Writing Through the Chaos: A Conversation with Emily Ann on "Messy" Drafts and WWI Romance

May 21, 2026

How do you find the focus to write a sweeping historical romance when you’re in the thick of homeschooling toddlers and preparing for a new baby? In today’s episode, we sit down with 

Emily Ann, author of the poignant WWI novel When I Stand.

Emily takes us behind the scenes of her "messy" writing style, explaining why she embraces a less-than-perfect first draft to get the story on the page. We dive into the inspiration behind When I Stand, a story that blends the grit of the Great War with a powerful romance, and discuss the real-world discipline it takes to be a "mom-preneur."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Messy" Draft Philosophy: Why Emily doesn't wait for perfection and how she tackles the editing process later.
• Writing in the Margins: Emily’s secrets to finding time for her craft while homeschooling two children.
• Balancing Act: Preparing for a third child while maintaining a consistent writing schedule.
• Researching WWI: What drew her to this specific era and how she weaves historical accuracy with emotional romance.
• The Power of Story: Why she believes historical fiction is a vital tool for exploring faith and resilience.