Keith Windham | Updates

Outlining a Book

Keith Windham — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I once heard a statistic that about 80% of Americans have an idea and want to write a book, but only about 20% ever do. While there are numerous reasons others have for this, I personally have struggled with setting up how I wanted my novel to flow, which kept me from sitting down and writing. I had writer's block before I was a writer.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to listen to one of my favorite authors, Ted Dekker, discuss his writing process. Once, I had a chance to chat with him online about my issue. He gave me, what I consider to be, one of the greatest tips for writing I've ever gotten. I want to share this tip with people in hopes that it will help them along the way and avoid some struggles.

Step #1 - Grab a Piece of Paper and Pen

Check. Easy peasy.

Step #2 - Write Down Numbers

Along the left side, put one number per line for the amount of chapters you expect (or hope) to write. For my first novel, my goal was to write forty chapters, so I wrote 1-40 down the page. I wish all writing tips were this simple in practice.

Step #3 - Write One Sentence

Next to each number, write out what you want to happen in that chapter, but keep it to only one sentence. This will help you to stay concise and avoid getting into the weeds of details.

Step #4 - Give Yourself Space

This step didn't come from Ted; I modified it and made it my own. Writing down one sentence per line proved to be a bit of a challenge for me, so I didn't. I had an idea for what I wanted in my first chapter to set the whole story up, an idea for the ending, and an idea for a few chapters in the middle, but that was it. After I completed my first chapter's sentence, I moved down to the chapter five line and wrote a sentence there. I did this for the entire page, which allowed me to have creative space when I began the actual writing. I knew I had four chapters to get from where I was to where I wanted to be, so I crafted the story to get me to my predetermined points. Doing this allowed me to redirect my focus on my story without getting stressed about sticking to a firm outline.

Bottom Line

What works for one may not work for all. Any tips and tricks should be molded to better fit your own personal needs. It is, after all, your story to tell.

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Conferences for Writers

Keith Windham — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Why Writers Need Conferences: Learning, Growing, and Connecting with Fellow Authors

Writing can be a lonely profession. We spend countless hours sitting at our computers, creating characters, building worlds, and wrestling with plot problems that only exist inside our own minds. While the writing itself often happens in solitude, growing as an author does not have to.

One of the best ways writers can continue improving their craft and building their careers is by attending conferences. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend Realm Makers in June 2026, and it reminded me just how valuable these gatherings can be for writers at every stage of their journey.

Learning From Classes and Industry Professionals

One of the greatest benefits of attending a writing conference is the opportunity to learn from experienced authors, editors, and publishing professionals.

At Realm Makers, writers gathered to learn about everything from storytelling techniques to publishing, marketing, and building an author career. The classes offered valuable insights into areas where writers can grow and improve.

Writing is a craft, and every craft requires continued learning. Even experienced authors continue to attend workshops, read books on writing, and seek out opportunities to sharpen their skills.

There is always something new to learn.

A single class can change the way we approach our stories. A new perspective on character development, pacing, dialogue, or marketing can completely change how we view our work.

Finding Community With Other Authors

While the classes provide knowledge, the connections made at conferences provide something equally important: community.

One of the most meaningful parts of attending Realm Makers was being surrounded by other writers who understood the challenges and joys of this journey. Writing can sometimes feel isolating, especially when facing difficult revisions, uncertainty about publishing, or the challenges of finding readers.

Conferences remind us that we are not alone.

Connecting with other authors allows us to:

Share experiences and encouragement
Learn from each other’s successes and struggles
Build friendships with people who understand the writing life
Find critique partners and writing communities
Celebrate the victories, both big and small

There is something powerful about sitting with people who understand what it means to bring a story from an idea in your mind to a finished book.

The Unexpected Value of Conversations

Some of the most valuable moments at a conference do not happen inside a classroom.

They happen in conversations before a session begins. They happen over meals, in hallways, or while waiting in line. A simple introduction can lead to a new friendship, a helpful resource, or an encouraging conversation that stays with you long after the conference ends.

The writing community is built on relationships. While talent and hard work are important, having people around you who understand the journey can make a tremendous difference.

Investing in Yourself and Your Writing

Attending a conference requires an investment. There is the cost of registration, travel, lodging, and taking time away from everyday responsibilities. For many writers, those decisions are not always easy.

But investing in your growth as an author is always worthwhile.

My time at Realm Makers in June 2026 reminded me that writing is about more than sitting down and putting words on a page. It is about learning, growing, and connecting with others who share the same passion for storytelling.

If you have never attended a writing conference, consider making it a goal. Find one that fits your genre and your goals. Take the classes. Ask questions. Introduce yourself to other writers.

You may come home with new skills and fresh ideas—but you may also come home with something just as valuable: encouragement, inspiration, and a community of people who understand the journey.

Because while we may write our stories alone, we do not have to walk the author path alone.

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Finding God in the Unseen

Keith Windham — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In writing, I often explore worlds that aren’t immediately visible — secret places, hidden truths, and unseen forces shaping events. It’s a theme in my stories, but it also reflects a deeper reality of our faith: God is at work even when we can’t see Him.

The Reality of the Unseen

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” God’s presence, guidance, and love are often invisible, but they are real. Just like a character in a story might feel invisible struggles or unseen threats, we navigate life with unseen challenges and unseen blessings.

Recognizing God in Daily Life

In small moments: A quiet sunrise, a kind word, or a sudden insight may feel ordinary, but these are often ways God nudges our hearts.
In relationships: The patience or forgiveness we experience or extend is often the work of His Spirit behind the scenes.
In challenges: Even when circumstances seem chaotic or hidden from our understanding, God is shaping our growth and guiding our steps.

Like the hidden threads that connect a story, God’s presence weaves through our lives, unseen but powerful. Learning to notice Him in the quiet, the small, and the invisible can transform how we experience each day.

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Foreshadowing God’s Grace Without Being Obvious

Keith Windham — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As a Christian writer, one of the greatest joys for me is showing God’s grace in my stories. But I often wrestle with this question: how do I reveal it without my characters, or readers, feeling like they’re sitting through a sermon? For me, the answer lies in subtlety—planting small seeds that eventually bloom into hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

What Does Foreshadowing Grace Mean?

When I talk about foreshadowing grace, I mean moments of mercy hinted at before they fully unfold. Grace is often tied to second chances, redemption, and unearned favor, while foreshadowing is about giving glimpses of what’s coming. When I combine the two, I aim to create little sparks of hope that readers can sense, even if they don’t immediately recognize them.

I’ve learned that restraint is everything. The moments of grace that resonate most deeply with me, and I hope with my readers, are the ones they experience rather than have explained to them.

Why Subtlety Works

Subtlety works because it mirrors real life. God’s mercy rarely announces itself with trumpets; it often appears quietly, unexpectedly, in ways that surprise us. When I write with that in mind, my stories feel more alive, more relatable, even for someone who isn’t familiar with faith-based narratives.

Final Thoughts

For me, foreshadowing God’s grace is about trusting the story and trusting the reader. Through symbols, choices, dialogue, or even the natural world, I try to hint at mercy without forcing it. I plant those seeds early, nurture them through the arc of the story, and let them bloom naturally into moments of hope and redemption.

When it works, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of writing. Grace reveals itself quietly, organically, and in that quiet, I hope readers catch a glimpse of God’s love in the most memorable ways.

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Why a Chupacabra?

Keith Windham — Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier last month, I wrote and illustrated a new children’s book about a chupacabra named Churro who loves to make pies (yes—fully illustrated by me… I’m still a little proud of that).

Stylistically, it follows the same rhyming, picture-driven approach as my previous work. But the real question is: why a chupacabra?

Growing up, one of my cousins was completely obsessed with chupacabra lore. She knew everything—where it lived, what it did, how it hunted. For the uninitiated, the legend goes that a chupacabra attacks goats and drinks their blood… which, admittedly, doesn’t scream “heartwarming bedtime story.”

Fast forward a few years, and my aunt (not my cousin's mom) made an offhand comment about me writing another story featuring a chupacabra. I could’ve laughed it off. Instead, I took it as a challenge.

Later that night, I started tossing around ideas with my wife. What if a chupacabra wasn’t scary at all—just misunderstood? What if those infamous “bloodstains” were actually something harmless… like red berry pie filling?

That small twist unlocked everything.

From there, the story came together into something much softer: a tale about assumptions, kindness, and how easy it is to get the wrong idea about someone at first glance.

Several weeks later, Churro the Pie Maker made his way into the world—a pie-baking chupacabra with a big heart and a messy face to match.

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Rest as a Writer

Keith Windham — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As a writer, I'm used to a certain grind. Long writing sessions, endless edits, and “just one more chapter” can feel like proof I'm dedicated to the craft. But the truth is, rest isn’t optional, it’s part of the creative process.

Rest is Sacred, Not Lazy

In the Bible, God models rest. After six days of creation, He rested on the seventh. Rest isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about being restored, reconnected to God, and renewed in purpose. As a writer, taking time to step back allows my mind to recharge, helping creativity flow more freely.

Why Writers Need Rest

Clarity and Perspective – Stepping away from a manuscript lets me see plot holes, character inconsistencies, or ideas I'd miss while exhausted.
Emotional Renewal – Writing is emotionally demanding. Rest prevents burnout and helps me write with authenticity and depth.
Spiritual Alignment – Quiet moments of rest invite God into the creative process. Prayer, reflection, or simply noticing His presence can inspire new ideas that I wouldn’t have found in a frenzy of typing.

Practical Ways to Rest as a Writer

Schedule it – Treat rest like an appointment with God and yourself. A walk, a nap, or a full day off is part of the creative rhythm.
Unplug – Step away from screens and notifications. Let the mind wander without prompts or deadlines.
Enjoy God’s Creation – Nature has a way of recharging creativity and reminding us of the Creator’s beauty.

Rest Can Spark Creativity

Some of my best ideas have come after intentional rest. When we stop pushing, our subconscious keeps working, connecting threads in ways our tired minds cannot. Rest is not a break from writing; it’s part of the work itself.

As a writer, embracing rest means embracing the rhythm God designed, a rhythm where creativity, faith, and life thrive together. This can also be why it takes years for a writer to produce another book.

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The Unseen World

Keith Windham — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Unseen World in Everyday Life

It’s easy to assume that God’s presence is most evident in dramatic moments such as answered prayers that change everything, miracles that defy explanation, or spiritual experiences that feel unmistakable. Yet far more often, His presence is revealed quietly, woven into the ordinary details of daily life.

The unseen world does not always announce itself with thunder. Sometimes, it whispers.

The Small Things We Almost Miss

Consider how often we move through the world without truly seeing it. A leaf patterned with veins finer than any human fingerprint. The way morning light filters through branches, scattering shadow and warmth with effortless precision. The unspoken rhythm of seasons that arrive on time without being summoned.

These are not accidents of chaos. They are marks of intention.

The more closely we look, the more difficult it becomes to believe that such detail emerged without design. Even the smallest elements of nature — the symmetry of a flower, the mathematics hidden in a pinecone, the instinctive migration of birds — quietly testify to order, purpose, and care.

Creation as a Silent Witness

The Bible tells us that creation itself speaks.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…” (Romans 1:20)

Nature does not preach sermons, but it bears witness. It points beyond itself. Every intricate system, every balance sustained, every life cycle completed hints at a Mind behind it all.

The Unseen Revealed Through the Seen

Christian faith affirms that reality extends beyond what our senses can measure. Angels, spiritual warfare, divine guidance; these are not abstractions but elements of a broader reality we rarely perceive directly.

Yet God often uses the visible to remind us of the invisible.

A seed buried in the ground, unseen, breaks open and becomes something new. Wind moves trees though it cannot be grasped. Growth happens silently, patiently, without announcement. These patterns echo spiritual truths: renewal, faith, obedience, and trust in what we cannot yet see.

Why This Matters for Story and for Faith

As a writer, I find that these small observations shape how I tell stories. They remind me that the supernatural does not always interrupt reality; often, it underlines it.

When fiction acknowledges an unseen world, it mirrors the truth we live with every day: life is layered, purposeful, and watched over by a Creator who delights in detail.

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Supernatural Christian Fiction - What Is It?

Keith Windham — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From the earliest pages of Scripture, the supernatural is woven into the story of God’s interaction with humanity. Angels appear, dreams carry messages, miracles interrupt ordinary life, and unseen battles shape visible history.

But what exactly is supernatural Christian fiction?

Supernatural Christian fiction is storytelling that acknowledges a reality beyond what can be seen, measured, or explained by human reason alone while remaining rooted in a Christian worldview. These stories explore spiritual realities such as angels, demons, miracles, visions, spiritual warfare, or divine intervention, not as fantasy for its own sake, but as reflections of a biblically grounded unseen world.

The supernatural in these stories is not random or morally neutral. It exists under God’s sovereignty. Good and evil are clearly defined, even when characters wrestle with doubt, fear, or misunderstanding.

The Bible itself is filled with supernatural events: prophetic dreams, miraculous healings, divine encounters, and cosmic conflict. Supernatural Christian fiction doesn’t add to Scripture, but it echoes its themes through imagined characters and situations.

Fiction allows writers to explore questions like:

What does faith look like when the spiritual battle becomes visible?
How do ordinary people respond when confronted with extraordinary truth?
What does courage mean when obedience comes at a cost?

Through story, readers can engage these ideas emotionally and imaginatively, not just intellectually.

So, supernatural Christian fiction isn’t about escaping reality, rather it’s about recognizing it. It reflects the belief that the visible world is only part of the story, and that God is at work in ways we may not always perceive.

Stories that engage the supernatural, when written thoughtfully and faithfully, can help us remember that truth and perhaps see our own lives with renewed spiritual awareness.

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Unlock Creative Adventures with Free Coloring Pages from My New Children's Novel!

Keith Windham — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the release of my first children's book, I am thrilled to offer downloadable coloring pages straight from my book. These pages aren't just a fun activity; they're a wonderful way for children and adults to unleash their creativity and imagination.

So, let's explore the details of this exciting offer and discover how these coloring pages can enrich the reading experience!

Engaging Activities to Pair with Coloring

To enhance the coloring experience, consider pairing the pages with interactive activities. Here are a couple of ideas to make it even more engaging:

Storytime Sessions: Read a page from the book and then let the children color a related page.
Creative Writing Prompts: After coloring, encourage children to write a short story or a few sentences about what happens next in the scene they colored. This activity can enhance their writing skills and foster their storytelling abilities.

Ignite Your Imagination!

The downloadable coloring pages provide a unique opportunity for children to engage with the story creatively while developing important skills.

So, gather your coloring supplies and let the adventures begin! I look forward to seeing the vibrant creations that emerge from this exciting journey. Happy coloring!

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Why I Write

Keith Windham — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Several years ago, my pastor challenged us with a simple but life-shaping exercise. He asked us to fill in the blank: “I was put on this earth to ___.” The reason needed to be compelling—something that would drive us, shape us, and carry us through the ups and downs of life.

For me, the answer came clearly: “I was put on this earth to tell God’s truth through story.”

That calling has stayed with me ever since. Storytelling not only shapes my life, giving me fresh perspective and deeper understanding, but it also helps me become more like Jesus. After all, He was a master storyteller—we just happen to call His stories parables.

When I look at the Bible, I see how often Jesus chose a story over a sermon. He spoke of seeds, sheep, coins, and prodigal sons. His parables painted vivid pictures of God’s kingdom and carried eternal truths that still apply today. That’s the kind of storyteller I want to be, someone who crafts words in a way that awakens faith, brings hope, and points people toward Christ.

Writing is not always easy. It requires humility and persistence. But I keep at it because I believe God can use even my imperfect words to reflect His perfect love. And if through a story a reader catches even the smallest glimpse of Jesus, then the effort is more than worth it.

That is why I write. To follow in the footsteps of the Master Storyteller. To tell God’s truth through story. To live out the calling He placed on my life.

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Children's Books

Keith Windham — Sat, 1 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I love to write adult Christian fiction, stories that explore the unseen world, faith in the midst of trials, and God’s presence in extraordinary circumstances. I enjoy it deeply.

But in the summer of 2025, something happened that nudged me in an unexpected direction.

My wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Norway, and one of our stops took us all the way north to Tromsø. As we explored the town, I noticed something that stood out as unordinary. Instead of the usual “bird spikes” we so often see on buildings here in the U.S., the Norwegians had built something different. They created a bird hotel away from the main buildings, giving the seagulls a safe place to nest while also keeping the walkways clean.

That small act of creativity and compassion struck me. Rather than fighting against the birds, the people had found a way to live in harmony with them. It was practical, yes, but it was also imaginative. And that idea stuck with me.

Out of that moment came the spark for my rhyming children’s book Goodnight, Gull.

Why a children’s book, when I’ve spent years writing adult fiction? Because stories for children plant seeds. They shape how kids view the world, teaching them to see wonder, kindness, and God’s love in everyday things, even in a noisy seagull. Writing this book was my way of capturing that spark of inspiration and turning it into something parents and children can enjoy together, while opening the door to deeper conversations about creation, compassion, and God’s care for even the smallest creatures.

It’s different from what I usually write, but it carries the same heartbeat: pointing people, young and old, toward the light of God’s love and His character.

So while I’ll continue to write in the adult fiction world, I’m grateful that God used a simple bird hotel in Norway to remind me that sometimes we’re called to create new kinds of stories, stories that help little hearts learn how to say “goodnight” with peace and joy.

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Dedication Page for Legacy

Keith Windham — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The thumbnail image is from the dedication page for my debut novel Legacy. I thought it would be a nice way to honor one of the greatest teachers I've ever had in my life.

I only had Ms. Nunley for one year, but she held me to an incredibly high standard. You see, when I attended high school, I was what you'd call a slacker (but not in the traditional sense of the word). Every year up to my junior year, I would figure out the bare minimum I had to do to get by with an A in a particular class, or in the very least a high B. And I was successful.

Then came Ms. Nunley's English class junior year. For her essays, we had to hand-write TEN pages, front and back. Ten physical pieces of paper. By hand. In pen. Any mistakes made meant having to rewrite up to two whole pages. I hated it, but knew what I could do to get by.

I'll never forget one day she handed back an essay. I looked mine over and smiled at the B that I barely tried for, but then frowned. Next to my grade were the words "See me after class". Those are never the words a high school student wants to read, much less on a paper that took hours to write.

The bell rang, all my friends left, and I walked up to the front of the room where Ms. Nunley sat behind her desk. I held up the essay and said, "You wanted to see me?"

I'll never forget her response. "I do. What's that?" She pointed to the B at the top of the paper.

"It's a B." My smart mouth was wise enough to keep silent and not say something about how she should recognize the second letter of the alphabet (though I may have thought it).

The rest of the conversation went like this:

"Why did I give you a B?" she asked.

"I don't know Ms. Nunley," I said. "Getting a B is fine. What's the big deal?"

She shook her head. "I gave you a B because you gave me your B paper. I want you to take that home, rewrite it, and bring me back your A paper."

And I did.

For the first time in my life, a teacher actually saw what I was capable of and held me to that standard. Something changed in me that day. As a direct result of that single conversation, I worked harder in all my classes, not just hers. I stopped figuring out the bare minimum to skate by with a "good enough" grade.

Eventually, she and I became friends. I wrote short stories, plays, and a little bit of poetry in my senior year of high school. She read every single one, with joy and pride, offering her support and encouragement after each. She was also the first person to ever tell me that she thought I would write a book one day.

The world would be a far better place with a few more Ms. Nunleys in it.

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