How to Stay Motivated When Writing Gets Hard

How to Stay Motivated When Writing Gets Hard

Author: Thomas Umstattd Jr. April 7, 2026 Duration: 1:10:38
To say yes to something good, you often have to say no to other things. In the past, we’ve discussed that sometimes quitting writing is the right move for your career and life. But what about when you know you can't quit? What do you do when you feel called to write but the work is hard, success is nowhere in sight, and you're dragging your feet? What if you need the income from writing to feed your family? In this episode of the Christian Publishing Show, Brian Hicks joins me to talk about h...

For any writer of faith who has ever felt the call to put words on a page, the journey from idea to finished book can feel daunting. Christian Publishing Show exists to walk that path with you, offering practical, grounded conversations that demystify the entire process. Host Thomas Umstattd Jr. guides discussions that go beyond simple inspiration, digging into the tangible skills needed to thrive. You’ll hear detailed explorations on honing your writing craft, understanding the often-opaque world of publication-whether traditional or independent-and learning marketing strategies that resonate with a Christian audience. This podcast brings voices from across the industry: experienced authors, editors, and publishing professionals who share their real-world successes and setbacks. It’s a resource built on the belief that a well-told story, rooted in faith, can have a profound impact. Each episode aims to equip you not just to publish, but to communicate your message with clarity, integrity, and effectiveness, turning a personal calling into a shared conversation.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Christian Publishing Show
Podcast Episodes
How to Craft Unforgettable Characters with James Scott Bell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:51
If readers don’t care about your characters, they won’t care about your book. If your characters are wooden, generic, or forgettable, readers won’t buy, read, finish, or recommend your book. If you want to write a book p…
How to Survive Cancel Culture As a Writer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:03
Kickstarter Update Here is a quick update on the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Kickstarter Campaign. The Christian Author’s Guide to Cancel Culture This post first appeared here and is shared with permission.…
Audiobook Production and Promotion with Brennan McPherson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
Kickstarter Update Here is the current progress of the Kickstarter campaign to save the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference: Episode Notes Audiobooks are one of the fastest growing segments of the book business. So…
How to Overcome Writer’s Block With Robin Lee Hatcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:03
A lot of writers think, If I could just have more time, I could do more writing. Well, 2020 gave most writers a lot more time; and, yet, most of them are writing about the same as they were before. What keeps us from bei…
Writing for a Canadian Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
Readers in other countries read American books. American readers also read books by authors from other countries. For American authors, the most important country to think about and write for is Canada. Our guest today i…
Show, Don’t Tell With Tim Shoemaker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:56
If there is one guiding light in excellent writing, the one thing almost everyone agrees on, is “show, don’t tell.” Telling is one of the most-common mistakes new authors make and one of the biggest reasons their manuscr…
Character vs. Plot With DiAnn Mills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:13
Some novelists see themselves as character-first writers. Others start with the plot. Which is better? Does it depend on the genre? Could you be making a mistake that is crippling your writing? Our guest today will help…
How to Overcome Book Marketing & Money Challenges With Chautona Havig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:36
It is possible to make a full-time living as a writer. One way to do so is to write one book that sells like crazy. Another way is to write a bunch of books. Our guest today makes a full-time living with her writing. She…

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