This is the last episode of 2025! Listen in for a summary of what we talked about this fall with rhythms, routines, spiritual disciplines, and mindsets.

I also look forward to January, when I’ll be talking about ways to build your online platform without losing your soul. If you have specific topics you’d like me to address, let me know!

If you’re interested in my free reflection and planning pages for your writing, you can download them here.

To read Jana Carlson’s article about keeping a Christmas journal, you can find that here.

And if you’re looking for the Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover, you can download that here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s! I see you in January!

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! [email protected]

Do you ever feel like you’re behind—as a writer, as a Christian, or just in life? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Shouldn’t I be more spiritually mature by now?” or “Is it too late to write my book?” This mindset of being “behind” is one that many of us carry, but it’s built on ideas that don’t line up with truth.

In this episode, I unpack three root issues behind the “I’m behind” soundtrack that plays in our heads—our identity, our value system, and our tendency to compare. You’ll be reminded that God doesn’t measure progress by speed or visible success but by faithfulness. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this journey for years, you are not behind—you are right where God has you.

In This Episode:

* How our mental image of “what a real writer (or Christian) looks like” feeds feelings of being behind

* The difference between cultural timelines and God’s process of growth

* Why God values faithfulness over speed or output

* How comparison distorts our sense of progress—and how to realign with God’s truth

* Encouragement for writers who feel “late to the game”

If you’d like to dive deeper into the unbiblical mindsets that get in our way as writers, download the “Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover”.

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! [email protected]

Have you ever wanted to have a manifesto or a framework to write by? In this interview with Christian author and coach Stephanie Miller, we talk about her D.R.E.A.M. framework for making sure the right things stay front and center in our writing lives.

Stephanie Miller, M.A., is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, 2x international best-selling author, editor, and speaker passionate about helping faith-filled writers conquer fear, find their voice, and transform their writing. As founder of Butterfly Beginnings Coaching, she offers 1:1 coaching, editing, and workshops to help writers grow in clarity and confidence. Her book, The Butterfly Blueprint, reflects her belief that when we lean into God’s call, our words can change lives.

Whether teaching, speaking, podcasting, or writing on Substack, her mission is the same: to help writers boldly pursue their God-given calling—one story at a time.

Find Stephanie here:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Book sketch/Transformation Tale

Substack:

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! [email protected]

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.

Writing requires courage. Whether it’s sharing a personal story, starting a blog, or publishing a book, putting your words out into the world is a bold act of faith. In this episode, I explore how the call to write parallels our walk with Jesus—both requiring us to step out of our comfort zones, trust God, and “do it scared.”

You’ll be encouraged to remember that God goes with you in every step of your writing journey—from tackling new technology to clicking “publish” on your latest post. When fear creeps in, courage grows as we lean into God’s presence and choose faith over comfort.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* Why writing is an act of courage and faith

* How courage in writing parallels courage in walking with Jesus

* What Scripture says about fear and God’s presence (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10)

* How to “do it scared” instead of waiting for fear to disappear

* Practical ways to grow in courage as a writer and follower of Christ

Key Scriptures:

* Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

* Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

* 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

Reflection Questions:

* What writing step is God asking you to take, even if it feels scary?

* How can you remind yourself that God is with you in the process?

* Where might “doing it scared” apply not just to your writing, but to your walk with Him?

Uncover the unbiblical mindsets that may be holding you back in both your writing and your relationship with God: www.amylynnsimon.com/makeover

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! [email protected]

If you’ve ever made a detailed writing plan—only to find yourself doing laundry, answering texts, or getting lost on Amazon instead—you’re not alone. In this episode, I explore how self-control and discipline play a vital role in both our writing lives and our spiritual growth.

Drawing from Scripture and Henry Cloud’s insights in How People Grow, I unpack why some of us struggle with follow-through, how self-discipline develops, and how accountability can help us cultivate consistency in our writing.

You’ll be reminded that discipline isn’t just about willpower—it’s part of God’s sanctifying work in us as we write for His glory.

* Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and a reflection of Christlike maturity.

* Discipline grows as we abide in Christ and take practical steps to cooperate with Him.

* Some of our struggles with discipline may come from not having learned follow-through early in life—but growth is still possible.

* “Other-discipline” through accountability can help us build habits until self-discipline becomes internalized.

* Writing within a supportive community can strengthen both consistency and encouragement.

Reflection Questions:

* In what ways do you struggle with self-control and discipline in your writing life?

* Who could you ask to help you stay accountable to your writing goals this week?

* How might God be using your writing to shape your character, not just your words?

Resource Mentioned:

* How People Grow by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

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! [email protected]

Writing isn’t just about words on a page — it’s one of the ways God shapes our hearts. In this episode, I explore how the writing life can become a tool for spiritual growth, particularly in developing perseverance.

Whether you’re growing a platform, finishing a manuscript, or facing rejection from an agent, perseverance is an essential part of both the writer’s journey and the Christian walk. I share personal confessions about my own struggle to stick with hard things, remind us of what Scripture says about endurance, and offer practical ways to strengthen your “grit muscles” — one small step at a time.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* Why writing can be a powerful means of growing in Christlike character

* What the Bible teaches about perseverance and endurance

* How to discern your role versus God’s role in developing spiritual fruit

* Practical ways to practice perseverance in your writing life

* When it might actually be time to let go and move on from a project

What small act of perseverance are you taking this week? If you’re a Substack subscriber, share your answer in the comments — let’s encourage each other as we grow in endurance and Christlikeness through our 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! [email protected]

“Community” isn’t typically something we think of as a spiritual discipline, but it’s essential to both our spiritual growth and our writing growth. In this interview with author and founder of Jesus Writing Month, Justice Tilsher, we talk about how community influenced his own writing and what he’s doing to provide community for other Christian writers.

Justice Tilsher is a #1 bestselling author, homeschool graduate, and entrepreneur based in Orlando, Florida. He wrote his first book at 17, and now helps young Christian writers finish the dream book God placed in their hearts, with peace and freedom. Through his podcast, novels, and his organization Jesus Writing Month, he teaches writers how to craft flawed, relatable characters that tell God’s truth and leave a lasting impact.

You can find him on his website, Instagram, and on the Jesus Writing Month website.

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! [email protected]

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.

Perfectionism is one of the most common struggles Christian writers face. It often shows up in two ways: the belief that our writing must be perfect before we can publish it, and the belief that our lives must be perfect before we can minister to others.

In this episode, I unpack both sides of perfectionism and show how these lies can keep us from stepping into the calling God has given us. You’ll discover:

* Why “perfect writing” is an impossible, ever-moving target

* The difference between doing your best for God’s glory and being paralyzed by unrealistic standards

* How God uses imperfect people (and imperfect writing) to impact lives

If you’ve ever delayed publishing, doubted your ability to serve others, or felt unworthy because of your imperfections, this episode will encourage you to release those lies and trust God to use your words—even when they aren’t perfect.

Resources & Links:

* Listen to Episode 60: Interview with Cheryl Balcom on Perfectionism

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! [email protected]

Do you ever wonder, “Who am I to write? What do I have to offer?” If so, you’re not alone. Nearly every writer—new or seasoned—faces imposter syndrome at some point. But as Christian writers, our struggle with doubt is often tied to something deeper: our understanding of our identity in Christ.

In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we dig into the lie of imposter syndrome and uncover the whole truth that we find in Scripture. Yes, apart from Christ, we have nothing to offer. But in Christ, we are chosen, gifted, and empowered to bear fruit through our words.

You’ll discover:

* The “grain of truth” that makes imposter syndrome so believable.

* How half-truths can twist our thinking into complete untruths.

* The biblical foundation for finding confidence as a writer.

* Practical steps to bring hidden lies to light

If you’ve ever felt unworthy of the call to write, this episode will remind you that your words—rooted in Christ—are a gift of grace to others.

To uncover other faulty mindsets you may be struggling with and replace them with truth from God’s Word, download The Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover.

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! [email protected]

What are the keys to creating a sustainable writing life? It will be a little different for each writer, but Jenny Marcelene shares some of the elements of her own diverse writing experience. In this episode, we talk about things such as finding variety in our writing, taking a Sabbath, and the importance of prayer and our time with God.

Jenny Marcelene lived cross-culturally for six years. She loves exploring new cultures and encouraging families to treasure Jesus above all else. Her debut children's chapter book series will be released September 30, 2025. Once upon a time she worked as a Kids' Ministry Coordinator for her local church—which catapulted her into writing for young readers. When she’s not chipping away at a fiction book, she writes and edits non-fiction articles.

You can pre-order her book, The Dreamer, here.

You can also find her online at: www.jennymarcelene.com and 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! [email protected]

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.