Tension: The Key Ingredient for a Novel Readers Can’t Put Down

Tension: The Key Ingredient for a Novel Readers Can’t Put Down

Author: Thomas Umstattd Jr. June 10, 2025 Duration: 58:15
Why do some books keep readers up all night while others fall flat? If you've ever wondered whether your novel is gripping enough, you're not alone. One of the biggest challenges writers face is keeping readers hooked to the end. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into what truly drives great storytelling. Whether you're writing legal thrillers, Amish fiction, or epic fantasy, tension is your secret weapon, and knowing how to dial it up or down can make or break your story. In this episode,...

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: 50

Christian Publishing Show
Podcast Episodes
How to Write Endings Readers Can't Stop Talking About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:59
You’ve heard it said that a great beginning will sell your book, but a great ending will sell your next book. Every bestseller becomes a bestseller because word spreads from reader to reader, and what creates that good w…
Has Christian Publishing Gone Woke? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:00
Many authors have received that dreaded rejection letter from a traditional Christian publisher siting platform size as the reason for the rejection. Is there a platform size that makes you a shoo-in for a traditional Ch…
AI Tools for Authors (Writing Off Social Crosscast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:59
If social media leaves you drained and you’re unsure what to do with AI, this week’s episode is for you. I recently appeared on the Writing off Social podcast to unpack how authors can step off the social treadmill and p…
Christian Author Assassinated [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:50
Last week brought heartbreaking news. Charlie Kirk, a Christian author and speaker, was shot and killed while addressing his audience. In this special episode of the Christian Publishing Show, we share an Author Update c…
Is AI okay for Christian Authors? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
Is using AI sinful, helpful, or just complicated? In this thought-provoking episode, bestselling author Kate Angelo joins us to discuss the ethical, practical, and spiritual implications of AI for Christian writers. From…
How to Write a Novel Faster Using Dictation Software [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
Did you know the Apostle Paul didn’t write the book of Romans by hand? He dictated it to a someone else who wrote it down, and he’s not the only famous author to do so. In this week’s episode, we explore how authors from…
How to Write Your Novel from the Middle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start? In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most…
Beginnings and Endings of Novels with Angela Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:36
Have you ever started a book but struggled to get past the first few chapters? Or maybe you finished one, only to feel let down by the ending? The truth is, beginnings and endings can make or break a novel. In this week’…