Faith, Fiction, and the Beauty of Our Unfinished Stories with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

About this episode

Doris Swift interviews Kristen Hogrefe Parnell about faith, writing, and the beauty of unfinished stories.

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, host Doris Swift sits down with award-winning author Kristen Hogrefe Parnell for an inspiring conversation about faith, fiction, and trusting God’s unique timeline. Kristen shares her journey from writing young adult suspense to crafting women’s fiction rooted in faith, revealing how her own experiences—like waiting for her husband and navigating motherhood—have shaped her stories and perspective. We dig into the power of Christian fiction to reflect real-life struggles and joys, Kristen’s advice for aspiring writers on developing characters and honing their craft, and the messy, beautiful reality of unfinished stories—both on the page and in our lives. Plus, Kristen gives us a peek into her Crossroads Suspense series and her upcoming children’s book, “Not Much Lunch,” reminding listeners that “little is much when God is in it.” Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer-in-progress, or simply someone seeking encouragement in a season of waiting, this episode is full of practical wisdom, hope, and a reminder that God’s plans are always better than our own. Stay tuned to hear how passion, compassion, and conviction intersect in…

People in this episode

Host: Doris Swift

Guest: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Topics covered

• faith
• fiction
• Christian fiction
• writing advice
• personal stories
• aspiring authors
• waiting seasons

Keywords

• faith
• fiction
• Christianity
• writing tips
• women's fiction
• suspense
• personal journey

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Crossroads Suspense, Not Much Lunch

More episodes of Fierce Calling

• When Mothering is Hard: Finding Hope in God’s Eternal Plan for Moms with Shalene C. Roberts · June 9, 2026 · 43 min
• Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say”: Navigating Grief Conversations with Grace with Cheri Fletcher Ep 224 · May 26, 2026 · 42 min
• An Honest Caregiver: Ann Coker’s Reflections on Love, Loss, and Legacy · May 13, 2026 · 45 min
• Hope Ignited: Be Set Free From the Grip of Anxiety and Depression with Maria Morgan · February 19, 2026 · 50 min
• America Reads the Bible: Igniting a Nation Through Scripture with Bunni Pounds · January 27, 2026 · 37 min
• Does Your Soul Feel Its Worth? How to Experience True Christmas Joy · December 23, 2025 · 8 min