Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book

Ep. 162 | 3 Questions Every Christian Author Should Be Ready to Answer

18 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, Christian book coach Dalene Bickel reveals three essential questions every Christian author needs to be...

Traditional Publishing Myths Debunked: How First-Time Authors Can Land a Book Deal with Terry Whalin

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with publishing veteran Terry Whalin — editor, author, and acquisitions ...

Ep. 160 | Is This What's Holding You Back from Being the Author God Called You to Be?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a Christian author who feels stuck, stalled, or held back from sharing the message God placed on your heart? In this episode, we uncover the ...

Ep. 159 | The Wealth Compass with David Nassief - How to Steward Your Message and Your Money Well

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Money isn't spoken about much in writing circles, which is why I invited David Nassief on to be my guest. Not only does he share his own inspiri...

Do You Need a Book Coach? How a Christian Book Coach Can Help Christian Authors

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I explain exactly what a book coach is and how you can know when you need one as a Christian writer. I have worked in a vari...

Ep.157 | Create a Writing Routine that Actually Works for You

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Way back when I was in track in high school, all runners – even us distance runners – were required to run sprints at practice. These short, conc...

Ep.156 - 7 Truths About Writing a Book

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking of writing a book?Fantastic! The world needs more good ones!But completing your manuscript and turning it into a quality printed book is a jo...

Ep.155 | Spotify Will Sell Physical Books - What that Means for Authors

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spotfiy just announced that it will begin selling physical books in partnership with BookShop.org this spring. Listen in to discover what this means ...

Ep. 154 - Are You Prepared? 3 Things That Can Thwart Your Author Goals

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Before you dive into writing, learn these three things that can thwart you from reaching your author goals this year. Listen in!Next Steps:Step 1: Jo...

Ep.153 - Confronting Criticism: 2 Questions Every Author Should Ask Themselves

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whether we ask for it or not, every author receives feedback and often, it's in the form of criticism.How you respond to that criticism is import...

Ep.152 - Have I written enough? Too much? How to know when your manuscript is complete

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As I've mentioned before, there are no cookie-cutter solutions for authors. Such is the case for book length - what might be too long for one re...

Ep.151 | Discerning the Will of God for Your Book Project

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to write a book ... or is it the will of God that you write a book?There's a big difference.There's nothing wrong with creating ...

Ep.150 | Year in Review and What's to Come - Author Planning

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What worked last year ... and what didn't?What goals do you have for your author career next year?It's important for every writer to ask the...

Ep.149 | BONUS | Taking Consistent Action for God's Glory with Becca Yager

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How consistent is your writing schedule right now?Do you feel guilty if you aren't writing for an hour (or more) every day?It's easy to comp...

5 Book Marketing Tips for Nonfiction Authors (that don't include Amazon ads)

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"I wish I hadn't sold so many books," said no author ever. Authors ALWAYS want to sell more books, but most of the time, they simply d...

Ep.147 | BONUS | Becoming a Writer for God's Glory with Kim Oswalt

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Has God called you to write a book but you don't feel qualified?Do you work full time and wonder how you'd ever fit writing a book into your...

Ep.146 | Are You Ready to Self-Publish Your Nonfiction Book? 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Launch

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to self-publish your nonfiction book?Are you 100% certain?Maybe the deadline is looming and you're scurrying around, trying to do a...

Ep.145 | BONUS | Creating a Legacy for God's Glory with Sally Chetwynd

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been led to include something in your book that seems completely random?Do you wonder how networking applies to authors?Are you overlook...

Ep.144 | How to Write a Profitable Nonfiction Book

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to write a profitable nonfiction book? If so, today's episode is for you. Just to be clear, today's episode isn't about...

Ep.143 | BONUS | Leaning into Community for God's Glory with Kristy Horine

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself ostracized from a group you thought was your tribe?Have you ever doubted that you can be accepted for who you are?Have yo...

Ep.142 | No Time to Write a Book? 3 Solutions for Busy Christian Entrepreneurs

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 You're a Christian entrepreneur who has heard all the benefits of writing a book -attract new clients, become seen as an authority or thought ...

Ep.141 | BONUS | How to Use Your Creativity for God's Glory with Holly Beals

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This interview with artist and writer Holly Beals is the first in a series of 6 bonus episodes to shine a spotlight on a few of the amazing members of...

Self-Publishing Success for Nonfiction Christian Writers - Free Masterclass

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to make an impact AND an income from your book.​In this 1-hour live masterclass you'll learn:How to get laser-focused on your publish...

Ep.139 | Ready to Get Your Book Project Off the Back Burner? 3 Tips for Christian Writers

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Have you felt God nudging you to write a book, but you haven't started it yet?Or maybe He called you to write a book years ago and you began th...

138 | Overwhelmed as an Author? Focus on These 2 Things!

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're trying to write a book but are constantly second guessing your every step ...If you feel overwhelmed by all the to-dos on your self-pub...

137 | Struggling to Get Readers? 4 Simple Things You Can Do NOW to Sell More Books!

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered:"How can I reach more readers?""How can I sell more books?""How can I improve my book marketing effort...

136 | 5 Things You Should NOT Do if You Want to Self-Publish a Book that Sells

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Self-publishing offers a host of benefits, including - and most importantly - that you get to retain all the rights to your content and you have ful...

135 | Hesitant to Build Your Author Brand? 3 Mindset Shifts for Christian Writers

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever said something like:"I don't want to market myself.""I want to give God the glory, not myself.""I'm w...

Ep.134 | Constantly Distracted? 4 Ways to Get Focused and Write a Book Faster

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you busy and distracted by all your day-to-day responsibilities?Trying to figure out how to fit writing a book into your already overcommitted sch...

Writing Your First Christian Book? 3 Tips for Beginning Authors | Ep.133

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A couple of years ago I hosted a morning coffee chat for Christian writers in my area. Later that day, I received a message from someone I had invited...

2 Strategic Actions You Can Take Now to Make a Bigger Impact with Your Book | Ep.132

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two Strategic Actions You Can Take to Make a Bigger Impact with Your BookWhen I say there are two strategic actions for Christian authors, my guess is...

In a Writing Slump? Do This to Create a Productive Writing Routine | Ep.131

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you in a writing slump?If your writing has been pushed aside for the past three months simply because you've been wanting to enjoy all that s...

3 Ways to Market a Book and Reach More Readers Even Before It's Published | Ep.130

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I share 3 marketing strategies you can begin to implement now to help promote your book and reach more readers even before it's published.L...

How to Write a Book Faster (WITHOUT Generative AI) Ep.129

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some writers are tempted to use generative AI to write a book (in part or in whole) because it takes time and effort, perseverance and fortitude. And...

128 | How to Market Your Book without Feeling Salesy or Spammy

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Which of the following best describes your current thoughts about marketing?Are you an author who stresses over book marketing so much you avoid it as...

Is Fear of Success Holding You Back? (Ep.127)

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is fear of success holding you back?If so ... or if you're not sure ... or if you know another writer who is struggling with this fear, then this...

Your Author Journey - Actions that Lead to Traction (Ep.126)

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're in the writing, publishing, or marketing phase of your book, the success of your author journey relies on the actions that you tak...

Cultivating Your Message: Maximizing Impact Without Compromising Values (Ep.125)

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your expertise is a gift. Discover how to strategically leverage your book for maximum reach and influence, all while remaining true to your deepest c...

7-Step Framework for Writing a Book with Purpose (Ep.124)

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're wondering how to write a book with purpose, this episode of the Ink and Impact podcast is for you!No fluff, no frills - just the basic ...

How to Find Time to Write Your Book - 4 Strategies Successful Authors Use (Ep.123)

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don't have time to write your book?Think again!In this episode, I share 4 simple strategies you can find time to write your book in 3-6 months.Li...

Filling Your Tank as an Author: How to Fuel Up to Reach Your Goal (Ep.122)

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you running low on empty as a Christian indie author?Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, overcommitted, and not getting anywhere?If so, it's time ...

Unlock Your Potential: How to Become a More Confident Author in 5 Steps (Ep.121)

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm diving deep into practical, faith-filled strategies to help you embrace your calling and become a more confident author.Join...

3 Common Misconceptions About Writing a Book (Ep.120)

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you an aspiring author dreaming of publishing your book, but feeling overwhelmed by the journey ahead? In this episode, I'm tackling the thre...

How to Improve Your Book Sales ... even before it's published (Ep.119)

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you an indie author hoping to make a real impact with your book, but struggling with how to get it into the hands of more readers? Many authors w...

Embrace These 3 Traits to Make an Impact as a Christian Writer (Ep.118)

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how you can supercharge your writing life - and make an impact as an author - by employing these 3 powerful traits of Christian writers.Join ...

Mastering the Fundamentals to Make Your Book Stand Out (Ep.117)

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Ink & Impact podcast, learn the four essential fundamentals to make your book stand out in the crowded publishing market. ...

3 Things Authors Should Do Every Day (Ep.116)

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to uplevel your author journey?!? Be sure to do these 3 things every day!They aren't complicated.They're not fancy.Just 3 basic actio...

How to Write a Book When You Don't Know Where to Start (Ep.115)

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you dream of writing a book but feel completely lost on where to begin? Welcome to the Ink & Impact podcast, where your host Dalene Bickel prov...

The #1 Thing You Need to Do TODAY to Become a Successful Author

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a successful author?In this episode of the Ink & Impact podcast, book coach Dalene Bickel reveals t...

Stop Chasing the Bestseller List! The Real Keys to Author Success (Ep.113)

19 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what it really takes to be a bestselling author? This insightful episode pulls back the curtain on the truth behind bestseller status, ...

Author Marketing Secrets: How to Sell More Books Beyond Amazon (Coaching Call) - Ep.112

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Schedule your 1:1 coaching session here before the 4 remaining spots are gone!In this episode, host Dalene Bickel shares her one-on-one coaching sessi...

Goal Setting for Christian Writers - 5 Steps to Write with Purpose and Impact

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a Christian writer seeking clarity and direction in your author journey? Schedule your 1:1 Coaching Session today to grab one of only 5 spots...

Why Your Author Voice Matters (And How Mine Saved My College Career!)

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why your voice as a writer is so important? In this episode, Dalene shares a captivating story of how her voice literally save...

Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb - How to Become a Confident Writer (Ep.109)

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling with feelings of imposter syndrome?You know, the belief that you don't know enough or aren't qualified enough to write an...

How to Write a Book that Sells (and Readers Recommend) - Ep.108

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a book that makes an impact takes forethought and strategy.In today's episode, Dalene Bickel shares five ways to write a book that reader...

Book Publishing Trends in 2025 - What You Need to Know as an Indie Author (Ep.107)

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping up with trends in the publishing industry is important for all authors, but especially indie authors like you.In today's episode, Dalene ...

5 Steps to Navigating the Self-Publishing Process (Ep.106)

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Things don't always go as planned.In this episode, you'll learn how to handle the unexpected disruptions and obstacles that will inevitably ...

Why Your Book Matters - A Call for Christian Writers (Ep.105)

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a clarion call to Christian writers to remember who you are in Christ and why your book matters. The stakes are high, my friend.Listen...

The 3 Best Places to Find an Editor (Ep.104)

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join the new Author Marketing Lab! The first monthly session begins Friday, January 31, 2025. Register today!In today's episode, you'll disc...

How to Avoid Burnout as an Indie Author (Ep.103)

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know when you set out to write a book and it seemed so straightforward - just transfer the message or story in your head into a typed document and...

The Self-Publishing Process: What to Expect (Ep.102)

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 ✍ WRITING YOUR FIRST BOOK? Get 1:1 book coaching with me! https://dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coachingAre you an aspiring indie author wondering e...

5 Strategic Risks Every Writer Should Take - Risk Taking vs. Resolution Making (Ep.101)

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a risk taker or a resolution maker?If you're tired of putting "write a book" at the top of your resolutions year after year and...

Celebrate Your Writing Journey, the New Year, and the 100th Episode of Ink and Impact! (Bonus Episode)

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations, my writing friend! You've accomplished much to get where you're at today and there's even more to look forward to in t...

12 Tips to Help You Reach Your Writing Goals in the New Year (Ep.99)

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dalene highlights 12 topics from the Ink & Impact podcast to help you reach your writing goals in the new year.If writing and pub...

6 Marketing Considerations for Christian Writers [Part 3 of A Season for Holiness: A Renewal Plan for Writers]

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to fulfill your calling by putting your faith in action!Now that we’ve laid the foundation (Ep. 96) and erected the structure of our ...

6 Ways to Build Your Faith [Part 2 of A Season for Holiness: A Renewal Plan for Writers]

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 Today, Dalene shares 6 ways to build your faith as a Christian writer. We tend to bypass God – the source of unlimited strength, wisdom, and nour...

6 Essential Habits for Christian Writers [Part 1 of A Season for Holiness: A Renewal Plan for Writers]

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your soul thirsting for more of Christ this Christmas season?Do you have a sense that you’re supposed to be doing something more for God with you...

Want to Self-Publish a Book in 2025? Apply This 5-Step Process (Ep.95)

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a writer who wants to publish a book in 2025, then be sure to listen to today's episode to discover the 5-step publishing process ...

Expand Your Audience: The Power of Audiobooks for Authors with Linda Goldfarb (Ep.94)

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into the what, why, and how of audiobooks for authors. If you've ever wondered if you should create an audiobook, this episode...

STOP Doing These 5 Things If You Really Want to Write a Book (Ep.93)

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Schedule your 1:1 coaching call with bonus CTA audit!If you really want to write a book, there are 5 things you need to stop doing right now to make s...

What is a CTA ? (And how writers should use it) - Ep.92

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Schedule your 1:1 coaching call with bonus CTA audit!Do you wish you got more engagement on your blog posts, social posts, and newsletters? Have you e...

5 Habits of Successful Authors (Ep.91)

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I got the idea for today's episode after reading an article about how Scholastic, the popular children's book distributor, selects their tit...

Balancing Faith & Book Marketing as a Christian Author with Cathy McIntosh (Ep.90)

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a Christian author who struggles to effectively market your book?If so, you'll want to listen to the entire episode to discover practical...

How (and where) to Get More Book Reviews as an Indie Author (Ep.89)

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, host Dalene Bickel discusses the nitty gritty about book reviews. Topics covered include:The big myth around a certain # of b...

Do You Need a Book Coach? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself (Ep.88)

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I define what a book coach is, explain what a book coach does, and share 3 questions you should ask yourself to determine if ...

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: The Rundown (Ep.87)

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is no universal right or wrong way to publish your book. Self-publishing will be better for some authors while traditional publishing will be be...

7 Effective Self-Editing Techniques (and how to have fun in the process)

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm sharing 7 effective self-editing techniques for each stage of the self-publishing process.Whether you're a first-time aspiring aut...

The 2 Worst Times to Publish a Book as an Indie Author (Ep.85)

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Timing is everything when it comes to launching your book, ESPECIALLY if you're a self-published author.In fact, there are 2 times you should avo...

Called to Write a Book, But Don't Know What to Write? (Ep.84)

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a God-honoring book isn't a task that you should take lightly, but neither should it paralyze you. Sometimes you just need some help get...

3 Ways Writers Can Simplify the Book Creation Process (Ep.83)

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, we celebrated Labor Day here in the U.S., which honors all the workers who enable our country to function. It also made me think of...

Island Time vs. Deadline - Summer Writing Tips

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hot in the summer, so it’s nice to slow down a bit and drink something refreshing that quenches the thirst. This got me to thinking: why not ...

Beyond the Love Story: Romance Writing Tips for Christian Authors with Sara Turnquist

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romance is today’s most popular genre of fiction, by far. And that includes the Christian market.if you feel called to write a Christian romance nov...

How to Stop Procrastinating as a Writer (Ep.80)

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has procrastinated at some point in their lives.But it seems to be a recurring theme among writers.Why is tha...

How to Write Your Life Story in 4 Steps (Ep.79)

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to write your life story but not sure how? On today’s episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, I share my 4-step process that will help you get...

A SIMPLER Way to Write Your Book (and market it, too) - Ep.78

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated when it comes to writing and marketing your book, know that you’re not alone.Every published author I’...

3 Types of Writers: Which Type Are You? (Ep.77)

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At the outset, writing and self-publishing a book sounds straightforward - just write it and upload it to Amazon or whatever online retailer you choos...

5 Essential Networking Tips for Writers (Ep.76)

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, I’m going to cover 5 Essential Networking Tips for Writers.As a book coach who serves Christian ...

The Risk of Compromise as a Christian Writer (Ep.75)

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Compromise as a Christian writer isn't something many people talk about ... but it's something that can easily creep into our author life if...

Can You Get Your Self-Published Book into an Indie Christian Bookstore? (Ep.74)

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You may recall that back in episode 68, I asked, Is There Still a Market for Christian Books?Well, thanks to a recent 41-page 2024 State of Christian ...

The Benefits of Using Personal Experience in Fiction Writing with Becca Wierwille (Ep.73)

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I recently had the honor of interviewing Becca Wierwille, author of the middle grade novel, Road Trip Rescue. On today's episode, we address how ...

Cultivating a Christian Author's Mindset (Ep.72)

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How is your writing coming along? How about your marketing? Are they going as well as you had hoped they would at the beginning of the year?If not, kn...

7 Book Marketing Strategies Authors Can Learn from Costco (Ep. 71)

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Regardless of whether or not you like Costco, the 7 strategies I'm going to share with you today can help you reach - and retain - your readers. ...

What's Your Writing Source? 3 Distinctive Sources for Writers (Ep.70)

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Creating content out of thin air is never a great idea. What's the source of YOUR writing? Listen to today's episode to discover three disti...

Are You Ready to RACE into the New Year?

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're like me, you might be eagerly anticipating the new year on one hand, but also hesitant about it on the other hand.In today's episo...

Is There Still a Market for Christian Books? (Ep.68)

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With so many U.S. Christian bookstores that have gone out of business over the last ten years, is there still a market for Christian books? And if so...

3 Things to Do Now to Self-Publish in 2024 (Ep.67)

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Thanksgiving, fellow writer! Just like Thanksgiving dinner, there are a multitude of moving parts associated with self-publishing. To ensure th...

Should You Hire a Book Coach? (Ep.66)

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Remember how the saying used to be, “There’s an app for that”? Well, today there seems to be a coach for everything, too. A quick online search...

The ONE Thing You Need to Sell More Books (Ep.65)

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode, I shared how you can find time to write your book. Today, I’m going to share the ONE thing you need to sell more of that book.A...

Time to Write Your Book: 5 Strategies to Create a Writing Routine (Ep.64)

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest challenges I hear from writers is a variation of time:There’s no time to write in my crazy busy life.It takes too long to grow a ...

7 Things to Avoid When Writing Your Life Story (Ep.63)

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, your host Dalene Bickel shares 7 Things to Avoid When Writing Your Life Story (or memoir, or autobiography).When you follow these gui...