

The Adventurous Author | How to Write a Book, Character Development, Write with Consistency, Creative Writing,Story Structure
Bonnie Jean Schaefer | Author & Coach, Founder of the League of Adventurous Authors
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 9, 2025 • 3min
The Time Trap: Why You’re Not Writing (And How to Break Free) | 101
You say you don’t have time to write, but is that really the truth? Or is something deeper at play? In today’s bite-sized episode, we’re cutting through the jungle of excuses and exposing the real reason you’re stuck. If you’ve been waiting for more time, this episode will shake you up and show you why you don’t need more hours—you need a better mindset.
🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why “I don’t have time” is a trap, not a truth
✔️ The hidden fears lurking behind this excuse (and how to break free)
✔️ What the Bible says about time and why you must take control
✔️ A simple challenge to reclaim 15 minutes today for your writing
Are you adventurous enough to take on a grand challenge?
Your mission: Pick one daily action. Do it for 101 days. Then watch yourself become the person you were meant to be.
💥 Hit play to join me.
💥 Subscribe so you never miss a reason to write every day.
💥 Join the League of Adventurous Authors for free as an Insider and receive an exclusive Day 101 celebration.
START TODAY. No cost. Except relentless commitment.

Mar 8, 2025 • 9min
Writing, Running, and Resilience: The Challenge That Changes Everything | 100
You’re stuck. Writing but not finishing. Creating but not sharing. Dreaming but not executing.
I’ve been there too—until I realized the problem wasn’t my schedule, my skill, or my ambition. The problem was ME.
That’s why I’m launching the 101-Day Triple Crown Challenge—writing, running, and publishing daily, no excuses, no escape. Because freedom isn’t limitless choice—it’s the discipline to commit so tightly that success becomes inevitable.
🔥 You want discipline? Stop giving yourself a way out.
🔥 You want focus? Rip out distractions by the root.
🔥 You want change? Lock yourself in and throw away the key.
Your mission: Pick one daily action. Do it for 101 days. Then watch yourself become the person you were meant to be.
💥 Hit play to join me.
💥 Subscribe so you never miss a reason to write every day.
💥 Join the League of Adventurous Authors for free as an Insider and receive an exclusive Day 101 celebration.
The challenge officially starts on March 9, 2025. Sign up today so you never miss an episode of excuse-busting, power-packed motivation.

Oct 9, 2024 • 23min
Publish Your Poems! with Poet Barbara Sweeney — 99
Whether you are 8 or 80, it’s never too early or too late to become a published author. Today’s guest proves that. I am chatting with Barbara Sweeney, who just happens to be my aunt. For her 80th birthday last year, I offered to compile her poems into a book and publish them for her. It took us almost a year of working together through emails and phone calls to collect the poems she wanted to share, format them, proofread them, create a cover, and finally hit that publish button. And we did so before she turned 81.
I’ve written some of my own poems, but I found that Aunt Barbara really is a master of the craft. I enjoyed getting to know this side of my aunt, reading her poems, and now sharing with you the opportunity to experience the comfort, companionship, and wonder these poems afford.
I encourage you to head over to Amazon to snag your own copy of Echoes of Grace today. Now listen in as Barbara Sweeney and I talk poetry!
Your friend,
D.K.
Escape into the Land of Zandador:
Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Oct 9, 2024 • 5min
Embrace Your Adventurous Author Identity — 98
Did you know that your novel writing success depends on what you believe about YOU?
I believe you can master novel writing even if you have no experience, no credentials, and less than three hours a week to write. The secret lies in embracing your adventurous author identity.
That’s what I’ve been doing over this last year and why I’ve changed the name of this podcast to The Adventurous Author. I’ve decided that I get to adventurize novel writing, which allows me to enjoy the process even though the limited time I have to write makes progress slower than I would prefer. When I enjoy the process, I’m motivated to take writing action every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time.
I want you to feel motivated to write consistently, and it stars with your foundational beliefs. Need help believing? Then listen in and adopt The Adventurous Author Creed as Your own.
Your friend,
DK
Escape into the Land of Zandador:
Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Adventurous Author!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

5 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 11min
97 | Fantasy Fiction: Chapter 43 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Join Javan on a thrilling dragon-collecting adventure in the magical land of Zandador! He faces self-doubt while preparing for a mission with his teammate, Gasha. A hilarious twist occurs when he gets trapped in a sticky bush while trying to impress King Omri with his prized dragon. Experience the excitement and chaos of overcoming fears, teamwork, and the unexpected challenges of fantasy life!

Mar 8, 2024 • 8min
096 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 42 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy
Enjoy Chapter 42 of The Dragon Collector!
Your Friend,
DK
Escape into the Land of Zandador:
Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Mar 1, 2024 • 10min
095 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 41 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
In Chapter 41 of The Dragon Collector, Javan opens his big mouth and starts the ticking time bomb that makes collecting his first dragon a near impossibility.
But it’s that ticking time bomb that helps speed up the story and send it spinning toward its climax.
Tune in to find out just how long he has to collect that elusive first dragon and what’s at stake if he fails.
Your friend,
DK
Escape into the Land of Zandador:
Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

Jan 22, 2024 • 6min
094 || Write Stories that are Met with the Silence of Awe
Today I wanted to share a fun little story that will inspire you to write stories that are met with the silence of awe.
I love that phrase: the silence of awe. I wish I had thought of it. But I have to give credit where credit is due…which would be to AI. Actually, the story I’m sharing today was written by AI. I could have made it much better by adding some dialogue and action, but it’s interesting enough to share.
You can also read the story on the blog.
Enjoy!
Your friend,
DK
Next Steps:
Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24.
You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like…
🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors
🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen
🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author
🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist
🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach
🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur
… and so, so many more, including yours truly!
This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission.
You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing!
**Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.** The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success.
Escape into the Land of Zandador: Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!

5 snips
Jan 21, 2024 • 6min
093 || A Poem for the Christian Author who Wants to Write a Book But is Scared to Start
Explore the power of poetry designed to uplift Christian authors grappling with self-doubt and the fear of starting their writing journeys. Discover the importance of resilience and the encouragement that comes from trusting in God. Plus, get inspired to join the Thriving Scribes Summit for invaluable insights and techniques from seasoned writers and publishing experts. This engaging discussion is a heartfelt reminder that every great story begins with the courage to start.

Jan 19, 2024 • 6min
092 || New Year, New Me, Same God
2024 has gotten off to a weird start for me, probably because of the way 2023 ended.
But it’s a good weird. Listen in for details.
Your friend,
DK
Next Steps:
Register for your FREE ticket to the Thriving Scribes Summit here. HURRY! The Summit runs from January 22-24.
You’ll be able to soak up innovative publishing models, writing methods, & strategies from incredible speakers like…
🎟️ Michael Evans, CEO of Ream, the subscription platform by fiction authors for fiction authors
🎟️ Emilia Rose, serialization and subscription queen
🎟️ Elle Beauregard, experienced co-author
🎟️ Ines Johnson, episodic publishing specialist
🎟️ Kyle Ann Robertson, creative writing coach
🎟️ Brit Poe, aligned publishing connoisseur
… and so, so many more, including yours truly!
This is an affiliate link, so if you choose to invest in the Scribe Pass that gives you extended access to the recordings from all the fabulous presentations, ways to connect with speakers & other attendees, and oodles of bonus gifts from speakers, I’ll get a small commission.
You don’t have to buy anything, though. It’s completely free to attend, and you are going to learn soooo much about the world of publishing!
**Register for the FREE Revolutionize Your Writing Masterclass.**
The On-Demand Virtual Experience shows you how to master the art of organizing your story ideas in Notion to set yourself up for fiction writing success.
Escape into the Land of Zandador:
Get your free D.K. Drake Starter Library
Purchase one or all of the Dragon Stalker Bloodline Saga books on Amazon.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
“I love The Author D.K. Drake Show!” If that sounds like something you’d say, please rate and review this show. Your rating and review helps the show get found by other authors with big writing dreams. It’ll take a quick 30 seconds to scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then share what you enjoyed most about this episode.
And if you haven’t already done so, follow the podcast. That way you’ll never miss an episode and will be better prepared to write and publish your novel. Follow now!


