#444 Expert Edition - Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming

#444 Expert Edition - Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming

Author: CJ and Shelley Hitz: Writing Mentor, Author Coach, Christian Writers March 19, 2025 Duration: 37:27

Expert Edition - Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming

Ever stare at a blank page, wondering where to start? You're not alone! Before the words start flowing, the real magic happens in the pre-writing and brainstorming phase. In this episode, we're diving into powerful strategies to spark creativity, organize your thoughts, and build a strong foundation for your writing—without the overwhelm.

I'll walk you through practical techniques like journaling, free-writing, mind mapping, and the "book sketch" method to help you move from scattered ideas to a clear, inspired vision. Whether you're writing a book, blog, or devotional, these tools will bring clarity, confidence, and consistency to your writing process.

stephanie@butterfly-beginnings.com : Email me with the subject "transformation tale" to receive your copy of the transformation tale with a pre-filled example.

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoach/ : DM me "transformation tale" to get your copy!

https://www.butterfly-beginnings.com/freebie grab the guide to stop self-sabotaging your writing life!

 

About the Author

Stephanie Miller is a multi-published author, speaker, and certified Spiritual Growth Coach and Writing Coach with a heart for inspiring Christian women to reach their full potential. She regularly teaches workshops, speaks at events and has been featured on over 50 podcasts (and counting). Previous published works include The Butterfly Blueprint and several multi-author books. Through her coaching, she has helped many aspiring writers overcome their fears and develop their craft while also growing in their faith.

Stephanie enjoys indulging her creative side with painting watercolor and staying active by chasing her three young children around. She and her family live outside of Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two mini-goldendoodles. Connect with her at www.butterfly-beginnings.com, stephanie@butterfly-beginnings.com, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook @stephaniemillercoach.


There’s a particular kind of resistance that comes with writing something you believe matters-a mix of doubt, distraction, and sometimes, sheer weariness. Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers of All Genres meets you right in that space. Hosts CJ and Shelley Hitz, who work as writing mentors and author coaches, understand that the journey to finishing your book isn't just about craft; it's a spiritual undertaking. Each episode blends practical guidance with heartfelt spiritual encouragement, often weaving in prayers specifically for the hurdles writers face. Whether you're drafting a novel, a memoir, or a devotional, the conversation here rests on a core belief: your story has a purpose and you have a unique role to play. This podcast feels like a dedicated writing session with friends who get it, offering both the tools and the faith-filled perspective to keep moving forward. Tune in for honest talks about the writing life, all grounded in the encouragement that your work can impact lives in meaningful, lasting ways.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers of All Genres
Podcast Episodes
#467 Lighted Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
Light for my path Psalm 119 is divided into 22 sections, which represent the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. "Nun" = 14th of 22 Hebrew letters. It signifies a "fish" (representing life/continuation) or a "faithful/ben…
God Didn't Give You This Book Idea for It to Stay Unfinished [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:06
Have you been stuck on your first draft? You're not alone. In this episode, Shelley shares the biggest reasons writers stay stuck and never finish their manuscript, plus three practical shifts that can help you make real…
#466 Stillness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
A Posture of Stillness "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬ "Be still, and know tha…
#465 Giving Birth to God's Promises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Giving Birth to God's Promises Mother Teresa said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Zechariah "Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful t…
#464 Writing With Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:33
Writing With Power: How God Shows Up When You Feel Least Ready When your words feel stalled, and your confidence feels thin, that doesn't mean you've lost your calling—it usually means God is inviting you back to the sou…
Overwhelmed by Writing a Book? Try This Instead. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:35
Feeling called to write a book, but overwhelmed by where to start? In today's episode, Shelley shares why beginning with a guided journal is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to start publishing — especially for…
#463 The 5-Step Self-Publishing Roadmap for Christian Writers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:00
Feeling overwhelmed by everything it takes to self-publish your book? From ISBNs and editing to printing and launching—most Christian writers get buried in the to-do list before they ever hit publish. But it doesn't have…
#462 You Don't Have to Fit the Mold to Finish Your Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:03
If you've ever thought, "This sounds great… but how do I know if it's really right for me?" —This episode is for you. In this behind-the-scenes look, Shelley Hitz shares why Christian Book Academy was built specifically…
#461 Unseen Servants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
Unseen Servants Unseen Servants and the risk of bitterness As writers, we can often feel unseen. If we're not careful, we can become discontent and desire the praise and recognition from men & women. Are we able to be fa…
#460 Why That Writing Program Didn't Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:58
Have you ever bought a writing course or joined a program… and still didn't finish your book? You're not alone—and you're not the problem. In this episode, we're unpacking the real reason so many Christian writers stay s…