The Purposeful Pen Podcast

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 future writing focusResources:If you haven't signed up yet, check out Pen Points - a weekly email of writing tips, resources, and prayer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 feel seen and understood, but it also boosts discoverability through SEO.We'll explore:* Why using your reader's own words makes your writing more relatable and effective* How Jesus modeled this kind of audience awareness* Simple, practical ways to “listen” to your audience online and in real life* How to use tools like AI (including ChatGPT's Deep Research function) to dig into how your ideal reader describes their struggles* Tips on incorporating this research into your writing to serve and connect more deeplyYou can sign up for the Pen Points weekly email here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 practical steps to put your message and audience together in a way that brings focus and clarity to your writing life.In This Episode, You'll Learn:* Why your message often starts with your own life experiences* The difference between writing from experience and writing about experience* How to identify the biblical truths God has taught you through your journey* What to consider when narrowing or broadening your message and reader focus* How to craft a clear one-sentence “X, Y, Z” statement that keeps your writing purposeful* A tip on how your broader message can lead to more focused book ideas Helpful Links:* Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery CallLet's see if coaching with me can help you find clarity and direction. Schedule your call here* Get the “Path to Purposeful Writing” WorkbookA 30-page guided workbook to help you discover your message and audience with clarity. Available now at amylynnsimon.com/storeLet's Connect:Have an XYZ statement to share? Post it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @amysimonwriter — I'd love to celebrate your clarity with you!The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 limits your impact* How narrowing your audience can actually deepen your message and reach* How to identify and address your reader's felt needs (and what that even means!)* The importance of your tone—and how to come across as a relatable guide rather than a distant expert* A simple SEO tip to make your writing more findable online Resources Mentioned:* Simple SEO for Christian Writers by Jana Carlson* Sign up for Pen Points – a weekly email for Christian writers with reflection questions, tips, and encouragementThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 places to observe and engage with your potential audience* Questions to help you picture your reader more clearly* Why it's okay if you don't have it all figured out yet* How writing itself can help you refine your message and audienceThis isn't about boxing yourself in—it's about being intentional so your words can serve others more effectively.Resources Mentioned:Pen Points – A Weekly Email for Christian WritersGet encouragement, clarity, and a journaling question in your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up at: amylynnsimon.com/pen-pointsA Path to Purposeful Writing – Digital WorkbookJournaling prompts to help you uncover your message and your reader. Find it at amylynnsimon.comThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 seasons will be structured, and then walk through why getting narrow and specific about your audience is actually the key to writing with more depth and clarity.We'll also explore:* Why being specific helps you write more, not less.* Biblical examples of focused ministry from Paul, Peter, and even Jesus.* How to overcome the fear of “leaving people out” when narrowing your niche.* Why writing for everyone ends up connecting with no one.* How a clear focus builds trust and resonance with your reader.

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 the market and building a platform, this episode will help you embrace the mindset shift needed to share your message faithfully and effectively.What You'll Learn:* Why writing for “everyone” can hurt your message—and what to do instead* The importance of understanding the book market (even if you're self-publishing)* What building a platform really means (and why it's not just a distraction)* A biblical and encouraging perspective on marketing your work* How to grow your audience before your book is even finishedMentioned in This Episode:

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 seasonsI also mentioned the launch of my new weekly email for Christian writers, “Pen Points”. Every Saturday, you'll get:* A clarifying question to reflect on, journal about, or discuss with a friend* A resource or next step to help you make real progress in your writing* A Scripture-based prayer to refocus your heart and penFor more info and to sign up, go to amylynnsimon.com/pen-pointsTo sign up for my free, 3-day email course to get started as a Christian writer, go to amylynnsimon.com/startThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 Parker Anderson is a senior editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House, where he acquires and edits Christian living, Bible teaching, spiritual formation, and faith-based inspirational nonfiction titles. Will has collaborated with authors like Rich Villodas, Josh Butler, Jon Tyson, Doug Wekenman, and YouTuber Ruslan KD, helping them shape compelling books that resonate with readers.Beyond publishing, Will's background includes fifteen years in pastoral ministry and nonprofit work, giving him a deep understanding of the spiritual and practical challenges writers face. His writing and editorial expertise extends to a range of media outlets, including The Chosen, The Gospel Coalition, Dwell Bible App, Preaching Today, and Relevant magazine.Will holds a BA in journalism from Biola University and an MA in New Testament from Talbot School of Theology. A passionate teacher, he has taught biblical studies and theology at both the high school and college levels. Based in Southern California, Will spends his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Emily, and their three young children, which means he's often running on caffeine and grace.You can find him and subscriber to his newsletter, The Writers' Circle, at https://www.writerscircle.co/He's also on Instagram The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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* The difference between concept-driven books and platform-driven books* The importance of writing for others to read and getting feedback on your writing* How to view platform-building and ways to build it* Practical ways to prepare yourself to be publishedWill Parker Anderson is a senior editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House, where he acquires and edits Christian living, Bible teaching, spiritual formation, and faith-based inspirational nonfiction titles. Will has collaborated with authors like Rich Villodas, Josh Butler, Jon Tyson, Doug Wekenman, and YouTuber Ruslan KD, helping them shape compelling books that resonate with readers.Beyond publishing, Will's background includes fifteen years in pastoral ministry and nonprofit work, giving him a deep understanding of the spiritual and practical challenges writers face. His writing and editorial expertise extends to a range of media outlets, including The Chosen, The Gospel Coalition, Dwell Bible App, Preaching Today, and Relevant magazine.Will holds a BA in journalism from Biola University and an MA in New Testament from Talbot School of Theology. A passionate teacher, he has taught biblical studies and theology at both the high school and college levels. Based in Southern California, Will spends his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Emily, and their three young children, which means he's often running on caffeine and grace.You can find him and subscriber to his newsletter, The Writers' Circle, at https://www.writerscircle.co/He's also on Instagram The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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.Katie Sampias lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. From a very young age, she fell in love with all aspects of stories, including reading, writing, researching, and creating them. In her spare time, you may find her exploring nature, having a relaxing treatment, or spending time at her local gym. You can find her on Substack, on her website, or on Instagram.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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.life.Jenn is the author of Embracing This Special Life and On the Same Page with God. She loves spending time with her family, curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee, and enjoying a wonder walk through nature.You can find her and her work here:* Website* Scriptures to Pray for Your Writing* On the Same Page with God book* Embracing This Special Life book* Facebook* Instagram The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comIf you're just getting started writing for God and others, check out this helpful starting point.Disclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 difficult to obey, and Finley finds it difficult to read the books she so desperately wants to learn to read. When they find each other, the patience of Remmy and the determination of Finley leads to wonderful results. Gina Gallagher is married to her high school sweetheart. She is the mama of five grown children and the grandma of six precious grandchildren. Gina loves reading, as her overflowing bookshelves can attest. She has always loved to write. Gina just published her first children's book, Reading With Remmy. She began writing a weekly devotional blog, Whispers of His Movement, in 2012 and still publishes weekly.You can find her on Instagram or at her website. How about you?Do you want to write a book but you're not sure where to begin? If God has put a message on your heart, but you aren't sure what your next step is, I've created a resource for you called the Journey to Publication. It's a step-by-step guide to get you on your way to writing a book that will glorify God and serve the Body of Christ. You can find it at amylynnsimon.com/journey.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 Become the Birthplace of Blessings." As a contributing author to faith-based platforms like Proverbs 31 COMPEL Blog and 13 devotional and poetry anthologies, she loves encouraging people in life's dark valleys. Hadassah has been featured in The Upper Room, (In)Courage, Today's Christian Living, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Her View From Home, and many other popular sites and podcasts. Grab Hadassah's free book, “How to Overcome Disappointment,” and connect with her website.Website: https://onthewaybg.com/Join my community: https://subscribepage.io/joinmycommunityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewaybg/X: https://twitter.com/onthewaybgPinterest: https://www.pinterest.at/onthewaybg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hadassahtreu-authorMedium: https://medium.com/@hadassah.treuAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Treu-Hadassah/The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 blog, Instagram, or email.If you'd like more info about writing articles, you can find that here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 30-minute coaching discovery call to see if coaching is right for you.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 also hangs out on Instagram.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 new relationship, or a simple yes to help someone out. In this episode, I reference episode 11 on collaborations, which you can find here.The “Path to Purposeful Writing” workbook can be found here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 offer my listeners and would like to pitch to The Purposeful Pen, you can do that here.If you're just getting started as a Christian writer but feel overwhelmed with what to do first, sign up for my free, 3-day email course on how to get started. You can find it here. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 acknowledge what is true and then counter the rest of the lie with God's Word, then we are free to serve God and honor Him with our writing.If you want to get started as a Christian writer but you aren't sure where to start, take a look at my free, 3-day email course. You can find it here. Do you need a little help finding time in your schedule to write? Or maybe you'd like to start writing on Substack but would like someone to help you set it up. Take a look at micro-coaching. It's only $30 for a 30-minute session to get you on your way.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 your current season of life and responsibilities and find space in your schedule to invest in your writing. www.amylynnsimon.com/microcoachingThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 God and others but you aren't sure where to start? Go to amylynnsimon.com/start to sign up for a free, 3-day email course for step-by-step guidance.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 help our reader but not encourage anger and bitterness? In my conversation with author Kori Morgan, we talk about how she learned to navigate that tension in her new book, “Why I Dyed My Hair Purple and Other Unorthodox Stories”. I think you'll find her gospel-centered approach refreshing and encouraging.Kori Frazier Morgan is an author, disciple, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of Ohio Northern University and West Virginia University's Master of Fine Arts program in fiction writing, she has been featured in publications such as Shenandoah, SN Review, Blanket Sea, Agape Review, Switchback, Rubbertop Review, Cantos, and Clayjar Review. She is the author of The Goodbye-Love Generation: A Novel in Stories, which centers on the members of a Kent, Ohio rock band during the Kent State shootings in May 1970, and Why I Dyed My Hair Purple & Other Unorthodox Stories, a collection of essays about the intersection of creativity and faith within her Christian testimony.Kori is the founder and Chief Literary Strategist of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services company that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers.Author website: https://korifraziermorgan.com/Inkling: https://www.inklingcreative.work/SubstackInstagram: @writerkori The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 how to quiet those murmuring voices of discouragement and start writing. In the episode, I also talk about a free, 3-day email course to give you a clear path to getting started writing for God's glory and the good of others. You can find that here: amylynnsimon.com/startI also announce new “micro-coaching” sessions. If full coaching sounds like too much money and time for where you are in the journey, these micro sessions can bring you clarity and direction at a much lower price tag. Take a look at those here: amylynnsimon.com/microcoachingWhat would you like 2025 to hold for you and your writing? Let me know in the comments!The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 messaging appWriters' Bloc Community The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 about different ways that writing challenges of all sorts can help keep us motivated and making progress. Links: National Novel Writing Month www.nanowrimo.comRegister for the 3-Step System to Launch Your Writing Platform webinar: www.mywritersbloc.com/launch-labThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 free webinar, “The 3-Step System to Launch Your Writing Platform” on November 7 at noon EST. Register here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 fall. Then, focusing on one specific project at a time, we use our words to glorify God and serve others.Master of One by Jordan RaynorLink to my interview on the Writers' BlocThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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 in the Writers' Bloc writing community starting later this month. It will include instruction, opportunities to ask questions, and accountability. Check it out here.Lara d'Entremont is a mother and the author of A Mother Held: Essays on Anxiety and Motherhood. While the wildlings snore, she primarily writes—whether it be personal essays, creative nonfiction, or fantasy novels. She desires to weave the stories between faith and fiction, theology and praxis, for women who feel as if these pieces of them are always at odds. Much of her writing is inspired by the forest and ocean that surround her, and her little ones that remind her to stop and see it. You can find more of her writing at laradentremont.com.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Do you want to write a book but don't know where to start? Opening a blank document and typing “Chapter 1” is NOT the first step of the process! In this episode, we'll walk through the steps to get from “I want to be a writer” to pursuing publication. If you want to get started as a Christian writer but have no idea where to begin, this will tell you how!Download the free resource, “The Journey to Publication” here. This download maps out the steps discussed in the episode and includes additional resources to help you with each step.Included resources:* Specific podcast episodes that go into more depth on each step* A free Canva template to help you design your own personal brand* Link to a “Simple SEO” course to help others find your work* Self-publishing and traditional publishing resources* A free writing community for Christian womenThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

What is the trellis that your writing life grows on? What habits or practices help you eliminate distractions and provide an environment where your writing can flourish?This week, I talk about a concept called a “Rule of Life” - a custom-designed set of habits or practices that help us grow in our faith. We'll talk about it not only for our growth as disciples of Jesus, but also how the same idea can be applied to our writing lives.Books and resources mentioned:Coaching info: www.amylynnsimon.com/coachingPracticing the Way, by John Mark Comer The Common Rule, by Justin Whitmel Earley Episode 72 with Hannah Brencher The Unplugged Hours, by Hannah Brencher The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Do you want to write, but you struggle to actually do it? It can be hard to find time, but then when we do find time, we sometimes succumb to distraction. Is it a time management issue? Or is it fueled by something else?In this episode, we look at what might be getting in the way of our writing, as well as some tools to overcome those obstacles and move forward.If you would like to learn more about using journaling and spiritual disciplines to get to the root of lies in your life, you can check out the BUILD method here. If you are interested in the coaching package, “Establish a Consistent Writing Routine”, you can find it here. (Scroll to the bottom of the page).The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

What does your relationship with your phone look like? It keeps us connected to those we love and can allow us to serve our readers with our writing. But for many of us, (myself included!) it is a source of distraction and stress. It reduces our ability to concentrate and focus—needed skills for a writer!This week, I interviewed Hannah Brencher, author of the book “The Unplugged Hours”. We talked about ways to use our phones without being constantly distracted by them. Hannah offers practical tools and suggestions for setting digital boundaries and fostering the abundant life Jesus promised us. (John 10:10)Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. Named as one of the White House's “Women Working to Do Good,” Hannah has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, Glamour, USATODAY.com, the Chicago Tribune, and more. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Lane, and daughter Novalee. Find Hannah at hannahbrencher.com. Her newest book, “The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World” releases today, September 17. It is available in paperback, kindle, and audio formats wherever books are sold.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Have you ever wanted to sit down with an author several steps ahead of you down the writing journey and ask her all the questions? I think that's what you'll find in this week's episode. We talk about…* self-publishing vs traditional publishing* self-published books getting picked up by traditional publishers* the importance of writing conferences and making connections with agents and publishers* the importance of having author friends * social media for writers* processing our difficult life events before publishing about themIt was a wonderfully eclectic conversation full of helpful insight. Kathy Izard is the author of five books who has helped raise over $75 million for innovations in housing and mental health in Charlotte. As the mom of four daughters and grandmother to two grandsons, Kathy believes in the power of intergenerational reading to discuss big topics. Her new titles Grace Heard a Whisper and Trust the Whisper (June 2024) can be read together to explore the idea of living a purpose-filled life. Through her book coaching, retreats, and workshops, Kathy loves helping women find what's calling them. Kathy's work has been featured on NPR and the Today Show inspiring people to be change makers in their communities. www.kathyizard.com The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I try to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics relating to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate my complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

What is your relationship with social media? Mine has swung on the pendulum from loving it and working hard to grow it to ignoring it as a waste of time. After interviewing so many authors, agents, and publishers this summer, I'm finding myself landing somewhere in the middle.In this episode, I talk about the realities of social media as it relates to authors, as well as some ways to use it in a healthy way without it controlling you.I would love to hear from you if you have found ways to put healthy boundaries on your social media usage. Comment below!The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

In episode 68, I talked about 11 ways to start and grow an email list and why writers need one. This week, I talk about different types of content you can include when you write to those on your list.Do you have emails from others that you enjoy reading? What do you like about them? Why don't you read the ones that you just skip over or delete? Let us know in the comments! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

If you've been listening over the summer, you've heard several of my guests talk about the importance of email lists. OK, but how do we build and grow that email list? In this episode, I've taken their suggestions, ideas I've learned elsewhere, and methods I've used myself, and put them all in one episode. Whether you're starting from scratch or building a list you already have, you will find ideas here that you can put into practice today.As referenced in the episode, here are the links to some common email service providers:* Mailerlite* Mailchimp* Convert Kit* FlodeskLadies! There is still time to join the free version of the Writers' Bloc Christian writing community! Doors are open through August 31. Join here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Working as writers, we're usually our own boss, which can be great or not so great. We get to make all the decisions! But we have to make all the decisions... It can be really overwhelming. In this episode, I talk with Carla H. Hayden, a.k.a. “Clarity Carla”, about finding clarity in our decision-making and leading ourselves well. You'll come away with some practical tools and questions to ask yourself when deciding what's next with your writing, whether you see it as a hobby, a business, or something in between.Join the free Writers' Bloc community here! Doors are open now through August 31.About Carla:Carla H. Hayden is passionate about raising up the next generation of women leaders for the Kingdom of God...one conversation at a time.As a Maturity Mentor, Carla uses group mentoring and 1:1 clarity sessions - affectionately referred to as “Mentoring with Mama” and “Coffee with Carla” - to lead, guide, and mentor younger women - whether young in age or young in stage - in their personal, professional, and spiritual development.As a Marketplace Shepherd, Carla works with early stage entrepreneurs, business owners, and executive leadership teams to provide them with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to move from a current state of chaos and dysfunction to their desired future state of order and health in their business.Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Carla and her family have called Indianapolis, IN home for the last 25 years. Among her hobbies, she loves connecting with people over coffee or cocktails, photo-journaling snippets of her story, and traveling locally and abroad. She is a healthy Enneagram 8, contributes her Working Geniuses of Discernment and Tenacity to every project she puts her hands to, and unashamedly declares that Gifts and Words of Affirmation are at the top of her Love Languages list.You can connect with her on Instagram (@coffee_with_carla), LinkedIn (@Carla H. Hayden), or visit her website at coffeewithcarla.com.You can also follow her on Swellcast (@coffeewithcarla), where she uses this micro-podcasting space to mentor you with a mama's heart and disciple you with the truth of God's Word through permission slips, practical tips, and prayers.She has also offered a free decision-making guide for podcast listeners.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Do you enjoy the business planning side of writing? How about the idea of branding - creating a cohesive look and feel to the visual aspect of your writing? Many writers either cringe at the thought or ignore those aspects of writing altogether.In this conversation with Karla Colahan, we discuss how business planning and branding are creative endeavors that provide a valuable piece to writing life. Karla Colahan is the creative director and brand designer at The Inspired Foundry, a creative studio dedicated to being a collaborative partner for entrepreneurs. Hell bent on artistic alignment and intuitive design, Karla believes your business should feel as good as it looks and collaborates with creatives on their brands with strategy, design, and coaching. You can find her at TheInspiredFoundry.com or on Instagram @theinspiredfoundry.Resources:www.yourtinybrand.com The Tiny Brand Blueprint - your path to creating a business that makes money and makes an impact: https://theinspiredfoundry.myflodesk.com/blueprintThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Are you a writer who struggles with chronic illness and wonders how to find the time and energy to write?Or perhaps you wear many hats and aren't sure how to juggle them all while still writing. In this interview with author and speaker, Glenna Marshall, you'll hear practical tips on managing your time and energy, whether you write through chronic illness or simply a busy schedule. We also talk about:* ways to grow your email list* what publishers are looking for other than your platformGlenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and is the mom of two sons. She and her family live and serve in rural Southeast Missouri. She is the author of The Promise is His Presence, Everyday Faithfulness, and Memorizing Scripture. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and her blog.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

We live in such a busy, distracted, instant gratification culture - we want everything to happen that we think should happen, and we expect it to happen now. And yet, that's neither realistic nor healthy. What if growing slowly as writers turned out to be a much more healthy and sustainable way of operating? Listen in as I talk with best-selling author and acquisitions editor, Jennifer Dukes Lee, about her own journey from the fast-paced world of city journalism to a slower pace of life writing books on her farm in Iowa. You'll also learn about the benefits of slow growth from the perspective of the publishing world, and what publishers look for in a book proposal (and it's not necessarily an enormous platform).This was such an encouraging conversation, wherever you are in the writing journey!About Jennifer:Jennifer Dukes Lee is the bestselling author of several books, including Growing Slow, It's All Under Control, and Stuff I'd Only Tell God. She's a fan of queso, bright lipstick, and singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. She lives on a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband have made a life of growing crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith. You can find her at https://jenniferdukeslee.com/, on Instagram, or Facebook. Her book on this topic, Growing Slow can be found here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

We talk a lot here about building a writing platform, finding time to write, and organizing our ideas, but how do we actually improve in the craft of writing? This week I talk with Benjamin Vrbicek, managing editor with Gospel-Centered Discipleship, about some ways to go about doing that. He also explains some of the things that GCD is looking for in the articles they publish. If you would like to check out the “Writers' Coaching Corner” videos we talked about in the episode, you can find them here.Benjamin Vrbicek is the lead pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He and his wife, Brooke, have six children. He earned an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary. Benjamin is the author of Don't Just Send a Resume and Struggle Against Porn, and coauthor of Blogging for God's Glory in a Clickbait World. He blogs regularly at Fan and Flame, and you can follow him on Twitter.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

What does contentment look like as a writer? There's nothing wrong with having goals and desires for our writing, but sometimes we have to hold them loosely and allow God to direct our steps. Listen in this week as I talk with Rachel Allord about how she finds contentment while working as an American missionary in London.Originally from Wisconsin, Rachel Allord lives in London UK where she and her husband serve as city missionaries. She's the mother of two young adult children and the author of four books, including The Girl on the Tube, a YA novel that follows the humorous and heartbreaking journey of an expat tween. She loves street food, London's Underground, and writing stories and resources that point people to Jesus. Connect with her at rachelallord.com.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

What role does fear play in your writing? Perhaps you struggle with some of the following:* fear of failure* fear of success* fear of vulnerability* fear that we're wasting our time and resourcesThis week, you'll learn what the partial truth is in each fear, the hidden lie, and the ultimate Biblical truth that counters them all.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

We talked about perfectionism back in episode 58, but this week, we're continuing the conversation. In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Balcom about her own struggle with perfectionism, both as a writer as well as in the rest of life. She offers insight and several practical suggestions for overcoming perfectionism and serving our readers in love.Cheryl Balcom is the author of Winds of Grace: Losing my Father, Surrendering Control, and Growing in Faith (available on Amazon.com), a memoir inspired by tracing the hand of God through the pages of her prayer journals. She and her husband Jim live on five acres tucked in the corner of southwest Michigan where they enjoy watching wildlife through the window. She writes about God's generous grace at cherylesperbalcom.com.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Are you looking for ways to get your words out into the world but aren't ready to write a book? Writing for online publications, both paid and unpaid, can be an opportunity to improve your writing skills and share your message with a broader audience.Listen in as Kimberly Coyle shares about why writers can benefit from publishing articles online and how to get started.Kimberly Coyle is a freelance writer with an MFA in creative non-fiction. She writes regularly on Substack and has written for numerous online and print publications. In addition to writing, she is a writing tutor and adjunct professor of College Writing and Critical Reading at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. She loves to help other writers grow in the craft of writing and see their words published. Connect with Kimberly at The Attentive Life, on Instagram: @kimberlyacoyle, or find resources for writers at The Writer's Work Shoppe.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Do you struggle with perfectionism? Listen in for a fresh, Biblical perspective and some tips for moving past perfectionism to loving God and your reader through publishing your words.Looking for an online Christian writing community? Check out the Writers' Bloc.Try it for one week free by using this link.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

We want to write in a way that pleases God, but how do we do that? Do we wait for Him to tell us specifically what to write and where to put that writing? Or do we do the next thing and hope that God is in it?Listen in for a Biblical perspective on the mysterious cooperation between us and the Holy Spirit as it relates to writing.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

It's time for a spring pause! In order to bring you more quality content, I won't be posting any new episodes for the rest of May. In the meantime, you can get caught up listening to older episodes, leave a review, and share the podcast with a friend.I'll see you back here on June 4 with new content and a fresh look! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

Do you need some encouragement on your writing journey? We all do. Listen in as I share some Bible verses that encourage me in my writing. I'm sure they'll encourage you, too.Your words matter and your writing is your faithful stewardship of God's gift entrusted to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com