April W Gardner — Biblical Fiction Author
I’m April W Gardner, an award-winning author of biblical fiction and Christian historical romance. My stories bring little-studied biblical characters and overlooked periods of history to life through faith, danger, and romance. I’m also an editor, book coach, speaker, published poet, and the author of Body Beats to Build On, a bestselling writing-craft book.
Christian Author, Editor, and Book Coach
A child of foreign missionaries and the wife of a retired U.S. airman, I've lived half my life in six different countries. We've happily settled in the Texas Hill Country where you might catch me on a Saturday tending my bees. In my free time, I've usually got a book in my hands, but whenever possible, I travel—to a national park if I can swing it. One of my very favorite things is hearing from readers, so don't hesitate to use the contact form to reach out!
Books and Pen Names
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April W Gardner — biblical fiction and Christian historical romance
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Josie Jackson — clean romantasy and fairy-tale retellings
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April Gardner — writing-craft books for fiction authors
April W Gardner - Professional Bio
April W Gardner is an award-winning author of biblical fiction and Christian historical romance whose passion is bringing little-known eras and overlooked biblical characters to life. She is an editor, book coach, and speaker. She is also the founder of Write Start Fiction Studio, where she empowers Christian fiction writers to start right, stay faithful to their calling, and finish strong.
After a five-year career as a traditionally published author, she began publishing independently and has since released twenty-five books across five genres under the names April W Gardner, April Gardner, and Josie Jackson. Once an editor with Astraea Press, she is now a freelancer. One of her favorite aspects of editing is coaching new writers along the way. April lives in South Texas with her husband and two German shepherds. She's a beekeeper, a polyglot, and an avid traveler who dreams of visiting all the national parks.
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April is certified through UCSD's editing program and holds a BA in English/Creative Writing from UTSA. She is also an Author Accelerator™ book coach certified in fiction.
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My AI Dos and Don'ts
I use AI as a research assistant, brainstorming partner, first-pass developmental editor, technical troubleshooter, and marketing strategist. I also occasionally ask it for direction when I’m stuck. I use AI-generated images for cover art, after which a human designs the final product using professional software. I do not use AI to generate my first drafts, write my scenes, or replace my authorial voice, which is something I fiercely protect. I do not use AI to reply to emails, write my blog, or write the personal messages in my newsletter.
AI tools notwithstanding, it still takes me anywhere from nine months to a year to write a novel. I meet with my human editor twice a month for hour-long brainstorming sessions, and no AI comes close to the creative magic that happens when two human minds get together.
HI > AI.