Building an effective author platform doesn't have to mean being everywhere online. In this practical episode, social media expert Tonya Kubo joins Kathi Lipp to demystify platform building for writers. Together they tackle the questions every author struggles with about social media and platform growth. 

In this episode, you'll discover:  

• Which social media platforms actually matter for authors  

• How to determine where YOUR readers are hanging out  

• The minimum effective dose for moving the needle on your platform  

• Why commenting might be more valuable than posting  

• The truth about how long it takes to see results  

• Practical tips for batching content efficiently 

Plus, learn about a special opportunity to join the Red House Writers Collective at a significant discount! 

Resources Mentioned: https://www.writingattheredhouse.com/ 

In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi continues her conversation with guest Tonya Kubo with a dynamic discussion on building your reader community and engaging your audience before writing your book. Get ready to dive into the art of turning your social media followers into a thriving and engaged readership. 

Listeners will discover: 

• Practical strategies for fostering genuine community interactions. 

• Tips for leveraging social media to gain insights on book concepts. 

• How to use data analysis to refine your engagement efforts. 

• Ways to turn your followers into ardent supporters and future book buyers. 

Whether you've already written your book or are just starting out, Kathi and Tonya provide valuable insights and encouragement to help you build your platform effectively. Tune in and learn how to connect authentically with your audience and share your God-given story with the world. 

In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp chats with social media expert Tonya Kubo about the critical importance of building an audience before putting pen to paper. The duo unpacks common misconceptions new authors hold about the writing and publishing process, emphasizes the significance of newsletters, and explores the nitty-gritty of crafting a content strategy. Kathi and Tonya also highlight why your reading community is more valuable than sheer likes on social media platforms. Aspiring authors, get ready to rev up your preparation, learn how to engage effectively, and lay the groundwork for a successful book launch. Resources like Substack, newsletters, and social media platforms are discussed in detail. Links and resources mentioned:

https://www.facebook.com/amybettersmidtvedthidingintheclosetwithcoffee  

https://www.westcoastchristianwriters.com/home  

https://substack.com/about  

We’re taking some time off to be with our family this week (and next).  Please enjoy one of our favorite episodes.

Now that we know the big picture of turning a personal story into a published book, it’s time to focus on the smaller details. Kathi is back with literary agent Kathleen Kerr to continue their discussion by exploring structure, themes, and titles.

Listen in and learn the importance of:

• Using the message mapping strategy.
• Knowing when not to write about a topic.
• Choosing a title and subtitle.

We're taking some time off to be with our family this week (and next).  Please enjoy one of our favorite episodes.

Do you have a personal story that you want to turn into a book? Today, Kathi and literary agent Kathleen Kerr are exploring this question. Some stories are hard to share, and it’s important to know how and when to share them. 

Listen in and learn the importance of:

• Incorporating your story into nonfiction books.
• Waiting until the story is finished.
• Understanding what your reader needs.

Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tips Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with TikTok creator Lauren to unpack the power of authentic content creation. With a quarter-million followers and a full-time job, Lauren demonstrates how simplicity and consistency can lead to meaningful audience connection. 

Listeners will discover: 

- How Lauren accidentally grew her following through simple garden and cooking videos 

- The importance of consistent posting times and basic hashtag strategy 

- Why authenticity trumps perfection in content creation 

- Tips for balancing content creation with family life 

- The value of keeping social media fun and pressure-free 

Links & Resources Mentioned: 

Lauren's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@totesma_gotes 

In this episode, Kathi sits down with Tonya Kubo to discuss Tonya's experiences using the productivity app Motion. Tonya shares how Motion has helped her: 

• Seamlessly integrate her calendar, task lists, and project management in one place 

• Accurately account for drive time and other logistical details 

• Identify and address inefficiencies in her client invoicing process 

• Regain control over her schedule and reduce decision fatigue 

Tonya provides an overview of Motion's key features, like its AI-powered scheduling assistant and customizable productivity "schedules." She also discusses the initial learning curve and challenges of incorporating Motion into her workflow, as well as how it has ultimately transformed her mindset and capacity as a business owner. 

Throughout the conversation, Kathi and Tonya explore how Motion's functionality aligns with the principles of "pre-deciding" and reducing decision fatigue that are core to the Clutter Free Academy community. By automating many of the logistical elements of her day, Tonya has been able to free up mental bandwidth and focus more on the high-level, creative aspects of running her business. 

Listen along and you might be convinced that Motion could be a game-changer for your own productivity and work-life balance! 

In this episode of Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp is joined by Susy Flory, founder and executive director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Together, they uncover how attending writers conferences—especially virtual ones—can elevate your writing journey. Navigating through the apprehensions and challenges of such events, they discuss strategic networking, maximizing learning opportunities, and leveraging the benefits afterward. 

Listen in to gain insights into cost-effective participation and connecting deeply within a supportive writing community. Discover how this virtual conference could be the key turning point for your writing dreams, and take advantage of a special listener discount to access an array of inspiring workshops from the comfort of your home. 

Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tips Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free. 

In this heartfelt and encouraging episode of the "Writing at the Red House" podcast, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory tackle the all-too-familiar challenge faced by many writers: feeling stuck. They delve into practical methods for overcoming this creative block, emphasizing the importance of community and compassion. Cheri shares her personal journey of understanding regret and how it led her to practice more self-compassion in her writing. They discuss the necessity of a supportive writing community and how reaching out for help can provide new insights and momentum. Together, they remind us all that getting unstuck often involves exploring new perspectives and embracing collaboration. Tune in for a wealth of encouragement and actionable advice to reignite your writing journey.

Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tips Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free. 

In this enlightening episode of Writing at the Red House, host Kathi Lipp welcomes back frequent guest and co-author Cheri Gregory to discuss a topic crucial for writers at all stages: what to do when you're stuck in your writing process. 

Listeners will discover: 

- How a canceled book contract became a catalyst for deeper self-discovery and writing growth 

- The importance of recognizing when a project needs to evolve or pivot 

- Strategies for decoupling regret from self-recrimination in the writing process 

- Why writing a book proposal is crucial, even for experienced authors 

- The value of understanding your own readiness to write on complex personal topics 

Cheri shares her personal journey of transforming a challenging experience with a mother-daughter book project into a powerful exploration of regret and its role in the writing process. This episode offers invaluable insights for writers struggling with writer's block, project direction, or the emotional complexities of writing about personal experiences. 

Don't miss the second part of this conversation, where Cheri will provide practical steps for getting unstuck in your writing journey.