
The Adventurous Author | How to Write a Book, Character Development, Write with Consistency, Creative Writing,Story Structure
Hey, Time-Strapped Author!
Wanna write great fiction?
BUT writing is hard because you…
- Have NO TIME because you work a full-time job or go to school full-time
- Doubt your writing ability
- Are unsure how to write the kind of captivating stories you love to read.
Then welcome to The Adventurous Author, the podcast for underdog authors on a mission to achieve legendary feats in the publishing world but have to overcome impossible obstacles, limited time, and paralyzing inner skepticism along the way.
Through these episodes, you will…
- Gain confidence in your author identity.
- Master the process and structure needed to write captivating stories EVEN WITH limited writing time.
- Learn to use AI effectively and ethically to constantly improve your writing skills and story quality.
I’m your host Bonnie Jean Schaefer.
Under my pen name of fantasy author D.K. Drake, I write action-packed, wholesome adventures without the snooze-worthy fluff.
But as your personal writing coach, I’m here to unlock YOUR narrative prowess, guide you in crafting spellbinding tales, and navigate the wild world of writing with AI.
Adventure awaits, so ignite your imagination, latch on to that dragon swooping overhead, and let the storytelling quest begin. It’s time to play in our own fabulous fantasy worlds.
Latest episodes

Jun 12, 2025 • 6min
The Success You're Secretly Afraid Of (And Why Daily Writing Is Your Bridge to It) | 196
You think you’re afraid of failing—but what if success is what scares you most?
In today’s episode, I share:
✔️ Why the fear of finishing is scarier than starting
✔️ How daily writing is a death sentence to your “aspiring author” identity
✔️ The real reason you’ve been circling the same story mountain
🎧 Listen now.
Keep the words rolling and the adventures unfolding,
Bonnie Jean
Next Steps:
🔥 Adventurous Enough for a 101-Day Mega Challenge?
START TODAY at LeagueOfAdventurousAuthors.com. No cost. Except relentless commitment.
Because the difference between ‘wanting to write’ and ‘being a writer’ is simple… you write.
Escape into the Land of Zandador (the books I write under my pen name of Author D.K. Drake): Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
📢 Subscribe & Review:
If this episode gave you a wake-up call, share it with a fellow writer and drop a review! Your feedback keeps this show alive and thriving.

Jun 11, 2025 • 6min
Why Writers Freeze—Even When They're Ready | 195
There’s a cost to waiting. And no one talks about it until it’s too late.
In this episode, I share a completely made up story about a hiker who had all the tools he needed—but froze because he waited too long to use them. But that story has everything to do with writing.
If you’ve ever delayed the story God gave you because you’re waiting for a better time, this episode is the wake-up call.
Here’s what we get into:
✔️ Why delay isn’t neutral—it feeds resistance
✔️ How spiritual-sounding excuses can quietly sabotage your obedience
✔️ What James 4:17 says about inaction
✔️ A writing challenge that forces your character—and you—to move
🎧 Listen now.
Keep the words rolling and the adventures unfolding,
Bonnie Jean
Next Steps:
🔥 Adventurous Enough for a 101-Day Mega Challenge?
START TODAY at LeagueOfAdventurousAuthors.com. No cost. Except relentless commitment.
Because the difference between ‘wanting to write’ and ‘being a writer’ is simple… you write.
Escape into the Land of Zandador (the books I write under my pen name of Author D.K. Drake): Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
📢 Subscribe & Review:
If this episode gave you a wake-up call, share it with a fellow writer and drop a review! Your feedback keeps this show alive and thriving.

Jun 10, 2025 • 6min
Want to Build Trust in Your Calling as a Fiction Author? | 194
Do you have a story you want to write but have been avoiding?
In this episode, I share how one story haunted my hard drive for six years—and how 94 days of daily writing changed everything. What started as hesitation turned into confidence. Not because I felt ready. But because I kept moving.
Here’s what we get into:
✔️ The surprising way trust is actually built
✔️ Why creative obedience is more powerful than creative clarity
✔️ What it really means to “acknowledge God” in your writing process
✔️ A bold writing challenge where your character must leap without a bridge
🎧 Listen now.
Keep the words rolling and the adventures unfolding,
Bonnie Jean
Next Steps:
🔥 Adventurous Enough for a 101-Day Mega Challenge?
START TODAY at LeagueOfAdventurousAuthors.com. No cost. Except relentless commitment.
Because the difference between ‘wanting to write’ and ‘being a writer’ is simple… you write.
Escape into the Land of Zandador (the books I write under my pen name of Author D.K. Drake): Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
📢 Subscribe & Review:
If this episode gave you a wake-up call, share it with a fellow writer and drop a review! Your feedback keeps this show alive and thriving.

8 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 5min
Your Confidence as a Writer Isn’t Missing—It’s Buried Under Inconsistency | 193
Many writers struggle with self-doubt and distractions, but daily writing can help restore creative confidence. The podcast highlights how Hebrews 5:14 offers guidance on trusting your instincts. It underscores the negative impact of comparison and noise when you don't write regularly. A unique 15-minute story challenge is proposed to jumpstart creativity and build assurance. Listeners are encouraged to commit to their craft through actionable steps and a 101-day challenge that combines writing with personal growth.

6 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 6min
You Said You Were Called to Write—Now Prove It | 192
What happens when your writing calling clashes with your actions? Dive into the journey of embracing daily writing as a divine assignment. Learn why daily practice is essential for building trust and aligning with your creative identity. Discover the impact of internal conflicts when schedules don’t match aspirations. Plus, find out about a 101-day writing challenge designed to foster discipline and community among writers. It's time to stop ghosting your gift and fully commit to the craft!

Jun 7, 2025 • 7min
How Daily Writing Turns You Into a Carrier of World-Changing Ideas | 191
You're not just a writer.
You're a builder of belief systems.
In today’s episode of The Adventurous Author, we’re taking off the gloves and talking about the real reason your daily writing matters: you’re crafting stories designed to carry truth farther than you’ll ever go.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
✔️ Why stories outlive empires—and how yours can too
✔️ How Jesus encoded truth to replicate across millennia
✔️ What makes a story “sticky” vs forgettable (and how to train for the former)
✔️ Why writing daily isn’t just craft—it’s warfare, strategy, and legacy
✔️ A 15-minute writing challenge that trains you to encode truth into action
🎧 Listen now.
Keep the words rolling and the adventures unfolding,
Bonnie Jean
Next Steps:
🔥 Adventurous Enough for a 101-Day Mega Challenge?
START TODAY at LeagueOfAdventurousAuthors.com. No cost. Except relentless commitment.
Because the difference between ‘wanting to write’ and ‘being a writer’ is simple… you write.
Escape into the Land of Zandador (the books I write under my pen name of Author D.K. Drake): Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
📢 Subscribe & Review:
If this episode gave you a wake-up call, share it with a fellow writer and drop a review! Your feedback keeps this show alive and thriving.

19 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 5min
Stories That Stick: The Brain-Changing Power of Story and Why You Must Write Daily | 190
Discover how storytelling reshapes minds by activating emotional and motor pathways in readers. Learn why children's stories are vital for trauma recovery and emotional intelligence. Uncover the secrets that differentiate impactful narratives from forgettable ones. Embrace daily writing to refine your skills as a narrative architect. Plus, take on a 15-minute fiction challenge to boost your creative prowess!

8 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 6min
How Daily Writing Turns Regret Into Creative Gold | 189
Every writer has their shadows—those painful memories and failures that linger. Instead of avoiding them, embracing these experiences can fuel powerful stories. Daily writing not only builds courage but also transforms old wounds into creative gold. Explore how personal struggles can become narrative strengths and why consistency in writing is crucial. Plus, there's a bold challenge to reclaim your voice and turn regrets into art. Dive into the adventure of writing with renewed purpose!

7 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 6min
How Daily Writing Trains You to Catch Inspiration When It Falls | 188
Inspiration isn't random; it's something you can train for! Daily writing sharpens your ability to recognize breakthrough moments. Discover how to enhance your internal filter for themes and truths. Learn the significant difference between forcing ideas and being open to receiving them. Plus, try a 15-minute fiction challenge designed for discovery rather than just output. Embrace the adventure of writing consistently and unlock your creative potential!

14 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 6min
How Daily Writing Supercharges Your Intuition (Without You Noticing) | 187
Daily writing transforms your brain into a decision-making powerhouse. It sharpens your creative instincts, making storytelling more intuitive. The host shares insights from writing 87 children’s stories, paralleling writing with athletic training. Learn how elite performers manage speed under pressure and take on a fun 10-minute writing challenge. Plus, discover how daily practice, inspired by Isaiah 30:21, enhances discernment in your writing journey. Jump into this transformative experience!