The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

Does your reader and message change over time? Can it be too narrow and specific? That’s the question we dive into this week.

I also talk about:

* the difference between an x, y, z statement and a book positioning statement

* why having too narrow of a message is problematic

* how broadening your message a little can bring you freedom from always writing about a difficult or traumatic event

Here are links to the books and resources I mentioned in the episode:

Jordan Raynor books - The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming your time

Emily P Freeman books - The Next Right Thing, How to Walk into a Room

Coaching information

Episode 26

How are you feeling this spring? Tired? Scattered? Unfocused?

Listen to this week’s episode for 3 tips to refresh your writing and find new focus and creativity in the midst of the “not there yet” season.

In the episode, I mention the book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

The planning pages with questions for journaling and reflection are here.

This week I turn 50! In this episode, I share 10 things I’ve learned about life with God as they relate to writing.

Some links mentioned in the episode:

Write Below the Surface posts

Impostor syndrome and Inner Critic: Episode 3

Do you have a favorite of my list of 10? I’d love to hear it!

Do you have writing ideas that you either lose or forget? You need an idea capture and recovery system! In this episode, I talk about the need for such a system, the big picture questions to ask yourself when trying to establish such a system, and some practical ways to implement that system consistently.

Here are some of the resources I mentioned in the episode:

Scrivener

Trello

One Note

Notion

Bullet journal

“The Bullet Journal Method” book

What works for you? Let me know in the comments!

What makes you feel stuck when it comes to writing? And what helps you get unstuck? In this episode, I talk about 5 ways to regain inspiration and motivation in your writing.

Some links I mentioned in the episode:

Voxer voice text app

Writers’ Bloc online Christian writing community

Try it for one week free by using this link

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the technical aspects of writing, such as setting up a website and an email list? Listen in today for some tips in sorting it all out.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 41 about what should go on an author’s website

I am not an expert in every website host, email provider and piece of technology, however I can help you figure out what your next steps can be and give you clarity on what the options are.

Start by booking a free 30 minute discovery call so we can talk about in what ways I could help you. You can see more info about coaching sessions here.

Website building software:

Wordpress, Squarespace, Wix

Email service providers:

FloDesk, ConvertKit, Mailerlite, Mailchimp

As Christian writers, whether we’re writing about explicitly Christian content or not, it’s important to nourish our relationship with God. What are some ways to do that, both in general and specifically as writers?

Here are links to the resources I mentioned in the podcast:

Mary DeMuth 90 day Bible Reading Challenge

Breath as Prayers, by Jennifer Tucker

Prayminder app:

Apple

Android

Would you like to connect with your readers on a deeper level and serve them more effectively? In this episode, I talk about the importance of growing in empathy as a way to understand our readers and their needs.

I offer 8 tips that include postures and attitudes we can take as well as practical things we can do to get to know our readers better.

If you’d like to consider coaching to help you uncover who you’re writing for and what you offer that reader, book a free 30 minute discovery call today.

Have you ever thought about writing and publishing Bible studies but aren’t sure where to start?

Listen this week to my conversation with Mariel Davenport and learn about her unique journey to traditional publication and her suggestions for you if you’d like to publish Bible studies.

As an atheist transformed by the Word of God, Mariel knows the power of seeking God through His Word. She is passionate about equipping others to tend their soul by the Word using her TEND method, via her substack, journals, Soul Tending Conferences, and online Bible studies. Married for 25 years and a retired homeschool mama, Mariel enjoys salsa from her garden as she pursues the Gardener who tends her soul. You are invited to tend your soul with her free guide, Tools for Tending Your Soul at marieldavenport.com and at marieldavenport.substack.com.

Do you struggle to set aside time to write? If so, you’re not alone! It doesn’t mean you’re a failure or aren’t supposed to be a writer. It just means you’re human and writing is hard. This week, I talk about my own struggles to set aside writing time and give you five tips to help you move forward past those struggles.

To learn more about working with me as a writing coach, look here.

Or, schedule a free 30 minute discovery call to see if coaching is a good option for you.