

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

5 snips
Oct 23, 2022 • 9min
008 // Day 3 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue III
In this installment, the story dives into Esmeralda's struggle for freedom as she escapes the Dark King's grasp after 15 long years. From her unique perspective, we get a glimpse of her challenges and the looming conflict that ties her life to her son, Javen. The narrative reveals a critical prophecy that marks Javen as pivotal in a battle against tyranny. The author also discusses the significance of choosing a maternal voice, enriching the tone for the unfolding adventure.

Oct 22, 2022 • 8min
007 // Day 2 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue II
Dive into the magical world of Zandador as Javen celebrates his seventh birthday, sparking memories of his childhood that beautifully develop his character. Discover a mysterious visitor who brings whispers of adventure to his life, alongside a special bond with a horse named Storm. What's behind that ordinary rock? Tune in for insights into storytelling and hear the captivating second part of the prologue that sets the stage for an epic journey.

6 snips
Oct 21, 2022 • 7min
006 // Day 1 of the 21 Days of Storytelling Featuring The Dragon Collector, a YA Fantasy Novel: Prologue I
Dive into a magical world as the author reads the prologue of a thrilling YA fantasy. Meet Javan, an orphan whose destiny unfolds in a dimension of dragons and destiny. Experience his journey from mere mortal to chosen one, armed with an ancient weapon and wise mentors. The stakes climb as he faces threats to the throne and reunites with his long-lost mother. Plus, hear about the author's creative process and how reader feedback shaped the story. Buckle up for an adventure in the Land of Zandador!

6 snips
Oct 20, 2022 • 11min
005 // Three Things Every Christian Author Needs to Know to Be a Great Storyteller
Great storytelling isn't just about writing skills; it's about building relationships and understanding your audience. Discover how knowing God and yourself enhances your narrative craft, using the classic tale of David and Goliath as inspiration. The importance of character development is also highlighted, emphasizing deep connections with readers. Embrace your creativity and engage with your audience through thoughtful storytelling initiatives, making your narratives truly captivating.

6 snips
Oct 11, 2022 • 10min
004 // Why You Must Write This One Thing Before You Start or Continue Your Novel-Writing Journey
Exploring the power of clarity, this discussion emphasizes the importance of writing a personal author manifesto. A manifesto can solidify an author's intentions and beliefs, guiding their writing journey with confidence. It fosters boldness and conviction, essential traits for compelling storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their writing philosophies and share their manifestos to create community and inspiration. Tune in for insights that could inspire you to take a stand for your writing!

14 snips
Oct 8, 2022 • 11min
003 // Want to Write a Novel? Start With This Simple 3 Step Story Structure
Unravel the secrets of storytelling with a three-step structure that mirrors a seven-mile race. Discover how a compelling beginning sets the pace, a challenging middle drives tension, and a transformative ending brings everything together. The journey from a disastrous first draft to crafting engaging narratives is explored, offering insights for aspiring authors. Dive into community engagement while learning how to master your plot and character development!

5 snips
Sep 26, 2022 • 19min
002 // Are Creative Writing Prompts Useless? How Someone Else’s Writing Idea Turned Into an Income-Producing Fantasy Series
This podcast dives into the surprising power of creative writing prompts, sparked by friends urging the narrator to tackle dragons and cops. It features a thrilling narrative where these seemingly random ideas merge into an engaging fantasy story. The discussion highlights the challenges of crafting unique plots, the tension of dragon encounters, and the evolution of a budding fantasy series. Tune in for a blend of humor, inspiration, and the unexpected magic that can arise from collaboration in storytelling.

7 snips
Sep 26, 2022 • 7min
001 // Should You Use a Pen Name? Three Reasons Not to and Why I Ignored All Three When Publishing My First Fantasy Novel
Dive into the fascinating world of pen names and their impact on authorship! Discover the intriguing persona of DK Drake, an alias that sparks creativity. The discussion unveils three compelling reasons why some advise against using a pen name. Listen in as the author shares personal experiences that shaped her decision. This journey into identity, integrity, and connecting with readers will inspire you to consider the choices in your own writing adventure!

11 snips
Sep 23, 2022 • 2min
Official Trailer for The Adventurous Author
The Rescue Mission For Christian Writers Who Are Ready to Finish
There’s a book inside you. A message that won’t leave you alone. But between fear, responsibility, doubt, and distraction, you keep starting… and stopping.
The Adventurous Author Podcast exists to change that.
Hosted by Bonnie Jean Schaefer (fantasy author D.K. Drake), this show helps Christian writers anchor their identity in Christ, build sustainable writing systems, and finish the books God has called them to write — even while working full-time and managing real life.
Bonnie has published four fantasy novels while working a full-time job and is also the author of the Anchored Faith nonfiction series — books devoted to biblical identity, trust, and faithful obedience. She is currently developing the Anchored Truth series focused on discernment and intellectual integrity in a shifting cultural landscape.
This podcast integrates theology and execution and adventure (because play is vital).
Not abstract belief.
Applied obedience.
This is structured discipleship through storytelling.
What You’ll Learn
Each season (8-9 episodes) rotates through three foundational pillars:
1. Christ-Anchored Identity
Discover who God made you to be as a writer. Replace fear with clarity. Stop writing from buried confidence and start writing from secure identity.
2. Sustainable Writing Systems
Build simple, 15-minute rhythms that fit your real life. No 5 a.m. wake-ups if that's not your thing). No quitting your job. Just structured consistency that compounds.
3. Storytelling Mastery
Strengthen character development, story structure, and theme so you can write books that resonate deeply and advance God’s Kingdom.
Transformation here is not a straight line. It’s a spiral — deeper identity, stronger systems, sharper skill.
Books by Bonnie Jean
📚 Fiction (as D.K. Drake)
Fantasy novels crafted to explore courage, sacrifice, and redemptive themes through immersive storytelling.
→ Escape into the Land of Zandador
📘 Nonfiction (Anchored Faith Series)
Biblically grounded books on identity, obedience, and finishing faithfully.
→ Explore the Anchored Faith Series
📖 Coming Soon: Anchored Truth
A series focused on discernment, truth evaluation, and intellectual integrity in an AI age.
Who This Podcast Is For
Christian writers in the messy middle
Aspiring authors who keep starting but never finishing
Full-time professionals who want to write without quitting their jobs
Writers wrestling with fear of failure — or fear of success
Authors who want to honor God through storytelling
If you’re tired of calling yourself “aspiring,” you’re in the right place.
The Adventurize Life Philosophy
Start with WHO.
Live your story.
Win your race.
Anchor your identity.
Install your systems.
Finish what you start.
And turn life into a grand adventure through it all.
Ready to Go Deeper?
The League of Adventurous Authors is the companion training ground where stuck Christian writers become Christ-anchored, system-trained, faithful finishers — starting with 15 minutes a day.
→ Learn About the League
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