Writers Circle

Ever feel like giving up creative control means giving up your voice? In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, I sit down with co-authors Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton—two writers in the thick of crafting their second book together. We unpack the tension every writer faces when someone else enters the creative process: the edits, the pushback, the shared vision. Kristen and Sarah show what it looks like to co-write with grace, humility, and deep friendship. Even if you never co-author a book, this conversation will help you navigate the hard but holy work of collaboration. Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Trevin Wax—author, columnist, and one of the most disciplined writers we know—joins us to talk habits, structure, and what it really takes to keep showing up. His insights are equal parts motivating and doable for any writer hoping to level up. Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

What if the secret to better writing isn't more content—but more attention?

In today's conversation, Ashley Hales, editorial director of print at Christianity Today, invites us to slow down. She unpacks why sustained attention is a writer's superpower in a world addicted to distraction—and how cultivating it can change both your craft and your soul.

Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Publishing sounds exciting—until you're staring down a deadline at 2 a.m. In this Real-Time, Real-Talk segment, we sit down with artist, entrepreneur, and YouTuber Ruslan KD to capture the raw, in-the-moment emotions of the publishing journey. From the thrill of landing his first book deal to the all-nighters spent finishing the manuscript, Ruslan shares the highs, lows, and what keeps him going. Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Rejection isn't failure—it's part of the process.

Patrick Miller, author and co-host of Truth Over Tribe, gets candid about the uphill climb to getting published. Smart, thoughtful, and seasoned in his craft, Patrick opens up about the setbacks behind the scenes—and why staying the course is always worth it.

Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Feeling stuck trying to grow your platform—and not sure what actually works? You're not alone. Building a platform can feel like shouting into the void. But today's guest, Kathleen Kerr of Alive Literary, brings clarity with a tool she calls "The Platform Pyramid"—a fresh, strategic approach that actually makes sense. No gimmicks, no burnout. Just smart steps to grow your audience with purpose. Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

It's easy to forget your readers are human when you're chasing clicks, likes, or a book deal. In this powerful episode, author and thought leader Andy Crouch helps writers reframe their work with one big reminder: your readers are image-bearers. He unpacks what it means to write with dignity in the digital age—and drops a stunning metaphor about music and writing that just might change how you approach your craft. Hi! I'm Will and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

In this episode, senior editor Will Parker Anderson announces the launch of The Writers Circle community—and you're invited. If you've enjoyed this podcast, this community is built just for you.

Lots of writers feel stuck. Stagnant. Silly for trying. Unsure how publishing works. Looking to grow or take their next step. Longing to link up with other like-minded writers. The Writers Circle community is built around two things: community and coaching. When you join, you'll get to learn from Will, as well as some of your favorite authors you've heard on the show.

When you sign up, here's what you'll get: 

- Office Hours: Once a month, hop into a Zoom call where you an ask Will your questions about writing, editing, or publishing.  - Writing workshops: Each quarter, Will will teach you a writing skill or principle, then you'll  practice it together in real-time.  - Small Groups: Once a month, circle up with other writers who love Jesus, who will sharpen you and challenge you to reach your goals. - Backstage Pass: Imagine sitting down with writers you've heard on this show. Each quarter, a well-known author will join the community for a Q&A session. You get to run the show. - Private Slack Channel: You'll have constant access to Will, and members of the group, so help is there when you need it. - Soul-Care and Spiritual Formation: As writers, our hearts matter just as much as our words. So we'll spend time seeking God together. Practically, this will look like prayer, devotions, and discussion.  

As a BONUS: When you sign up, you'll instantly receive six unreleased episodes of this podcast. These are only available to members of the community. 

You can find all the details at: writerscircle.co, or use the link in the show notes. Registration opens Monday, October 14th and closes Friday, October 25th. The community officially kicks off on November 1st. We can't wait to see you inside.

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.

EPISODE LINKS

Subscribe to Will's weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will's Instagram: @willparkeranderson

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

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.

EPISODE LINKS

Subscribe to Will's weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will's Instagram: @willparkeranderson

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