The Writers Circle

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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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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

Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: willparker.me

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/