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
7 snips
Jun 16, 2023 • 7min
058 // Write a Novella in 18 Weeks: How to Outline Your Entire Story in 30 Minutes Max (Week 4)
Summer is the perfect time to dive into novella writing! This session focuses on the essential fourth week of outlining, building a strong story framework. Listeners discover a quick, effective method to draft a rough act outline in just 30 minutes. Gain valuable tips on brainstorming and refining story ideas while staying motivated as a writer. Get ready to propel your creative process and turn your writing dreams into reality!
Jun 7, 2023 • 9min
057 // New Novelist? Do These 2 Weird Things to Speed Up Success
Discover two unique strategies that could revolutionize your writing journey. Embrace your identity as a writer through a symbolic ceremony that sparks creativity. Learn the power of accepting imperfection, allowing mistakes to fuel your growth. Personal stories and motivational insights inspire new novelists to prioritize creativity over the burden of perfection. Ready to speed up your writing success?
4 snips
May 31, 2023 • 3min
056 // Want a Super Simple Overview of the Self-Publishing Process?
Discover the essentials of the self-publishing journey! Learn about common hurdles faced by new authors and hear personal anecdotes that resonate. A clear, simplified roadmap for writing and publishing is provided, guiding you through each step. Additionally, there's an invitation to join a supportive community to share experiences and gain insights. Perfect for aspiring authors seeking clarity on their path!
7 snips
May 24, 2023 • 10min
055 // Follow This 5-Step System for Publishing Success
Explore the essential five-step process to transition from a book idea to publication success. Discover the importance of discipline and accountability in your writing routine. Learn how to break tasks into manageable pieces and why having support is crucial. Dive into the phases of preparation, writing, revising, and publishing, while overcoming perfectionism. Finally, uncover effective strategies for launching and marketing your book, all within a supportive community that helps you thrive as a writer.
7 snips
May 17, 2023 • 9min
054 // Could This One Habit Help You Reach Your Writing Goals Faster?
Discover how dedicating just 30 minutes each Monday for weekly reflections can supercharge your writing progress. Explore the importance of setting achievable targets and crafting actionable tasks to stay on track. The discussion unveils a new support membership program, designed to provide accountability through live meetings. Get inspired to integrate structured time management into your creative process and watch your writing goals become a reality.
4 snips
May 10, 2023 • 9min
053 // 3 Tips for Writing Stellar Stories
Discover how backpacking in South America inspired three essential tips for crafting stellar stories. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of preparation and savoring the creative journey. Embrace the adventure of storytelling with these intriguing insights!
8 snips
May 5, 2023 • 16min
052 // Your Creative Brain Will Thank You for This
This podcast features a delightful interview conducted in a chilly tent during an eight-day hiking adventure. Listeners can discover how outdoor experiences shape storytelling and spark creative inspiration. The hosts dive into gear discussions and the bliss of tasty trail treats, while recounting the physical challenges of hiking, like battling blisters. An emphasis on disconnecting from technology reveals how real-life experiences can boost creativity, inviting listeners to embrace their own adventures!
7 snips
May 4, 2023 • 20min
051 // Enrich Your Writing With Adventures! Author DK Drake and Becky Interview Each Other (part II)
Join two adventurous friends as they reflect on their exhilarating eight-day hike in Chile. They share delicious culinary tales from the trail, highlighting humorous camping meals and the joy of warm food. The bond formed among fellow travelers creates unforgettable stories, while thoughts on travel and life lessons offer inspiration. Discover how solitude and companionship in nature illuminate resilience and gratitude, reminding us to appreciate life's simple pleasures. These shared experiences inspire not just personal growth, but also enrich our storytelling.
9 snips
May 3, 2023 • 19min
050 // Are You an Adventurous Author Who Likes to Hike? Author DK Drake and Becky Interview Each Other While On Their Hiking Adventure
Join two adventurous authors as they recount their recent hiking trip filled with laughs, challenges, and tasty snacks! They delve into essential gear and share personal stories about the comforts of camping. Hear how they tackled nutritional hurdles while on the trail and prepared for unexpected rain. Their journey through Chile’s stunning wilderness showcases breathtaking glaciers and vibrant autumn colors. This lighthearted chat is a perfect blend of outdoor fun and practical tips for aspiring adventurers!
6 snips
Apr 26, 2023 • 5min
049 // How NOT Writing Can Make You a Better Writer
A transformative journey unfolds as the speaker shares insights from a two-month sabbatical, highlighting their epic backpacking adventure in Chile. They emphasize how real-life experiences can enrich the writing process. Anticipation builds for new content that merges hiking adventures with writing lessons. Engaging listeners personally, the speaker encourages feedback and invites them to connect through email, hinting at an exciting surprise for aspiring writers ahead.
