The Writers Circle

Debut author Kevin Burrell shares some crucial lessons he learned while writing and promoting his first book. He also discusses with senior editor Will Parker Anderson how metaphors, stories, and illustrations capture readers and bring ideas to life. Join Will's newsletter:  writerscircle.co Substack:  https://willparkeranderson. substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

How can you get honest feedback on your ideas, without putting pressure on others to just tell you what you want to hear? In today's coaching episode, Will explains "the mom test," based on a book he read, that offers a strategy you can use today. Join our Patreon: patreon.com/writerscircle Want to support the show? Email Will: hello@writerscircle.co Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substa...

In Part 2 of this conversation with Andrew Peterson, he helps us navigate some creative tensions like how to balance clarity and creativity, how to define success and failure, and much more. Join our Patreon: patreon.com/writerscircle Want to support the show? Email Will: hello@writerscircle.co Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @...

Musical artist and prolific author Andrew Peterson offers some of his favorite learnings about the craft of writing. Join our Patreon:  patreon.com/writerscircle Want to support the show? Email Will: hello@writerscircle.co Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Ever find yourself asking, "What should I write about?" or "Where's the gap in the market?" I understand these questions, but I think they're the wrong ones. In this coaching episode, senior editor Will Parker Anderson shares insider wisdom on how to discover your next book idea—not by chasing trends, but by tuning in to what's stirring in your own heart. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an ed...

Every writer has a love-hate relationship with feedback. We need it, but it still stings. What if feedback isn't a bitter pill we have to swallow, but a beautiful, stretching part of your spiritual formation? Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson 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 k...

In Part 2 of this special coaching series, senior editor Will Parker Anderson shares five tips from his "10 Commandments of Platform Building." This episode will equip you to share your ideas and grow your audience in a way that's authentic, life-giving, and sustainable. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto th...

Feeling worn out, fake, or frustrated trying to grow your author platform? You're not the only one—and there's a better way. In  this special coaching episode, senior editor Will Parker Anderson pulls back the curtain on his "10 Commandments of Platform Building," sharing five insider tips to help you attract followers in a way that feels authentic, life-giving, and sustainable. Hi! I'm Will Parke...

In Part 2 of my interview with my leadership coach J.R. Briggs, he unpacks: 1. Questions we need to ask ourselves as writers 2. Questions about the reader 3. Questions for feedback  Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson 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. W...

What if the questions you ask readers have a greater impact than your statements? In this episode with my leadership coach, J.R. Briggs, we unpack the power of asking better questions. Asking questions is more than curiosity; it's an act of love. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson 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...

Ever feel like you're writing for God but not with Him? In this episode, I sit down with author and pastor Rich Villodas to talk about how writing can become an act of worship—a way to slow down, listen, and experience God's presence in the creative process. We also discuss our upcoming Advent devotional and how writing can shape us into the image of Christ. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an...

The first sentence is usually the hardest, but if you don't immediately pull readers in, they'll ditch you. Today I sit down with my former journalism professor, Dr. Michael Longinow, who unpacks the secrets of crafting a winning lead line. Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson 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 W...

Do you ever worry your stories aren't landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It's like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view. That's why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds of stories and distilled what makes them unforgetta...

AI is everywhere—and for writers, it's confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it? In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What's gained when AI speeds up the process? And what's lost when we outsource creativity to machines? Stephanie shares why inefficiency is actually vita...

Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here's the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don't actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You'll come away...

It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through the noise and reach more readers. Hi! I'm Will Park...

In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, Doug Wekenman explains why it's worth taking the time to distill your ideas into their catchiest form, and how if you don't, your words will be forgotten. "Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it's even worth finishing? Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the pa...

Feeling like your words go unheard? You're not alone. That's why I'm hosting a live workshop—*How to Write a Substack Post People Actually Read*—on Thursday, August 28, 5–6pm PT. You'll learn a proven 5-part framework, see it in action, and get your questions answered. Access is just \$15/month as a Writers Circle member. Don't miss out—tap the link in the show notes and join us! Subscribe to Writ...

Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it's even worth finishing?   In Part 2 of my conversation with literary agent Mike Salisbury, we dig deeper into the emotional and practical realities of the writing life. Mike challenges our obsession with speed and reminds us that quality storytelling takes time. He talks about the beauty of being unknown, how to face book reviews, and why finishing...

Literary agent Mike Salisbury shares his unique journey into Christian publishing, starting from his unexpected role as a mascot to becoming a literary agent. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, the value of revision, and the need for authors to find joy in their writing process. Mike also discusses the challenges of time management for writers and the sign...

Start watching Will's proposal course here: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Want to publish your book but don't know where to start? In this episode, Will Parker Anderson sits down with former coaching client Vanessa Reyner to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from self-publishing to landing a literary agent. Together, they unpack the process of building...

Struggling to get publishers to pay attention to your book idea? In this episode, the mic flips—host Will Parker Anderson becomes the guest as leadership coach J.R. Briggs interviews him about Proposals Made Simple, a new course designed to help nonfiction writers land a book deal. Will explains why writing a strong book proposal is the fastest, most strategic way to pitch your book and yourself t...

Last week, we started asking the question: Am I really called to write? In this follow-up episode, Andy Patton (content director at The Rabbit Room) returns to walk us through the final four questions every writer should consider when discerning their calling. If you've ever felt unsure about your next step or wondered whether you're truly meant to pursue writing, this conversation will help you w...

Ever wonder if you're actually called to write? You're not alone. Maybe you've said, "God called me to this"—but your book isn't published, your platform is stalled, and doubt is creeping in. What if our view of calling is part of the problem? In this two-part episode, I talk with Andy Patton from The Rabbit Room about the question every writer asks: How do I know if I'm truly called to write? In...