In this episode of Writing to Win with Mya Kay, host Mya Kay teaches writers how to craft a powerful first chapter that immediately draws readers in and keeps them engaged.

After reflecting on the growth of the podcast and the decision to rebuild it with greater authenticity and obedience to God, Mya recaps the foundational lessons from the first three episodes—building a writing foundation, navigating the industry as a Black Christian woman, and outlining a book.

She then walks listeners through four key elements of a compelling first chapter, using both biblical examples (Genesis 1, John 1, Luke 1) and a detailed breakdown from her novel The Essence of His Soul. Mya shows writers how to start with action, reveal character through behavior, build intrigue without oversharing, and end with connection and curiosity.

She closes by challenging nonfiction writers to rethink how they approach their work, emphasizing that storytelling is just as essential in nonfiction as it is in fiction. Through a powerful real-life example, she demonstrates how to draw readers into transformation by starting with lived experience rather than simply presenting information.

Listeners will walk away with a clear, practical framework for writing first chapters that are engaging, intentional, and rooted in both craft and calling.

The Non-Fiction example starts at minute 24 and ends at minute 30.

Timestamps

• [0:00–02:00] – Why this season of the podcast feels different
• [02:00–06:00] – What the Bible teaches about strong beginnings
• [06:00–16:00] – The 4 keys to writing a powerful first chapter
• [16:00–End] – How to apply this to nonfiction writing

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In this craft-focused episode of Writing to Win with Mya Kay, Mya teaches Christian women writers how to outline a book without getting lost in the details. Using Noah’s ark in Genesis 6–8, her novel The Essence of His Soul, and a practical fitness-book example for busy moms, she shows how to build a story world or reader “home,” choose only the structural elements that truly move the book forward, and avoid overcomplicating the process. She then walks through how to design powerful character arcs (or target audience avatars for non-fiction) and how to create simple but effective character Bibles so you can see your characters clearly and guide them from chapter to chapter with purpose.

Timestamps

• [0:00–05:00] – Why this episode is the “fiction edition” and how non-fiction writers still fit in.
• [05:00–15:00] – Noah’s ark, “home vs. structure,” and how Mya built the world of The Essence of His Soul.
• [15:00–22:00] – How a fitness book for busy moms becomes a whole ecosystem, not just a list of workouts.
• [22:00–end] – Creating powerful character arcs, reader avatars, and character Bibles that keep your outline focused instead of overwhelming.

Mya uses her novel The Essence of His Soul to show how to:

• Define the “home” or world (in her case, the entertainment industry—basketball, music, arenas, red carpets, social media, blogs).
• Decide which structural elements (paparazzi, gossip blogs, fans, church culture, family secrets, studio spaces, mansions, etc.) will move characters from scene to scene and chapter to chapter. She then “blesses her non-fiction writers” with a parallel example: a book for busy moms building a healthy fitness routine while protecting their hair/edges, illustrating how to build a whole ecosystem around that reader (equipment, clothes, fabric choices, breastfeeding-friendly sports bras, hair protection strategies, etc.).

By the end of the episode, listeners will have:

• A biblical and practical picture of how to build a story world or reader “home”
• A repeatable framework for moving characters/readers from chapter to chapter
• Clarity on character arcs vs. reader avatars
• A simple structure for creating character Bibles that keep outlines focused and effective, instead of overwhelming

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In this deeply honest episode of Writing to Win with Mya Kay, Mya speaks directly to Black Christian women writers trying to navigate a publishing industry marked by systemic racism and discouragement. She shares a personal story from her own indie publishing journey, walks through hard statistics about Black underrepresentation in publishing, and then counters them with biblical truth and strategy.

Drawing from the stories of Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, Mya shows how to write with excellence, prepare for “famine seasons,” pray over destiny helpers, and remember that there are people in the earth already praying and fasting for the very book you’ve been called to write.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of how systemic racism shows up in publishing and why their voice is still needed.
• Encouragement to write with excellence and craft, not from a place of proving themselves, but from a desire to honor God with the pen.
• A spiritual framework for preparing for dry seasons, praying over destiny helpers, and discerning God’s strategy for their route (traditional, indie, or self-publishing).
• Fresh confidence that their assignment is on Heaven’s radar, with intercessors already praying for the very book God has put in their hearts.

Timestamps

• [0:00–05:00] – Why this episode is dedicated to Black women writers and how racism shows up in publishing.
• [05:00–15:00] – A behind-the-scenes story of Mya’s indie deal, a YA novel, and a missed marketing opportunity that revealed who really understood her audience.
• [15:00–22:00] – The hard numbers on diversity in publishing—and why they’re facts, not God’s final truth.
• [22:00–end] – How to prepare for famine seasons, pray over destiny helpers, and recognize the Annas and Simeons already praying for what you carry.

Resources mentioned:

Finance Your Writing Dream Quick Course

How to Write Your Memoir in 30 Days Webinar

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Episode Summary

In this foundational episode of Writing to Win with Mya Kay, Mya helps Christian women writers build a God-centered writing foundation before they chase book deals or marketing strategies. Drawing from the stories of Mary (Luke 2) and Bezalel (Exodus 31), she shows how God entrusts writers with “book babies,” gives detailed assignments, and even cares about their marketing language. Listeners will learn how to clarify their Christ-centered why, begin pulling out Spirit-led themes for marketing, and start thinking about their writer’s ecosystem so they can write—and keep writing—without compromise.

Key Points

• Why a Christ-centered why matters for every Christian woman writer (fiction and non-fiction).
• How the stories of Mary and Bezalel reveal what it means to carry and steward a God-given book.
• Why you should start identifying your book’s themes and marketing angle early, instead of panicking after the draft is done.
• A behind-the-scenes look at how Mya used these principles with her novel The Essence of His Soul.

Timestamps

• [0:00–05:00] – Mya shares the heart behind the podcast and why Christian women writers need more than talent.
• [05:00–15:00] – A fresh look at Mary’s story and what it means to carry a “book baby” from God.
• [15:00–25:00] – How God can give you your marketing themes before your book is even finished.
• [25:00–end] – Rethinking success, work, and building a writer’s ecosystem that can actually last.

Call-to-Action:

• Get the free mini workbook + audio teaching:
  Join the email list to receive the “Writing to Win: Foundation” mini workbook and the audio teaching on building a successful writing discipline.

• Connect with me & my books:
• • Learn more about “The Essence of His Soul” and her other Christian romance titles.
  • Follow along for future episodes on outlining, marketing, and building a sustainable writing life.

Follow me @writermya on social (IG, FB, TikTok, and Threads).

Join our email list to get a free audio teaching on how to build a successful writing discipline, along with a free mini workbook to accompany episode 1. Email List Sign Up