more about working with Christina check out pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailLifetime writers will face problems with their process and product at some point in time. Usually they will face multiple problems since that's life. How do we face those problems? How do we fix them? Let's talk about it. Learn more about working with Christina at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailTo be a good manager, a writer needs to set realistic expectations for the project, process, and practice. What is a realistic expectation? Hint: in learning who you are as a writer. Do you have writing and editing questions? Send them to [email protected] To learn more about Christina's editing services check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailTo be a good manager of oneself a writer must motivate and reward himself. Dive into today's episode to learn more about motivating yourself to write and giving yourself proper rewards.Do you have questions about the writing process, craft, or work/life balance? Send those questions to [email protected] to get your questions answered in a future episode. Check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailWriters are their own managers. To be a good manager a writer must ensure that he receives proper training. But what training does a writer get? Dive into the episode to find out.Do you have a writing question? Ask Christina by emailing her at [email protected] or check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailWriters are their own managers. A writer can be a good manager or a bad manager. In this episode, Christina discusses how writers can be a good manager by creating a positive work environment. Do you have writing questions? Send them to [email protected] to be answered in a future episode. If you need editing help, check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com.

Send us Fan MailWriting is a messy process. Before a book takes shape it requires weaving through the murkiness of plotting, drafting, and revisions. Writers who write for the long-run need to find a way to get comfortable being uncomfortable and embrace the mess. Editor Christina Fennell talks about how writers can embrace this messy process and keep going. Have a question? Send the question to [email protected] and get your question answered in a future podcast. https://pencilshavingsediting.com/

Send us Fan MailThe writing process can be confusing and a bit academic. Editor Christina Fennell gives a new way to look at the writing process. If you have any questions feel free to write to Christina at [email protected] or check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com

Send us Fan MailSo you want to write a book? Where do you start? What's the first step? Join freelance editor Christina Fennell as she discusses the first step in writing a book. Contact Christina with your questions about a sustainable writing practice at [email protected] check out her website at pencilshavingsediting.com