The Story Steward Show

How do you know if writing is part of God’s plan for your life?Many Christian writers spend years trying to discover God’s hidden will, while overlooking what He’s already revealed in Scripture. In this episode, we talk about what the Bible actually says about calling, obedience, and decision-making, and how that changes the way we think about writing.If you’ve ever asked, “Am I supposed to be doing this?” this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and peace.

Creative culture tells writers to figure everything out alone. But Christian writers weren’t meant to create that way.In this episode, I talk about why we shouldn’t write our books by ourselves, and what it looks like to involve God in the creative process with humility, trust, and freedom.

Let me ask you something…What does your writing life actually say about God?Not what you say you believe.But what your habits, reactions, and mindset reveal.My pastor always says that your life shows what you truly believe about God’s power, authority, and love.And if that’s true…Then your writing does too.In this episode, I walk through how your response to success, failure, burnout, and creativity all point to what you actually believe about God.Do you trust Him when things are going well?Do you run to Him when things fall apart?Or do you try to do it all on your own?This one’s a bit uncomfortable…But it might just change the way you write moving forward.

This one… did not go as planned.In this episode, I sit down with pro-life advocate and author Abigail Thompson (Behind the Clouds) for an open mic conversation on writing, faith, and storytelling with purpose.We talk about her journey as an author, what it means to write stories that matter, and the heart behind her work.And somewhere along the way…The infamous fountain pen incident happens.You’re just going to have to hear it for yourself.

In this episode, I dive into the story of Abraham and how he tried to fulfill God’s promise his own way… instead of trusting God to do what He said He would do.And if we’re honest?We do the same thing all the time.Especially in our writing.We say we trust God with our calling…But then we rush, force outcomes, chase results, and try to make things happen on our timeline.In this episode, I challenge you to look at where you might be striving instead of trusting.Where are you trying to “help” God?And what would it look like to actually rest in Him… and let Him fulfill what He started?This one might step on your toes a bit.But it’s something I’m learning right alongside you.

Let me be honest with you…Most writers are making the same backstory mistake, and it’s quietly killing their story.In this episode, I break down the one cliché I see everywhere that makes readers want to DNF the book… We’ll talk about why it doesn’t work, what it’s actually doing to your story, and how to fix it.I’ll also walk through Project Hail Mary as an example of backstory done right, and why it works so well.If you’ve ever struggled with when to reveal backstory, how much to include, or why your opening feels slow… this one’s for you.

How do you write biblical characters without flattening them into Sunday school versions of themselves?In this replay from our first ever Story Steward live event, I sit down with Kate Campbell and we talk about writing characters that carry biblical themes in a way that feels God-honoring and grounded in truth!I hope you enjoy!

What part of you is standing in the way of God’s plan?A habit? An ambition? A comfort? A version of yourself you refuse to let die?In this episode, we walk through four biblical characters who had to kill something in themselves to step into God’s calling. Because resurrection only comes after something is laid down.

I’m serious. If God told you your book would never reach a single soul… would you still write it?Would you obey if it meant obscurity? Would you create if it meant discomfort? Would you keep going if it didn’t go your way?Too often we chase the dream in our hearts... but somewhere along the way, we start forcing our will over His. Today we’re talking about surrender, obedience, and whether you’re willing to eat honey and locusts if that’s what faithfulness requires.

From the beginning of Scripture, God has been writing a love story that moves through waters, wilderness, and the cross, all to bring His bride home.Wherever you are today, my hope is to remind you who it is that loves you… and what kind of love it is.

Join guest speaker Héloïse Van Gemerdan as she shares one of the most powerful testimonies of coming to Christ I’ve ever heard. Through deep loss and tragedy, God met her in the midst of her pain and carried her love of writing when she couldn’t carry it herself. This conversation is about grief, faith, creativity, and the quiet ways Christ restores what feels broken. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still cares about your story when life falls apart, this episode is for you.

I grew up in a Christian home. I knew about Jesus. I knew the stories. I knew the language. But in 2025, my life flipped. For the first time, I didn’t just know of Him... I fell in love with Him. In this episode, I share what I’ve been learning about prayer, not as a routine or a checkbox, but as a constant conversation. Praying while working. Praying while creating. Praying in the quiet and in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like prayer was distant, awkward, or reserved for “holy moments,” I want to invite you into something deeper and more real.

When you’re in the thick of writing a book, marketing is the first thing we all pretend we’ll “figure out later.” Then launch day hits… and suddenly we’re like, oh. Right. That part matters.In this episode I walk through three really simple ways to start thinking about marketing now, not at the last second. I also talk about why I think Christian writers can’t just throw their words into the void and hope for the best. If God trusted you with a message, it’s worth stewarding all the way through... including getting it into the hands of the people who actually need it.

I’ve been working in 14-day sprints, and honestly, it’s changed my life. Why? Because life isn’t lived year to year... It’s lived in tiny, daily choices. In this episode, I share how rebuilding my habits in short, focused windows helped me get back on track, and how you can actually win this month instead of getting crushed by the whole year.

I’ll be brutally honest. I used to not get worship. The hand waving, the singing, the full surrender. I didn’t understand it. And if I’m being real, I was embarrassed by it. Ashamed, even.How many times do we withhold our praise because we’re worried about how it looks? How often do we offer half-hearted, open-eyed prayers before a meal because we don’t want to stand out?If that’s you, I want to encourage you today.

Today, I’m interviewed by M.B. Springer to share the raw story behind how Jesus Writing Month began, what it eventually became with Story Stewards, and how I came to Christ through it.I hope you enjoy!

I don’t care about New Year’s resolutions. They sound nice and die fast. What actually matters is how you structure the first stretch of the year. In this episode, I break down how I’m thinking about the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and how short-term structure creates real momentum. If you want 2026 to be different, it doesn’t start in December… it starts with how you move right now.

My dear friends, we have officially changed the name of the "Rewind Storytelling Show"... and I am so excited to share the reason why with you all!

The new David movie promised epic storytelling, but did it deliver? I dive into what went right, what went horribly wrong, and why, despite its flaws, it still matters. 

In this episode I talk about George Bailey and the trap he fell into, spending his whole life living in the gap between where he was and where he thought he should’ve been. He had blessings, purpose, and people who loved him, but he couldn’t see any of it because he was always staring at the life he never got to live. And it nearly destroyed him. We dig into how easy it is to slip into that same mindset, how it steals joy, and how God can pull us out of that darkness and show us the truth. If you’ve ever felt like you missed your chance or your life hasn’t gone “the way it was supposed to,” this episode is for you.

This episode might sting a little, but in the best way. God doesn’t need you. He doesn’t need your talent, your plans, your writing, your “I’ll try harder next time.” He is God with or without us. But here’s the beautiful part… He chooses you. He invites you into His work anyway.Today I talk about the freedom that comes from realizing you don’t have to carry the weight of saving the world, fixing everything, or being “enough.” God is already enough... and He simply asks you to walk with Him. If you’ve been burnt-out, striving, or feeling like you’re failing Him… this episode is for you.

There’s nothing like that awful storytelling moment when a character finally starts to change… and then the truth comes out. The lie. The mistake. The thing they didn’t mean that way. Suddenly everything they’ve built shatters. And they’re left saying, “Wait—no… that’s not who I am anymore. You don’t understand.”In this episode I break down how Klaus nails the accidental betrayal beat and why it hits us so deeply. We talk about the moment where old choices catch up with a character who’s trying to do better, how to write that emotional collapse, and how this beat sets up a powerful redemption and defining choice.

Scrooge’s story hits different when you realize he wasn’t always a cold, bitter old man. He was a boy once. A dreamer. Someone who loved and lost and slowly shut himself off from the world. And that’s why his redemption matters so much... because underneath it all, he’s human. Just like us.In this episode I break down why his transformation is so powerful, what it shows us about grace, and why second chances should never be taken for granted.

In this episode, I break down how Elphaba and Glinda’s opposing desires and fears drive their choices, create conflict, and lead to real consequences. If you want to learn how to write characters who challenge each other, push the story forward, and reveal deeper truths through their clashes, this episode will show you how to do it.

Spiritual battles are real and they are fierce. You were never meant to fight alone. In this episode we explore the power of standing with other believers, surrendering yourself alongside them, and how unity becomes your strongest defense against the enemy. Alone we are vulnerable, but together we are unshakable. If you want to resist temptation, overcome attacks on your faith, and stand firm in God’s truth, this episode will show you why community isn’t optional... it’s essential to survival.

Today we’re talking about what it actually looks like to hand your writing over to Jesus. Not just saying we trust Him but actually letting go of the reins and giving Him the entire work in progress. The dreams. The drafts. The pressure we put on ourselves. When we stop gripping our stories so tightly, we finally make space for Him to move. 

Peter only started sinking when he looked away. That’s the whole point of this story. When our focus is on Jesus, the waves don’t always disappear, but they stop ruling our lives. In this episode, I talk about what happens when you take your eyes off Christ, why the storm suddenly feels so loud, and how keeping your focus on Him changes everything.

I’ll be honest — I’m a loner. I’m basically a 21-year-old hermit who loves writing, keeping my thoughts to myself, and pretending I don’t need anyone. But lately, God’s been convicting me: we weren’t made to worship alone.In this episode, I talk about how easy it is — especially for writers — to go through faith and creativity in isolation. I’ll share how avoiding community can rob you of accountability, encouragement, and that powerful experience of worshiping in a room full of believers.We’ll look at what the Bible says about community — “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20) — and why being part of a church body changes everything.If you’ve been trying to do faith, writing, or life all on your own… maybe it’s time to ask: what are you carrying alone that God meant for community?

Walt Disney didn’t wait for permission, for a perfect plan, or for fear to pass. He knew what he wanted and pursued it relentlessly, building worlds that inspired millions. In this episode, I break down three traits we can borrow from Walt to pursue our own creative dreams with faith, focus, and boldness.

I know what it’s like to wake up early and give in to laziness, doom scrolling instead of starting my day. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned about calling on God the moment temptation whispers, because trying to do it alone never works.1 Corinthians 10:13 — “He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Charlie Kirk’s assassination ignited in me a desire to truly honor the Sabbath. For so long, like many Christians, I had reduced it to a routine, just the day we go to church. But the Sabbath was never meant to be a checkbox or a schedule. It is a gift, a pause in the rhythm of life, a sacred space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with God. In this episode, I explore what it really means to honor the Sabbath, why it matters deeply for our spiritual and emotional health, and how embracing it can transform the way we live...turning a day of rest into a powerful act of faith and devotion.

In light of the recent assassination on Charlie Kirk, many are feeling shaken, fearful, and uncertain about the future. But as believers, we are reminded that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).In this episode, I reflect on what it means to walk in courage when the world feels unstable. Fear is real, but it does not have to define us. The enemy wants us paralyzed; Jesus calls us to live free.Join me for a conversation on how to anchor your heart in Christ, stand strong in your calling, and choose faith over fear, no matter what chaos swirls around us.

It’s one thing when a character first believes a lie — it’s another when they start living like it’s true. This is the scene where your character makes their first conscious choice rooted in that false belief, and the world rewards them for it. In this episode, I break down how to write this pivotal moment so it doesn’t just show what they think, but proves how the lie begins shaping their actions, their relationships, and their story moving forward.

The best characters don’t need long monologues to reveal their past, their quirks, traits, and little habits do it for them. In this episode, I break down how to create characters whose behavior hints at deeper layers, making them feel real and unforgettable. We’ll look at how to design traits that point to a hidden history, while still driving the present story forward.

This is a controversial episode. I rip the band-aid off and say what no one else wants to: the bar in Christian entertainment isn’t simply low...it was never there to begin with. From cringe movies to shallow storytelling, we’ve settled for less when we should be leading the way. In this episode, I call out the problems and share how I believe we can finally raise the standard and create stories worthy of the one true God who gave us our creativity in the first place.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to write Chapter 2 of your story — the moment where everything changes. We’re going to talk about crafting the impossible choice, the kind of decision that forces your character into motion and locks your readers into the story. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep the tension high and make sure your audience can’t put the book down, this episode is for you.

Most people set New Year’s resolutions with big dreams… and most people fall off by February. Then the months fly by, and when September hits, the excuse creeps in: ‘Well, it’s only a few more months until January. I’ll just restart then.’ No. Forget that. In this episode, we’re hitting pause, reassessing where we are, and making the most of the time left. Four months is plenty to write a draft, start a side hustle, get in shape, heal a relationship, or finally commit to that thing you’ve been putting off. I’ll walk you through a practical reset plan so you can actually finish the year proud of what you accomplished, not waiting on another resolution.

In this episode, I dive deep into one of Marvel’s most emotionally rich characters — Shalla-Bal, the herald of Galactus. She saved her planet by striking a bargain, only to spend the rest of her existence enabling the destruction of countless worlds. Was she wrong to make that choice? Or was she trapped in an unwinnable game? Today, I’ll walk you through her backstory, her belief system, and the inner war between duty and guilt that makes her such a powerful study for writers. By the end, you’ll know how to build characters whose moral conflicts feel inevitable, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 sneaky traps that lead writers straight into burnout, plus the simple shifts that will help you dodge them. You’ll learn how to set deadlines that actually work, take real breaks without guilt, and track your progress so you can see just how far you’ve truly come.If you’ve been feeling drained, stuck, or ready to give up on your story, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and keep your writing fire alive.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of Disney’s most complex and underrated heroines: Meg from Hercules.We’ll unpack how her tragic redemptive arc is shaped by one central truth: every character has a lesson to learn. And how side characters, often carry the heart of your story’s message.If your protagonist has flaws to face, debts to pay, or a transformation that needs to hit hard, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode, we're heading to the theme parks to break down how Disney rides can teach us everything we need to know about storytelling.From the spooky spectacle of Haunted Mansion... To the adventure and chaos of Pirates of the Caribbean... To the over-the-top puns of Jungle Cruise...We’re unpacking how Disney uses setup, worldbuilding, and emotional payoff to craft unforgettable experiences — and how you can apply the same tools to write a novel that pulls readers in and doesn’t let go.If you've ever wanted your book to feel less like a lecture and more like a ride, this episode is your guide.Ask ChatGPT

In this episode, we’re swinging into one of Disney’s most underrated masterpieces — Tarzan.We’ll unpack how Tarzan’s transformation is driven by one central question: "Where do I belong?" And how that tug-of-war between truth and lie is the heart of every great character arc.If your protagonist feels stuck between two identities, this is the blueprint. Let’s talk legacy, loyalty, and writing a transformation that actually hits.

Want to guarantee your reader never turns page two?In this episode, I’m breaking down five deadly sins of story openings — from worldbuilding overload to hiding your protagonist behind four pages of weather descriptions.We’ll cover why info-dumps kill momentum, how delaying the inciting incident loses trust, and what happens when you open with a side character no one asked for.If you want to hook your reader instead of confuse them, this is how to make your first chapter actually work.Ask ChatGPT

In this episode, we’re heading to Mordor.But not to follow Frodo.We’re chasing Gollum.Because every great story has a mirror, a character who reflects your hero’s deepest fear, secret sin, or buried desire. And Gollum? He’s a caution sign. A whisper of what Frodo could become if he gives in.Today, we’ll explore how to use supporting characters to expose your protagonist’s inner battle, and how reflection, contrast, and temptation can turn a good story into a legendary one.

In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most convicting parables Jesus ever told: the Parable of the Talents.We’ll unpack how God wired us for story, why creativity is a Kingdom assignment, and what Scripture really says about wasting what we've been given. If you’ve ever wondered whether your book actually matters — or if you’re “qualified” to write it — this one’s for you.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite stories of all time — Hamilton. But we’re not talking history. We’re talking heartbreak.We’ll unpack how to write a broken hero like Hamilton — a man who climbs and climbs, only to realize he can never reach enough. And we’ll explore the haunting mirror of Aaron Burr, who spends his whole life waiting… until everything he wants slips away.I’ll break down how to use desire, fear, and misbelief to craft gut-wrenching character arcs — and how tragedy isn’t about the fall. It’s about the fact they could’ve avoided it.This is the anatomy of a downfall. Let’s write it well.

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most powerful truths in storytelling — the reason your character’s goal will never actually satisfy them. It’s called The Gap.Too many characters (and real people) live their lives thinking, “If I just get that one thing… then I’ll be happy.” But they’re wrong. And the gap between where they are and where they think they need to be? That’s where the real story unfolds.I’ll show you how to use this concept to write more honest, conflicted, and gut-punching characters — the kind who are chasing something that won’t save them. Because the moment they realize that? That’s when the transformation begins.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most underrated heartbreaks in animation history: the betrayal in Treasure Planet.We’ll break down how Disney built one of the most gut-wrenching moments of backstabbing — and what it teaches us about writing betrayal that actually hurts.This is for storytellers who want to write characters that change us. And yes, we’ll talk about trust, desire, and why Silver was the father figure Jim always wanted… until he wasn’t.In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most underrated heartbreaks in animation history: the betrayal in Treasure Planet.We’ll break down how Disney built one of the most gut-wrenching moments of backstabbing — and what it teaches us about writing betrayal that actually hurts.This is for storytellers who want to write characters that change us. And yes, we’ll talk about trust, desire, and why Silver was the father figure Jim always wanted… until he wasn’t.

Miles Morales might be the most relatable Spider-Man ever written — and in this episode, I’m breaking down why.I’m diving deep into the psychology of what makes a character actually connect. Not just likable… but real. We’ll unpack Miles’ wound, his longing, and how every choice he makes flows from a deeper fear.If you’re a Christian storyteller who wants to write characters that actually matter — this one’s for you.

Be real — you've fallen head over heels for a fictional character before. For me? It was Elizabeth Bennet (don't judge). But here's the thing: there's a psychology behind crafting characters your readers actually fall in love with — and yes, it's biblical.