The Writing at the Red House Podcast

By Kathi LippBusiness Entrepreneurship Arts Books

The Writing at the Red House Podcast episodes

September 28Crickets in Your Facebook Group? It's Not Your Content—It's Your Onboarding, with Tonya Kubo
Your Group Isn't Quiet Because Nobody Cares
Every writer who has ever started a Facebook group knows the feeling. You invite people in. You post something thoughtful — something you actually worked on. And then… nothing. Crickets. And the very first thought that shows up is, Nobody cares. I'm bad at this. I should shut the whole thing down and go eat some cheese.
In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with community expert Tonya Kubo to talk about why that silence usually isn't what writers think it is. Tonya's take: low engagement is rarely a content problem. It's almost always an onboarding problem.
Why This Matters for Writers
Most writers are told they need a platform, an audience, a group of "their people." What nobody explains is what to actually do once those people arrive. So writers keep producing more content, working harder, posting more often — and wondering why the room stays quiet.
Kathi and Tonya unpack the simple, practical shifts that turn a silent group into a living community — without adding hours to an already full week.
What Listeners Will Take Away
Why people lurk instead of comment — and what that silence is actually saying
The low-hanging fruit most group owners never handle (hint: it starts with notifications)
How to make a group feel safe enough that members will ask the question they think is "dumb"
A simple welcome email sequence that doesn't require a tech degree to set up
Why a fuzzy group description invites exactly the members you don't want — illustrated by a 300,000-member cautionary tale
How to turn a private DM into content that serves the whole group (and makes the asker feel like a VIP)
The weekly rhythm that keeps members coming back without burning out the leader
The one onboarding goal that changes everything six months down the road
The Heart of It
As Tonya puts it, the goal of a good onboarding process is to make it "easier for them to participate than it is to not participate." And Kathi sums up the why behind all of it: when people know what to expect, they feel safety and they feel freedom.
For writers building an audience while juggling kids, jobs, caregiving, and a manuscript that keeps calling — this episode is a reminder that community doesn't have to be one more thing to carry. Done right, it carries you back.
Listen now and find out what's really happening in that quiet little group of yours.
26 min
September 14Memoir Plus: The Difference Between Your Journal and a Book People Will Actually Buy
There's a sentence that has stopped more writers in their tracks than almost any other: "Memoir doesn't sell." If you've ever sat across from an agent or editor at a conference with a finished, polished manuscript in your lap, you may have heard it — and then watched the conversation end before it started.
In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with her neighbor (and New York Times bestselling author) Susy Flory, who got so frustrated with that myth that she did something about it: she founded Shake Ridge Press, a memoir-only publishing house. Together they dig into why memoir keeps getting rejected, what publishers are actually trying to say when they say no, and how a writer can take a personal story and turn it into a book a stranger will stay up all night reading.
What Listeners Will Take Away
Why "memoir doesn't sell" isn't the whole truth — and what's really happening behind that brick-wall response at writers conferences.
The "memoir plus" framework — the single concept that separates a personal journal from a publishable book, and why every story can be developed into it.
How to stop speaking a different language than publishers — how to lead with the bigger elements of your story so an editor leans in instead of shutting down.
How to find your right reader — a simple, low-tech way to test what actually connects, using the faces of the people right in front of you.
What a memoir-only publisher is actually looking for — and what a writer should have ready before she reaches out.
Your Story Is Not Just Your Story
One of the most freeing moments in this conversation comes when Susy explains the shift every memoirist has to make: seeing your life not just as what happened to me, but as a work of art you're creating — one where you have choices. Kathi shares how that shift played out in her own book, The Accidental Homesteader, a book that's about her… but isn't really about her.
Susy also pulls back the curtain on three wildly different memoirs releasing this fall — a Green Beret nicknamed "Doom" writing about PTSD and leading with love, a grieving mother and her adult son with autism searching for clues about his dad, and a preacher's daughter who became the biggest fan of her professional-wrestler son. None of them are celebrities. All of them are proof.
For the Writer Who's Been Told No
As Susy puts it, "We're not here to be dream crushers." If you've been sitting on a story you believe God gave you — and you've been quietly wondering whether anyone in publishing will ever want it — this episode is the encouragement (and the practical next step) you've been waiting for.
Listen in, and then go tell your only-you story of God's extravagant love in your life.
25 min
August 31Author-Owned Marketing: What Your Publisher Will Never Do for Your Book (And What You Must)
Every writer has imagined it: the book deal comes through, and suddenly a publishing house swoops in with a marketing team, a book tour, and a private jet waiting on the tarmac. (Okay, maybe not the jet.) But when the launch date arrives and the phone doesn't ring, a lot of authors are left wondering what went wrong.
In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp tackles one of the hardest — and most freeing — truths in publishing: your publisher is not your marketing department. Kathi talks with author and publisher Susy Flory, who now sits on both sides of the table, about what a publisher actually does, what belongs to the author, and why understanding the difference is the key to a launch that doesn't leave you crushed.
Why This Conversation Matters for Writers
If you've ever felt abandoned after your launch week, confused about why your book isn't on a featured table at the bookstore, or overwhelmed by the idea that marketing is now your job on top of everything else in your life — this episode is for you. Kathi and Susy talk honestly about disappointment, unrealistic expectations, and the very real ways authors can connect with readers without a five-figure marketing budget.
In This Episode, Listeners Will Learn:
The actual job description of a publisher — produce the book, make it available, distribute it — and where that job ends
The difference between publicity (free, pitched, story-driven) and marketing (paid, transactional) — and why confusing the two sets writers up for disappointment
Why publishers and agents are so focused on the size of your audience, and what that means for writers building a platform from scratch
What "author-owned marketing" looks like in real life, and how to start it long before your book releases
Why public speaking and teaching may still be the most effective connection tool an introverted writer has
How to identify your unique advantages — the readers you can reach that your publisher never could
What can go wrong even with a great publisher, and how to hold your expectations with open hands
The question to ask before pitching yourself to another creator's audience (hint: it's not "here's what I want to talk about")
Why setting aside your own marketing money matters — and what to ask your publisher before you sign the contract
The Heart of It
As Kathi puts it, this isn't about being cynical — it's about being protected. There's a world of difference between being perpetually disappointed and being genuinely empowered. Your publisher loves your book. They chose it. But they don't know your people. You do.
Susy reminds listeners that readers don't buy books from HarperCollins. They buy from you — the writer they know, trust, and want to hear from. And that relationship isn't a burden to dread. It's the whole point.
Listen to this episode for a clear-eyed, encouraging look at what's actually yours to carry as an author — and how to carry it well.
25 min
August 17BEST OF: The DIY Author with Sherri Wilson Johnson
Do you have a manuscript written that is ready to be published? Do you want to self-publish your book but have no idea where to begin?
In today’s podcast, Kathi and literary agent and self-published fiction author Sherri Wilson Johnson talk about all things self-publishing. From covers to which software programs to use, Sherri answers the questions you have to answer to go from a manuscript to a published book.
How to be your own publisher and make money on Amazon.
Which software programs work best for the design and layout of your book.
How to set a budget and invest a major portion of it in designing a cover.
How investing in how to become a better writer will help you in the long run.
Sherri and Kathi discuss the practical aspects of self-publishing, including the design process, editing, budgeting, the importance of cover design, and platforms and tools that make self-publishing accessible to authors. They highlight the differences between traditional and self-publishing, the advantages of retaining creative control, and the importance of platform building for indie authors. The conversation touches on real-life experiences, challenges in the publishing journey, and actionable advice for those ready to take publishing into their own hands.
23 min
August 03The Long Game: How to Build a Writing Career That Lasts for Decades
Have you ever wondered how some writers manage to stay in the game for decades while others burn out after one book? If you've been feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure if you can sustain this writing journey, this episode is for you.
What You'll Discover in This Episode
Kathi Lipp sits down with longtime friend and fellow author Susy Flory to explore the secrets behind building a writing career that lasts. With combined decades of publishing experience, these two Gen X writers get real about the challenges of staying creative, motivated, and connected in an industry that can feel isolating.
Four Keys to Writing Longevity
Get Writing Friends: Discover why having a cohort of fellow writers is essential for surviving rejection, gaining perspective, and staying encouraged when the writing life gets hard.
Pursue Deep Teaching: Learn why committing to one significant learning experience each year—whether a book, course, conference, or mentorship—keeps your craft sharp and your ideas fresh.
Always Think About Your Next Project: Find out how to keep ideas percolating even while you're 50 feet deep in your current book, and hear Susy Flory's practical system for tracking and developing new concepts.
Feed Your Imagination: Explore surprising places where creative ideas strike—including church!—and learn how to create a life culture dedicated to creativity and inspiration.
Why Community Matters
Both Kathi and Susy emphasize that writing doesn't have to be a solitary pursuit. Whether it's commiserating over rejection, sharpening each other's ideas, or simply being around creative people who "get it," having a writing community can make the difference between quitting and thriving.
Key Takeaways for Your Writing Journey
Rejection is normal—it's just part of the writing life, and having friends who understand makes it bearable.
Being "aspirational" isn't a criticism—it's essential for growth as a writer.
Your competitive side can push you forward if you harness it humbly and learn from others.
Capture your ideas when lightning strikes—keep tools handy because you won't remember later.
Speaking your ideas out loud to safe people gives them air and helps them breathe.
Whether you're wrapping up your first book or your fifteenth, this conversation will encourage you to keep going, keep learning, and keep creating alongside others who share your passion for words.
26 min
July 2375 Writing Days to a Finished Book: The Simple Math Most Writers Never Calculate
You've set the deadline. You've blocked the time. And yet somehow, the finish line keeps moving further away. Sound familiar?
If you've ever found yourself in a panic-fueled sprint to finish a writing project—only to crash afterward and wonder if you can ever do it again—this episode is for you.
In this conversation, Kathi Lipp sits down with writer, ghostwriter, and writing coach Julie Lyles Carr to unpack why so many writers struggle to meet their deadlines and what sustainable writing really looks like. Julie shares the crucial difference between racing toward a deadline and pacing yourself for a lifelong writing journey.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why knowing your daily word count is essential for setting realistic deadlines
The difference between "muse" and "manic"—and why waiting for inspiration might be sabotaging you
How to get small dopamine bumps along the way instead of relying on panic-induced adrenaline dumps
Creative accountability strategies (including one controversial approach involving "anti-charities")
Why falling back in love with the art of writing is the real fuel for crossing the finish line
Key Takeaways
Understand your pace before you chart the race. Do you know how many words you can comfortably write in a day? If not, that's the first thing to figure out. A 75,000-word novel at 500 words a day means you need 150 writing days—it's simple math that takes the guesswork out of your deadline.
The muse will meet you at your desk. You don't have to chase inspiration or deplete yourself waiting for it to show up. When you commit to showing up consistently, your creativity follows.
Community creates velocity. Just like geese flying in a V or cyclists in the Tour de France peloton, writing alongside others can pull you forward with less effort. Accountability groups, writing sprints, and shared goals make a real difference.
Fall in love with the art again. If you're writing for acclaim or attention, you'll burn out. But if you write because you genuinely love the craft, that's the fuel that gets you across the line—whether anyone ever sees your work or not.
Whether you're working on your first book or your fifteenth, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a writing life that's sustainable, joyful, and productive.
27 min
July 06Why Your Self-Imposed Deadlines Never Work: The Research-Backed Fix for Finishing Your Book
You have a book on your hard drive. Maybe it's been there for months. Maybe years. You're passionate about it, you believe in the story, and yet somehow it just won't get finished. Sound familiar?
In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi sits down with prolific author and ghostwriter Julie Lyles Carr to unpack why finishing feels so impossibly hard—even when we desperately want to cross that finish line. With nearly 30 ghostwriting titles under her belt alongside her own published works, Julie noticed something fascinating about her own writing habits: the projects with external deadlines always got done, while her passion projects languished on the "island of lost stories."
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why self-imposed deadlines fail (and what research reveals about the psychology behind it)
The three types of deadline structures—and which one sets you up for failure
How "time blindness" sabotages your writing goals without you even realizing it
Why having a single final deadline is the least effective approach for completing your book
The power of external accountability and paced interim deadlines
Key Takeaways
The deadline difference is real: Research from 2002 (Ariely and Wertenbroch) found that students with professor-imposed interim deadlines significantly outperformed those who set their own deadlines or had only one final deadline.
One big deadline = big failure rate: A 2024 study by Heinemann and Bisson confirmed that single final deadlines have the highest failure rate. If you're saying "I want the book done by Christmas" without breaking it into smaller milestones, you're using the least effective model.
External eyes matter: There's something powerful about having someone else see whether you've lived up to your goals. It's not about shame—it's about accountability that moves you forward.
Compare your ideal progress against your actual calendar: Be realistic about what's happening in your life. Front-load your work instead of hoping to catch up at the end.
If you're ready to stop making excuses and start making progress, this episode offers both the science and the encouragement you need to finally get your project across the finish line.
19 min
June 23Stop Planning Too Big or Too Small: How Q3 Goals Can Change Your Writing Trajectory Starting Now
Do you feel like your writing dreams are always stuck on "someday"? You're not alone. Many writers struggle to move from dreaming about their book to actually making progress—especially when life is full of other responsibilities.
In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to pull back the curtain on the quarterly planning process used inside the Red House Writers Collective. This isn't about fancy calendars or color-coded spreadsheets. It's about a simple, practical framework that helps writers finally get traction.
The Create, Serve, Build Framework
Kathi introduces the three-part framework that structures each quarter in the Collective:
Create: Focus on your bigger projects—your book, a speech, a paid membership. This is where the 30-Day 10K challenge lives, encouraging writers to produce 10,000 words on their work in progress.
Serve: How are you nurturing your audience right now? This could be social media, newsletters, or podcasting—anything that builds connection before your book launches.
Build: Growing your business and platform. This might mean attending a conference, developing a coaching practice, or pitching to media outlets.
Why Quarters Work for Writers
Writing is a long game—books take years. But a quarter is the perfect unit of time to make real, measurable progress. Tenneil shares how quarterly thinking transformed her approach: "What I was missing was traction. I wasn't missing topics. I wasn't even missing a platform. I was missing traction."
Making Goals Practical, Not Just Pretty
The episode offers honest advice about avoiding common traps—planning too small or waiting for the perfect cabin-in-the-woods writing retreat. Instead, Kathi encourages listeners to break big goals into daily doable steps. Even 333 words a day adds up to 10,000 words in a month.
Key Takeaways
Start with just one goal for each month: Create, Serve, Build
Break those goals into smaller, daily steps
You don't need fancy systems—Post-it notes work just fine
A realistic goal is one you can pitch in 30 seconds or less
Progress beats perfection every time
Whether you're just starting your writing journey or you've been at it for years, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to move from dreaming to doing. Listen now and start planning your next quarter with purpose.
23 min
June 15Your Numbers Dropped—Now What? A Real Talk About Staying Anchored When Everything Flatlines
Every writer or creative entrepreneur has faced it: that gut-punch moment when the numbers take a nosedive. Whether it's email subscribers disappearing, podcast downloads plummeting, or engagement grinding to a halt, the temptation to panic—or quit altogether—is real.
In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and her husband Roger Lipp tackle the uncomfortable topic of what to do when the metrics aren't going your way. Drawing from their own hard-won experiences (including losing two-thirds of their email list overnight and watching podcast numbers crater due to algorithm changes), they offer practical wisdom for writers who feel like the ground is shifting beneath them.
What Listeners Will Discover
This conversation is packed with insights for anyone feeling the pressure of stalled growth or declining numbers:
How to reframe a crisis as a season of evaluation—not a reason to shut everything down
The danger of over-correcting and how panic decisions can erode audience trust
What NOT to change: your core message, your audience, and your values
What you CAN tweak: delivery methods, content format, and how you engage your community
How to gather feedback wisely—without crowdsourcing or letting outlier criticism define you
Key Takeaways
Panic shows up in your work. When you're in crisis mode, you may find yourself copying others, working harder with fewer results, or promoting things that don't align with who you are. Recognizing these signs is the first step to course-correcting.
Faithfulness beats frantic growth. The goal isn't growth at any cost—it's building something sustainable that you can live with. That means holding fast to your message while being light on your feet about how you deliver it.
Feedback informs direction; it doesn't define identity. Not all feedback carries equal weight. Seek out trusted voices, filter the outliers, and remember that you are not the feedback you receive.
Whether you're navigating a platform setback or simply feeling the weight of slow growth, this episode offers the encouragement and practical framework to keep moving forward—anchored, not anxious.
27 min
June 08The Weekly Reality Check: How to Track Your Numbers Without Letting Them Wreck You
You've been doing the work. Showing up. Posting. Writing. Sending newsletters. And yet... the numbers aren't moving. Maybe they've even dipped. If you've ever wondered whether flat growth means you're failing—or if God is closing a door—this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Kathi and Roger Lipp tackle one of the most emotionally loaded topics for Christian writers and creatives: what to do when your metrics aren't growing the way you hoped. With warmth, humor, and practical wisdom, they explore the difference between staying faithful and getting stuck—and why ignoring your numbers isn't the same as trusting God.
Key Takeaways
Flat doesn't mean finished. A plateau in your numbers doesn't mean your content doesn't matter or that people don't need what you're offering.
Avoid spiritual bypassing. Using easy spiritual answers ("God must be closing that door") to avoid doing the hard work of evaluation isn't faith—it's avoidance.
Numbers are indicators, not identity. Your follower count doesn't define your worth or the value of your message.
Faithfulness still asks questions. Trusting God doesn't mean denying reality. It means bringing experts into the conversation, trying new things, and adjusting as needed.
Weekly tracking beats daily panic. Looking at your numbers daily creates noise and anxiety. A weekly reality check gives you trends without the emotional rollercoaster.
About the Weekly Reality Check
Kathi introduces a practical tool she's using herself: the Weekly Reality Check. This simple practice helps you pay attention to your numbers without being controlled by them. Track your key metrics—social media followers, podcast downloads, newsletter subscribers—on a weekly basis and look for trends over time rather than reacting to daily fluctuations.
Don't miss the free download in the show notes to help you implement this practice in your own writing business.
Coming Up Next Week
Kathi and Roger Lipp will continue this conversation with Part 2: How to Adjust Without Panic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed when your numbers dip, you won't want to miss it.
23 min

About The Writing at the Red House Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Writing at the Red House Podcast where we gather at the table to break bread and tell tales with some of our favorite writers and speakers. Our heart is to equip and encourage men and…