The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

Platform growth can easily become all about numbers, such as followers, subscribers, downloads. But as Christian writers, our worth isn’t measured by metrics.

In this episode, we talk about how to pursue growth without being defined by it, how to focus on the people behind the numbers, and how to stay faithful while leaving the results to God.

If you’ve been discouraged by slow growth or tempted to compare your journey to someone else’s, this conversation will help refocus your heart where it belongs.

Resources:

* From Stuck to Steady: The 5 Pillars of a Consistent Writing Rhythm for Christian Writers (free 30-minute recorded workshop)

* Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck.

* Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

* Watch the podcast on YouTube.

* Read the blog version of the podcast.

* 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]

In this episode, we’re talking about two practical strategies to grow your audience: collaborations and giveaways.

Collaborations

There are several ways to collaborate with someone who serves a similar audience:

* Trade lead magnets and share each other’s free resources

* Create something together (like a devotional, challenge, or workshop) and promote it to both audiences

* Participate in or host an online summit for expanded reach

The key is finding someone with overlapping—but not competing—messages so you both serve your audiences well.

Giveaways

Giveaways can also help grow your platform when done strategically.

* Solo giveaways: Offer a signed book or a resource related to your message. Encourage people to subscribe, like, comment, or share to enter—and be sure to include your current subscribers.

* Group giveaways: Partner with others to offer a larger prize and expand your reach. Tools like King Sumo can help manage entries.

Remember: growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about attracting the right people who genuinely connect with your message.

If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t have to do everything. In an upcoming episode, we’ll talk about how to discern which strategies are the best fit for you.

Resources:

Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Read the blog version of the podcast.

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]

YouTube is yet another way to grow your online writing platform. It gives your audience a chance to see you and get to know you better. You can also take advantage of opportunities for new people to find your content without getting lost in algorithms and scrolling.

About Rose:

Rose McCombs Jordan is a devotional-life mentor, podcast host, YouTube creator, and the founder of Beneath The Fig Tree, a ministry dedicated to helping women cultivate an authentic and meaningful devotional life. Through her podcast, YouTube channel, workshops, and creative resources, Rose equips women with practical tools to deepen their relationship with God in ways that feel personal, sustainable, and life-giving.

As the host of the Beneath The Fig Tree podcast and creator of its companion YouTube channel, Rose has intentionally leveraged video content to expand her reach as an author and teacher, strengthen audience connection, and build a values-driven platform. She is passionate about helping writers think beyond traditional methods and use YouTube strategically to grow visibility, serve their audience, and create lasting impact.

Links to Stay In Touch Website: www.BeneathTheFigTree.org YouTube/Podcast/Instagram: Beneath The Fig Tree Facebook Group: Beneath the Fig Tree: FIGS Community

Amy’s Resources:

Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

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]

Looking for ways to grow your platform without adding another major project to your plate? This week, we’re talking about two strategic options: becoming a podcast guest and writing articles for other blogs or websites.

These opportunities allow you to step in front of an established audience and share your message in a way that benefits both you and the host. But how do you find the right fit? What makes a strong pitch? And how can you make the most of the opportunity once you land it?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

* Why guest appearances and guest posts can be powerful growth tools

* How to identify podcasts and websites that align with your message

* What to consider before sending a pitch

* Encouragement for overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there

* Simple ways to turn exposure into lasting connections

If you’re ready to expand your reach and connect with new readers—without starting something brand new—this episode will give you practical next steps to get started.

For more on the specifics of being a podcast guest, listen to episode 87.

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]

Podcasting can be a powerful way to grow your audience—without travel, booking agents, or a big production budget. In this episode, we explore podcasting as an alternative (or complement) to public speaking, especially for writers and creators who want to share their message in a more personal, accessible way.

We’ll talk about why podcasting works, how it helps your audience connect with you beyond the written word, and what kinds of episodes you can create. I also share practical lessons I’ve learned along the way—from keeping episodes short, to finding a sustainable rhythm, to using podcast episodes as long-term resources for your audience.

If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a podcast could help you serve your audience and grow your platform, this episode will help you think it through with clarity and confidence.

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]

Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to grow your platform—whether or not you use social media. When you speak, your audience doesn’t just read your words; they hear your voice, connect with you personally, and begin to trust you.

In this episode, we explore why public speaking works so well, how it helps you refine your message, and how it allows you to gather instant feedback from your audience. We also talk about simple ways to stay connected after your talk by collecting email addresses and why speaking can grow your email list faster than most lead magnets.

You’ll hear practical ideas for getting started with speaking, where to find opportunities (especially within churches and small groups), and what ministry leaders look for when booking speakers. Most importantly, we discuss why clarity about who you’re speaking to—and what need you’re addressing—matters more than trying to speak to everyone.

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]

Building a writing platform does not have to include social media.

There - you can breathe a huge sigh of relief! This week, I had a fun conversation with Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller from Writing Off Social about how it is indeed possible to build a platform and be a writer without using social media. It’s a longer episode than usual, but I know you’ll enjoy it!

To learn more about Writing Off Social, you can find them all of these places:

Is it Time For You To Break Up With Social Media Quiz

27 Real Ways to Grow and Nurture Your Audience Without Social Media, PDF

Writing Off Social Website

Writing Off Social: The Course

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]

Christian writers often struggle to understand where God’s sovereignty and our responsibility meet—especially when it comes to building a platform.

If God is in control, how much effort should we put in?Do we wait for Him to act, or move forward on our own?

In this episode, we explore why the answer is usually both/and. God is sovereign, and He also calls us to be faithful stewards of the work He’s given us.

Just as God usually works through ordinary means—like doctors for healing—He typically blesses writers through faithful effort: growing in the craft, learning how publishing works, and doing the work of building a platform. Calling doesn’t replace preparation.

We’re called to do what we can control and trust God with what we can’t. Our job is faithfulness. The fruit belongs to Him.

Resources:

Learn more about working with me as your writing coach.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Read the blog version of the podcast.

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]

One of the biggest concerns Christian writers have about building a writing platform is pride. Is it prideful to attach your name to your work? Does promoting your writing mean you’re really just promoting yourself? In this episode, we tackle those questions head-on and look at what Scripture says about pride, humility, and having an accurate view of ourselves as writers. You’ll learn how to distinguish true humility from false humility, how to examine your motives without becoming paralyzed, and how promoting your writing can be an act of faithful stewardship rather than self-exaltation.

Links and resources:

Learn more about working with me as your writing coach.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Read the blog version of the podcast.

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 does it really mean to “build a platform” as a Christian writer—and why does the idea make so many of us uncomfortable?

In this episode, I kick off a new season focused on building your platform without losing your soul. I lay the foundation by answering a fundamental question many writers wrestle with: Why can’t I just write?

You’ll learn why a platform isn’t about self-exaltation or chasing followers, but about creating a practical, faithful way for readers to actually find and benefit from your words.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* Why writing for readers means helping readers find you

* The critical difference between a platform and a pedestal

* How Christians often misunderstand platform-building—and why that matters

* Why a platform is about logistics, not ego

* What a writing platform actually is (and what it isn’t)

* Why your email list is the true hub of an effective platform

* Practical next steps if you’re starting from zero—or feeling overwhelmed

Key Takeaway:

Building a platform isn’t about putting yourself above others. It’s about stewarding your message well so the people who need your words can hear them.

Simple Next Steps:

If you’re ready to begin (or refine) your platform, consider starting here:

* Choose an email service provider (like Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit, FloDesk, or Substack)

* Decide how often you can realistically communicate with your readers

* Create a helpful lead magnet that serves your audience and invites them onto your email list

Need Personal Guidance?

If platform-building feels confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a coaching session with me to clarify your next steps and create a realistic, actionable plan that fits your life.

I also have a new 3-session coaching package called “The Path to Purposeful Writing” that is on sale until January 15, 2026. It includes guidance, accountability, and writing evaluation.

Learn more at amylynnsimon.com/coaching

You can also find the podcast on YouTube @amysimonwriter