Tag: books

“Toxic Femininity” – Where “Strong Female Characters” Went Wrong

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By Caylah Coffeen

I recently picked up an epic fantasy book I had greatly anticipated reading – it promised unusual worldbuilding, an intricate plot, and a unique authorial voice. I didn’t make it through the first chapter.

In the opening, the main female character gets drunk, breaks into someone’s home to commit adultery, assaults the homeowner when he tries to stop her, and gets thrown in jail. When she wakes up, she bangs on the bars and yells at the guards to let her out, as though she’d done nothing wrong. A stranger, who greatly outranks her, bails her out and gets her acquitted because he wants to hire her. She struts out like she owns the place, doesn’t offer this man a single thank you, and instead mouths off at him, becoming offended that he expects her to work off her debt to him!

That’s when I stopped reading. I was astounded we were supposed to find this character likeable. Or even admire her defiant attitude and the gargantuan chip on her shoulder.

Unfortunately, this is the exact type of character readers can expect to see over and over again, advertised as a “strong female lead.”

I would use another word: cocksure. I’m sorry if you find that crass, but that’s the point – that’s exactly what these characters are.

The Double Standard

How is it that the word I’ve found to best describe these “strong female characters” has largely been used in the past to describe men being jerks? It’s pretty much the old word for “toxic masculinity!” If a male character acted the way these female characters do, that’s exactly what they’d be called! No, if they acted half so horribly, they would never have made it past a publisher’s slush pile. Instead, we would have seen acquisitions editors tweeting about how triggered they felt.

I’m glad that publishing has enacted a higher standard for male characters! So many male “heroes” in books do treat everyone around them terribly, break their word, kill and torture without remorse, look out only for themselves, emotionally abuse their friends, abandon their families, and drink, swear, and fight with impunity. It continues to horrify me that stories like Prince of Thorns were ever published, and I’m relieved that publishers would reject such books today.

But I don’t want to read about hubristic, “antihero” women any more than I want to read about sociopathic, egotistical men. So why is this behavior seen as not just acceptable, but “cool” when enacted by women?

It shouldn’t be, for two reasons. But before I get into why, let’s define our terms.

“Toxic” or “Sinful?”

I’m a Christian, and I’m fine with using the phrase “toxic masculinity” because men are sinners, and like all sinners, glorify their sin as right. The world’s version of a “strong man” is extremely different from God’s version, and yes, it’s often toxic. Greed, rape (jokes), idolatry, and violence are all sins that God condemns. In the Bible, the “men after his own heart,” are faithful, humble, selfless, obedient to his law, self-controlled, and gracious. This is “righteous masculinity,” nothing like the “locker room boasters” which our culture has seen as cool (in the past). And praise God for the men who seek to be made anew in such a way!

When women call out “toxic masculinity,” I feel a lot of compassion for people who are often coming from non-Christian households. They’ve never met a godly man in their life, and they don’t have the words to explain why their relationships feel so wrong. So they use terms given to them by mental health professionals.

However, I know that many modern* feminists also use the phrase “toxic masculinity” to assert that the idea of gender differences and the existence of masculinity are in themselves toxic. I reject that claim and do not use the phrase in such a way.

*Early feminists were wonderfully brave women who championed equal rights under the law and were almost all Christians, so please be careful if you’re tempted to make blanket denigrating statements about feminists. I encourage you to read about the different “waves” of feminism to understand how/when things went wrong.

Our culture also praises the sins of women, glorifying selfish, petty, greedy, cruel speech and actions as “subversive, bold, driven, audacious, or strong.” We could refer to this as “toxic femininity,” and indeed if we are going to call out sinful masculinity, then we should be willing to do the same for sinful versions of femininity.

Though perhaps it’d be much better if we dropped this phrase entirely, in favor of biblical language. The Bible uses different words than “toxic”:

Righteous or wicked
Godly or ungodly
Integrity or crookedness
Alive in Christ or dead in sin
The wise or the fools

What does Proverbs tell us about what it looks like to live a righteous life?

The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Proverbs 13:5, 15:28, 29:27

I yearn to read about main characters who are considered heroes because they are righteous, not because they are wicked!

How dare publishers act as though they’ve made a stand for morality, only to turn around and espouse those same evils when committed by people like themselves! And these new heroes aren’t even well written.

Most “Strong Female Characters” Are Badly Written

It wasn’t just a shift in culture that led to a decline in the “toxically masculine” character. Publishers just started pointing out that such characters are often badly written and make for flat stories. Which is true.

Contemporary female leads, like many stereotypical male leads in older books (prophesied farm boy), are often 2-dimensional, cut-and-pasted copies of each other. Handing a girl a sword doesn’t give her a personality, though apparently it gives the author an excuse not to develop one. The most noticeable things about them, aside from their superior talent and skills, are their entitlement, aggression, arrogance, and air of martyrdom. When the story starts, they are the universe’s gift to humanity, and when the story ends, they are the universe’s greater gift to humanity.

Readers see very little character development, with the exception of “healing” from whatever injustice the world has perpetrated against the main character. There are no personal flaws they need to face and overcome. Everything is someone else’s fault. This makes for extremely boring storytelling. It breaks the cardinal rule of character development.

Everyone who’s taken an intro to creative writing course knows the joke about “the frat boy who signed up to get an easy humanities credit”: The guy writes a story about a perfectly handsome, intelligent, desirable young man who breezes through all his problems and gets the girl who wrongly rejected him before. The professor has to explain that a good (and realistic) story needs flawed protagonists (not the same as morally grey) and problems that they can’t immediately overcome. This creates tension in the plot and spurs development in the character. Usually, the new writer resists, because their character is actually a self-insert and they feel personally attacked at the implication that they have flaws.

These points are no less true for female writers and female characters. In fact, these days male writers are much more likely to accept feedback when you tell them their character needs work – I know, I’ve worked with quite a few developing male writers. But female writers are likely to get up in arms if anyone criticizes how unrealistic or entitled their female characters are. Because these authors are often living out their dreams of being able to get away with literal crime, say whatever they want to the men in their life, and be respected and taken seriously for it.

And, predictably, the characters and plot of these stories suffer for it. Yet publishers will ignore these obvious problems when they’re seen in female characters, because they too are fantasizing about walking around like god and being worshiped for it – as all sinful humans do.

Which brings me to the second reason why we should reject “toxic femininity” – the glorification of unrighteous women – in books.

Bad Ideology, Bad Examples

The version of femininity which is portrayed in so many of these stories is not something I want to embody. I don’t find these women strong. They are not good role models. Most of them are angry, bitter, self-absorbed individuals who hate authority, are isolated from healthy community and family, and listen to no one but themselves. They are unrighteous and thoroughly broken.

These characters embody everything that women have called out as wrong in male behavior. At least modern feminists have gotten more honest. Their actual message is, “men shouldn’t play god, but women are god.” I suppose these books sell because fallen people do relate to this desire. I don’t know why anyone is shocked – this is the oldest sin there is.

“You will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Yours truthlessly,
Satan

That’s the message publishers are selling to girls: “you can be like god.” Girls down these books like cheap shots, craving temporary gratification in place of the answer that will truly quench their thirst. Such stories can never satisfy, because they run in direct opposition to the Great Story, which tells of a plain, humble, kind man doing what is right and vanquishing evil at great cost to himself, for the sake of others.

This doesn’t mean I only want to read stories about knights saving damsels in distress from dragons, though the trope is justifiably iconic (pun intended)! This is one major reason why I personally prefer reading about male mc’s.

But I do want Queens who save their kingdom from evil. Yes, give me heroines running around in capes and busting out martial arts moves. I need to read stories about female strategists, inventors, explorers, and more. AND I want to read stories about mothers, sisters, shy girls, bookworms, wives, and any other profession out there.

SO LONG as all these women first and foremost embody integrity, kindness, faithfulness, humility, goodness, and other signs of godly character. So long as her flaws and mistakes are actually portrayed as problematic and she actively wrestles to overcome them!

We have beautiful examples to guide us!

Noah’s wife cared for her family through the ending of the world, Abigail defied her wicked husband, Ruth braved the wilderness and poverty for love, Esther faced the emperor of the known world head on, Mary encountered an eldritch creature with who knows how many eyeballs and sang for joy. Jael and the woman of Thebez smashed open the heads of villains with household implements!

The woman of Thebez wields her deadly millstone

These are strong women, brave women, faithful women – women after God’s own heart.

Don’t believe the world’s picture of femininity. It is toxic. It is the way that leads to death. I urge you not to write self-absorbed, 2D, arrogant female OR male characters, but to look at the truth of God’s word and write stories that would please him and better teach us how to hear his story.

P.S. If anyone wants to make a biblical argument in favor of the descriptor “toxic,” I’m all ears (Matt 16:6). After all, a little Axe body spray goes a long way. 😉

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

Interview with Jeremiah Friedli – Debut Author of Christian Sci-Fi Novel CORE Deception

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By Caylah Coffeen

CC: Thanks for joining me Jeremiah, and congrats on your debut novel! Tell us about it!

JF: Thanks, and I appreciate you inviting me to join today! Here’s what you’ll find in my novel CORE Deception:

A tyrannical government, a cryptic letter, a devious hacker…

In a world where the government’s CORE systems see and track everyone, seventeen-year-old hacker Seth Alvarez is determined to save his sister from being placed in a reeducation facility. Armed with a cryptic letter, Seth embarks on a search for the valuable incognito devices—cyber master keys that can set his sister free. But with only three weeks remaining, he finds himself wedged between two powerful forces who will stop at nothing to get the devices first.

CC: That sounds exciting! I love books about siblings (I have 6 myself!). And congrats on making it to the finalist stage in the debut category at the 2025 Realm Makers Awards! What do you love most about this story and what are you hoping readers will connect with?

JF: I love stories of espionage, undercover, and page-turning suspense. I also like some level of technology. A dystopian setting offers the perfect venue for teen characters to get into these activities. If you love clean YA read that keeps you turning pages, stories of underdogs standing up to dystopian governments, and plots filled with intrigue and suspense, CORE Deception is for you.

Take codes and ciphers for example. I’d read about them in true spy accounts and liked the idea of incorporating them into the CORE Series. As I learned more so I could write about them correctly, I really enjoyed codes and ciphers. In fact, they play key roles in CORE Deception and its prequel novella Association. I even created a Code and Cipher Guide to go along with my books.

Another reason I like CORE Deception is the primary thematic element, which grew out of 2020 when I faced fears I didn’t know I had. I’ve struggled with fear of acceptance, fear of failure, and fear of incompetence before—to name a few fears. But this was new to me. It was fear that dominated my thinking and tried to control my actions. (And really, doesn’t all fear do that?)

Something told me this wasn’t right—more like Someone. As a Christian, I shouldn’t fear like that, not if I believe the Bible. After all, our future is secure, no matter what happens to us physically. And as Christ-followers, we have more hope than anyone else.

So why was this fear so strong? Later I came across a quote by Max Lucado from his book Fearless. He put it really well: “Fear, at its center, is a perceived loss of control.”

That was me. It felt like I’d lost control of almost every aspect of normal life. Not that I had control in the first place. And that was the foundational deception of my fear. Experiencing this it was painful because it forced me to face a reality—I wasn’t trusting God like I thought I was, like I wanted to think I was. But as painful as that was, it was a gift, growing me as a Christian. And I soon incorporated it into CORE Deception.

CC: That’s such a powerful way to put it. I’ve certainly struggled with that. It’s easy to “trust” God when everything is going well. How else has your faith shaped this story? Could you share what “Christian sci-fi” means to you?

JF: Faith should shape everything Christ’s followers do and think. It’s easier said than done, but that’s what I try to do, including with my writing. This doesn’t mean there’s a Bible verse on every page, but it does mean my writing should reflect a Christian worldview and be done for Christ’s glory.

This reminds me of a pivotal point years ago. I’d been writing it since I was a kid, mainly for enjoyment but with the possibility of publishing eventually. I sensed a challenge from the Lord regarding my time used in writing. If I was going to spend time on it, I should use it for His glory and not just my personal enjoyment. Yes, I want to write engaging stories that whisk readers away into an amazing world of fiction, but I also sensed the call to use my stories to “lay up treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). That includes reflecting biblical worldview and weaving in themes that inspire courageous living for God, regardless of the genre.

I like to think of Christian sci-fi—really any genre—as stories written from a biblical worldview. The Bible should always be the foundation and guide for creators and readers. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, God’s word is sufficient for all areas of life.

CC: Amen! What did you most enjoy about writing your book? What was most challenging?

JF: I absolutely love the phase of writing when the spark of an idea grows into something bigger. It’s that phase when I’m exploring characters or a storyworld (or both!), ideas explode, and it seems anything is possible. It’s like receiving a fascinating new toy on Christmas Day—I’m just so excited to play with this new idea and see what it can do! With CORE Deception, it didn’t take long to realize I had enough for more than one novel.

But for all those loose ideas to form a cohesive story, I eventually had to put it into a framework (either before or after writing the first draft). The phase of structuring everything, making my setting consistent, and refining character arcs posed one of my greatest challenges. I’ve polished words before and cranked out many drafts over the years, but pushing a novel through developmental edits (making all the large pieces work) wasn’t something I’d done before and was harder than anticipated. But the story is so much better for it.

CC: Worldbuilding is definitely the fun part! Actually sitting down and writing takes so much discipline! How long have you been writing and how did God guide you into this career?

JF: One of my first stories was a one-of-a-kind picture book I wrote and illustrated myself as a kid. It was four pages long with a grand total of seven sentences (if you include “the end”), put together with construction paper, masking tape, and staples. [optional: insert picture below] The name was Twenty Door Bells. A real page-turner, huh? You can tell I was using cutting edge print-on-demand technology too. But you can see my imagination was already at work.

Mostly, I only wrote creatively when it was required for school. But somewhere along the way, I found I liked crafting stories. Sometimes it was because my siblings were writing stories. Later, it’s more likely that I ran out of stories to read, and so I decided to write my own. I enjoyed it so much I kind of became an overachiever with writing assignments.

For example…

Assignment: 5 pages of fanciful fiction

Completed Project: 39-page story of animals in a medieval kingdom, complete with intrigue and major battle scenes.

Assignment: Short story with dialogue (short, as in, only a few pages)

Completed Project: 35-page mystery with black-cloaked thugs and a pie fight, among other things.

Soon I was writing even when there wasn’t any assignment—short stories, poems, novellas, novels—and sharing them with my family and friends.

I got into westerns, action, mystery, humor, sci-fi, fanciful, fantasy, retellings, and even an interactive mystery-thriller. I did flash fiction, short stories, novelettes, novellas, short novels, novels. Having siblings who wrote helped a lot, offering camaraderie and some friendly competition. I have terrific memories cowriting with my brothers and sisters. Also, it was huge that my mom (and homeschool teacher) fostered creativity.

As time went on, I sensed God calling me to do more with my creative writing, as I mentioned above.

CC: Haha, I love your enthusiasm! And that your mom kept your first story! How would you describe your writing style and how has it evolved since those early stories? Do you have any advice for writers as they try to develop a unique style?

JF: I love stories with high suspense, action, and thriller pacing. I think a lot of teen guys would agree. When I read books in that genre, I’m able to detect a general style, especially for action and suspense scenes.

But when it comes to developing my own style, I’ve largely followed James Scott Bell’s advice on the subject. Keep in mind, both he and I write for the commercial fiction market, not literary or what your high school English teacher taught you. In Revision and Self-Editing for Publication, Bell says, “It’s best to allow voice and style to emerge naturally in the telling of your tale. Attend to the fundamentals of the craft, and voice and style will seem organic. That’s your goal.”

Put another way, don’t think too hard about style. As you write more and more, you’ll naturally develop one of your own. But if you concentrate too much on style, you risk awkward, unnatural prose that jars the reader.

CC: That’s a good point. Sometimes writers can over-plan, rather than letting things develop organically. What was your journey to publication like? Why did you pick the route you did and what kind of challenges did you face along the way?

JF: As mentioned, at some point I pivoted from writing for fun to writing intentionally, like for the purpose of publication. I dedicated myself to the craft of writing and eventually started looking for publishers and agents. But eventually, I didn’t sense any major publisher’s interest in my writing. While a small publishing house might have been, I felt like I’d be doing much of the same work as independently publishing—an idea I gradually liked more and more.

More significantly, as time went on I realized that I would really like to have a say in the final book product. I sensed that God wanted me to influence the story, the editing, the cover, the marketing, and so on. The catch is, I had to learn at least some about all those areas. For example, I knew I should outsource my cover design, but that still requires I understand the norms for covers in my sub-genre and can create a design brief for the designer.

Pragmatically, indie publishing works well in the book industry today. There’s definitely a learning curve if you’re going to do it well, but it’s easier than ever for an author to tackle areas like typesetting and selling directly from their website. And I’ve found I enjoyed the business and marketing parts of writing a lot more than I anticipated.

CC: That must be a relief! It’d be so hard to stick with it if you hated the business and marketing like a lot of authors do!
There has been discussion lately of how few young adult books feature male main characters (outside romance plots). Indeed, it seems like major publishers aren’t interested in these types of stories. Why do you think this is? Are you hoping to reach boys and young men in particular, and how do you hope your book can accomplish this?

JF: Yes, I write for teen guys. Perhaps because as a teen guy, I had a hard time finding books I enjoyed. Thankfully, I did find some, and that’s probably why I ended up writing YA! But more importantly, that’s the genre I sense God calling me to. I still have a lot to learn here, so I’m always eager for resources that help me do this.

It’s no secret to those in the book industry that guys don’t read/buy as many books as girls.

If you look at what the large publishers are producing, the same disparity seems to exist in the young adult genre. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that. My guess is they’re publishing what sells. To an extent, it’s a chicken or the egg situation—since not a lot of guys read, few new books get published for them, which leads to fewer guys reading and therefore publishers creating fewer books for that diminishing readership.

Some blame the gaming industry for drawing guys away from books, but my counter to that is “what is it about those games that connect with guys?” There are a number of independently published authors who have figured out how to produce stories guys love and are filling the void left by the larger publishers. Because plenty of young men do like to read, even if they’re not looking for reading material in the same places other people are.

This is a big topic, and this excellent discussion on the Christian Publishing Show is a good next stop.

CC: Thank you! That’s a valuable perspective. What’s next for you as an author?

JF: I’m well into the planning phase of CORE Deception‘s sequel. Readers can expect more suspense and espionage while exploring new facets of the CORE Series storyworld and digging deeper into characters like Seth, Krystin, and Jhalak. The next title and plot are a secret right now, though I’m feeding some insider snippets to those subscribed to my emails. Here’s a teaser for the sequel:

A relentless pursuer.
An unpredictable ally.
The opportunity of a lifetime.

Can seventeen-year-old hacker Seth Alvarez survive a daring undercover mission that could change the course of a nation…or destroy everything he’s even known and loved?

After a third novel in the CORE Series, I’m praying about what to write. Several ideas are pushing their way to the front of the line, and it’s too early to say which one will win out. It could be another sci-fi, a modern thriller, kingdom adventure—you get the idea.

CC: Thanks Jeremiah, I look forward to it! And best of luck in the next stage of judging at the 2025 Realm Makers competition!

JF: Thanks so much for allowing me to join the discussion today!

About Jeremiah Friedli

Author of the 2025 Realm Awards Finalist CORE Deception, Jeremiah Friedli is a homeschool graduate, lifelong writer, ice cream lover, and native Texan. He enjoys getting out in God’s creation, whether that’s hiking, camping, running, or just reading quietly on the porch. Otherwise, you might find him seated behind a large screen with one of his beloved spreadsheets or watching a movie with his family. Learn more and connect with him at jeremiahfriedli.com.

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Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

Why Christians Should Read Fantasy: Can You Imagine Things Unseen?

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Guest Post By Willamette Sutta

Let’s face it. When we write our debut novel, we expect the world to be as excited about it as ourselves. At least our family and friends. Mine did make a big deal of my achievement. But when I told them it was a fantasy novel, their smiles became polite, baffled, or embarrassed. Not everyone, but enough to dampen my enthusiasm. True, peoples’ reading tastes vary, so it could just be the genre. But after conversations and consideration, I came to a disturbing conclusion. Few people in my circle of acquaintances read fiction. A common denominator among those acquaintances is that they are Christians. Could there be a correlation?

Christian fiction has gained more acceptance in the ecclesiastical fold in recent decades. Works from such authors as C. S. Lewis and Tolkien are even held in theological esteem. But most seem to be valued as clean entertainment, comfortable encouragement, or harmless escapes to restore mental health. All fine for the young, leisurely, and convalescent. But “serious” Christian growth happens from didactic doses of information, right?

Do we only glean the deepest insights from within the careful lines of logic, or can we also learn through the mysteries of the imagination? Is reason the only tutor of innovation, or must it co-create with abstraction? Consider science. It observes facts and imagines possibilities (hypotheses) which are tested to become theories (new facts). In the Christian life, we seek to grow in faith, which is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Yet, belief in the unseen requires believers to step into the realm of the imagination. So, if imagination is critical to expand all types of  knowledge and faith, how can we cultivate it?

When we delve into a story and put ourselves in the shoes of fictional people, our minds summon images out of thin air. We experience events and desire outcomes that don’t exist. We are exercising our imagination. And we are learning another important life skill—empathy. Given these benefits, reading fiction should be an essential practice, especially for Christians. Yet the opposite seems to be true. Why would that be?

Why don’t More Christians read fiction?

Whether consciously or not, Christians may hold the mindset that theological textbooks or other expository writings alone can teach real spiritual insights. Perhaps there is some justification for such thinking, as many Christian novels contain little more than a sanctified dollop of sugar or shot of adrenaline. They may provide moments of distraction, but surely, we can offer more than euphoria that quickly evaporates. Following our Master Storyteller, who convicted scholars and laymen alike with life-changing parables, we too could weave profound truths into tales that lead to lasting hope.

Such stories are harder to write and to read. We must deal with murky concepts organically and often indirectly, all while negotiating a riveting plot. But like all things that are uncertain, we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And as with all things difficult, we keep practicing. Indeed, Christians ought to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). It may take time to build up a body of excellent Christian fiction, and to cultivate a reputation of edifying content. But we can do it if we push on in that good work.

There may be another reason that Christians shun the imagination. We fear it. Beyond being an intangible quality that we cannot define and confine, we have much evidence of its potential for evil in our world. Too often it is twisted by our sin nature and the Enemy to create vivid products of destruction. But these are not reasons to retreat. 

Can You Imagine?

I believe that the imagination is a potent aspect of being created in God’s image. It is a touch of the divine to glimpse into the edges of eternity. Of course the Enemy wants to usurp it, corrupting it to focus us on hedonistic desires and to extol ourselves as gods. We, as God’s people, should not concede this mighty gift. We need to claim the imagination for the glory of God. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul tells us to be in the business of “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

We are not to abandon imagination, but to bring it into obedience to Christ. So, Christian should be at the forefront of penning magnificent speculations that sing His praises, ignite others to wonder at His goodness, and showcase His beauty and majesty. Stories of power and skill that draw people to His truth. And we should read those stories too, to enlarge our own faith and engage with others.

The imagination is a potent aspect of being created in God’s image.

When I was a 7-year-old immigrant in New York City, I learned to read in a public library. Stories opened the way to a new language and country for me. They normalized a strange culture and transported me to worlds of friendship and adventure. Yes, I relished the escape at first, but my mind was also training to see invisible things. So, when I heard the Greatest Story Ever Told, I could imagine Jesus and His salvation. I knew it was true. He had prepared me to believe.

Since then, faith is a constant journey of trusting God’s promises by seeing that which is not yet. Now, I want every story I write to convey an air of His transcendence, so that readers will long for it and recognize it when they encounter it in this world. Fantasy, more than any other genre, allows the supernatural to be a normal force in the narrative. Therefore, I see it as a perfect conveyance to reveal the most exalted One who surpasses all powers.

For readers, let me leave you with a challenge. Read a fantasy story today and let it take you on a quest. See yourself as the hero you never thought you could be. Find the evil in your world and surmount every danger to vanquish it in Jesus’ name. Do you dare?

About Willamette Sutta

Willamette Sutta is the pen name of a former academic librarian who has always been more fascinated with the worlds of imagination than the STEM books that she curated. Now she combines her love of information and speculation to create fantastic stories that nevertheless give an air of a world truer than the one we see. Find the story beneath the story.

Check out Her Debut Novel!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

18 Young Adult Urban Fantasy Books with a Male Protagonist (Science Fantasy, Superhero, Steampunk, & More)

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This is part 2 of my ongoing series of book lists featuring young adult books with male protagonists. Part 1 lists high/epic fantasy books with young male leads, which you can read here!

I personally prefer reading about male protagonists (I’m a woman). I also would rather read a book with 1 POV, rather than ones that switch back and forth between different perspectives. The pacing of young adult fiction is also perfect after a long day at work!

Or perhaps your son has outgrown Spiderman, but isn’t ready to pick up adult fiction yet.

However, since the young adult market is largely aimed at girls and women these days, it can be a bit hard to find fast-paced books with 1 male main character. So I thought I’d share my growing TBR list with you all to help you find this kind of story as well!

Happy reading!

  1. Science Fantasy
  2. Superheroes and Academies
  3. Urban Fantasy and Supernatural
  4. Steampunk
  5. Comedy/Parody

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Science Fantasy Books

Science fantasy is the umbrella term for fantasy that doesn’t fit neatly into just one genre! From contemporary fantasy and superpowered characters, to fantasy that leans a bit more toward sci-fi, there are a lot of great stories that fall outside of the epic category.

1. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

John Smith seems like an ordinary teenager, living a normal life with his guardian Henri in Paradise, Ohio. But for John, keeping a low profile is essential, because he is not an ordinary teenager. He’s an alien from the planet Lorien, and he’s on the run. A group of evil aliens from the planet Mogadore, who destroyed his world, are hunting anyone who escaped.

Nine Loric children were sent to Earth to live in hiding until they grew up and developed their Legacies, powers that would help them fight back—and help them save us. Three of them are now dead. John is Number Four, and he knows he’s next….

2. Steelheart (The Reckoners 1) by Brandon Sanderson

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.

Nobody fights the Epics…nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart — the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David’s father.

3. Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

Only his father knows the truth about Rigg’s strange talent for seeing the paths of people’s pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him—secrets about Rigg’s own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain.

Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead.

4. Flames of Mira (The Rift Walker 1) by Clay Harmon

Among boiling volcanoes under Mira’s frozen lands, people like Ig are forced to undergo life-threatening trials that bind chemical elements to the human body. One of Mira’s most powerful elementals, Ig serves as an enforcer for Magnate Sorrelo Adriann, but is cursed with flesh binding magic that will kill him at the first sign of disobedience.

When Sorrelo is overthrown, Ig quickly learns he can do far worse than what has been asked of him so far. If he can’t escape the flesh binding in time, he will have to kill friend and foe alike to stop his master reclaiming the throne, or sacrifice himself trying.

Superheroes and Magic Academies in Fantasy

These books aren’t so different from the ones above, as they also feature superpowered individuals. But if you like the added structure of magic academies and secret organizations, or you’re looking for stories set in the superhero/supervillain “metaverse,” these ones are for you!

5. The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist, one who has the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery.

6. The Never Hero (Chronicles of Johnathan Tibbs 1) by T. Ellery Hodges

Heroes are supposed to be the first to step forward. I didn’t. I was drafted.
An Alien, Heyer, did this to me. I asked him once why I had to do all the fighting while he watched from the shadows. He said he couldn’t be replaced. But I could be.

My name is Jonathan Tibbs. I’m the one standing between Earth and the Enemy.
They tell me every hero’s story follows a path. If I’m going to save the world, I have to find a different one.

7. The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents’ insistence, he’s made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-country team. Then Will slips up, accidentally scoring off the charts on a nationwide exam.

Now Will is being courted by an exclusive prep school . . . and followed by men driving black sedans. When Will suddenly loses his parents, he flees to the school. There he begins to explore all that he’s capable of–physical and mental feats that should be impossible–and learns that his abilities are connected to a struggle between titanic forces that has lasted for millennia.

8. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

Sixteen-year-old Damien Locke has a plan: become a professional evil genius, just like his supervillain mom. But then he discovers that the one-night stand that spawned him was actually with a superhero, and his dad insists he come live with him.

Damien has to survive his dad’s “flying lessons” that involve throwing him off the tallest building in the city and keep his supervillain girlfriend in the dark. But when Damien uncovers a plot to turn all the superheroes into zombie slaves, a plan hatched by his own mom, he has to choose: let his family become zombies, or stand up to his mom and become a real hero.

9. Psion Beta by Jacob Gowans

In the shadowy underbelly of a futuristic city, Sammy, a fourteen-year-old fugitive, stumbles upon a secret: he possesses the extraordinary powers of a Psion.

Plucked off the streets, he is thrust into the rigorously disciplined environment of Psion Beta headquarters. As a new Beta, Sammy must hone his newfound abilities using holographic fighting simulations, stealth training missions, and complex war games.

But when things go horribly wrong on a routine training mission, he must rely on the other Betas to stay alive.

10. Into the Labyrinth (Mage Errant #1) by John Bierce

Hugh of Emblin is the worst student that the Academy at Skyhold has ever seen. He can barely cast any spells at all, and those he does cast tend to fail explosively. He’s also managed to attract the ire of the most promising student of his year – the nephew of a king.

When an unusual mage unexpectedly selects him as apprentice in the Choosing, however, his life starts to take a sharp turn for the better. Now all he has to worry about is the final test for the first years – being sent into the terrifying labyrinth below Skyhold.

Urban Fantasy & Supernatural Books

Most urban fantasy tends to jump straight to adult fiction, with adult characters and grittier scenarios and content. A lot of supernatural fantasy shifts towards paranormal romance. But I found a promising few. If you can think of any more urban fantasy examples with young male leads, please share!

11. White Cat (Curse Workers 1) by Holly Black

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, all by the slightest touch. Since curse work is illegal, they’re all criminals. But not Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider—the straight kid in a crooked family—as long as you ignore one small detail: He killed his best friend, Lila.

Now he is sleepwalking, haunted by terrifying dreams of a white cat. His brothers are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of one huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

12. Infinity (Chronicles of Nick 1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

At 14, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough, and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . . until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Now Nick has to hide his werewolf friends from his mom, his chain saw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended.

13. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don’t quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there’s a visitor at his window. It’s ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness takes the final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd and weaves an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.

14. Nightlife (Cal Leandros 1) by Rob Thurman

There’s a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side—and that’s only the beginning. Of course, most humans are oblivious to the preternatural nightlife around them, but Cal Leandros is only half-human.

His father’s dark lineage is the stuff of nightmares—and he and his entire otherworldly race are after Cal. Why?

He and his half-brother Niko have managed to stay a step ahead for three years, but now Cal’s dad has found them again. And Cal is about to learn why they want him, why they’ve always wanted him…

Steampunk Books

Classic steampunk mostly features adult characters, and a lot of contemporary steampunk has merged with the fantasy of manners sub-genre, featuring dashing young girls with pistols under their skirts. But here are a few that feature young men!

15. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

It is the cusp of World War I. The Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure…. One that will change both their lives forever.

16. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three half brothers are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.

Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and is surrounded by sycophants.

He is alone, and trying to find even a single friend . . . and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne–or his life.

Comedy/Parody Fantasy

I don’t read much comedic fantasy, so if you do, please help me fill out this section. You can’t go wrong with Terry Pratchett!

17. Dodger by Terry Pratchett 

Seventeen-year-old Dodger is content as a sewer scavenger. But he enters a new world when he rescues a young girl from a beating, and her fate impacts some of the most powerful people in England.

From Dodger’s encounter with the mad barber Sweeney Todd, to his meetings with the great writer Charles Dickens and the calculating politician Benjamin Disraeli, history and fantasy intertwine in a breathtaking account of adventure and mystery.

18. Nice Dragons Finish Last (Heartstrikers 1) by Rachel Aaron

As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don’t cause trouble. But this meek behavior doesn’t fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has had enough.

Now, sealed in his human form and banished to the DFZ–a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit–Julius has one month to prove he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are exterminated, he’s going to need some serious help to survive this test.

How to Find More YA Fantasy Books with Male Leads

Here’s the trick to finding young adult books with male protagonists. They’re NOT marketed as YA anymore. Use tags such as “coming of age fantasy” or “teen fantasy.” “Adventure fantasy” is a tag more often paired with high fantasy worlds, but can still be helpful if paired with other themes you’re looking for. For instance “superhero adventure fantasy” can filter through stories that primarily feature romance.

Why am I focusing on YA? Well, it’s not hard to find adult fantasy about male main characters. It IS hard to find contemporary adult fantasy with only 1 male POV, so I also made a list for those.

Until then, stay tuned for the next male YA lists which will feature dystopian, progression fantasy, and more!

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Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

Book Review: The Hands of the Emperor (Lays of the Hearthfire #1) by Victoria Goddard

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Summary

Rating: 5 stars!

The Hands of the Emperor is a stunningly wrought tale of mythic friendship, set in a world of wild magic and serendipity, featuring rich diversity, epic cultural traditions, and tear-inducing moments of truth between family.

Synopsis

A magical cataclysm devastated the 5 worlds bound into the Empire of Astandalas, ending the 4000 year reign of the lion-eyed god Emperors. Upon the world of Zunidh, the last Emperor of Astandalas, now reduced merely to the lord magus of Zunidh, attempts to piece back together the magic and order of the world on which he was raised. At his right hand, Cliopher Mdang of the Wide Sea Islanders dismantles the lingering corruption of the Empire, establishing a new government and ushering in an era of peace and prosperity.

He loves his lord dearly, but magical and ritual taboos prevent them from truly being friends. Until Cliopher (Kip), seeing the deep loneliness and despair his lord has buried in his heart, invites him on a vacation to his home in the Wide Seas. His gesture, as simple as it is treasonous, changes the course of their lives and that of their world.

Characters

5/5 stars!

The characters are truly where this book shines! Most of the cast is composed of middle-aged characters, which is such a treat given the preponderance of 17-year-old heroes and heroines out on a bildungsroman. These characters know who they are, are solid in their positions in the world, and yet have half a life of choices and regrets behind them, and a whole world of unfulfilled goals before them. There are more and more layers to peel back as the story continues. Cliopher and the Emperor are the twin stars around which this story orbits, but there is a larger cast of strongly developed characters, including Cliopher’s (widely!) extended family and hometown friends and the other members of the Emperor’s household.

Kip is wicked smart, idealistic, and deeply passionate about his culture’s traditions. He’s one of those people that will-powered himself to the top through audacity and stubbornness, in addition to raw talent. In many ways, though, he’s a man at war with himself. He’s desperate for his family to understand why he’s worked so hard to improve the world but is also terrified of letting the prejudiced see what his heritage truly means to him. I related so deeply to his desperate desire to be asked about himself! His family says things like, “why didn’t you let us know how important you were,” and he says, “Because you told me I was boasting every time I mentioned something I cared deeply about!” I resonated with his deep urge to be seen and accepted for all parts of himself, but unsure of how to claim them all. Above all, he is a loyal friend who will do anything to see his Emperor smile, which is why some people have referred to this as a cozy fantasy, though I would call it a low-stakes political & mythic fantasy.

The Emperor, hereafter known as His Radiancy, as that is the title by which his personal household endearingly refers to him, is traumatized both physically, magically, and mentally due to the isolation and other side effects of his power. It’s heartbreaking to see and so rewarding to learn more about him throughout the story. Even Kip didn’t know him fully, despite spending half their lives together. In this way, it almost reads as a mystery (and there is one – if you know, you know, haha), as we piece together both his and Kip’s personal pasts, and their work to reshape the remnants of an empire.

I absolutely love the humor in this book! All these characters rib each other, often in the most subtle ways (satin anyone?).

“‘Come now, I hear you called him a soft-spoken hypocrite. What did he call you to prompt that?’
Cliopher bit his lip. ‘A reasonable man.’
‘A strike to the heart! My dear Kip, do not look so mulish. I would never stoop so low as to call you reasonable. You are quite the most radical idealist I have ever known-or at least, the only sane one.’”

The Hands of the Emperor
Fanart by @alex_caloen

Plot

4.5/5 stars

Some people have complained that this book has a rather meandering plot. I didn’t mind that, since it is decidedly a character-driven story, not a plot-driven one. I wouldn’t even call it straight political fantasy, since while Kip is essentially the Secretary of State of his whole planet, we mostly see his big picture ideas for changing the world, rather than the nitty gritty day-to-day details. All scenes and actions circle around the relationships between Kip and the Emperor, and Kip and his family. In some ways it can almost feel like slice-of-life.

I’d put it this way: the plot felt unpredictable, yet not unplanned. It feels true to life – surprises happen and throw a wrench in your plans, you have a fight with your oldest friends, get an unexpected visitor, nearly lose someone to an illness, and yet still push forward each day in service to others. And yet all of the mini conflicts and revelations propel the characters toward a unified resolution at the end, which is incredibly emotionally rewarding.

Some of Kip’s later accomplishments stretched my suspension of disbelief (establishing a universal income for an entire planet in about 5 years… and there were no major problems?). But because the story was truly about Kip and His Radiancy’s promises to each other, I pushed such doubts aside. However, the vagueness of the explanations (“Kip had contingency plans in place if things did go wrong”) would likely frustrate readers that are more interested in plot and worldbuilding than bromance.

“I have been fortunate beyond the lot of many men that not only can I, do I, admire and respect my lord and my master, but that I could, that I do, also love him.
My lord, my… Tor… if you were my brother or my cousin I could not love you more.
When you are no longer sitting on the Lion Throne, I would like to know the man behind the Serenity. As a friend.”

The Hands of the Emperor

Worldbuilding

5/5 stars!

What absolutely phenomenal worldbuilding! How rare to find a book that is so incredibly character-focused, yet has such intricately spun magic systems, cultures, traditions, and history! There is so much here, and yet I kept wanting to learn more. Kip’s culture is based around our world’s Pacific Islander culture. I’ve never read a fantasy book like that! So refreshing. There are many uniquely invented cultures too!

The Upper Aristocracy of Astandales feels somewhat like a mix between Roman, Egyptian, and Chinese governance systems, and yet in many ways entirely unique. The rulers are black, descended from both the Sun and Moon, only marry close relatives, and enact a strictly hierarchical system of taboos, blessings, and curses. They conquered and bound their empire together with wild magic yet now employ a rigid schooled magic system. What a delicious set of contradictions and delightfully tormented family history!

I did initially find discussion of “The Fall,” the cataclysmic event which broke the magical connections of the multi-world Empire, to be confusing. The main characters are all intimately familiar with the event, and no one in the world likes talking about it – it was deeply traumatic for everyone. There’s hardly a person who didn’t lose multiple family members and friends in the event, and even time was distorted, causing strange effects on the mind and body in ways even master magicians don’t understand. So basically, the characters are still confused about it, which made me kind of confused about it. The author would mention things like, 100 years ago, or 1000 years ago, so-and-so who’s still alive did x, which had me lost before I realized that time literally broke and who knows why aging didn’t happen.

I was also a bit confused about the world’s level of technology, and which world was which. Characters mention trains, universities, healthcare, and instant mail, but still carry around spears and swords and wear grass skirts if they want. I guess they feel like a 20th century society achieved through magic. The different worlds are essentially planets connected by magic “portals”in-between places,” which wasn’t explicitly stated, so at first I thought the names mentioned were other countries, not entirely separate worlds! But that’s kind of par for the course when it comes to learning about not just one world, and one prior Empire of many worlds, but also about what all those worlds are like after everything broke.

Fanart by @alex_caloen

Writing

4/5 stars

Victoria Goddard’s prose is artful in some places, and surprisingly dense in others. One moment feels like a fairy tale or scene from an old myth, where the gods materialize and issue a challenge in a voice of thunder. Then other scenes felt rather bloated with description, like a pages-long explanation of the structure of the Palace’s throne room. Kip is one of the loremasters of his culture’s oral tradition and lives out their poetry through his actions! He will absolutely walk into a room and declare, “I sing the Wide Seas!” or respond gleefully to the challenge, “Who is this who comes out of the sunrise?” So, in many ways the dialogue of the story is what’s the most artful. His Radiancy also enjoys songs and stories and can be poetic in speech (he is so into it when Kip gets into it, which is utterly adorable).

But at times I felt frustrated that Goddard didn’t go “all in” with the lyrical style and that some passages almost felt journalistic in the way information was conveyed. Yet I also think this was a complex attempt to marry two styles into one, which reflected the character’s personal journey perfectly. After all, Kip is a bureaucrat who has “elevated the report to an art form.” We see him wandering the beach under the full moon, calling upon a goddess’ blessings, and we also see him corralling politicians and writing memos in his office. It would feel strange if the latter scenes were written in a way worthy of an epic. In the second book (minimal spoilers ahead), the plot leans much more toward the mythical, so in turn, so does the writing itself. But I do find myself skipping over some chunks of description when I reread this.

Impact

5/5 stars!

Sometimes, the greater the impact a story has on you, the harder it is to write a book review. It’s a matter of exposing the sticky webs that have woven themselves around your heart and laying them out in order. I fell in love with The Hands of the Emperor on my first read and immediately went on to devour the next 4 books (plus several short stories) in her world! Then I went back and reread my favorite parts of The Hands of the Emperor. Then I fully reread both it and its sequel At the Feet of the Sun.

Each new time, I feel like my heart grows larger as these characters fill my imagination with passion, beauty, and joy. They’re the type of books that richen with each read, revealing more layers to Goddard’s world, the inner lives of these characters, and the philosophies and cultures which define them. The more books you read in life, the harder it is to find a book that truly lights a new spark in your heart (metaphor intended). This is one of those!

“I suppose we always hope that those closest to us can see into our hearts—but unless we invite them, or show them in words or deeds, how can they?”

The Hands of the Emperor

Conclusion

If you enjoy character-driven stories, diverse, sprawling worlds packed with history and magic, deep friendships and found family, and emotional and philosophical conversations, then you will love The Hands of the Emperor! Warning: you will become addicted. Writing this got me all fired up. I need to go read it a fourth time!

You can find books set in the rest of Victoria’s universe on her website! And buying books directly from her site will allow the majority of profits to go to her, not to retailers!

But if, like me, you find it hard to pass up the convenience of Prime, here you go.

P.S. I always advocate supporting authors by buying their books! But for those of you who can’t, I found almost all of Goddard’s books on Hoopla. If your library doesn’t carry them, there is a Discord fan server called the HoTE Support Group and you can request that someone gift you a copy (sub-channel: Crowdfunding the Nine Worlds)! Such a gem of a fandom!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

23 Author Moms Share Tips For How to Write a Book While Parenting

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Being an author is a super difficult journey, and so is being a mom! So how can we do both (and well)? I’m not a mother myself (yet!), but I just spent a precious 2 weeks with my newborn nephew, and have been pondering what my future will look like.

So I reached out to over 20 writer moms to hear how they parent and write at the same time! They offered some specific wisdom, compassion, and anecdotes which I wanted to share with you too. Be sure to check out their books or social pages to support author moms!

Dedicated to my dear friend Stephy (who is an adorable mom!): I know you’ll publish your stories one day! I’m rooting for you!

  1. Be gracious to yourself
  2. Dedicate yourself fully to each season in your life
  3. Write while the kids are in bed
  4. Stick to a schedule
  5. Multitask (“drive-by writing”)
  6. Surround yourself with supportive people
  7. Try dictation
  8. Have a backup plan
  9. Include your kids
  10. Take a break from the kids
  11. Take care of yourself
  12. Your stories still matter!

Be Gracious to Yourself (God Sure is)!

“Just rethink what counts as writing, honestly. Absorbing fiction books to store away ideas for later is writing. Reading craft books is writing. Having a newborn is exhausting and time consuming, and a huge learning curve. Be kind to yourself, and remember this is only a season, it will be over way too soon. Also remember that your fellow writers understand. Nobody is expecting a new mom to publish anything right away.”

H. Halverstadt

“This is a verse that came to me back in fall 2023, while I was writing one of my novels. Rev 21:5: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” God renews us. He makes everything new. That meant even on my weariest and most stressful of days, he could still do things with me and my writing. So that’s a verse that has given me incredible hope.”

Christina Kuhn

Dedicate Yourself Fully to Each Season in Your Life

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

Ecclesiastes 3

“I wrapped my identity a little around being a writer as a young woman, but marrying a Marine, having a kid, moving around out of my “safety net” of being close to family so I often had to do things alone… I took a very long break. But when it was time to get started again, when the season was right, and I was just like, “Okay, now,” it rose to meet me. Sometimes we’re not in the season we want or we want it all at once. It’s good to embrace the pauses as well as the progress.”

H.L. Burke

“Invest in your family and marriage. Writing will always be there, but your kids will not. You don’t want to miss out on your little ones growing up, or even worse, your kids believing that writing took you away from them. Find balance. Write during naps, early mornings, or after bed. Limit your words to 500 a day so you can be present with your family. Put off publishing until they are older (I did this).

And don’t forget your spouse. If you want a thriving marriage, don’t put your spouse on the back burner. The worst thing is to achieve all you desired as a writer, only to look around and realize you’re alone. Yes, some sacrifices must be made to become a writer. Don’t let your family be one of them.”

Morgan L. Busse

“I keep telling myself this is a season, and someday I will have more time to write again. Right now, my babies need me more than I need to write, so for now, I am content with that. But I keep writing down ideas and brainstorming and daydreaming and hope that in those moments of writing, no matter how few and far between or close together, that all the mental plotting will pay off as I get words on the page.”

Julie Harbinson

“I have three kids aged 3 and under and I’m still figuring this out. It’s helped me to become okay with being in a season where I don’t write much if at all sometimes. Right now, I write for joy when I can. Lately it’s worked really well to get up early, have my coffee and read the Bible, and then write until the kids wake up.”

Rosemary Johnson

Write When the Kids are in Bed!

“For me, I usually post social media posts before my girls wake up in the morning (I usually don’t get up that much earlier, but it helps me feel productive as a writer first thing). I have a 5.5 and a 2 year old, so my oldest does go to school for half days. When she is at school and my youngest naps, I use that time to write or edit (if im lucky that’s 2 hours every afternoon). Then my girls go to bed at 7pm, so I usually try my best to write or read every evening (usually another 2ish hours).

On the weekends, my husband and I take turns being productive/watching the girls so the other can have a longer period to be productive. I usually try not to work on writing or author stuff while my girls are awake. That’s a personal decision tho haha and it changes and depends on the age of your babies. I get a ton of writing done with a newborn, but I know that’s not the same for others haha.”

Taylor Pence

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Ecc 9:10

“I’m going to come back and edit this comment once I’m done cooking dinner, lol!
EDIT: I am finally back (made/cleaned up dinner, chasing kids, getting ice cream with my bro who is in town for work, and feeding a baby…phew!).

I have two kiddos, one is 2.5, the other is almost 4 months. It’s hard to get anything done. My toddler likes to follow me everywhere, and while my baby is amazing, she is still a baby. I don’t know that I have any of this figured out yet, but right now, I typically write at night once they’re in bed, so my writing time can range from 10 min – 2 hours depending on how tired I am. It’s very slow going right now, but I’m trying to get back into typing on my phone while putting the baby to sleep.”

Julie Harbison

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”

Proverbs 22:29

Stick to a Schedule!

“I’m a homeschooling mom of three kids, ages 12, 8, and 3. I’ll be fully honest. It was pretty overwhelming to be pregnant or dealing with a younger baby and write at the same time, so I took a lot of breaks during those seasons. Otherwise, my older kids would buddy up to play outside, and I wrote while my youngest napped. I keep my kids on a routine/schedule so that they sleep roughly about the same time every night. This allows me to do at least 1-1.5 hours of writing/editing every morning before anyone else is up.

I used to live near my parents, who could provide childcare, and that allowed me to get even more writing done. But now that I’ve moved across the country, my writing time is pretty scarce. All the more critical that I stay on my schedule.”

Christina Kuhn

“For me, early mornings are non-negotiable if I want to get anything done. I go to bed early and get up around 4:30 or so. I struggle with brief sprints, so I really treasure having a solid 1.5 hours or so to sit and focus on writing. I can get a decent amount done, and it makes me feel so “free” throughout the rest of my crazy mom/homeschooling day.

Proverbs 31 is a great chapter to look at for moms who are also writers! We can be industrious while still taking care of our homes and families. It can be tough to balance, but I’m thankful Scripture makes it clear that it’s possible to do both well.”

Kendra Warden

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31:25

Multitask or “Drive-By Writing”

“Our dining room was in the exact center of the house. I put my laptop on the table and made a rule for myself that I had to write 1 sentence every time I passed it. That got me to my 1000 words a day goal and I never stopped to work for more than a minute or two.”

E. A. Comiskey

“I first started writing seriously again when I had a nine month old and a 4 year old. Now they’re 17 and 14 and … usually are ignoring me. I basically just wrote whenever I could. As they got a little older, were sleeping through the night, and had a said bedtime, I’d usually put them to bed at 8 and then write for an hour every night. I also wrote waiting for their gymnastics class to end, in doctor’s waiting rooms, on park benches… You just have to grab the time you’re given and go for it.”

Heidi Lyn Burke

“lol I do drive-by writing. I usually have google docs open on my phone and will work on a scene through the day. Most of my writing time is with kids on me or near me. I usually keep my goals low at around 500-1000 words a day. It all adds up.”

Cara Ruegg

“I do drive-by writing! My kids are older (8+), but my laptop and charger live on the counter. If I can squeeze in 15 minutes a few times a day while they’re awake, I call it a success. After food and conversation works best! That goes for all ages.”

Stacey Yaroszeufski

“I did a lot of world building and brainstorming while doing dishes. Especially when listening to inspiring music. 🥰 And while nursing I’d read, critique, chat with other writers, or check social media on my phone. And once the kids were in bed I’d sit with my laptop and type, next to my husband while he played video games or watched a show.”

Elle Wither

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Phil 4:8

“I always keep notes on my phone whenever the muse strikes so that when I do get to my writing time, I’ve got a list of ideas ready to go. I find I get more done in short focused bursts than when I have a whole day to write. I’m more creative when I’m forced to do it quickly. Driving time is also great to think through scenes or identify plot holes.”

A.E. Dinsmoor

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

“I have a 14, 11, and 9 year old at home, and most of my writing these days is done on my weekly writing nights with RJ Conte—basically we do word sprints for an hour or two and check in with each other to share word counts and snippets of what we’ve written. At the end of the evening we call and read each other what we wrote (if we feel ready to share it). It’s the best!! Doing it once a week is very low pressure but I still get some consistent (slow) progress on projects, and sometimes it gets my momentum going so that I want to keep working on it for days afterward!

I’m by no means a full-time writer. I consider myself more of an artist-hobbyist. But I’m glad to keep creating anyway—I couldn’t create as much as I do without supportive friends! 🥰 So my advice is to pick a consistent day/time and have an accountability partner or two to team up with. It’s satisfying to at least have some progress each week even in the middle of busy parenting and work!”

Bethany A. Jennings

“My husband is very supportive of me and helps so much! Find a couple good friends to cheer you on and champion you. It makes a world of difference.”

A.E. Dinsmoor

“I rely on my husband or outside help like occasionally my mom or one of my brothers to take the kids so I can get more time. I’m lucky that my husband works from home 7-3 and gets the full government parental leave offered here in Canada. Things are a bit hectic right now with a newborn and three other little kids but I fully anticipate lots of writing time later on over the course of his leave.”

Selina de Luca

Try Dictation (Voice to Text)

“Out of desperation I tried something totally different. Voice to text has been a big help. Then I take 10 to 15 minutes at night to organize it into sections, but I’m still in the planning stage. I have the story outlined, specific dialogue for important scenes, extensive world building, and character sketches. I should be ready to start compiling and do the actual writing next week.
It’s far different than the ways I’ve written before, but I’m in a much better place than I’ve ever been. I’m feeling confident that I can actually finish a WIP for the first time. This is working for me, but you do what works for you.”

Naomi Talitha

“I know a lot of moms who use dictation and get a lot of writing done while they’re doing chores around the house! I’ve done that a little bit, I’m dictating this comment right now while pumping breast milk, haha. It will take practice for me to use it more for my actual drafting! But I know others who have had success doing that. I have definitely done it here and there though, a few times dictating for example while making supper in the kitchen or something. Multitasking!”

Selina de Luca

Have a Backup Plan

“Try to have a backup plan to help get around especially chaotic days. For example, I identify my writing time for the day, as well as two potential backup options. This way, if my plans go sideways, I know I have another opportunity waiting for me (even if that’s after they’ve gone to bed). Then I just aim to write for at least 10 minutes, which usually goes a bit longer.”

Erin P.T. Canning

Include Your Kids in the Journey

“I’m a mom of three under 7 and all have varying special/medical needs as well. It is very overwhelming, but also an enormous joy. I try to incorporate the kids in whatever I am doing, from acting out scenes, to listening to a passage, to working on artwork. They are so excited and proud to “help mommy write.” I actually just gave each of them a copy of my latest and signed a message to them thanking them for being my helpers.

They have taken that honor so seriously. And coffee. Coffee is amazing. 😅“

A.E. Dinsmoor

“I homeschool my 10 yr old son and (since he’s full of stories too) we have a section of his school day that is writing a story. I squeeze some words into a notebook then along with him. We also attend a local writer’s group together. “

Jaymi Mozeak

“Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! That they were engraved on a rock with an iron pen and lead, forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth.”

Job 19:23-25

“It’s been really great writing with kids. They are my inspiration. I warned them anything snarky they say can be used in a book. My teen daughter writes too now. She’s working on her third novel.
The theme of my book is Psalm 42:11–“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God…” And it’s an especially important truth to remember when raising children.

There’ll be times when you’re overwhelmed and need wisdom. So even though the book is fantasy, there are elements of truths I’ve learned along the way in my own life.”

Leanna Rapier

Take a Break From the Kids

“For the first time ever, I am spending the night in a hotel room to get some writing done. I checked in at 3 PM, wrote for about three hours. Drove to band practice because it’s not far from the hotel I’m staying at, and then when I got back, I wrote for another three hours. The time went by so fast it’s already after midnight. I wrote over 6,000 words in two sittings. I have no one to worry about but myself.
I really needed this break because my kids have special needs (they have autism and genetic deletions). I think maybe I need to do this every year for NaNoWriMo. I am astonished at how much I wrote and how the lack of distractions worked on me. Now I must admit, most of the writing is painfully bad but at least I’m writing!”

Alexandra Owen

“My daughter is nearly four. What I have learnt to do is if we do something fun (like lunch out), the deal when we get back is we both get “calm time.” This means she can watch cartoons or play in her room for an hour. I’ve phrased it as part of the deal of getting a treat out.
I’ve found if I say I’m doing work, she’ll want my attention for everything. If we are both having calm time, then she seems quite happy to amuse herself.”

Rachael Marie

“I focus on teaching independence to my kids to give myself extra breaks.”

Christina Kuhn

Take Care of Yourself

“Personal nutrition is key for having the brain/energy capacity to write. I absolutely have to make sure I eat enough protein if I’m going to have the brain power to write and be creative, which surprisingly at this stage, I often do. I have to take care of my body to take care of my mind…”

Ellyn Franklin

Your Stories Still Matter (Hugely)!

“One bible verse I like to reflect on is Matthew 13:34: ‘All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes: and without parables he did not speak to them.’ Jesus was the ultimate storyteller and this verse proves the value of storytelling!”

Cara Ruegg

“My kids are 2 and almost 4 and writing makes me feel sane, and healthy, and more myself which makes me a better wife and mother and more balanced person. I love that!”

E.A. Winters

“Truly loving what I do keeps me going. It is a calling for me that I really see the Lord blessing, so writing brings me joy — even when I’m dead tired. My goal is that when someone is reading or hearing something I write, ‘many will see it and fear, and will call upon the name of the LORD.’ This is the desire and motivation that keeps me going, even through the little years of parenting. Whether I’m penning fiction, gospel encouragement, or anything else, I want it to be for His praise, and so that others see Him reflected in whatever I write.”

A.E. Dinsmoor

What are your writing/momming tips?

Comment below with your own advice to support fellow writer moms! Or message our team if you’d like your suggestions and book to be featured!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about writing and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

18 High/Epic Young Adult Fantasy Books with a Male Protagonist

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Where are all the young adult fantasy books with one male lead?

YA fantasy has largely skewed towards romantasy in recent years. Nothing wrong with that, but it means that boys who loved reading in elementary school may have difficulty finding books now that they’re in middle or high school (of course boys and men can enjoy stories about female leads, but there’s nothing wrong with preferring to read about your own gender). Male protagonists are as common in adult fantasy as they’ve always been, but jumping straight from Percy Jackson to Game of Thrones would be quite a shock.

Young adult books not only feature younger characters (generally between 12-17), but also an accessible writing style and fast pacing. They’re easy for kids (and tired adult brains) to read. I wouldn’t want to come home after work and pick up Steven Erikson, but I do look for books more mature than Ranger’s Apprentice.

Note: a lot of people DO list Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, and Ranger’s Apprentice as YA since the main characters fall within the 12-17 age range (I highly recommend all those series!). However, the simpler writing style, at least at the start of each series, is much more in line with middle grade books. Style separates genres just as much as character ages. After all, Game of Thrones includes children as point-of-view characters, but is certainly not YA because of both R-rated content and the dense writing style.

So I searched Goodreads, Amazon bestseller lists, review blogs, and recommendations on sub-reddits to compile a list of exciting, classic-feeling YA fantasy books with 1 male lead (I’ve read half of these myself). I hope you find some great reads!

Prefer other sub-genres of fantasy (urban, superhero, etc.)? Find part 2 here!

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and, gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

2. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Eugenides, the queen’s thief, can steal anything—or so he says. When his boasting lands him in prison and the king’s magus invites him on a quest to steal a legendary object, he’s in no position to refuse. The magus thinks he has the right tool for the job, but Gen has plans of his own…

3. The Will of the Many by James Islington

I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.

To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Catenan Academy’s ranks. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.

4. Dragon Blood by Mary Beesley

Twin brothers separated at birth and raised as enemies… Neither brother feels they belong. Cal is human, fighting against becoming a beastly Draco Sang. Ferth yearns to push back his humanity and transform into a worthy Draco warrior.

Before ever meeting in open battle, Ferth is sent to kill Cal. Then he discovers they are brothers.

5. Free the Darkness by Kel Kade

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows.

With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

6. The House of Fire by B.K. Cook

Rangers Apprentice meets Hunter x Hunter.

Ward is a Crumb, a low born servant to the nobles of Alcorn. He was never meant to be anything more than a field hand. He definitely was never meant to wield the power of Ilamantium. Fate had other plans.

Chosen at the Affinity Ceremony and sent to train at The House of Fire, he must fight every step of the way.

Read my review here!

7. Powers of the Six (Emissary of Light 1) by Kristal Shaff

Six rare powers govern the land of Adamah. Possessing one demands entrance to the king’s army. To refuse means death. When seventeen-year-old Nolan Trividar witnesses the transformation of his brother from kind to cruel after entering the king’s army, he vows never to follow the same path.

Read my review here!

8. The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi

In the City of Lies, they cut out your tongue when you turn thirteen, to appease the terrifying Ajungo Empire and make sure it continues sending water. Tutu will be thirteen in three days, but his parched mother won’t last that long. So Tutu goes to his oba and makes a deal: she provides water for his mother, and in exchange he will travel out into the desert and bring back water for the city.

9. The Broken Heir by Jasper Alden

On his sixteenth birthday, Talen is given a magical birthright that forever changes his life—the ability to glimpse possible futures.

When his family is slaughtered by a powerful sorcerer only known as the Golden Fool, Talen is sold into slavery and forced into the fighting pits.

To seek vengeance, first, he must escape the pits, using his wits and his magical gift.

10. Amok by Anna Tan

All Putera Mikal wants is to gain the Amok Strength, the supernatural power granted by Kudus to the Mahan royal family. No matter how religiously Mikal keeps his vows, Kudus still denies him the Strength—whilst his father, Sultan Simson, flaunts the Strength despite his blatant defiance of the Temple and the priests’ visions of coming doom.

Then the prophecies come true. Taken captive, Mikal must find a way to liberate his people and restore his throne in Maha—and the key to this is the Amok Strength.

11. A Star so Bound and Broken by Yakira Goldsberry

Jorrin has only five days to find his missing friend. But it won’t be easy to find a lost star in the dangerous city of Bash-al Feret, ruled by Rahim Padishah, the immortal ruler who hungers for stardust. His reckless search brands him a slave and brings with it a fatal consequence: the stars he fought so desperately to protect are now within the padishah’s grasp.

Nouri Shah lost his brother long ago. But when he discovers that Rakhshan is alive and their father has finally hunted him down, Nouri must face the past that he’s run from for years.

12. Dawn of Wonder (The Wakening 1) by Johnathan Renshaw

When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems.

The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation’s royal academy – a whole world of secrets in itself.

13. Of Blood and Fire (The Bound and the Broken 1) by Ryan Cahill


In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving – a test of courage and skill that not all survive.

But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.

14. The Eyes of the Dragon by Steven King

Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a king with two sons…

​Thus begins a sprawling fantasy of dark magic and the struggle for absolute power that utterly transforms the destinies of two brothers born into royalty. Through this enthralling masterpiece of mythical adventure, intrigue, and terror, you will thrill to this unforgettable narrative filled with relentless, wicked enchantment, and the most terrible of secrets…

15. Banished (Street Rats of Aramoor 1) by Michael Wisehart

Desperate to become the youngest warrior of his clan, Ayrion will stop at nothing to reach his goal, not even the one thing all Upakans fear… Magic. However, when a fatal accident forces him to flee, Ayrion barters passage aboard the only ship willing to take one of his kind – A Cursed Ship.

Ayrion sets sail for the royal city of Aramoor in hopes of making a name for himself. Little does he know how deadly those streets can be.

16. Master Assassins (Fire Sacraments 1) by Robert V.S. Redick

Kandri Hinjuman was never meant to be a soldier. His brother Mektu was never meant for this world. Rivals since childhood, they are drafted into a horrific war led by a madwoman-Prophet.

When the brothers’ simmering feud explodes into violence, and holy blood is spilled, Kandri and Mektu are taken for contract killers and must flee for their lives—to the one place where they can hope to disappear: the sprawling desert known as the Land that Eats Men.

17. Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee

16-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every 6 years to entrust the magical Scroll of Heaven to a new protector. Jun hopes that a win will restore his father’s pride—righting a mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.

But Jun’s father strictly forbids him from participating, for he is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and special abilities, like his twin. So Jun stows away with Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital.

18. Dragon Prince (The Last Free Dragon 1) by Jada Fisher

Kashir has lived his whole life in the shadow of his older brother who is now the king. When the young prince saves a dragon in distress, it appears he has finally done something to help his brother and his kingdom.

He soon learns that the power of a dragon is something not to be trifled with. Or controlled. Will the dragon help Kashir become the prince he has always hoped to be, or will it destroy everything he sought to protect?

Find More YA Fantasy with a Male Protagonist

If you’re looking to build your own TBR list, here’s the trick: these types of books are NOT marketed as YA. They’re usually tagged as “coming of age fantasy adventure,” and sometimes as “teen,” so use those search parameters instead. You can also search for “new adult” or “college” fantasy books, which feature characters aged 18-20s, a similarly quick-paced writing style, and a PG-13 rating (though generally with more sexual content than YA).

Right now, indie houses publish more books about boys going on adventures than big traditional presses do, since romantasy sells better. So you’ll have a better chance finding this sort of book on Kindle Unlimited than at your local bookstore.

Please comment below with your recommendations so I can keep expanding this list! Happy reading!

P.S. I’m working on similar lists for sci-fi, dystopian, progression fantasy, and more, so subscribe if you’d like to be notified when those go live!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about writing and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

Character Development Questions – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

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A character has popped into your head, and now you want to write them! How do you develop this character to feel realistic and make readers care about them? Imagine yourself sitting down in a tavern to get to know your character. What kind of questions would you ask them?

To help you get started, I’ve listed beginner questions that go over the basics like appearance, skills, and backstory. Then, some intermediate questions that further examine who your character is and why they behave as they do. Finally, if you’ve been writing for a long time, feel stuck, or are looking for some questions you might not find on other character development sheets, we have some advanced questions that dig further into the psychology of your character.

Use this as a brainstorming resource, but don’t force yourself to answer everything! I encourage you to write down your answers as mini scenes – just listing traits gets boring pretty fast. You can download an editable Word document with all the questions here. Or I like to start a Pinterest/mood board to “collect” my character’s outfits, weapons, and castles! The first rule is have fun!

  1. Stage 1 – Beginner character development questions
  2. Stage 2 – Intermediate character development questions
  3. Stage 3 – Advanced character development questions

Stage 1 – Beginner Character Development Questions

These are the bare bones that you need to know as a writer in order to craft a compelling story.

Defining Features

What is their name and what does it mean? (Are their parents actually the type of people who’d give them a profound/unique name?) How do they feel about their name?

What are their physical features? What do they like and dislike about their own body?

How do they dress and groom (makeup, tattoos) and is this important to them?

What are some of your character’s favorite things (foods, clothes, activities, romantic types)?

What are some of their dislikes (phobias, allergies, irritating childhood acquaintances, pet peeves)? What are their dealbreakers?

Status Quo

What does their everyday life look like (job, school, social life)?

What is their socioeconomic status and how does this affect them? How large of a role does money play in their mindset?

What do they like about their current life?

What do they wish they could change?

“Stats”

What’s something your character is good at? Do they like this about themself?

What’s something they’re bad at? Do they dislike this about themself?

What’s their highest level of education or training (in a skill or craft)? How quickly do they learn new things?

Social Circle

Who are their closest friends and family and how healthy are these relationships?

Who are your character’s enemies (or rivals, or people they dislike)? Why?

What are some defining features (traditions, mannerisms, habits) of their culture of origin?

Do they like or dislike their culture (hate big family gatherings, like greeting people with a kiss, chafe under strict hierarchies etc.)?

How do other characters perceive your mc on average (e.x. the town clown, the teacher’s pet, the eccentric recluse)?

Inner Life

What is your character’s driving goal, desire, or need?

What makes your character laugh?

What makes them cry?

What makes them angry?

How do they demonstrate intense emotions (lash out, suppress it, talk it out)?

Stage 2 – Intermediate Character Development Questions

Here, we start to get into greater detail, fleshing out what you already know. The reader doesn’t need to know all of these facts, but they will affect how you write the character. In fact, many of these details will enhance a story most if they are not explicitly stated, but shown over time as a pattern of behavior. Don’t tell the reader your mc will start a fight with someone who makes them feel stupid, but remains calm when hangry – show us and let us draw our own conclusions.

Environment

What is their dwelling place like and what makes them feel most at home (luxurious, homey, full of people, quiet, near nature, etc.)?

How important are possessions and ownership to them (are material items important, do they keep heirlooms and collections, are they a minimalist)?

How in tune are they with their surroundings? Do they notice shifting details?

Personality (Behavioral Patterns)

What is their personality type (use any common personality test or get started with the questions below)?
How comfortable are they around strangers and do social interactions drain or enliven them?
Do they make decisions based primarily on emotion or logical reasoning?
Are they rule abiding or free spirits?
Do they perform better in structured settings or with flexibility?
Are they better at street smarts or book smarts?
Are they a motivated worker and curious learner?

^TIP: Be aware of how your own personality affects how you write characters. I’ve read characters who were supposed to be outgoing, but spent most of their time (even in group situations) internally thinking about what was going on around them – that’s an introverted behavior which the author likely defaulted to out of familiarity.

What’s your character’s love language?

How do they behave when pushed to the brink (exhausted, grieving, in pain, hungry, trapped)? Do they have differing responses to varying threats?
– E.x. some people respond well to an intellectual challenge, but cave under physical pressure, and vice versa.

Relationships

How do they form relationships with others?
– Do they have a lot of friends, or a few deep ones?
– Do they take a while to open up to people, or strike up a conversation with everyone they meet?

What are the requirements for joining their inner circle?

How much weight do they put on how other people view them? How much are they motivated by external social pressure?

Are they aware of their reputation? Is their self-image in line with their external one?

Past

What’s a part of their upbringing that they have rejected?

What’s something your character is truly proud of?

What’s something your character deeply regrets?

What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to them?

What’s something/someone they miss?

Quirks

What’s a unique physical quirk of theirs (birthmark, can or cannot roll their tongue, weirdly flexible in a certain part of their body, fingernails grow super fast)?

What are their physical advantages (5 senses, looks, stamina, great at power-naps)?

What are their physical disadvantages (weak knees, prone to headaches, jittery, natural sprinters – just terrible at long-distance running)?

What are their mental advantages and disadvantages (mental health disorders, intelligence, memory, focus, creativity, problem-solving capacity, executive function ability)?

Habits

Night owl or early bird?

Heavy or light eater?

Do they partake in intoxicating substances? What kind of a drunk are they (flirty, weepy, loud)?

What are their opinions and preferences about sex?

What’s a habit or mistake your character just can’t seem to shake (being late, forgetting things, picking toxic partners)?

Beliefs

What are their deepest beliefs and convictions?
– This could refer to religion, ideology, and political alignment, but also to internal codes like “family first,” or “no good deed goes unpunished,” or “every man paves their own way.”

What is their mindset toward death? How was this shaped (personal experience, upbringing)?

What’s something they could not live without? Do they know this about themself?
– Many people think they can’t live without their career or a certain part of their identity, only to discover what “truly matters” the hard way.

Has your character ever committed a crime? What is their attitude toward the law?

Stage 3 – Advanced Character Development Questions

Many stories do not take their characters further than stage two. People are more than a list of personality traits, features, and needs, and are certainly more than what we can see in a plot. We learn, but then regress, change, and then change again. People are complex and demonstrate inconsistencies in both thought and behavior. This round of questions seeks to go past “what” and “who” your character is and ask “why?” Digging deeper into your character’s psyche can push your story to become more meaningful, enhancing themes and character arcs.

But sometimes a story is richer for the things the author knows, which take place off the page, but which aren’t necessarily resolved in the book. These are the type of things you might wish to keep as secrets from your readers. Or never fully show – there’s nothing quite so tantalizing as a half-revealed backstory. A great story will spark additional levels of imagination in your readers, because they can sense that your imagination went to greater depths. They’ll chase after you if you give them the seeds for thought.

What is the nature of their character (ethos), and more importantly why?
– In the past, people might have asked if a man or woman was of “good character,” referring to the level of integrity, honor, or virtue a person displayed. Today, we might instead ask after a person’s “true colors,” in an attempt to see if someone acts morally or immorally.
– Is your character honest or do they lie easily? Do they keep their word or are they flaky? Do they treat others respectfully or degradingly? Do they have a strong work ethic or are they lazy? Are they magnanimous or self-centered? Are they fair and consistent in their dealings with others?

What are some internal inconsistencies in your character’s behaviors, thought-processes, or belief systems?

What does your character get wrong about themself?
– People think they understand themselves, and often they don’t. Some people will switch jobs, partners, or homes, only to realize they preferred their old one, but didn’t understand why.

Is your character deliberate about their relational boundaries? How did they learn them? If they have not, are they a pushover, emotionally codependent, callously indifferent to others?

Do your character’s hobbies actually affect how they think and interact with the world on a daily basis?
– For instance, if your character is a musician, they’ll likely hum a lot, notice sounds and voices more than others, and make metaphors based around music. An artist will see color and shape in unique ways and go out of their way to see pretty things. An engineer or handyman might collect odds and ends and tinker with things as they sit and talk with friends. It’s not enough to state that your character likes something – it has to actually visibly impact their life and behavior.

How in tune is your character with other peoples’ inner lives?
– Are they a good judge of character, sensitive to emotions, and know the right thing to say at the right time, or do they miss the mark, guess at peoples’ motivations, or act on instinct rather than insight?

How well does your character understand themself?
– Are they aware of their own capacity for self-insight, or deluded by their vision of themself?
– Do they want to understand themself better and actively reflect upon themself?

How do they reconcile with others?
– For instance, do they need time to cool off after an argument, or do they want to clear the air right away? Do they want a detailed breakdown showing the other person understood why they were angry, or do they want the other person to make a gesture to make up for it?
– How do they make amends when they were in the wrong?

What’s their style of conversation?
– Authors can fall into the trap of making all their characters converse in a similar style (to them). But different people converse in a variety of ways. Do they love or hate small talk? Love deep discussions or not want to touch anything personal with a 10 foot pole. People have conversational quirks like: telling the same story over and over again even though people are sick of hearing it, info dumping a lot at once about a topic they find interesting, saying very little for a while and then stunning everyone with something powerful and profound, asking a lot of questions in response to what others say, asking no questions about others but instead replying with a similar anecdote of something that happened to them.
– Some people are good listeners, while others won’t shut up about themselves. Some people pause a lot between words, while others talk a mile a minute. Lean into these unique idiosyncrasies! The way people talk (or don’t) to each other can be a huge barrier in relationships and an interesting point of conflict in a story.

How do their unique traits bring out different qualities in their companions?
– People respond to others in different ways. Not everyone will love, hate, or laugh around your character. Sometimes a main character comes across as boring not (just) because they’re a reader insert, but because everyone in the story responds to them in the exact same way. In a single group, your main character might bring out courage in one individual, belligerence in another, and attraction in a third.
– The best stories are ones that don’t have only strongly developed characters, but also strongly developed character dynamics. Do these individuals bring out the best or worst in each other? Stories are formed when people clash and bond in unique ways that evolve over time.

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Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

10 Editors of Christian Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and More!

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Christian speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, horror, etc.) has grown in popularity in recent years! But as an author, you might still encounter difficulty finding professionals who specialize in both niche markets. So we’ve researched 10 Christian editors, with ranged experience and specialties, who work with sci-fi and fantasy!

This is a list of independent/freelance editors who could be a great fit if you’re looking to self-publish or refine your manuscript before submitting it to publishing houses. If you’re ready to start querying publishers, check out our list of the best publishers of Christian SFF. You can find information about their in-house editors on their websites.

NOTE: Editing rates are not fixed, but change to reflect experience, inflation, and the needs of each manuscript.

1. Caylah Coffeen – Creative Cornerstones

I’ll introduce myself first! I’m Caylah, the founder of Creative Cornerstones, a Christian, and an editor of sci-fi and fantasy. I don’t have as much experience as some of the other amazing editors on this list, so my rates are quite affordable.

The authors I’ve worked with have left wonderful testimonials for me, which I invite you to check out. I’d be delighted to partner with you on your project, but if I’m not the right fit for you, I hope you find another editor here who will bring out the best in your story!

Years of experience: 4
Has worked with: Havok Magazine, Monster Ivy Publishing, Eschler Editing, indie authors
Editing specialty: developmental editing ($0.02/word) and manuscript assessments ($0.005/word)
Primary audience: adult
Favorite sub-genres: epic and lyrical fantasy, myths, diverse worlds, space opera
Additional services: digital marketing, discount & support program for authors with disabilities
Fun facts: I’m a pastor’s kid and missionary kid (Japan!) and have 6 siblings and a brand new nephew! I love sushi, puzzles, cosplaying at conventions, and reading SFF books about bromance and rivalries.
Portfolio: https://creativecornerstones.com/about/team/about-2/

2. Gina Kammer – The Inky Bookwyrm

Years of experience: 16
Has worked with: Capstone Publishers, Amicus, Black Rabbit Books, Meredith Corp. (now Dotdash Meredith), Reedsy
Editing specialty: developmental editing ($0.033/word)
Primary audience: adult
Favorite sub-genres: epic, medieval fantasy, romantasy, paranormal, mythical/fairy tale retellings, space opera, dystopian, steampunk, cyberpunk, bureaucratic witches, and snarky robots!
Additional services: group coaching, story planning, and writing, querying, and self-editing courses
Fun facts: I met Sirs Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart while studying in London. My more mundane proclivities include tea, traveling, oil painting, archery, and snuggling with my grumpy bunnies. I live among piles of books and antiques in Minnesota with my husband and daughter.
Website: https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/editing

3. Katie Philips – Katie Philips Creative

Years of experience: 10
Has worked with: Uncommon Universes Press, Realm Makers Award winning authors, The Author Conservatory
Editing specialty: developmental editing ($0.04/word)
Primary audience: YA
Favorite sub-genres: space opera, fantasy, diverse cultures and characters
Additional services: intermediate-advanced authors, coaching
Fun facts: I’m an INFJ and devoted plant mom. My husband and I are big foodies and live in Kansas with our daughter and son. I’ve visited over 25 countries!
Website: https://www.katiephillipscreative.com/fiction-editing

4. Sara Lawson – Sara’s Books

Years of experience: 15
Has worked with: Inheritance Magazine, indie authors
Editing specialty: line and copy combo edits ($0.02/word) – includes 2 rounds of edits
Primary audience: YA
Favorite sub-genres: fairy tale retellings
Additional services: indie publishing coaching and networking support
Fun facts: I grew up in rural California (yes, that is a thing). I also spent a year and half doing a graduate program in Jerusalem, studying and walking the land of the Bible.
Website: https://www.sarasbooks.com/rates-and-services

5. Kimberly Huther – Wordsmith Editing

Years of experience: 17
Has worked with: York Publishing and Zondervan
Editing specialty: proofreading ($7/page in Word)
Primary audience: adult
Favorite sub-genres: fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, YA
Additional services: copy and line editing (same rates)
Fun facts: I’ve been an avid reader since the age of FOUR, and I’m a huge supporter of the Oxford Comma!
Website: https://www.wordsmith-editing.com/

6. Pam Halter

Years of experience: 20
Has worked with: Fruitbearer Kids, Halo Publishing International
Editing specialty: developmental editing for children’s books – $200 per book for under 1,000 words, including a second look after rewriting within 2 months.
Primary audience: picture books
Favorite sub-genres: picture books don’t have sub-genres the same way
Additional services: workshops with illustrator Kim Sponaugle for picture books
Fun facts: I’m a mom and grandmother! Cooking, sewing, baking, and playing the piano all boost my creative side. I love to create my own recipes and am in three Gooseberry cookbooks and got runner-up in a Taste of Home magazine for my tomato fritters.
Website: https://pamhalter.com/editor

7. Lyndsey Smith – The Editing Forge (Horrorsmith Editing)

Years of experience: 4
Has worked with: Eerie River Publishing, Turner Publishing
Editing specialty: developmental editing ($0.038/word)
Primary audience: adult
Favorite sub-genres: horror, thriller, epic fantasy, urban fantasy, reimagined fairy tales, and romantasy
Additional services: book coaching and ghostwriting
Fun facts: My assistant is a midnight-black 23-pound Norwegian Forest Cat named Poof. I’m a military spouse of thirteen years, and we’ve lived in multiple states and countries (including three years in South Korea).
Website: https://www.theeditingforge.com/

8. Kristen Stieffel

Years of experience: 24
Has worked with: Havok Magazine, indie authors
Editing specialty: line editing ($0.035/word)
Primary audience: adult
Favorite sub-genres: light fantasy, steampunk, and science fantasy
Additional services: coaching, page design
Fun facts: I was raised by parents who were Trekkies before anyone coined the word Trekkie. I’m an avid knitter, despite living in Florida, where most sweaters are worn indoors.
Website: https://kristenstieffel.com/services/

9. Andi L. Gregory – Author Services

Years of experience: 6
Has worked with: End Game Press, indie authors
Editing specialty: copyediting ($0.02/word)
Primary audience: YA
Favorite sub-genres: fairy tales and the complex worlds of high fantasy
Additional services: Proofreading services ($0.01/word), proofreading and copyediting combo packages
Fun facts: I love being in the great outdoors, where I never fail to find an adventure. I write for the downhearted, the friendless, and the self-critic, and I’m always up for making new friends, even if I’m the introvert in the corner (with a book, of course).
Website: https://www.andilgregory.com/author-services

10. Jessica Boudreax – Refined Pen Edits

Years of experience: 2
Has worked with: So far, I have been purely freelance!
Editing specialty: Developmental Editing ($0.02/word)
Primary audience: Adult
Favorite sub-genre: epic fantasy
Additional services: line and copy editing
Fun facts: In elementary school, my teacher told my mom I had a talent for creative writing, and it kind of stuck. I’ve been writing in some way ever since. I can get very geeky over many things. Fiction is one of those things, and I am quite happy to be called a geek.
Website: https://refinedpenedits.com/services/

Authors Who Edit on the Side

A number of successful Christian sci-fi and fantasy authors also work as editors on the side, including Steve Rzasa, Janeen Ippolito, and Angela R. Watts. If there is an author you particularly admire, you can look up their website to see if they also offer coaching or editing services.

But good authors do not necessarily make good editors (and vice versa), so in this list I tried to emphasize those who work primarily as editors (though some of the above do write and publish). But every author needs something slightly different on their publication journey – trust your instincts!

And best of luck!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

4 Mini Reviews of Enchanting Christian Fantasy Books (YA & Middle Grade)

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Guest post by David Justiss

I’m a fantasy writer and hope to soon publish my first middle grade fantasy story! My brand of fantasy is not high fantasy, nor urban fantasy – I take more influence from fairy tales and mythology. Here are 4 mini reviews of enchanting fantasy tales (by Christian authors) which have inspired me.

  1. Book Review: An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
  2. Book Review: The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin
  3. Book Review: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke
  4. Book Review: Eternal, Everywhere, With You by Sherry Rossman

Book Review: An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Rating: 5 stars!

I love the style and voice of this story. It reminds me of fairy tales or fantasy stories I read and loved as a kid. It feels like it was written a long time ago, which is perfect for a fairy tale. The other book I could compare it to is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, as both have the feeling of a fairy story.

One time, I did a survey meant for authors asking what was the most important parts of the story, with the multiple choices of (a) plot, (b) characters, or (c) other. I answered with (c) – that the most important part of a story is the tone and feelings it conveys to the reader. I’m bringing this up now because this story conveys so well the kind of adventurous wonder that a fairy tale is supposed to give a reader.

The only little criticism I think of is that Echo really seemed younger that thirteen years old, but that’s hardly a problem when the story is otherwise so good.

Book Review: The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin

Rating: 5 stars!

I loved it, and can’t wait to read book two!

Looking forward to finding out why Gareth was the way he was. I loved Braith. She was in such a precarious situation, and I was struck by her boldness in every scene she’s in. The other characters are pretty cool too.

I love the theme too. It’s kind of a similar theme as Fahrenheit 451, but I like this kind of story way better than futuristic dystopian stuff. The feel of the story is very different. I’ll go for a hopeful story over a depressing or disturbing one any day.

Book Review: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

Rating: 5 stars!

I beta-read this and loved it, so I had to get the finished version.

There comes a point in a lot of good books, usually somewhere around half or 2/3 of the way through, where the book becomes very hard to put down. Unfortunately, this point came after 1am both times I read this book, so I was up late…

I like the theater. Pretty much any setting with a maze-like system of hallways and secret passages can make for a fun story setting. And of course, I love the snail circus (I recently read and watched Coraline which I suspect is where the inspiration for the snail circus came from. loved that story too.)

Yes, I cried (both times) going through those tough parts to read. Leo is easy to relate to with her feeling unlovable and wondering what she’s good for.

Book Review: Eternal, Everywhere, With You by Sherry Rossman

Rating: 5 stars!

Something good about independently published books is that you get stylistic elements which don’t pass with a major publisher. (It’s a bit of a shame that you very rarely find books with this kind of unique style from major publishers.) Sherry Rossman has a poetic writing style which has a habit of leaving out details which are (usually) easily filled in by the reader’s brain. Sometimes it takes a minute to figure out what’s going on. This isn’t always a bad thing, and in this story, I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all. You do have to trust the next page to tell you just enough to get the story and the feelings, but it works well here.

There’s some weird timey wimey stuff that reminded me both of N. D. Wilson’s Outlaws of Time trilogy, and of Madeline L’Engle’s stories. I loved it.

About David Justiss

Find more reviews of books by Realm Makers authors on David Justiss’ Goodreads page.

Or find old posts on his blog: https://lightingliramor.wordpress.com/

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…