Police Officer By Day, Author By Night? Find the Time to Pursue Your Creative Passion | Rodney Carpentier

In this interview, sheriff’s lieutenant and novelist Rodney Carpentier shares how he wrote his first book while working full time in law enforcement, and what it takes to keep a creative dream moving during long shifts and busy family seasons. If you are trying to create while holding down a demanding job, you'll discover how to find time and keep your motivation from fading. Rodney talks about writing in the hours before a shift, drafting during a stretch of sick leave, and why a 500-word day still counts toward the finished book. Whether you are just starting a manuscript or picking one back up later in life, Rodney’s story will encourage you to take the next small step. So press play and enjoy the conversation! Rodney Carpentier is a sheriff’s lieutenant with 18 years of experience in law enforcement and a native New Yorker from the Albany area. He is the author of a murder mystery trilogy that begins with Our Lady of the Overlook, a story built around a rookie officer and a decades-old cold case. He writes while balancing his career, his family, and the everyday demands of public service. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST https://www.rlcarpentierwriter.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Rodney Carpentier 00:35 The Quiet Shift: A Deputy's Inspiration 00:48 From Law Enforcement to Author: Rodney's Journey 00:57 The Quiet Shift: A Deputy's Inspiration 00:57 From Law Enforcement to Author: Rodney's Journey 01:13 Rodney's Journey: From New York to Writing 01:13 The Influence of Environment on Writing 01:27 Law Enforcement Career: A Path to Writing 02:41 The Evolution of a Writer's Journey 04:01 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life 05:56 Balancing Law Enforcement and Writing 08:52 The Complexity of Human Nature in Writing 10:40 The Creative Process: From Idea to Novel 11:44 Developing Characters and Storylines 15:01 Writing Techniques and Strategies 17:39 The Editing Process and Overcoming Doubts 22:44 Navigating the Publishing Process 22:44 The Importance of Feedback and Editing 23:32 Finding Time to Write Amidst Life's Demands 29:02 Balancing Real Life and Fiction 36:50 Themes of Redemption and Human Complexity 42:08 Encouragement for Aspiring Creators Tap HERE to send us a text! Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community!  In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator.  Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today! GodandGigs.com/membership Support the show COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES https://godandgigs.com/membership RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS http://godandgigs.com/toolkit FREE 7-Day Devotional https://godandgigs.com/prayer OUR RECOMMENDED PODCASTING EQUIPMENT https://amzn.to/4bQm89b Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?  Send us a message on Podmatch!  Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW  The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.  © 2026 Paul Creative Solutions