In this episode of Created to Write, author coach Colin Murugiah shares a writing journey that began at fifteen and hasn't slowed down since. A sprawling, scripture-rooted adventure at the intersection of Christian writing and speculative fiction.

Colin blends science fiction and fantasy to reflect biblical principles and the nature of God's kingdom, making him a distinctive voice in Christian creativity. His current world-building project spans twenty-five years and multiple author collaborations, the kind of long-game vision that challenges every Christian writer to think beyond the next deadline.

His message cuts through the noise: stop chasing external validation and start pursuing divine collaboration. Consistent spiritual discipline, he argues, is the true engine of creativity and patience, grace, and deep scriptural connection are whatseparate a maturing craft from a stalled one.

For any new writer wondering whether their niche is too unusual or their timeline too long, Colin's story is the answer.

Colin has been writing since he was around seventeen or so. Before that, he had sporadic spurts that resulted in several pages of writing, but it was more indicators of a burgeoning writer rather than actually being a writer. Since then, he has worked on numerous projects including various collaborations with friends for fun. His main project is a labour of love, a science-fantasy epic, that has been twenty-five years in the making and still counting.In the last three years, he has gone pro as an author coach and has been working with other authors to help them with their books. At the time of writing this bio, one book out of a fantasy series is on its final chapter, and another science fiction series is also under construction. He also helps with nonfiction. When he isn’t doing that, he’s overseeing a writing group, researching, or doing other non-writery things. He is easily found on Facebook, so contacting him there is a good bet. https://www.facebook.com/colin.murugiah

In a fun twist, the tables turn this episode and Michelle Dennis Evans becomes the guest, giving listeners a rare, intimate look at the heart behind the host of Created to Write.

Michelle writes young adult contemporary fiction that doesn't flinch. Her verse novel was inspired by a true maritime tragedy and the Spiralling trilogy was born from a desire to explore redemption for girls navigating depression and desperate circumstances, the kind of stories that meet readers in their darkest moments and refuse to leave them there.

Her upcoming projects push even further, with a Gold Coast story exploring the destructive pull of peer pressure. For readers with emotional depth and real-world stakes, Michelle's pipeline is something to watch.

Central to her writing process is a simple but powerful test - if a scene doesn't move her to tears or laughter, it isn't ready. Her writing philosophy rests on one unshakeable conviction... grace and forgiveness are always accessible, no matter how far someone has fallen.

For Michelle, writing as a Christian means telling the stories others are too uncomfortable to tell.

https://michelledennisevans.com/Spiralling Out of Control

Spiralling Out of the Shadow

Spiralling SoloSink, Drift or Swim

In this episode of Created to Write, we meet Maria Crane, author, educator, and a beautifully grounded voice in the Christian writing community whose creative process is as organic as it is intentional.

Maria's portfolio spans children's literature, poetry, artwork and Christian devotionals - but it's her book Silver Song that stops you in your tracks. An autobiographical story written to help students navigate the pain of bullying through the transformative power of forgiveness, it's the kind of faith-based writing that reminds you that stories can genuinely heal.

Her writing process is refreshingly unforced. Rather than following a strict formula, Maria describes a spirit-led journey of "divine downloads" capturing ideas as they arrive and trusting the creative process to unfold. For new writers intimidated by rigid systems and plotting methods, her approach is both liberating and deeply encouraging.

Beyond her own projects, Maria has contributed to multiple faith-based anthologies and is actively involved in community prayer ministries, living proof that writing as a Christian extends far beyond the page.

Her message to beginner writers is simple and profound - start small, start now, and know that the moment you put pen to paper, you are already a writer. It's a spiritual legacy built one word at a time.

Maria Crane is an author, artist, songwriter, teacher and speaker. As an excellent communicator and a credentialed teacher, Maria has taught children and adults art and a variety of subjects for over three decades in different schools and community settings. She incorporates the Multiple Intelligence Theory and inspires her students and clients to reach their full potential by believing in themselves and persevering until they experience mastery and breakthrough. Helping others discover and confidently live out their passions and identifying their learning styles is one of her passions. In addition, she has created art galleries and public art spaces, retreats, community building trainings, neighbourhood organisations and prayer ministries. Several non-profits benefit from her compassionate leadership as a board member and she has been a catalyst in starting three of them: an inner-city art program in Oakland, a homeschool educational coop, and a nonprofit for sex trafficked women and children in Sonoma County. Her first children’s book and song collection, Silver’s Song, helps students discover how loved and special they are, as well as deal with the pain of being bullied. Her desire is to help heal wounded hearts so they can then help others heal and experience restored health: body, mind and spirit. She is also a contributor in 3 Amazon best-selling devotional and Christian books.connect: mariamcrane@me.cominstagram: mariamcrane www.mariacrane.com