Storytelling with Faith and Fiction Author Michelle Keener
Today’s guest is author Michelle Keener. Writers definitely entertain us, and Michelle does so with purpose-driven stories like Mission Hollywood and her memoir Shared Courage.
Michelle describes herself as a wife, mom, homeschooler and an author of inspirational fiction and nonfiction… whose books are fueled by Jesus and caffeine.
She’s been involved in ministry for over a decade, including serving in prison ministry, evangelism, women's ministry and youth groups. She currently leads workshops for Christian writers and enjoys encouraging writers and artists to use their gifts to impact the world and glorify God. She has several new books either recently published or getting ready for publication. When she isn't writing, Michelle is reading, baking or eating chocolate… or hanging out on Twitter.
Michelle and her husband Paul have two amazing children and one spoiled dog.
“In my head I know the scene. I know what’s happening. I know what people are wearing. I have to go back and think, ‘Dan might not know these things.’ For me, it’s important to be deliberate about world building.” - Michelle Keener on storytelling
Building Community
Storytellers who build community, in real life and through social media, are the ones who find an audience. Through speaking engagements, tweeting with people, building an email list or using Facebook live for a book release, Michelle says community is the key to getting your story out there.
And while Michelle is still learning how it all works, she’s loving the community of readers and fellow writers she’s building everyday. Even if it came from a spiteful place…
“I had someone tell me ‘Great writing, but you have no platform. Come back when you have 10,000 followers.’ So out of spite I went to Twitter and said ‘Fine I’ll get those followers and I’ll show you.’” - Michelle Keener on social media
Character Development: Start with “What If”
When it comes to developing your characters so they aren’t simply two-dimensional placeholders, Michelle suggests asking “what if?”
This can start with plot lines, settings and other story parts. But it’s especially powerful with characters. Whether you’re asking “what if: the character faces this challenge” or “what if that character loses this person,” challenging your characters with what if can help develop a deeper relationship with them.
Connect with Michelle:
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The Storytellers Network with Dan Moyle publishes every Monday at 7 AM EST.
