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.

In this episode of Created to Write, Michelle Dennis Evans talks with Christian author Janette Grant Thompson, a lifelong writer who discovered her love for words at just six years old.

With a career spanning decades, including a biography that has remained in print for over 30 years, Janette shares what it really takes to build a lasting writing journey. Her character-driven approach reminds us that powerful stories are not built on perfection, but on depth, truth and consistency.

We talk about turning blog posts into books, the importance of community, and why every new writer needs both encouragement and honest feedback through professional editing.

If you’re just starting or struggling to stay consistent, this episode will remind you that writing is not a quick win, it’s a calling you grow into.

Jeanette Grant-Thomson is a Moreton-based author who has had all sorts of writing published since her childhood. www.facebook.com/jeanette.grantthomson

In this episode, Michelle Dennis Evans offers practical and faith-filled guidance for authors on how to navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges of receiving feedback.She stresses the importance of carefully vetting editors by requesting trial samples to ensure their communication style and vision align with your own. While every writer must build resilience to handle criticism and negative reviews, it’s equally vital to protect the unique voice God has given you. Notall feedback should be accepted — especially when it risks changing the heart and unique voice of your story.

Michelle reminds writers that external perspectives, whether from professional editors or supportive writing communities, can refine and polish a manuscript, bringing greater clarity and impact for readers. Ultimately, she encourages Christian writers to view critiques as valuable tools for growth, while staying anchored in prayer and discernment to decide which suggestions truly serve the work God has called them to create.

Perfect for anyone serious about stewarding their stories well.

In this episode of Created to Write, Michelle Dennis Evans speaks with Australian author Jenny Woolsey about writing through real-life challenges with courage and purpose.

Living with Crouzon syndrome and visual impairment, and raising children with disabilities, Jenny has created a body of work that reflects God’s ability to bring beauty, meaning and connection through struggle.

Her “weirdly wonderful” stories offer hope and truth for families navigating neurodivergence and similar journeys.

God doesn’t waste your story, even the parts that feel heavy. This conversation will encourage you to stop hiding your story and start stewarding it.

www.jennywoolsey.comFacebook -/JennyWoolseyAuthorInstagram - /jennywoolseyauthor

In this episode of Created to Write, Christian author Penny Reeve shares what it means to pursue faith-driven, God-led writing with purpose. A prolific children’s writer across picture books, junior fiction and YA, Penny is passionate about telling stories that explore big truths of faith and make lasting Kingdom impact.

Writing under multiple names yet guided by one mission — to honour God — she unpacks her creative process of creating with God, embracing silence, strategic stillness and space for divine inspiration. She also speaks honestly about discouragement in publishing, closed doors, and the importance of returning your work to God for confirmation and strength within the community.

With a refreshing message of “presence before platform,” Penny challenges Christian writers to prioritise obedience over visibility, trusting God to open the right doors.

Listen now if you're passionate about faith, Christian writing, Kingdom storytelling, and writing that transforms lives, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

Penny's website and newsletter sign-up: www.pennyreeve.comYouTube Channel, for 'Writing Warm-Ups for Kids' and 'How to be a children's author' playlists: / @pennyreeveauthor Children's devotional giveaway: www.giveaway.pennyreeve.com/devo1

In this episode, we sit down with Chrissy Garwood, a Tasmanian Christian author and school chaplain who's spent decades weaving faith into storytelling. Once convinced that serious Christians skipped fiction, she now crafts truth-filled tales in romantic suspense and middle grade and young adult fantasy. As a neurodivergent rule keeper, her work probes the clash of light and dark, and the redemptive spark when saints meet sinners.

Chrissy opens up about her 2021 writer's block breakthrough, when God nudged her to just type by transcribing a dusty 1989 manuscript, reigniting her creativity. Drawing from her chaplain role, she runs a student writing group tackling life's tough themes through stories. Her advice to fellow Christian writers is to build a supportive tribe that champions your calling—and don't forget, writing should be fun!

https://chrissygarwood.com/https://www.facebook.com/chrissygarwoodauthor