Folgen
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It’s easy to lose yourself in the pursuit of success. We incessantly check Instagram. Or Substack. We feel less-than, comparing ourselves to others. When our content hits, we like it一maybe a bit too much. We write about God, but inside, we feel hollow. Like we’re faking it.
It takes honesty to admit this. And here’s the thing: we all feel it. No exceptions. Rather than pretending it’s not a struggle, today’s guest candidly shares about her wrestle with fame, and how she keeps her soul healthy in the middle of it all.
In part two of this interview with Jackie Hill Perry, she explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:
- Two things every writer should pay close attention to
- The importance of private friendship in the social media age
- What to do when you’re tired and feel like you’re faking it
- How to embrace weakness, not run from it
Jackie’s wisdom will equip you to navigate your own complicated relationship with platform. To ask good questions. To be in community. And above all, to abide in Jesus.
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There’s a problem with publishing.
It feels like quantity trumps quality. Those with big platforms get book deals. Meanwhile, many who have something worthwhile to say get ignored.
But it’s not all bad news. Today’s guest, Jackie Hill Perry, proves it’s possible to have a massive following and still deliver powerful content. She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how she hopes the industry will change in favor of those with something to say一regardless of their platform numbers.
As a master communicator, Jackie unpacks:
How to discern if you should write a book
How to balance creativity and clarity
Why the grueling work of writing a book is worth it
How to choose a book topic
How to protect your voice in the editing process
By the end of this episode, you’ll worry less about the size of your platform. You’ll be free to write from the heart. And thanks to Jackie’s wisdom, you’ll save time focusing on what matters.
EPISODE LINKS
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Fehlende Folgen?
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A lot of writers struggle with the idea of building a platform. Some of us lack motivation because it seems impossible to get noticed in today’s noisy world. Some of us get pulled into the black hole of social media, depleting our energy and resorting to gimmicks to try and promote our writing.
In Part 2 of this conversation with literary agent Curtis Yates, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how to navigate the tension between promoting our work on one hand and surrendering the outcome on the other. Some of his big ideas include:
- Why we should think about platform as stewardship
- How to organically and strategically grow your audience
- How to cultivate community through a newsletter
If the idea of building a platform feels overwhelming or discouraging to you, this episode is for you. Curtis gives a ton of practical pointers to help you take steps towards growth.
EPISODE LINKS
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Why does your platform matter so much to publishers? Isn’t good writing enough? Is it necessary to become an online personality just to land a book deal?
You’ve probably asked these questions, as you watch countless writers exhaust themselves trying to gain traction on social media. It’s noble to want to exit the circus and focus on what matters: writing.
When it comes to platform, writers make two key mistakes. First, they ignore it altogether. But if publishers look for momentum, and don’t see it, it’s unlikely you’ll get a book deal. Second, writers try to gather followers across too many platforms. It’s too much to manage, and they ultimately give up.
Today’s guest offers a better way. Curtis Yates is a lawyer, literary agent, and author coach at Yates & Yates一the agency his father founded. In this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how the digital age has shifted the publishing world. Discoverability, which was once confined to brick and mortar bookstores, has moved onto the internet and social media.
If you want to win the game, you have to know the rules. Curtis offers insight about why publishing has changed so dramatically in the last 10-15 years, and what you as a writer can do about it.This episode is Part 1 of 2. Stay tuned for the second half next week.
EPISODE LINKS
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As a Christian writer, it’s likely that you interact with scripture in your work. Sometimes you retell a story from the Bible, or quote a verse, or reference an idea. And every time we do, there’s a responsibility to handle scripture well.
But how do we do that?
Today’s guest is Trillia Newbell, a prolific author, speaker, and the acquisitions director at Moody Publishers. She is a powerhouse of wisdom, and particularly gifted at teaching the Bible, whether on a stage to an audience, or in a book to readers.
In this conversation, Trilla explains to senior editor WIll Parker Anderson:
Why her writing process starts with God, not cultural topics
Why you should know the differences between Christian publishers
How to summarize your book idea in one word
How to overcome fear about publishing your thoughts
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer vision of how God transforms the world through words. And how your words can play a part in his redeeming work.
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Feedback is terrifying. It’s vulnerable to have your writing scrutinized, especially when you’ve poured so much of your time, heart, and energy into it.
It’s tempting to avoid feedback altogether, but this ignores the overwhelming research on the benefits of coaching and mentorship. We grow faster and more profoundly under the tutelage of others. If you ignore this and go it alone, your craft will suffer.
Today’s guest is a master of feedback, since he’s a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, as well as the author of four fantastic books. In this conversation, Brett McCracken shares with book editor Will Parker Anderson:
How to ask for feedback without being a nuisance
Common cliches and writing mistakes you should avoid
How to spark ideas by reading topically
Why you should anchor every piece in a central idea
How to find a writing rhythm that works for your season of life
Brett’s seasoned advice will embolden you to see feedback as a primary source of growth. It’s only when we practice together, side by side, that our full potential is realized. In the end, the joy of community eclipses even the sweetest moments of solitary practice.
EPISODE LINKS
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Brett’s latest books: Uncomfortable, The Wisdom Pyramid -
If you could spend 45 minutes with a writing coach who’s helped hundreds of people write books, how would that transform your writing process? How much time and energy would you save if you put her advice into practice?
That’s what this episode is all about.
After grad school, Ally Fallon quit her job to write full-time. She gave herself 6 months to write her first book. 3 years later, she published it. Despite the success of her first book, she quickly realized that earning a living off writing is hard, so she started coaching other writers who were on a similar journey.
Ally’s coaching business has grown and now operates under the name, Write Your Story. She’s published 13 books of her own and helped countless others get their story onto the page.She breaks down the fundamentals of good writing一things like:
How to write an opening line that hooks readers
Why every book must be about one thing, and how to identify what that thing is
Why the most interesting thing you have to say is usually the thing you’re afraid to say
This conversation will remind you: your story matters. Self-doubt and insecurity try to sabotage all of us, but thanks to Ally’s wisdom and encouragement, you can write your story well.
EPISODE LINKS
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Do modern writers have to be marketers? In a word, yes.
This catches many authors by surprise. Isn’t it the publisher's job to promote a book? Yes, but in today’s publishing climate, marketing is a joint effort一a partnership between author and publisher. In the age of social media, writers are expected to leverage their audience to boost sales.
However, this is daunting for most writers. Where should you start? What platform should you use? What type of content should you post? How often?
Today’s guest is a firehose of helpful tips, and a breath of fresh air for anyone who feels intimidated by the task of promotion and marketing.
Jordan Raynor is a leading voice in the faith and work movement, and the author of several best-selling books, including Called To Create and Redeeming Your Time. As a lifetime entrepreneur, who feels called by God to start businesses, he shares his best marketing practices with senior editor Will Parker Anderson.
His insights include:The 8 things to look for when choosing a book idea
How to beta test every idea with your audience before you start writing
His formula for clarifying your book idea in a single sentence
Why one platform is all you need to grow your audience
Don’t fear the marketing monster. With Jordan’s strategies in hand, you can tame it. Jordan’s approach will help you promote your work, while also making you a better writer in the process一one who knows the market and resonates with readers.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Jordan’s books: Called to Create, Redeeming Your Time, The Sacredness of Secular Work -
Do you ever feel like there’s no time to write? Life is busy. As we strive to steward the many aspects of our lives一school, kids, work, church, and family一writing often gets pushed to the backburner.
This leads many to conclude: “I’m just not meant to write in this season.” While that may be true, perhaps our expectations about the writing life are misinformed. The average author doesn’t take a yearly retreat in some quaint, exotic location. Instead, they write from the trenches of everyday life. Right in the middle of the mess.What if God is calling you to write, right where you are? What if your limited bandwidth, when entrusted to him, is more than enough? What if your limits are a chance to see God work through you?
In this episode, pastor, speaker, and author Faith Eury Cho shares the story of writing her first book, Experiencing Friendship with God. Spoiler: she didn’t escape to a cabin in the woods for a month. Instead, she wrote in the midst of her life as a mother, wife, and leader.
She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:
How to write even when it feels like there’s no time
What she learned as a first-time author
How to connect with readers in a deep way
How to listen for God’s voice as you write
How to follow God’s leading, not just industry trends
For every writer that feels strapped for time, burned out, or unproductive, this episode is for you. By the end of this conversation, you’ll be reminded that God sees you and the words you write. Nothing is wasted. In fact, life’s messiest moments are the very place God tends to produce the sweetest fruit.
EPISODE LINKS
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It’s easy to lose yourself as a writer.
With good intentions, we start with a message we think the world needs. It’s about helping others, not building a brand. And yet, steadily and silently, the lure of fame and approval seeps into our bones. We long to see our name on the front cover. Publishers demand social media numbers that are moving up and to the right. We compare ourselves to others, which leads to pride on some days and discouragement on others.
The desire to be published is noble, but how do we preserve our souls in the process?In this episode, Jenni Burke, who is a literary agent and the CEO of Illuminate Literary, shares her heart for authors. She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:
Why author coaching should always include soul care
The importance of rest, reflection, and play
How to stay connected to Jesus in a dizzying industry
The elements of a winning book proposal
How to find satisfaction regardless of your audience size
By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies for positioning yourself well in a crowded market. Even more importantly, your soul will be postured in a place of contentment and peace.
EPISODE LINKS
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What if people looked forward to your writing every week? What if they eagerly waited for your newsletter to hit their inbox?
Unfortunately, a lot of writers resort to spammy, gimmicky tactics to gain readers. This might work for a short while, but eventually, people unsubscribe. For others, they’ve tried to create a weekly newsletter, but eventually give up. Writing consistently is difficult.
Today’s guest, Jon Tyson, has one of the fastest growing newsletters in his space. As the lead pastor of Church of the City New York, Jon has every excuse to flake on his weekly emails. Beyond pastoring a large congregation, he runs a nonprofit, travels and speaks extensively, and writes books.
Despite all these responsibilities, Jon is fiercely committed to putting out his weekly newsletter一even when it’s 1am and he’d rather be asleep. He’s an ideal tutor, and in this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:How to create a newsletter that actually brings value
Why consistency is crucial
How the title of your book directly impacts sales
The power of a burning message
By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired and equipped to build your audience through a newsletter, Substack, social media, or whatever medium you use to share your writing. As Jon says in this episode: “Words have the power to change the world, so choose them well.”
EPISODE LINKS
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Finding the right tone in your writing is difficult. How do you balance knowledge with humility? Challenge with grace? Creativity with clarity?
Most people toggle between all of these, hoping their words land. But it feels like a guessing game. Today’s guest, Steve Carter, gives this helpful advice: Write to your former self. What do you wish you knew 10 years ago? An author of several books, including his most recent release, Grieve, Breathe, Receive, Steve chops it up with editor Will Parker Anderson about:Why writing in community will dramatically nurture your craft
How to communicate on the page vs. stage
How to focus and create time to write
The importance of choosing your lane as a writer
Steve is a master communicator, whether speaking in front of a live audience or sharing through his books. As you listen to this episode, Steve’s pastoral wisdom, heart for people, and creativity as a communicator will impact you. You’ll feel like you’re at a coffee shop, sitting across from a friend. And you’ll walk away with a clearer vision of your calling to write.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Steve’s new book: Grieve, Breathe, ReceiveSteve’s website: https://www.stevecarter.org/
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In this episode, Will Parker Anderson interviews Megan Hill, managing editor at The Gospel Coalition, about the intricacies of writing and getting published. They delve into crafting a winning article, avoiding common pitfalls, and valuing feedback. Megan shares tips on finding unique angles, structuring pieces, and creating compelling introductions.
She highlights the editor's role as a supportive ally and discusses balancing feedback with maintaining one's voice. They also explore the healing power of words, drawing from Megan's book on church hurt, and the challenge of blending honesty with hope.
Some key takeaways:
How to pitch an article that gets noticed
Most common mistakes writers make
Why shifting your audience brings freshness to a concept
How words have the power to heal
How to balance honesty with hopefulness, especially when writing on difficult topics
EPISODE LINKS
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Good writing is provocative. It grabs your attention, not as click bait, but because it resonates with reality一it names the ache you feel in everyday life. It emboldens you to stay in the fight, to forgive, to grow.
Unfortunately, it’s easier to be predictable than prophetic. On one hand, some writers go over the top to gain attention, without offering people something of substance. But on the other hand, thoughtful writers sometimes come off predictable and, in the end, few people pay attention.
Today’s guest has the rare gift of both substance and style. Dr. Mason, who pastors Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, shares with senior editor Will Anderson:
Why followers of Jesus should write about topics that raise eyebrows
How to interact and listen to your audience, to help you write better
Why writing is one of the primary ways God changes the world
If you desire to fuel your own writing life and vision, make sure to listen to the end. Dr. Mason drops some encouragement that will inspire and fuel your craft.
EPISODE LINKS
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Dr. Mason’s website: https://www.pastoremase.com/
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If you don’t market your book, don’t expect anyone to read it.
That sounds harsh, right? The problem is, most writers assume that good writing is enough to garner reader attention. They pour countless hours into creating content, but give little thought to packaging and marketing it. Readers won’t come to a book if they don’t even know it exists.
If we’re being real, few of us know how to market something in the first place.
That’s why today’s conversation with literary agent Don Gates is so crucial. Don comes to his work with a pastoral mindset, along with some serious marketing muscle. He shares with senior editor Will Parker Anderson how to find your audience while refusing to compromise your convictions along the way.
In this episode, you’ll learn:The basics of what a literary agent does
Why writers even need agents
How to successfully market your ideas
How to build a platform with integrity
Stick with us through this whole episode, because at the very end, Don gives some sobering advice to writers that you should definitely hear.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Don’s website: the-gates-group.com -
Ever feel like social media is draining your soul? But you can’t let it go because you’re trying to build a platform to appease publishers? It’s a common conundrum.
A lot of writers invest hours posting on social, with limited results. It’s discouraging and draining. On the other hand, writers who ditch social feel left out一like they’ve committed career suicide.
Is there a way to build an author platform without being a victim to the merciless algorithm?
Today’s guests, Sandy Cooper and Mary Tiller, share their story about struggling to get noticed on social media. Ultimately, when they recognized it was distracting them from their calling一things like family, writing, and stewarding time well一they both did something very countercultural: They walked away from social media altogether.
Along the way, they discovered dozens of other writers experiencing the same disillusionment, who lacked an alternative approach to building a readership. So they pioneered a movement called Writing Off Social.In this episode, Sandy and Mary share with Will Parker Anderson:
Effective ways to build a platform without social media
How to evaluate if social is helping or hindering your happiness
Encouragement that your writing matters, even when publishers dismiss you
By the end of this episode, you will have a treasure trove of new ideas for building your platform. This is not a hit piece on social media一it’s a thoughtful conversation that will provoke honest self reflection, and nudge your mind, body, and soul toward health.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Mary and Sandy’s website: https://writingoffsocial.com/ -
Why is it so hard to make time to write? With good intentions, we set out to create a regular rhythm, only to get distracted or discouraged, and it fades away.
If you struggle to write regularly, it’s probably because you haven’t discovered the secret to forming a lasting habit. No shame一it’s easier said than done.
Today’s guest, Justin Whitmel Earley, is uniquely qualified to help us. Professionally, Justin is the author of three incredible books, which he managed to write while working as a full-time corporate lawyer. Personally, he’s a husband, popular speaker, and father to three boys. Needless to say, he’s overqualified to instruct us how to cultivate the writing life in the midst of life’s chaos.
Justin shares with Will Parker Anderson about the following:
How to make time to write, even when it feels impossible
3 key strategies that will improve your craft
Why risk is crucial to the writing life
By the end of this episode, you will have practical steps to help you write more regularly. Away with good intentions (and the guilt we feel when we flake on them).
Together, let’s learn to steward our craft in a way that’s life-giving, even when our schedules feel maxed out.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Justin’s Books:The Common Rule
Habits of the Household
Made for People
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Welcome to episode #1, with author and pastor, Rich Villodas, the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York.
This one’s fun because Will Parker Anderson is Rich’s editor at Waterbrook, so they invite you behind-the-scenes to reveal the unique relationship between writer and editor—the good, the awkward, and everything in between.
They discuss the vulnerability and productivity of the editing process, as they worked together on Rich's forthcoming book, The Narrow Path.
Other highlights include:What is it like to pour so much energy and effort into a manuscript, to then receive it back from an editor, all marked up?
How do we prepare our hearts to receive feedback well?
Why is feedback essential to growth?
By the end of this episode, you’ll have way less fear about showing your work to others. And a renewed commitment to grow in your craft through the input of others.
EPISODE LINKS
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Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson
Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/
Rich’s books:The Narrow Path
Good and Beautiful and Kind
The Deeply Formed Life
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The Writers Circle is a podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Andersons interviews authors and experts about the writing life.
