

The Adventurous Author | Finish Book, Writing Discipline, Creative Writing, Character Development, Christian Podcast
Bonnie Jean Schaefer | Author and Founder of the League of Adventurous Authors
There’s a book inside you. A message that won’t leave you alone.
But between fear, responsibility, doubt — and now the rise of AI — you keep starting… and stopping.
Welcome to The Adventurous Author Podcast.
I’m Bonnie Jean Schaefer — fantasy author D.K. Drake — and I’ve published four novels while working a full-time job. I didn’t quit my life to write. I built systems that made finishing possible inside it.
Now I help stuck Christian writers do the same.
This podcast is discipleship through storytelling.
We follow a simple framework:
Start with WHO.Anchor your identity in Christ so fear loses leverage — especially in an AI age where identity matters more than ever.
Live Your Story.Build sustainable 15-minute systems that fit your real life.
Win Your Race.Finish what God called you to start — and become the kind of person who keeps finishing.
Every season rotates through identity, systems, and storytelling mastery in a structured spiral of growth.
If you’ve been hiding, doubting, or wondering where you fit in this new creative world — you’re not alone.
Let’s adventurize your life and rise from stuck...together.
But between fear, responsibility, doubt — and now the rise of AI — you keep starting… and stopping.
Welcome to The Adventurous Author Podcast.
I’m Bonnie Jean Schaefer — fantasy author D.K. Drake — and I’ve published four novels while working a full-time job. I didn’t quit my life to write. I built systems that made finishing possible inside it.
Now I help stuck Christian writers do the same.
This podcast is discipleship through storytelling.
We follow a simple framework:
Start with WHO.Anchor your identity in Christ so fear loses leverage — especially in an AI age where identity matters more than ever.
Live Your Story.Build sustainable 15-minute systems that fit your real life.
Win Your Race.Finish what God called you to start — and become the kind of person who keeps finishing.
Every season rotates through identity, systems, and storytelling mastery in a structured spiral of growth.
If you’ve been hiding, doubting, or wondering where you fit in this new creative world — you’re not alone.
Let’s adventurize your life and rise from stuck...together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 4min
Want Writing to Feel Easy? Do This One Thing Daily | 108
Ever felt like you were wading through mud when trying to write? The host uncovers the concept of neural resistance, explaining why starting can be tough after breaks. Daily writing practice smooths the creative process and reduces mental friction. Discover the neuroscience behind effortless creativity and tackle a challenge designed to rewire your brain for automatic writing. With commitment and consistency, turning writing into a natural flow becomes possible.

8 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 5min
How Daily Writing Expands Your Time (It’s Science, Not Magic) | 107
Ever feel short on writing time? Discover how daily writing can actually expand your perception of time! Dive into the science of time dilation and how consistent practice enhances your creative flow. Listen for personal anecdotes and a simple challenge to help you experience this time-bending effect yourself. Start tracking your word count after just 15 minutes of writing and watch productivity soar without the rush!

5 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 4min
Sporadic Writing Is Holding You Back—Here’s What to Do Instead | 106
Sporadic writing can hinder your progress, making it feel like a mountain to start again. Daily writing sessions can simplify the process and unleash your creative potential. The science of momentum highlights the benefits of consistency, showing how small, structured goals can transform your writing practice. A challenge is posed: write 300 words today to keep the flow going. Discover how commitment can shift you from simply wanting to write to actually becoming a writer!

7 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 4min
What Marathon Training Taught Me About Writing Consistently | 105
Running and writing share a common struggle: starting. Once you get going, momentum takes over, making creativity flow naturally. The podcast delves into how daily writing habits can mirror marathon training, emphasizing that small, consistent actions can lead to significant growth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the journey and not let breaks hinder their progress. By committing to writing regularly, the difference between wanting to write and being a writer becomes clear.

Mar 12, 2025 • 4min
Why a Daily Writing Habit is the Key to Becoming a Professional Author | 104
Ever feel stuck waiting for inspiration? Think you need more time, validation, or motivation before you can truly call yourself a writer? Think again.
In this episode, we uncover:
✔️ Why writing daily—not waiting—is the key to becoming a pro.
✔️ The science behind action and how it rewires your brain.
✔️ A simple challenge to break through hesitation and build unstoppable momentum.
Stop dreaming. Start writing. The transformation happens when you show up.
🔥 Adventurous Enough for a 101-Day Mega Challenge?
START TODAY. No cost. Except relentless commitment.
Because the difference between ‘wanting to write’ and ‘being a writer’ is simple… you write.
📢 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.

4 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 7min
The Writer’s Battle: Outlast Resistance and Win the Creative War | 103
Explore the battle against Resistance that every writer faces. Discover why waiting for the 'right moment' to write is the biggest mistake and learn how to transform writing into a daily habit. Uncover effective strategies like 'habit stacking' that integrate writing seamlessly into your routine. Plus, a seven-day challenge awaits you to ignite your creativity and track your progress. By embracing these tactics, you'll shift from merely wanting to write to becoming a dedicated writer who expresses effortlessly.

Mar 10, 2025 • 4min
Eat Before You’re Hungry—Write Before You’re Ready | 102
Want to be a writer? Then stop waiting to feel like one. In today’s episode, we break down why writing daily—before it feels important or justified—is the key to transforming from “I want to be a writer” to “I am a writer.” Through the story of a soldier in combat, we explore why discipline beats inspiration every time.
🚀 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why showing up daily makes you a real writer
✅ How discipline fuels creativity (not the other way around)
✅ The shift from waiting for inspiration to writing on command
🔥 Challenge for Today:
Write one sentence. Not because you feel ready. But because writers write.
📢 Subscribe & Review:
If today’s episode hit home, share it with a fellow writer and leave a review! Your support helps us keep bringing you high-impact episodes.
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.
🎧 Until next time—keep writing, keep showing up, and prove to yourself who you really are.

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.
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