

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

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!

4 snips
Dec 29, 2023 • 9min
091 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 40 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy
In a thrilling climax, Javan confronts his nemesis, King Omri, amid a backdrop of evil dragons and high stakes. Facing the chilling possibility of losing his mother adds tension to the battle for the throne. Listeners are drawn into Javan's courageous journey filled with unexpected twists. The drama unfolds as he boldly challenges the Dark King's regime, making for an exhilarating experience. Perfect for fans of YA fantasy, this chapter blends action and emotion, leaving you eager for more.

4 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 5min
090 || RECEIVE God’s Goodness this Christmas
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas as the host shares a heartfelt program performed with children, emphasizing the true essence of giving and receiving. Discover the importance of accepting God's gifts and spreading love during the holiday season. This inspiring message beautifully connects the celebration of Christmas with the deeper themes of faith and salvation, inviting listeners to reflect on how they can share joy with others.

4 snips
Nov 24, 2023 • 7min
089 || Fantasy Fiction Friday: Chapter 39 of The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel
Dive into a suspenseful chapter where Javen confronts the sinister King Omri. The tension escalates as Esmeralda's future hangs by a thread. Discover the techniques of crafting suspenseful narratives that captivate readers. Additionally, explore the enchanting world of Zandador and get tips on organizing your story ideas for better writing success. Join the adventure and learn how to enhance your fiction!


