The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers
This podcast is for Christian writers who want to find clarity in their calling. It blends practical writing advice with Biblical truth to help writers discover the message God has given them and share it with the right audience. Each episode aims to support writers in building a writing life that has eternal impact. The show appears to be connected to Amy Lynn Simon's Substack.
Episodes
Episode 156: Is Promoting Your Writing Prideful as Christian?
Does promoting your writing make you prideful? Many Christian writers quietly believe it does, and that belief keeps good writing from reaching the people who need it. In this episode, we continue our look at faulty mindsets by defining what “promoting our work” actually means, comparing it to boasting, and asking whether we should simply pray and let God bring the readers. We also look at how cle
Episode 155: Is It Up to Me or Up to God? Effort, Faith, and Marketing Your Writing
Many faulty mindsets sit on top of an exaggeration or an oversimplification. This episode looks at one of them: the question of how much of our writing for God is our effort and how much is God’s work. We explore the image of co-creating with God, then apply it to the area where this mindset shows up most, which is marketing and promoting our writing.In this episode, you’ll learn:* Why neither ext
Episode 154: From Navy Pilot to Published Author with Ryan Pote
Ryan Pote was an injured Navy pilot trying to heal from trauma and rebuild his life. His counselor suggested that he journal, but doing so in the first person felt too vulnerable. Instead, he fictionalized his experiences as a way to process his trauma. In this interview, you’ll hear how God used his journaling to bring healing as well as lead him to a personal relationship with Jesus. Those journ
Episode 153: The Truth About Calling: Faulty Mindsets Christian Writers Believe
What does it actually mean to be “called” to write? Do you need that calling to keep going? This week we’re digging into what Scripture says about calling, how to recognize it in your own season of life, and the faulty mindsets that can quietly distort it.In this episode, we cover:* What the Bible primarily means by “calling” (hint: it’s not what you think)* The internal and external elements of r
Episode 152: Is it Worth Investing in Your Writing?
This week we’re tackling a mindset that keeps so many writers stuck: the belief that we aren’t worth investing in. If you’ve ever hesitated to spend money on a writing course, a community membership, or a coach because you weren’t sure you were “serious enough” to justify it, this episode is for you.I share my own story of wrestling with this during Covid, when I felt God nudging me away from writ
Episode 151: Imposter Syndrome for Christian Writers: Why You’re Not a Fraud
Who am I to have anything of value to offer? If that question has ever stopped you before you started writing, this episode is for you.We’re unpacking imposter syndrome from three angles: two identity issues and one skill issue.The writer you think you’re supposed to be. We often carry a picture in our heads of what a “real” writer looks like: confident, experienced, never stuck. But that picture
Episode 150: Faulty Mindsets That Block Christian Writers: A New Season on Writing as Spiritual Formation
This season, we’re digging into the faulty mindsets and spiritual struggles that surface when we write for others. Writing has a way of pushing our fears and insecurities into the light, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s one of the ways God grows us.In this episode, we talk about:* Why spiritual growth is really about renewing our minds (Romans 12:2)* How writing for publication exposes the lies we
Episode 149: What's Next After a Book Proposal?
This is the last episode of this season until the podcast starts up again in September. In this episode, I recap what we talked about regarding what to do before starting to write your nonfiction book.I also talk about what happens AFTER you finish your book proposal:* Options for editing and evaluation of your proposal* How writing conferences can fast-track your proposal through the submission p
Episode 148: Writing a Children's Book Together with the Bryant Family
Writing a book is a huge endeavor, as we’ve discussed this season. But what would it look like to write a book as a family? The Bryant family has done just that! This homeschooling family of 5 decided to turn a dream into reality and write and publish a children’s book together.In this interview with Bobby and his three kids, BJ, Ava, and Joseph, we talk about where their idea for the book came fr
Episode 147: How to Write Book Proposal Chapter Summaries that Actually Work
Have you ever had a chapter idea that sounded amazing in your head, but when you sat down to write it, you realized you didn’t have much to say?That’s exactly the tension we’re working through in this episode. We’re talking about how to move from the big picture vision of your book to the ground-level work of chapter summaries, one of the key elements of a book proposal.In this episode, we cover:*
Episode 146: Writing Picture Books with Molly Arbuthnott
Where do the ideas for picture books come from? For my guest, Molly Arbuthnott, they started from the imagined adventures of her family cat who was lost on a ferry trip.In this interview, I talk with Molly about how she started writing picture books, how she is trying to market them for adults as well as children, and some encouragement for those just starting out on the writing adventure.About Mo
Episode 145: The Book Proposal Basics We Tend to Dread - Comp Titles and a Marketing Plan
If you’re dreaming of writing a nonfiction book, the book proposal isn’t just a hoop to jump through — it’s a clarity tool. Think of it as a business plan for your book, and one of the most valuable things you can do before you write a single chapter.In this episode, I walk through two of the most misunderstood (and most dreaded) sections of a book proposal: comp titles and your marketing plan.Wha
Episode 144: Is Your Life Story Actually a Memoir?
Have you been thinking about writing your life story as a memoir? Before you start, there are some important distinctions every writer needs to understand. Getting clear on them could save you months of frustration.In this episode, I breaks down the difference between memoir and autobiography, help you identify who you’re really writing for, and offer a honest word about emotional readiness before
Episode 143: The Benefits of Writing for Your Local Community
If you’re growing tired of the constant push to get your words out to as many people as possible, I invite you to take a deep breath and listen to this interview with Sarah Steele.In this conversation, we talk about how Sarah chose to invest her time, effort, and attention on serving her local community through her writing, which includes songs and poems. She also shares how her story of over-serv
Episode 142: Your Book's Elevator Pitch—How to Find Clarity on Your Main Idea
Can you explain your book in one or two sentences? If not, that’s your next step, and this episode is for you.This week we’re diving into how to sharpen your book’s main idea and craft an elevator pitch that brings clarity to both you and your reader.What You’ll Learn:* Why a clear, concise book concept is essential before you start writing* What an elevator pitch is and why it matters for writers
Episode 141: Before You Write a Single Chapter: Clarifying Your Book's Promise, Reader, and Transformation
You walk into a bookstore and a title catches your eye. You pick it up. Maybe you buy it. But why that book?It made you a promise, and you wanted it.That simple moment of connection is actually the key to writing a book that works. And it raises a question worth sitting with before you type a single chapter: What is the promise your book is making to your reader?In this episode, we dig into three
Episode 140: How to Improve Your Writing Skills as a Christian Author (Before You Write Your Book)
We’ve talked about the mindset that has to come first. Now let’s talk about the work.Because here’s the thing: wanting to write a book means we actually have to write well. If you feel like you’re not there, yet, don’t be discouraged. Writing is a craft, and crafts can be learned.Ways to Actually GrowA few places to start:* Read the classics on craft. On Writing Well by William Zinsser and The Ele
Episode 139: The Mindset Every Aspiring Christian Author Needs Before Writing a Book
Before we talk craft or contracts or query letters, we need to talk about something that will shape everything else on this journey.Humility.Not the kind that shrinks back and whispers, I have nothing to offer. And not the kind that charges forward thinking, I already know what I need to know. Both will quietly sabotage the work before it ever reaches a reader.The Two ExtremesSome of us feel a dee
Episode 138: How to Prepare to Write a Book (From an Acquisitions Editor) with Jennifer Dukes Lee
What should you actually do before you start writing your book?In this episode, I’m joined by author and acquisitions editor Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about what aspiring authors often overlook in the excitement of getting started.If you’ve been eager to dive into writing your book but feel unsure where to begin, or you’ve already started but question whether you’re on the right track, this conve
Episode 137: Before You Write a Book: What Every Christian Writer Needs to Know First
Welcome to a brand-new season of The Purposeful Pen! From now through July, we’re focusing on what happens before you write a book—because the writing journey starts long before “Chapter One.”If you’ve ever told someone you’re a writer and immediately been asked, “What books have you written?”—you’re not alone. Many people assume writing always leads to publishing a book. But is that really the go
Episode 136: 5 Questions to Help Writers Choose the Right Platform Strategy
After exploring multiple ways to grow your platform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. In this episode, we’re simplifying the process and helping you discern your next right step. Instead of trying to do everything, you’ll learn how to choose one platform strategy that fits your current season, strengths, and capacity—so you can move forward with clarity and consistency.What You’ll
Episode 135: Building Your Platform as a First-Time Author with Cara Ray
In this week’s episode, I talk with Cara Ray, who has recently published her first book, “The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places”. We talk about the different ways that she grew her platform, including through publishing Bible reading plans on the YouVersion Bible app. She also shared about her publishing journey and what that looked like as a first time author without having
Episode 134: When Platform Numbers Mess With Your Heart: 3 Truths Christian Writers Need to Remember
Platform growth can easily become all about numbers, such as followers, subscribers, downloads. But as Christian writers, our worth isn’t measured by metrics.In this episode, we talk about how to pursue growth without being defined by it, how to focus on the people behind the numbers, and how to stay faithful while leaving the results to God.If you’ve been discouraged by slow growth or tempted to
Episode 133: Collaborations & Giveaways: Simple Ways to Grow Your Audience
In this episode, we’re talking about two practical strategies to grow your audience: collaborations and giveaways.CollaborationsThere are several ways to collaborate with someone who serves a similar audience:* Trade lead magnets and share each other’s free resources* Create something together (like a devotional, challenge, or workshop) and promote it to both audiences* Participate in or host an o
Episode 132: Growing Your Platform Through YouTube with Rose Jordan
YouTube is yet another way to grow your online writing platform. It gives your audience a chance to see you and get to know you better. You can also take advantage of opportunities for new people to find your content without getting lost in algorithms and scrolling.About Rose:Rose McCombs Jordan is a devotional-life mentor, podcast host, YouTube creator, and the founder of Beneath The Fig Tree, a
Episode 131: Borrowing an Audience to Grow Your Platform
Looking for ways to grow your platform without adding another major project to your plate? This week, we’re talking about two strategic options: becoming a podcast guest and writing articles for other blogs or websites.These opportunities allow you to step in front of an established audience and share your message in a way that benefits both you and the host. But how do you find the right fit? Wha
Episode 130: Why Writers Should Consider Podcasting to Grow Their Audience
Podcasting can be a powerful way to grow your audience—without travel, booking agents, or a big production budget. In this episode, we explore podcasting as an alternative (or complement) to public speaking, especially for writers and creators who want to share their message in a more personal, accessible way.We’ll talk about why podcasting works, how it helps your audience connect with you beyond
Episode 129: Using Public Speaking to Grow Your Platform as a Christian Writer
Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to grow your platform—whether or not you use social media. When you speak, your audience doesn’t just read your words; they hear your voice, connect with you personally, and begin to trust you.In this episode, we explore why public speaking works so well, how it helps you refine your message, and how it allows you to gather instant feedback from yo
Episode 128: Platform-Building Without Social Media with Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller
Building a writing platform does not have to include social media. There - you can breathe a huge sigh of relief! This week, I had a fun conversation with Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller from Writing Off Social about how it is indeed possible to build a platform and be a writer without using social media. It’s a longer episode than usual, but I know you’ll enjoy it!To learn more about Writing Off
Episode 127: God's Role vs Our Role in Building a Platform
Christian writers often struggle to understand where God’s sovereignty and our responsibility meet—especially when it comes to building a platform.If God is in control, how much effort should we put in?Do we wait for Him to act, or move forward on our own?In this episode, we explore why the answer is usually both/and. God is sovereign, and He also calls us to be faithful stewards of the work He’s
Episode 126: Is Building a Writing Platform Prideful? A Biblical Perspective for Christian Writers
One of the biggest concerns Christian writers have about building a writing platform is pride. Is it prideful to attach your name to your work? Does promoting your writing mean you’re really just promoting yourself? In this episode, we tackle those questions head-on and look at what Scripture says about pride, humility, and having an accurate view of ourselves as writers. You’ll learn how to disti
Episode 125: Platform, Not a Pedestal: Why Writers Need to Be Found
What does it really mean to “build a platform” as a Christian writer—and why does the idea make so many of us uncomfortable?In this episode, I kick off a new season focused on building your platform without losing your soul. I lay the foundation by answering a fundamental question many writers wrestle with: Why can’t I just write?You’ll learn why a platform isn’t about self-exaltation or chasing f
Episode 124: Wrapping Up the Season
This is the last episode of 2025! Listen in for a summary of what we talked about this fall with rhythms, routines, spiritual disciplines, and mindsets. I also look forward to January, when I’ll be talking about ways to build your online platform without losing your soul. If you have specific topics you’d like me to address, let me know!If you’re interested in my free reflection and planning pages
Episode 123: You’re Not Behind: Letting Go of the ‘Shoulds’ in Writing and Faith
Do you ever feel like you’re behind—as a writer, as a Christian, or just in life? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Shouldn’t I be more spiritually mature by now?” or “Is it too late to write my book?” This mindset of being “behind” is one that many of us carry, but it’s built on ideas that don’t line up with truth.In this episode, I unpack three root issues behind the “I’m behind” soundtrac
Episode 122: Creating Your Writing Framework with Author and Coach Stephanie Miller
Have you ever wanted to have a manifesto or a framework to write by? In this interview with Christian author and coach Stephanie Miller, we talk about her D.R.E.A.M. framework for making sure the right things stay front and center in our writing lives.Stephanie Miller, M.A., is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, 2x international best-selling author, editor, and speaker passionate abou
Episode 121: Do it Scared: Writing with Courage and Faith
Writing requires courage. Whether it’s sharing a personal story, starting a blog, or publishing a book, putting your words out into the world is a bold act of faith. In this episode, I explore how the call to write parallels our walk with Jesus—both requiring us to step out of our comfort zones, trust God, and “do it scared.”You’ll be encouraged to remember that God goes with you in every step of
Episode 120: Growing in Discipline as a Writer
If you’ve ever made a detailed writing plan—only to find yourself doing laundry, answering texts, or getting lost on Amazon instead—you’re not alone. In this episode, I explore how self-control and discipline play a vital role in both our writing lives and our spiritual growth.Drawing from Scripture and Henry Cloud’s insights in How People Grow, I unpack why some of us struggle with follow-through
Episode 119: Perseverance in the Writing Life
Writing isn’t just about words on a page — it’s one of the ways God shapes our hearts. In this episode, I explore how the writing life can become a tool for spiritual growth, particularly in developing perseverance.Whether you’re growing a platform, finishing a manuscript, or facing rejection from an agent, perseverance is an essential part of both the writer’s journey and the Christian walk. I sh
Writing in Community with Justice Tilsher
“Community” isn’t typically something we think of as a spiritual discipline, but it’s essential to both our spiritual growth and our writing growth. In this interview with author and founder of Jesus Writing Month, Justice Tilsher, we talk about how community influenced his own writing and what he’s doing to provide community for other Christian writers. Justice Tilsher is a #1 bestselling author,
Episode 117: Breaking Free From Writing Perfectionism
Perfectionism is one of the most common struggles Christian writers face. It often shows up in two ways: the belief that our writing must be perfect before we can publish it, and the belief that our lives must be perfect before we can minister to others.In this episode, I unpack both sides of perfectionism and show how these lies can keep us from stepping into the calling God has given us. You’ll
Episode 116: The Truth About Imposter Syndrome for Christian Writers
Do you ever wonder, “Who am I to write? What do I have to offer?” If so, you’re not alone. Nearly every writer—new or seasoned—faces imposter syndrome at some point. But as Christian writers, our struggle with doubt is often tied to something deeper: our understanding of our identity in Christ.In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we dig into the lie of imposter syndrome and uncover the whole tru
Episode 115: Creating a Sustainable Writing Life with Jenny Marcelene
What are the keys to creating a sustainable writing life? It will be a little different for each writer, but Jenny Marcelene shares some of the elements of her own diverse writing experience. In this episode, we talk about things such as finding variety in our writing, taking a Sabbath, and the importance of prayer and our time with God.Jenny Marcelene lived cross-culturally for six years. She lov
Episode 114: Faithful, Not Famous: Escaping the All-or-Nothing Trap
“All or nothing” thinking sets a very high bar and then tells us that anything short of reaching that bar is meaningless. Go big or go home. This faulty mindset leaves us feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, and leads us to give up when we don’t need to.In this episode, I dive deeper into what is behind this thinking, how it affects our writing, and how we can escape it.If you struggle with other
Episode 113: Spiritual Disciplines for Writers with Elise Tegegne
In this episode, I talk with author Elise Tegegne about how spiritual disciplines not only help us grow in our walk with Jesus, but they also benefit us as writers. Elise explains some of the disciplines she has found helpful and sometimes challenging. You’ll come away with practical ways to refresh your walk with God and your writing!Mama, editor, and writer Elise Tegegne has published articles a
Episode 112: Writing as a Spiritual Discipline
Welcome to the fall 2025 season of the podcast! From now through Thanksgiving, we’ll be covering the topic of rhythms and routines surrounding our writing. In this episode, I share some personal life updates, and I also ask for your input.* In this world of AI, what types of writing help from an actual, knowledgeable human would you find helpful?* What types of formats do you like to get that help
Episode 111: Season Wrap Up
This is the last episode of the summer 2025 season, talking about how to refine our reader and message. In this brief episode, I give you a basic round-up of the episodes and topics from this season. I’ll be off for the month of August, but new episodes will launch starting September 2. If you’d like to dive deeper into uncovering your ideal reader and message, you can purchase my 30-page digital
Episode 110: Finding Your Reader for Your Memoir with Jac Filer
In this episode, I talk with author Jac Filer about the writing of his newly-released memoir, The Widower and the Washer. Listen in as we talk about how this memoir came about and how Jac decided on the reader and central message for the book. We also talk about some of the challenges in writing a memoir, the importance of both a writing community and a spiritual community, and knowing when it’s O
Episode 109: Deciding on Your Reader with Mary Grace Johnson
Join me as I chat with author Mary Grace Johnson about how she took a traumatic event from her childhood and turned it into a children’s book. She wasn’t originally planning on writing for kids, but over time, it became clear who she was writing for. Listen in to hear about that process.Her book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, comes out this fall. Mary Grace Johnson writes in
Episode 108: AI Considerations for Christian Writers
This week, I deviated a bit from my theme of finding your reader and message to talk about a topic that affects us as writers in a broad way—the use of AI in our writing.In this episode, I explain my three questions that I ask myself when considering the use of AI in my writing:* Is my use of AI God-honoring?* Is my use of AI causing my God-given creativity or other skills to atrophy from lack of
Episode 107: Your Message isn't Everything You Know or Everything You Are
Sometimes we feel the pressure to include every aspect of all the things we’re passionate about in the core message of our writing. It just doesn’t fit, nor does it need to!Covered in this episode:* It’s OK NOT to talk about certain topics* You may have more than one book in you* The importance of being intentional about what personal details we share or don’t share* What to do with smaller ideas
Episode 106: Refining Your Message as You Write
This week, I talk about the balance between settling on our reader and message and also remaining flexible and responsive to reader input and feedback. We’ll look at:* The importance of adjusting as you write rather than trying to have it all figured out ahead of time* Different ways of getting feedback from your readers* Examples of how a popular post doesn’t always equal a drastic change in your
Episode 105: Use Your Readers' Words
In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we’re continuing our conversation about honing in on your reader and the message you offer them. Today, we’re diving into one key reason this clarity matters: language. When we know exactly who we’re talking to and what we’re helping them with, we can learn how they describe their problems—and use those words in our writing. This not only helps your reader fe
Episode 104: Clarify Your Core Message
We’ve spent time exploring our ideal readers, but today we turn our attention to the message we’re called to share. Your message is deeply tied to your personal life experiences and the biblical truths you’ve learned through them. Whether you're writing from grief, growth, or transformation, this episode will help you connect your story to the people who need it most. Plus, I’ll walk you through p
Episode 103: Three Common Mistakes Writers Make About Their Audience
In this episode, we’re going deeper into understanding our audience by looking at the three most common mistakes writers make when defining who they're writing for—and how to fix them. Whether you're writing for fun or aiming to publish, getting clarity on your audience is key to writing content that resonates and serves well.What You'll Learn:* Why being too vague about your audience actually lim
Episode 102: Discovering Who You Are Serving
Are you clear on who you're writing for?In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we're diving into the essential process of identifying your reader. Discovering your audience isn't just about demographics—it's about finding the overlap between your unique story and the people who most need your message.We’ll talk about:* How your personal story can guide you toward your ideal reader* Practical place
Episode 101: Why Narrowing Your Audience Brings Clarity to Your Christian Writing
Welcome to a new season of The Purposeful Pen! With the school year winding down, I’m excited to launch a fresh, focused season on the podcast. From May through July, we’re diving deep into a critical aspect of your writing journey—identifying your ideal reader and clarifying your God-given message.In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes “state of the podcast” update, explain how future seaso
Episode 100: Myth-Busting for Christian Writers: Why Writing Alone Isn’t Enough
So you want to write a book. In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we’re digging into a common myth many Christian writers believe: that all you have to do is write. You'll learn why a business mindset is essential if you want to reach more than just your close circle, and what practical steps you can take today to start moving forward. From understanding your reader to positioning your book in t
Episode 99: The Long Game of Writing
Are you ready to build a writing life that will last?In this episode, I discuss different mindsets that can help us approach writing with the “long game” in mind.Things like…* Growing in writing communities in a way that is deep, rather than wide* Seeing all writing opportunities as vehicles for growth and improvement* Creating a writing rhythm that is sustainable and flexible through different se
Episode 98: Spiritual Struggles for Christian Writers with Editor Will Parker Anderson (Part 2)
In this part 2 of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, we talk about the spiritual side of publishing. * Three common spiritual temptations that Christian writers face* How we can approach common issues like impostor syndrome and the fear of putting our work out into the world.* The ways in which AI can never beat humans at writing* How being called to write doesn’t mean it will be easyWill
Episode 97: Publishing Advice from Editor Will Parker Anderson (Part 1)
Do you want to write and publish a book but you’d like to hear from an editor what’s involved? Listen in to the first half of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah. In this episode we talk about:* Common mistakes writers make in their book proposals* Why short cuts to publishing don’t exist* The role of social media in getting a traditional book deal*
Episode 95: Writing in Liminal Time with Katie Sampias
Have you found yourself in that in-between time when one life event or season has ended but the next hasn’t yet begun? We all have those times in life, and during them, it can be really hard to write! Those periods have a name - liminal time.In this interview with author Katie Sampias, we talk about why those times are difficult and how we can still make progress in our writing when we’re there.Ka
Episode 94: Pray Scripture Over Your Writing with Jenn Soehnlin
How do you pray for your writing? Or for the rest of life, for that matter? In this episode, guest Jenn Soehnlin talks about how praying Scripture has greatly impacted her walk with Jesus and her writing. Jenn Soehnlin is a mother to two boys who are precious blessings and who both have special needs. She enjoys writing about faith, praying Scripture, and special needs parenting at www.embracing.l
Episode 93: Is It Too Late to Pursue Publishing? with Gina Gallagher
Do you dream of writing and publishing a book, but you wonder if it’s too late in life to do it? Or maybe you’ve considered writing children’s picture books and aren’t sure what that looks like. If so, listen to my conversation with Gina Gallagher, author of “Reading with Remmy”, the story of an unlikely friendship between a little girl named Finley, and a Golden Doodle named Remmy. Remmy finds it
Episode 92: The Writing Journey with Author Hadassah Treu
Have you wondered what it really means to be “called” as a writer? If you’re confident that God has called you, then is it normal for the journey to feel difficult? Listen in on my conversation with international author Hadassah Treu as we talk about that topic and others. Hadassah Treu is an award-winning international writer, speaker, poet, and author of "Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Becom
Episode 91: Writing With Littles, with Grace Thomas
Are you trying to fit writing in among the cracks of a busy life as a mom, wife, and follower of Jesus? In this episode, I talk with Grace Thomas about balancing all those roles and still finding time to write.Grace Thomas is a Christ-follower, wife, and mother. When she’s not playing with her children, she serves at her church and enjoys living in sunny California. You can connect with her on her
Episode 90: Finding Clarity as a Christian Writer
Do you want to write, but your brain is lost in the fog of overwhelm and information overload? Are you not sure where to start or what to do next? We’ve all been there, and we all still go there in different seasons of life. In this episode, I offer 5 steps to finding clarity in our writing lives and in the rest of life. I reference Kendra Adachi and her book The Plan in this episode.Book a free 3
Episode 89: Writing Children's Books with Melody Trowell
Have you ever considered writing children’s chapter books? Or maybe you wonder if there’s a place in your life and writing for childlike faith. Listen in on this fun conversation with children’s book author Melody Trowell. (We had some tech issues, so thank you for your patience with the audio quality!)You can Melody and her book, “The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground” at www.melodytrowell.comShe
Episode 88: Growing Your Writing Platform Through Networking
Networking with other writers is a great way to grow your writing platform and build up the Body of Christ. If that term sounds icky and sales-y, don’t cringe—listen to the episode! I talk about ways to network such as…* encouraging other writers* collaborating with other writers* saying yes to even small or uncomfortable opportunitiesYou never know how God is going to use an encouraging email, a
Episode 87: How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest
Being a guest on a podcast can be a great way to share your message with a broader audience. If you’ve ever considered it but aren’t sure how to get yourself booked as a guest, this episode is for you!You’ll learn:* What type of podcast is a good fit for you* How to prepare yourself to pitch to that show* What to include in your pitch* What to expect if the answer is “yes”If you have something to
Episode 86: Lies Writers Believe
What are some of the lies you believe as a Christian writer? How about things like:* I have nothing to offer* God can’t use me* No one will read what I write* It’s all been written before by someone betterIn this episode, we tackle those lies head-on. The most effective lies have an element of truth. If we try to ignore or minimize that truth, then the lie will still hold its power. But when we ac
Episode 85: Setting Boundaries to Write Without Ditching Your People
Setting aside time to write can be tricky amid our busy lives. We can also struggle with feeling like we’re deserting those we love by asking for time away to invest in our writing. How do we love our people and honor our life priorities while still pursuing writing? Listen in for some ideas.If you’d like some help finding time to write, I offer 30-minute micro-coaching sessions where we look at y
Episode 84: Why Plan if God is in Control?
God is sovereign over everything and everyone, so is it pointless to make plans? Should we wait to write or move forward until we have specific, undeniable instructions from God? In this episode, I look at some biblical examples of making plans but being flexible enough to change those plans as God leads. Then, we apply those principles to our writing lives.Do you want to get started writing for G
Episode 83: Writing Sensitively About Painful Topics
So many times, the person we’re writing for is a past version of ourselves. We’ve been through some things and we want to help others who are going through similar situations. But sometimes, the topics we write about involve how others have hurt us, either intentionally or unintentionally. As Christian writers, how do we handle those topics with grace, truth, and forgiveness in a way that will hel
Episode 82: Where to Start as a Christian Writer
Welcome to 2025 and Season 3 of the Purposeful Pen Podcast! Is 2025 the year that you do something more with your love of writing, but you don’t know where to start? There are so many options and questions that it can feel overwhelming. If that’s you, listen in! In this episode, I’ll give you the starting point that will enable you to serve God and others through your writing. I’ll also show you h
Episode 81: Sabbath Rest for Writers
What does it look like for a writer to take a Sabbath rest? Part of the answer is probably what you would expect, but the other part may surprise you.Listen in to find out!This is my last episode for 2024. I’ll see you in January for season 3!If you’re considering the 2:2 Launch Lab 6-month mentorship, remember that doors close for the 2025 cohort on November 25!The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podc
Episode 80: Benefits of Writing Friends (and where to find them!)
Writing is a solitary endeavor and can feel lonely and discouraging at times. God has wired us for relationship and community—we need each other!In this episode, I talk about 3 benefits to writing friends, both online and in-person. I also give you some suggestions on where to find a writing community if you aren’t involved in one.Links from the episode:Episode 11 about collaborations.Voxer voice
Episode 79: Finding Motivation Through Writing Challenges
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the months of November and December can be the busiest time of the year. Some writers take those months off of writing to spend time with their families. A great option and nothing to be ashamed of!But what might it look like to dig into your writing, or at least one aspect of it, during those months through a fun writing challenge?In this episode, I talk abo
Episode 78: How to Build a God-Honoring Platform
Have you been told that you need to “build a platform”, but it feels like self-promotion when you’d rather just write? This week, I talk with both Jana Carlson and Cara Ray about some of the myths and misconceptions about writing platforms. We also share our own experiences in discovering platform-building methods that are life-giving rather than drudgery. If you’d like to learn more, join for the
Episode 77: What if I have too many ideas?
Do you struggle with having too many writing ideas? Too many topics you’d love to write about? Are you concerned that if you narrow your message too much, you won’t ever be able to write about the other things that interest you?In this episode, I talk about finding the “one thing” that ties our gifts, strengths, and passions together, creating an umbrella under which our different projects can fal
Episode 76: All About Book Proposals with Lara d'Entremont
What’s a book proposal and why would I need one? If you’re writing a non-fiction book, a book proposal will sell your idea to an agent and then a publisher, which is a necessary step in traditional publishing.Listen this week as I talk with Lara d’Entremont about what a book proposal is, what makes a good one, and how to approach writing one.Lara will be leading a book proposal writing challenge i
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