Create from Rest

Christian creatives fall into two camps: hustle or be still. God asked for neither. He asked for stewardship.

Episode Summary

I have been in both camps. The season where I white-knuckled my way through a book launch because I thought effort equaled faithfulness. And the season where I dragged my feet on writing Image of the Invisible because I was afraid being productive meant I was hustling. Both sides use Scripture. Both feel true in the moment. And both miss what God actually asked us to do: steward what He's entrusted to us from a...

What if the reason you feel stretched thin isn’t because you need a better strategy—but because you need a deeper foundation for how you steward your life? ✅GRAB Rachel’s Books 👉 https://amzn.to/3R8bRPR 

After years of helping Christian fiction writers build meaningful work without hustle, Rachel is expanding the conversation.

In this special transition episode, she shares the personal journey that led from The Business of Christian Fiction to Create from Rest—a podcast for Christian creative women who want to steward their lives faithfully and make space for the work God has c...

In a world of fast, AI-generated books, your unique voice might be your greatest advantage. But only if you’re willing to use it. ✅GRAB MARLINE’S BOOKS 👉 https://amzn.to/4dczw9k 

Rachel sits down with Marline Williams to unpack what it means to write meaningful, lasting books in a world increasingly dominated by AI and fast fiction. From redefining success beyond metrics to embracing “boutique” storytelling, this conversation challenges authors to think differently about their craft and their calling. If your work doesn’t fit neatly into a genre—or you’re wondering if that’s a problem—this episo...

What if the problem isn’t your book—but how you think about marketing it? This conversation will completely reframe how you show up as an author. ✅GRAB AARON’S BOOKS 👉https://amzn.to/42eJh1v 

In this episode, Rachel sits down with author and voiceover artist Aaron Ryan to talk about what it really takes to sell books in today’s market. From “living a billboard life” to thinking like a business owner—not just a writer—Aaron shares practical, unconventional strategies that actually work. 

They also dive into audiobooks, AI, self-publishing realities, imposter syndrome, and how to ma...

If you’ve ever wondered whether YouTube is worth your time as a novelist, this conversation with Dale L. Roberts will give you both clarity and a plan. ✅GRAB THE BOOK 👉https://amzn.to/4cthBf5 

In this episode of The Business of Christian Fiction Podcast, Rachel Fahrenbach sits down with author and YouTube strategist Dale L. Roberts to unpack how fiction authors can use YouTube to grow an audience, build trust, and create long-term visibility for their books—without feeling salesy.

Dale gets into the nitty-gritty practical as he shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s launc...

What does it take to sell over 3.5 million books as a self-published author? In this episode of The Business of Christian Fiction, Rachel Fahrenbach sits down with Christopher Greyson, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, to uncover the secrets behind his incredible success. ✅CHRISTOPHER’S BOOKS 👉https://amzn.to/3OYFZsv

From navigating failure to staying true to his faith and values, Christopher shares the hard-earned lessons, strategic insights, and powerful mindset shifts that transformed his writing career. If you're ready to take your writing to the next level without compromising what matters most, this conversation is for you!

Fact or Fiction? Memoir is the unique genre that blurs the line between reality and storytelling, offering both creative opportunities and publishing challenges. In today’s episode, Natalie Ogbourne joins Rachel to share her journey crafting and publishing her memoir, Waking Up in the Wilderness. ✅GRAB NATALIE’S BOOK 👉https://amzn.to/4fk5hgb

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Rachel sits down with LG Nixon, author of Christian YA supernatural fiction, to discuss the challenges and joys of writing in a niche genre, which for LG is writing Christian ghost stories. ✅GET LG NIXON’S BOOKS 👉https://amzn.to/408USiY 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

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Rachel is joined by her sister Ceilidh, a professional librarian! They dive into what authors need to know about getting their books on library shelves. Whether you're an indie author or traditionally published, this episode is packed with valuable insights! ✅CLICK HERE for my FREE resources for writers 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/resources

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Ep 46: What 25+ years in a Mad Man-style Ad Agency Taught this Author about Writing Fiction with Marline Williams

Rachel sits down with Marline Williams (debut novelist and unapologetic Jesus freak since 1971) to talk about lessons learned as a copywriter in advertising that she applies now as a fiction writer. ✅CLICK HERE to pre-order All Men Are Liars 👉https://amzn.to/4dyAKdg

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In this episode, Rachel talks with author Hannah Abbott about the unique struggles of writing a novel while being a stay-at-home mom and some tips for navigating that challenge.  ✅CLICK HERE to check out Hannah’s books 👉https://amzn.to/464QPoM

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

About Hannah Jo Abbott

Hannah is a Christian romance author. She's not just a writer, but a wife, a m...

In this episode, Rachel talks with expert Karla Colahan about how branding goes beyond just fonts and colors to help you connect with an audience.  ***Get $50 off Karla’s Tiny Brand package with Code INSPIREDRACHEL ✅CLICK HERE to get your discount 👉https://theinspiredfoundry.com/your-tiny-brand

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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Are you considering using crowdfunding to launch your novel? Listen to Emilie Haney’s tips and advice for using Kickstarter.  ***Check out Emilie’s Kickstarter ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eahendryx/falling-through-the-black?ref=discovery 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

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What do you do when God has asked you to set everything down for a year? What do you do when God has asked you to dig in and grow without striving and burning out? This year, Erin and Rachel are leaning into creating from rest this year and are inviting you into the conversation.  

Note: This is part two of this conversation. For part one, check out Ep 41.

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small comm...

What do you do when God has asked you to set your work down for a year? What do you do when God has asked you to dig in and grow your business without striving and burning out? This year, Erin and Rachel are learning what it means to create from rest this year and are inviting you into the conversation.  ***Check out Erin’s books ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3whO9Gq

Note: This is just part one of this conversation and so the end cuts off abruptly. Please check out part two in Ep 42.

This v...

Do you feel the tension between wanting to work on your novel while also needing to pay the bills? Well, today’s guest, Ericka Andersen, has a solution for you: Freelance writing! ***Check out Ericka’s Course ✅CLICK HERE 👉http://bragworthybylines.com

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

Topics covered in this episode:

Fed up with platform growth advice that doesn’t seem to apply to your world as a fiction writer (especially if you are unpublished)? Rachel shares what's really working against you (spoiler: it's not the algorithm) and tips for moving forward.  ***GET THE GIFTED + GUIDED PRAYER JOURNAL ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/48kMyOl

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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As we step into 2024, Rachel invites you to make five intentional decisions in the new year for your writing plans and publishing goals.  ***GET THE GIFTED + GUIDED PRAYER JOURNAL ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/48kMyOl

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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Author Emilie Haney shares her unconventional journey of funding self-published books through a Kickstarter campaign and how the strategy of using crowdfunding can bring your literary dreams to life. With a focus on writing under pen names, exploring various genres, and the age-old debate of traditional versus self-publishing, this discussion offers a captivating perspective for both aspiring and seasoned authors alike. 

 ***GET EMILIE’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3Lczxgi 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small comm...

What It Means to be Brave as a Fiction Writer with Rachel Trusty

Author Rachel Trusty shares her journey of opting for a career in writing over the traditional college and career experience. We explore the array of decisions required in the world of self-publishing and the journey of growth as a writer and business owner.   

 ***GET RACHEL’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/44FTl2u  

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at...

Storyteller Michael Duty shares how his personal experiences shaped self-publishing his novels. We also chat about harnessing the power of your circle of influence to market your book.  ***GET MICHAEL’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3Rbm5Nf 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

Topics covered in this episode:

Self-publishing Novels

Utilizing the Power of Your Circle of Influence

We’re told to be authentic but we’ve also been told to niche our platform. So, how do you navigate building an author platform when your authentic self has lots of interest. Today’s guest shares her experience and tips.  ***GET ASHLI’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/44G7i03  

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

About Ashli

Ashli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, and an auth...

In today’s discussion, we chat with Victoria Deviney on how to leverage in-person events as a cornerstone of your marketing strategy for selling your fiction by building genuine, real-world connections. ***GET VICTORIA’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/45IulsA

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

Topics covered in this episode:

Utilizing In-Person Events as Part of our Marketing Strategy

Se...

When it comes to getting her books in front of readers, today’s guest is a pro at thinking outside the box and seizing opportunities as they come.***GET NICOLE’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3PhLK5D

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

Topics covered in this episode:

The Role of Faith and Inspiration in Writing

Importance of Prof...

When Sara set out to self-publish, she applied her years of marketing experience to the release of her books. Today, she’s sharing her top marketing strategies that led to book sales. Be sure to listen as Sara's sharing the secrets to help supercharge your fiction marketing endeavors! ***GET SARA’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3E5uU3q

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒...

JR Kopenski joins us today on the podcast to share about her experience writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a children’s book. We chat about her creative process, self-publishing adventures, and the pure fun of sharing stories with kids. ***GET JRK’S BOOK ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3se87zS

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

****Get JRK’s Book: https://amzn.to/3se87zS

Tune in for an absolute treat as we dive into the captivating world of self-publishing audiobooks. Our guest, the talented Kelda Poynot, is here to spill the beans on her journey using ACX to bring her novels to life in a way that'll leave you utterly inspired! ***GET KELDA’S BOOKs ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3rYNNSW

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

****G...

Let’s explore the intersection of writing and worship! During the book Launch Collective’s Spring Rally event, I had the privilege of interviewing seven authors about their creative processes. In this compilation, you'll hear their insightful responses to the question of whether writing and publishing a novel can be an act of worship. Learn more about the Book Launch Collective ✅CLICK HERE 👉booklaunchcollective.com

Stick around until the end for an intriguing discussion on faith and fiction, especially relevant for fantasy and sci-fi writers.

Don't forget to check out the show notes...

If you are writing a novel that falls outside the typical genres picked up by traditional publishers, you won’t want to miss today’s episode with guest Richard Collins. He shares the challenges he faced in his publishing journey and how he chose to navigate them. ***GET RICHARD’S BOOK House of Souls ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3od9qgP 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resource...

When it comes to marketing a book the tried and true method is to get people talking about your book through a book launch team and doing interviews. Today’s guest shares some of the creative ways she promoted her novel. ***GET MEGHAN’S BOOK Loving Naomi ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3p5AsH7 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About the Episode:

Mar...

How early is too early to start getting a move on things like building an author platform, email list growth, website, income-generating activities, etc? Should you start worrying about the business side of writing fiction before, during, or after you finish writing your novel? Let's answer that question today. GRAB THE PLANNER to help you balance platform growth and novel writing ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/planner

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. <...

Fiction writers can feel very lonely in this writing and publishing journey but today’s guest shares how her unique publishing journey is leaning on mentorship to launch her career. GET CHRISTEN’S Book On the Golden Cliffs: A Big Sky Amish Novel ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/41da8st

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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Topics covered in this episode:

How do you come up with an idea for a lead magnet (also called a reader magnet or opt-in) when you are a fiction writer who hasn’t published a novel yet? In today’s episode, Rachel is walking you through the process, complete with examples! GET 25 IDEAS for your lead magnet! ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/leadmagnet

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About the Ep...

If you've ever considered using Kickstarter as an author, you won't want to miss today's episode with long-time novelist, Becky Wade. In our conversation, we talk about Becky’s writing and publishing journey, her thoughts on using Kickstarter as an author, literary agents, and book marketing! GET BECKY’S Book Memory Lane ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3Kyuff2

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

Abo...

We’re talking about lead magnets in today’s episode. This marketing tool (also known as a reader magnet, opt-in, or a freebie) is vital to your future sales success. NEED IDEAS for your lead magnet? ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/leadmagnet

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About the Episode:

00:00 The Reason Authors Need Lead Magnet

00:39 The Ticket...

Let’s talk about setting boundaries around growing an author platform online, especially with social media marketing so we don’t burnout or feel like we’re losing a piece of our soul. GET YOUR COPY Write & Rally Planner ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/planner

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About the Episode:

00:00 6 Rules for Growing Your Platform

00:56...

Traditional Publishing? Self-publishing? Hybrid Publishing? You have options, right? Today, Rachel is busting the myth that there are different paths or types of publishing. GET YOUR COPY Write & Rally Planner ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://rachelfahrenbach.com/planner

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About the Episode:

00:00 Publishing Paths or Types Myth

01:04 The Only Publishing Path

05:03 Making a Decision

07:20 Self Publishing<...

Often, the advice from literary agents and traditional publishers is to pick a lane and stay in it when it comes to writing nonfiction and fiction. But, today’s guest, Erin Greneaux, shares how she has used both to deliver her message to her readers. GET ERIN’S Children’s Book The Enchanted Garden ✅CLICK HERE 👉https://amzn.to/3M42uvV

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒

About Erin Grene...

Getting bestseller status feels like an unattainable dream for most fiction writers. But, today’s guest Caleb Ward was able to do just that with his debut Christian fantasy novel. He shares how he got there and how it’s possible for other writers to do as well. **** CHECK OUT CALEB’S NOVEL Downfall  ✅CLICK HERE 👉 https://amzn.to/3M8tla2

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show Notes and Resource...

For Kevin King, pursuing his publishing dreams soon became a 3-year nightmarish challenge to get his novel into the hands of a reader. Today, he’s sharing his journey not to bash the publisher or to complain but to offer lessons learned for writers new to this publishing world. **** CHECK OUT KEVIN’S NOVEL, Song of the Adoël  ✅CLICK HERE 👉 https://amzn.to/3TWuu6z 

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

📒 Show N...