The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

What kind of boss are you? As a writer, you are the boss of you! That comes with freedom, but also a different set of challenges. In this episode, I offer five tips for managing yourself. 1. Own your role as the boss 2. Set aside regular time to pray, plan, and set goals for your writing 3. Use a planner 4. When your brain is stuck, move your body 5. Establish boundaries Links: Group coaching fall...

This week, I interviewed Melissa Smith about how she narrowed down who she's writing for and how she serves that reader. Some fun takeaways: The journey is just as valuable as the destination We're multifaceted people - how do we incorporate writing and other forms of creativity into our multi-faceted lives? There are many different ways to be a writer. Melissa is living out her everyday a...

Do you struggle with narrowing down your reader and message to just one? If so, you're not alone! In this episode, I talk about what doesn't work in this regard and some possibilities of what can work. If you need help discovering who you are writing for and what you offer them, download these 10 questions to ask yourself and journal through. If you have questions about narrowing your mess...

This week, I interviewed Jana Carlson about her journey to clarity. We talked about the importance of prayer along the path of that journey, as well as how the wise counsel of others helps to bring us clarity. We also talked about writing off of social media and what that looks like for Jana. So if you're curious, listen in! Jana Carlson is a writer, Bible teacher, and mentor. She creates reso...

In this episode, I talk about the ways in which a writing coach can help you get unstuck in your writing. I cover commonly asked questions about coaching as well as reference several coaches I know along with their specialties. Coaching references: Rachel Baker: She is passionate about coaching & mentoring service-minded, sacrificial women who are overwhelmed by All The Things they're jugg...

This week, I interviewed Rachel Baker about her journey to clarity as a writer. If you need help figuring out who you're writing for and what you have to offer that reader, download these 10 questions to ask yourself and journal through. About Rachel: Rachel Baker is a certified life coach, author, and speaker. She is passionate about coaching & mentoring service-minded, sacrificial women...

In this episode, I talk about the different options for publishing along with the pros and cons to each. Many writers think that writing the book is the first and only step in the process, however it's actually the last. To learn more about different publishing options, here are some resources: https://hungryauthors.com/ These ladies are pros and have a podcast and some different courses and r...

In this episode of the "Journey to Clarity", I talk with Rose Jordan about how discovered who she writes for. We talk about how helpful it is to have a very specific reader in mind to keep our writing personal and conversational. I think you'll enjoy hearing how her own journey to understand how to connect with God led her to want to share what she found with others. If you'd lik...

Do you enjoy journaling? What role does it serve in your writing? In this episode we look at... different ways to use journaling to benefit your writing different types of journaling how journaling resembles a food processing facility (What?? It worked as a metaphor - you'll just have to listen! Lol!) I mention Julia Cameron's book, "The Artist's Way" in this episode. This is...

If you're on the journey of trying to understand who you are writing for and what exactly you have to offer, listen in! Many times figuring out our reader and message seems like it should be a simple, straightforward process, but it just isn't. It can be really helpful to hear how others have walked that road and how they came to find clarity, especially when clarity doesn't come easil...

In this episode, I talk about the value of collaborating with others in order to grow your audience. You’ll learn some simple ways to get started collaborating with someone else, including who to look for as a collaborator, how to link arms together, and some pitfalls to avoid. If you’re looking for a Christian writing community in which to find collaborators, check out the Writers’ Bloc at www.my...

In this episode, I interview Cara Ray, writer and founder of the Writers' Bloc online writing community, about the role that community plays in the life of a writer. What makes a for a healthy community? What should we look for in a community? Why is community helpful for writers? For more information about Writers' Bloc and to register for the upcoming webinar on May 18, visit www.mywrite...

Do you struggle with the idea of earning money for your writing? Do you wonder if it's OK to make your writing into a business - even as a Christian writer? Listen in to find some questions to ask yourself if you're not sure which direction to go. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack....

Have you ever gotten fed up with all the “business” side of writing? Wondered if maybe you should write for you and God and forget about trying to share your words with a larger audience? Listen in to hear some perspective and questions to consider. Transcript More info about coaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

How well do you know your readers’ needs? In this episode, we talk about the difference between their “real needs” and their “felt needs”, or the symptoms that they’re experiencing. Once you can distinguish between those, you will be better able to catch their attention by helping them feel seen and understood by you. Then you can address the source of what they’re struggling with. I’m launching a...

Do you find it difficult to tell your "in real life" friends, family, and neighbors that you're a writer? Does it feel awkward and presumptuous? In this episode, we'll look at some possible reasons why that might be the case and what we can do about it. Transcript Link to the BUILD method of growing in your faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with o...

What does success look like for you? For your writing? Where does money fit into the picture? What does Jesus have to say about success? Tune in this week’s episode for some perspective on what might define success for your writing - and what might not. If you’d like to talk through these topics one on one, sign up for a free discovery call to see how coaching might help you make progress in your...

Your reader is the overlap of who you are, your experiences and passions with the needs of a specific reader. In this episode, we'll explore how your reader might be YOU from 5-10 years ago. If you'd like to learn more about how you can work with me one on one to explore who your reader might be, take a look here . Transcript This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other s...

Do you struggle with the inner critic? That voice in your head that criticizes all your ideas? Or how about the imposter voice that criticizes your worth and value as a person and says you have nothing to offer anyone? In this episode, we’ll talk about both those voices and some very practical ways to combat them so they don’t stop us from sharing the message that God has given for us to share. If...

Have you heard others say that you need to “niche down” your audience, or decide specifically who you’re writing for and have a particular message for them? Watch/listen in to find out why. Here I offer 3 reasons why it’s important to be specific with your reader and message, as well as 6 places where you will put that information to good use. If you’re interested in coaching, you can find out mor...

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What is God’s will for my writing?”, then listen in. God is intimately involved in our lives. But is there one specific “right answer” to the specifics of our lives and our writing? What does it look like to stay within the boundaries of God’s Word and yet make our own decisions? Links:  Journaling prompts to reflect and plan   Overview to BUILD - using...

Are you a Christian writer looking for clarity and direction in your writing? Listen in to find out what is in store for the Purposeful Pen and how it can help you in your writing. Follow me online on Instagram @amysimonwriter or on my website at www.amylynnsimon.com . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynns...