Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for April Part 1

April 17, 2025
Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Reaching YA Boys with Fiction, with Tim Shoemaker

We’ve all heard that boys don’t read as much as girls do… and often that’s true. But sometimes boys just aren’t interested in much of the writing out there. We’ll look at some “gotta haves” when writing for boys, some “kisses of death,” and more! Author Tim Shoemaker, who writes YA thrillers that boys can’t put down, He shares the importance of understanding how boys exhibit their emotions (such as fear, anger, and love) and navigate their relationships with family and friends. If you’re creating a YA male protagonist, this episode will strengthen your craft and skills. And if you’ve got a guy–of just about any age–in your story, this episode will also provide insights into your character.

Watch the April 1st replay.

Tim Shoemaker is the author of over twenty traditionally published books. His contemporary suspense, Code of Silence, was named in the “Top Ten Crime Novels for Youth” by Booklist. Tim loves writing YA thrillers that are clean, powerful, and that will draw a boy into a book—and away from his phone.

7 Tips for What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Whether it’s facing the storms of life or a blank page, we’ve all had those moments where we feel blindsided by circumstances and stuck. Are you feeling like the proverbial rug was pulled out from under you? Do you barely have the will to function each day? Norma Poore has been there and done that. In this episode of Writers Chat, she shares the seven tips she’s learned that just might help you move forward to find hope and a little healing.

Watch the April 8th replay.


Norma Poore has lived through difficult circumstances, and allows her journey to fuel encouragement for the hurting. Her inspirational nonfiction and speaking are penned with honest transparency and hope from God’s Word. She’s an award-winning author and the managing editor for Almost an Author. Married 40+ years, has six children, and fifteen amazing grandchildren. Spending time with her loud and crazy family is Norma’s happy place. Connect with her on Instagram and on Facebook.

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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