Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Writers Bloc Podcast

Marketing your writing can sometimes feel like tossing good work into the social media void and hoping someone sees it before it disappears.

But Pinterest works differently.

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara talks with Pinterest marketing strategist and educator Heather Farris about how writers can use Pinterest as a search engine to help readers discover their work—and keep discovering it long after it’s published.

Heather shares practical strategies for using Pinterest to promote blog posts, Substack newsletters, podcast episodes, books, and email freebies without turning Pinterest into another social media platform you have to constantly maintain.

You’ll learn:

* Why Pinterest functions more like a search engine than social media

* How to find the keywords your readers are already searching for

* How one piece of writing can become multiple Pinterest pins

* What makes an effective Pinterest image, title, and description

* How to organize Pinterest boards around the topics you write about

* How Pinterest can help grow your email list

* How bloggers, Substack writers, podcasters, and authors can use the platform

* A simple way to start using Pinterest without adding hours to your weekly workload

* Why evergreen discovery may make Pinterest especially valuable for writers tired of the constant social media cycle

Heather also walks through what she recommends for writers who are brand new to Pinterest—including how to set up your profile, choose your first boards, create reusable templates, and evaluate what’s working.

If you’ve wondered whether Pinterest still matters—or whether it could actually help more readers find your work—this conversation will give you a practical place to begin.You can learn more and even hire Heather at www.heatherfarris.com

If you want to learn more about the Writers’ Bloc, join our community, or learn more about growing your writing platform, visit www.mywritersbloc.com

What do we do with grief when the words won’t come—or when they won’t stop coming?

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m joined by writer, journaling guide, and founder of The Pen and Mend Collective, Kristin Vanderlip, for a thoughtful conversation about grief, lament, journaling, and the healing power of putting words on the page.

After experiencing the devastating loss of her first child, followed closely by the death of her father and other seasons of deep grief, Kristin discovered journaling as one part of a larger journey toward healing and hope.

We talk about why biblical lament gives Christians permission to bring our whole hearts before God, how journaling can help us notice and name what we’re feeling, and why healthy processing requires more than simply rehearsing our pain.

We also explore the connection between our inner lives and our creative lives—including the possibility that writer’s block isn’t always a craft problem. Sometimes fear, grief, exhaustion, insecurity, or an unprocessed emotion may be asking for our attention first.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why lament is not the opposite of faith

• How journaling can help us process grief and difficult emotions

• The difference between healthy reflection and rumination

• Why our emotions aren’t the enemy—but shouldn’t be our ultimate guide

• How to move from emotional honesty toward hope in God

• Writing for catharsis vs. writing for an audience

• Why writers may need to “write it for themselves” before crafting it for others

• What writer’s block may reveal about our internal lives

• Giving ourselves permission to write differently in seasons of grief

• Kristin’s Rest: A Journal for Lament and Rise: A Journal for Perseverance

If you’ve ever wondered how writing can help you process what you’re carrying—or how to bring grief honestly before God without getting stuck there—this conversation is for you.

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN VANDERLIP

Kristin Vanderlip: https://kristinvanderlip.com/

The Pen and Mend Collective

Explore Kristin’s journals, resources, and free journaling tools on her website.

JOIN THE WRITERS’ BLOC

Come write, learn, and grow alongside a community of Christian writers: mywritersbloc.com

If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, leave a comment, and share this episode with another writer who might need it.

#ChristianWriters #Journaling #ChristianWriting #WritingCommunity #BiblicalLament #GriefAndHealing #WritersBlock #FaithAndWriting #ChristianCreatives #TheWritersBloc

How does an author write 4–5 books a year, work across multiple genres, collaborate with bestselling authors, and still have creative energy left?In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m talking with USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tricia Goyer about the habits, systems, and mindset behind her remarkably prolific writing life.Tricia shares how she has learned to follow where God is leading rather than feeling pressured to stay in one writing “lane.” We talk about how she manages multiple ideas and projects, collaborates with other authors, protects her mental bandwidth, and uses structure to make the writing process faster and more effective.We also get into:✍️ How Tricia produces 4–5 books a year✍️ Why she writes across so many different genres✍️ Her collaborations with authors like Max Lucado, Ken Blanchard, and Robin Jones Gunn✍️ Her wonderfully simple “plop method” for drafting nonfiction✍️ Why understanding structure can make you a faster writer✍️ How she decides which opportunities to say yes—and no—to✍️ Why worry can become a major drain on your creative energy✍️ Writing in focused 20–25 minute blocks✍️ Listening to readers to discover what they actually need✍️ Trusting God with both open and closed doors in your writing lifeIf you’ve ever wondered how prolific writers actually get the work done—or you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the ideas, responsibilities, and distractions competing for your attention—this conversation will encourage you to simplify, trust God, and faithfully work on the next thing in front of you.CONNECT WITH TRICIA GOYERWebsite: https://triciagoyer.com/Instagram: instagram.com/triciagoyerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortriciagoyer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/triciagoyerTHE FINISH LINE INTENSIVETricia and Amber Lia are hosting an in-person writing intensive October 22–25, 2026, in Benton, Arkansas, designed to help writers start, sustain, or finish their books.Learn more: https://form.jotform.com/261874550064055—ABOUT THE WRITERS’ BLOCThe Writers’ Bloc is a community for Christian writers who want to grow in their craft, pursue publication faithfully, and use their words in service to God and others.Learn more and join us at:

https://mywritersbloc.com/

Subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, publishers, and writing professionals who can help you become a better and more faithful writer.#TriciaGoyer #ChristianWriters #WritingTips #ChristianAuthors #WritingCommunity #Authors #WritingLife #TheWritersBloc

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray talks with author and The Love Offering Podcast host Rachael Adams about one of the most important tools writers can use to grow their audience: lead magnets.But a great lead magnet isn't simply a way to collect email addresses. It's an opportunity to serve your readers, solve a real problem, begin a relationship, and invite people into your community.Rachael shares what's worked for her—from collaborative devotionals and quizzes to seasonal resources, QR codes, email sequences, and evergreen freebies—and how writers can start building an email list without overcomplicating the process.In this conversation, we talk about:

* What a lead magnet is and why writers need one

* How to discover what your audience actually wants

* Lead magnet ideas you can create without starting from scratch

* Why your email list matters more than social media followers

* How collaborations can help introduce you to new audiences

* Quizzes, devotionals, checklists, calendars, challenges, and other freebie ideas

* What to send after someone downloads your freebie

* Why unsubscribes aren't necessarily bad

* Building an audience slowly, faithfully, and sustainably

* If growing your platform feels overwhelming, Rachael offers a helpful reminder: start small, serve people well, stay consistent, and play the long game.ABOUT RACHAEL ADAMSRachael Adams is an author, speaker, and host of The Love Offering Podcast. She is the author of A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love, and her work has appeared in outlets including Crosswalk, Proverbs 31 Ministries, YouVersion, and more. You can find her at rachaelkadams.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @rachaeladamsauthor🎙️ ABOUT THE WRITERS’ BLOCThe Writers’ Bloc is a community for Christian writers who want to grow in their craft, connect with other writers, and faithfully steward the words God has given them.Subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, publishers, and writing professionals—and practical encouragement for your writing life. You can learn more about us and join as a FREE or PREMIUM member at mywritersbloc.com

What if the reason writing feels so hard has less to do with discipline and more to do with the way God designed your brain?

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara sits down with Ashriel Huber — founder of Called and Curious, host of the Called and Curious podcast, and creator of Love Moves, a six-minute inside-out makeover that helps women reconnect with peace, beauty, and truth through gentle movement, guided reflection, and faith-rooted encouragement.

Ashriel calls herself “the neuroscience girl for normal people on Tuesdays,” and in this conversation she shows why faith and neuroscience belong in the same room. Scripture tells us to renew our minds, and neuroscience offers a glimpse into how God designed that renewal to actually happen. Together we explore why so many writers get stuck, how to move from the fear brain into the love brain, and why real transformation begins with identity long before it shows up on the page.

We also talk about building something beautiful in the middle of the wilderness — starting, like the tabernacle, from the inside out — and why no writer needs another motivational quote to keep going.

In this episode:

— How a kindergarten classroom sent Ashriel on a decade-long journey into behavioral neuroscience

— Why faith and neuroscience are companions rather than competitors

— The difference between your fear brain and your love brain

— How identity, not effort, becomes the source of lasting change

— Practical ways to reset your body and brain before you write

Connect with Ashriel:

Website: calledandcurious.com

Explore her free Love Moves, the Called and Curious podcast, and her membership — a portable “Love Moves gym” for your nervous system.

Join us inside The Writers’ Bloc: Ashriel returns for a live teaching where we’ll build a Creative Writer’s Mission Statement together and walk through a creative reset you can use before every writing session.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this one with a writer who needs the encouragement to keep creating what God has called her to make. Join the Writers Bloc at www.mywritersbloc.com

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I sit down with author and Bible teacher Glenna Marshall to talk about her newest book, Praying in Pain, and the sixteen-year journey with chronic illness that shaped it. Glenna shares what it was like to go from running and full health to years of undiagnosed, agonizing nighttime pain — and how those long nights taught her to keep praying when healing didn’t come.

We talk about why writers so often write the books they once needed, how Glenna wrote Praying in Pain for her twenty-nine-year-old self, and what it means to steward well your suffering so that it serves others.

Glenna Marshall is the author of six books, including Everyday Faithfulness, Memorizing Scripture, Known and Loved, and Praying in Pain. She is married to her pastor, William, and is a member of Grace Bible Fellowship in Sikeston, Missouri, where they have served for over twenty years. She teaches a weekly women’s Bible study and leads a discipleship group for teen girls.

You can connect with Glenna and join her newsletter at: https://www.glennamarshall.com/newsletter/

Grab Glenna’s Book, Praying in Pain here.

If you enjoyed this conversation, would you do us a favor and subscribe, share, and/or leave a review? Every bit helps us spread the message of writing with art and heart to more people!

Be sure to subscribe to the Writers’ Bloc Podcast here and never miss an episode!

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Your manuscript could be flawless, and readers still might not give it a chance—because the cover never invited them in. This week on The Writer’s Bloc Podcast, I’m joined by graphic designer Kaycee Parker of KP Communications, who’s spent over a decade helping authors and churches communicate with clarity through design.

Kaycee brings a rare dual perspective to this conversation: she’s a working designer and a self-published author who’s hired out her own book covers, even though design is her day job. We talk about why so many writers pour thousands of hours into their manuscripts and then try to save a few hundred dollars on presentation—and why that trade-off rarely pays off. Kaycee makes the case that good design isn’t vanity; it’s stewardship. It removes barriers so a God-given message can actually reach the reader it’s meant for.

We dig into how author branding actually gets built, the most common (and avoidable) mistakes self-published authors make with their own covers, and where a tight budget should go first if you can’t do it all. Kaycee also gives us a preview of what she’ll be unpacking in much greater depth with our paid community on Thursday: five practical, no-design-degree-required ways to strengthen your book’s design.

If you’ve ever felt like the writing is the “real” work and design is just an afterthought, this episode will change how you think about that.

What’s in this episode:

* Why presentation can make or break a book—and why skimping on it to save money usually backfires

* A theology of design as stewardship: removing barriers so your message can be received

* The #1 mistake self-published authors make with their own cover design

* Why Kaycee, a professional designer, still hires out her own book covers

* Realistic pricing, timing, and what to invest in first on a limited budget

* A preview of Kaycee’s upcoming Writers’ Bloc teaching: five practical ways to improve your book design

Connect with Kaycee at:kpcommunications.net

🎙️ Subscribe to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast.

🖊️ To access Kaycee’s teaching, and many others, join our Premium community at mywritersbloc.com

What does it look like to offer your words as an act of worship — not just to an audience, but to the church?

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc podcast, Cara sits down with her own worship leader and songwriter, Josh Sellers — Director of Worship at Christ Church in Mesa, Arizona — for a conversation that moves from Canadian Idol to a leper colony in India, from co-writing in Nashville to the four women who accidentally wrote “I Speak Jesus.”

Josh shares how God redirected his hunger for fame into a calling to lead people into the weight and richness of God’s presence through biblically rooted songs the church can actually sing. Along the way, he talks honestly about what it takes to write well — for the church, with a team, and from a place of theological conviction rather than platform ambition.

Whether you write words on a page or words set to music, this episode is a reminder that what you put your life to matters — and God will use it.

In this episode:

* Josh’s journey from Canadian Idol to full-time vocational ministry

* How getting saved in India changed everything

* The theology behind writing songs for the church (not just for yourself)

* Practical wisdom on co-writing, publishing, and building a songwriting culture

* Why you don’t have to be famous — or even a good singer — to write something God uses

Connect with Josh: Vintage Worship on Spotify | Wings Music

I’ve been sitting with this conversation since we recorded it — and I keep coming back to the moment Thomas compared a well-written AI prompt to the book of First Timothy. Paul opens with identity (I, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ), then establishes the recipient and their role, then gives detailed instructions. Thomas’s point was quiet but clarifying: the better you can articulate who you are, what you want, and what faithful execution looks like, the better any tool — human or AI — can serve your goals.

That’s the spirit of this whole conversation.

Thomas Umstattd Jr. is the CEO of Author Media, host of the Novel Marketing Podcast and The Christian Publishing Show, and someone who has spent nearly two decades helping writers build platforms and sell books with integrity. He’s also become one of the most grounded, practically wise voices I know on AI — not because he’s enthusiastic about every new thing, but because he understands the landscape clearly and isn’t afraid to name what’s actually happening.

We talked about why AI is already embedded in every tool you use, why the question isn’t whether to engage with it but how, and — most helpfully for the writers in this community — what tools are actually worth your time and trust.

A few things that stayed with me: the “paragraphs, not sentences” principle (most of us are prompting AI the way we Google, and it’s producing weak results because of it); the very real theological bias built into ChatGPT and Claude and why Grok’s commitment to truth-seeking makes it behave differently; and the story of Cosmo — an AI trained so thoroughly on the Western canon that it quietly became Christian without anyone intending it to.

There’s also a sober, helpful section on ethics: what publishers allow, what none of them do, and why wisdom in this space requires thinking beyond permissions to what actually serves your readers and preserves your voice.

Thomas shares where to find his Patron Toolbox (AI tools built specifically for authors), his free Micaiah Mode prompt, and the practical steps for moving from ChatGPT to a model that works better for your writing.

Find Thomas at:

* authormedia.com — his main hub, including all three podcasts and the Patron Toolbox

* novelmarketing.com — the Novel Marketing Podcast

* thomasumstattd.com — his personal site

* social.authormedia.com — where you can find the free Micaiah Mode project instructions

What If the Key to Growing Your Platform Is Linking Arms Instead of Striving Harder?

Becky Beresford never planned to be a writer. A special needs mama navigating postpartum depression, she found herself with a passion for discipling women and no way to get out of the house to do it. So she picked up her pen — and everything changed.

In this conversation, Cara sits down with Becky Beresford — writer, speaker, coach, and author of She Believed He Could, So She Did (Moody, 2024) — to talk about one of the most underutilized tools in a Christian writer’s toolkit: collaboration.

Becky shares how intentional partnerships with other writers helped her grow her platform, build her email list, land a literary agent, and launch her book — not through hustle, but through the simple, biblical conviction that we are better together than we are alone.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

* How writing became a ministry when Becky couldn’t leave her home

* Why your email newsletter outperforms social media every time

* Practical, low-pressure ways to start collaborating — including email swaps, giveaways, bundles, and launch teams

* How to find trustworthy creative partners who share your values

* Why collaboration is obedience, not just strategy

“We don’t have to do it alone. We’re not supposed to.”

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your writing journey, this conversation will encourage you to take one small, faithful step toward another writer this week.

🎧 Listen now — and don’t miss Becky’s extended solo teaching inside the Writers’ Bloc Teaching Archives, where she goes even deeper into the practical architecture of Christian collaboration.

Follow Becky at www.beckyberesford.com

For more information on the Writers’ Bloc, visit: www.mywritersbloc.com

What if building your writer platform didn’t have to feel fake, forced, or exhausting?

In this conversation with Kimberley Grabas, we talk about:
• Why most writers approach platform-building backward
• The difference between platform, branding, marketing, and tactics
• How to identify your ideal reader
• Why “niching down” can feel impossible for creative people
• How to market your work without becoming pushy or performative
• and why the best brands are built from authenticity, not imitation

One of my favorite moments was when Kimberley said creative people naturally resist being squeezed into “a tiny little box.” Instead of flattening your personality, a healthy platform helps you clarify what threads already run through your work.

This episode will especially encourage writers who feel overwhelmed by social media, unsure of their message, or afraid they have “too many interests.”

Watch now and let us know in the comments:
What part of building a writer platform feels hardest for you right now?

To connect with Kimberely about how to position your writer platform, visit her at: https://yourwriterplatform.com/

If you want to become a better writer…

Read more.

Not just to produce something. Not just to “get content.”

But because over time, it builds something inside you.

A kind of file cabinet in your mind—

filled with ideas, illustrations, and insights you didn’t even know you’d need.

And when it’s time to write…

you’re not starting from empty.

You’re drawing from a life that’s been paying attention.

🎙️ Listen to Habits of a Prolific Writer with Cara Ray & Trevin Wax on The Writers’ Bloc podcast

 ➡️ Join a community of writers growing in both craft and calling!

What does it really take to write, edit, and launch your first book while juggling real life, family, and faith?
In this special episode of The Writers’ Bloc, the tables are turned as Cara Ray is interviewed by writer and educator Keri Willis about her debut book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places.
Together, they pull back the curtain on the real journey of writing a book from the first spark of an idea to the long road of proposals, rejection, revision, and ultimately, publication. This is not a highlight reel; it’s an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about faith, perseverance, and the quiet work God does in the process.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: How the concept of holy leisure transformed Cara’s relationship with God What surprised her most about the writing and publishing process The realities of book proposals, rejection, and finding the right publisher How to navigate the “messy middle” of writing The role of community, prayer, and obedience in finishing a book What Cara wishes she had known before launching Cara also shares how this message grew out of her own struggle wanting to enjoy time with God, but feeling like she was constantly falling short and how a simple phrase changed everything.

Whether you’re dreaming of writing your first book, stuck in the middle of one, or simply longing for a deeper, more joyful walk with God, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

📘 Get the Book: The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places
(Available April 14 – preorder now!)

🌿 Join The Writers’ Bloc Community:
Mywritersbloc.com

What if fruitfulness in your creative life isn’t about producing more but about cultivating a deeper life with God?

In this conversation, Cara Ray welcomes prophetic artist, writer, and speaker Bette Dickinson to explore the surprising parallels between vineyards, creativity, and the spiritual life. Drawing from the rich imagery of John 15, Bette shares how learning from a real-life vine dresser reshaped her understanding of seasons, fruitfulness, and abiding in Christ.

Together, they discuss how writers and creators can move from a productivity-driven mindset to a flourishing approach, learning to embrace seasons of dormancy, pruning, growth, and harvest. If you’ve ever felt pressure to constantly produce, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, remain connected to Christ, and trust the deeper work God is doing beneath the surface.

You’ll discover how creativity, spiritual formation, and the rhythms of creation intersect—and why the health of the vine matters far more than the quantity of the fruit.

Whether you're a writer, artist, or creative believer seeking direction, this conversation will help you recognize your current season and learn to cultivate a life of abiding, creativity, and faithful growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why do vine dressers focus on the health of the vine, not the fruit


• The four creative seasons: dormancy, pruning, growth, and harvest


• How abiding in Christ shapes your creative life


• The difference between productivity and flourishing


• Why creative “winter seasons” are necessary for deeper fruitfulness


• How writing and art become tools of spiritual formation

Connect with Bette Dickinson:

🌿 Website: bettedickinson.com

🌿 The Art of Vine Making: theartofvinemaking.com

About The Writers’ Bloc Podcast:

Hosted by Cara Ray, The Writers’ Bloc podcast equips Christian writers and creators to grow in their craft, deepen their faith, and build meaningful creative work that serves others.

Is Cozy Fantasy the Genre We’ve Been Missing? A Conversation with Deborah Pettit

What exactly is cozy fantasy, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara sits down with children’s fantasy author Deborah Pettit (author of The Heroes of Tuduma Forest series) to explore the rise of cozy fantasy, what sets it apart from epic fantasy, and why this genre may be filling a deeper cultural and spiritual need than we realize.

Deborah shares her personal journey through depression, how Scripture reshaped her thinking, and how that transformation now informs the character-driven stories she writes for young readers. Together, we discuss:

• What cozy fantasy actually is (and what it isn’t)


• The difference between epic fantasy and cozy fantasy


• Why many modern fantasy books leave Christian parents uneasy


• How classic stories like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Little Prince fit into today’s evolving definitions


• Writing moral, clean fantasy without relying on occult themes


• Why character arcs matter more than plot in cozy storytelling


• The spiritual hunger beneath the popularity of this genre

Whether you’re a fiction writer, nonfiction writer, homeschool parent, or simply someone who cares about the stories shaping the next generation, this conversation will help you think more critically about imagination, storytelling, and truth.

👉 Deborah will go deeper into the spiritual themes behind cozy fantasy in her extended teaching inside the Writers’ Bloc community.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Positive Trait Thesaurus and The Negative Trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi


• Deborah Pettit’s Heroes of Tuduma Forest series

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a writer who needs to hear it.

If you’re a writer who’d rather hide behind your laptop than step on a stage… this interview is for you. 🙌

Join me for this fun and informative conversation with Robyn Dykstra—a national Christian speaker and bestselling author. We talk about one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) ways writers can grow their platform:

✨ Turning your book message into a signature talk.
In this interview, we talk about:
📌 Why writers can’t afford to stay invisible anymore
📌 How speaking builds trust faster than almost anything else
📌 How to stop viewing speaking as performance—and start seeing it as an offering
📌 The difference between a signature talk and “teaching your whole book”
📌 How speakers sell books effectively without being salesy

If you’ve ever felt nervous, unqualified, or intimidated by public speaking—this conversation will give you courage, clarity, and practical next steps.

🎧 Watch now and get ready to take your message from page… to stage.

Don't forget to hit Subscribe 🔔for more great content from the Writers' Bloc!

To learn more about Robyn's speaking training, visit: https://robyndykstra.com/inspirational-speaker-training/

Why do ministry creatives — writers, teachers, and leaders — need intentional retreat time?

In this conversation, Cara welcomes Bible teacher, pastor, author, and podcaster Angie Baughman back to The Writers’ Bloc to talk about the spiritual and practical value of creative retreats. Together they explore how getting away — even briefly — can bring clarity, peace, deeper listening to God, and more sustainable creative output.

Angie shares from decades of ministry experience how structured retreat rhythms helped her plan, discern, and avoid burnout — and how writers and ministry leaders today can build simple, realistic retreat practices into busy lives. They discuss resistance, guilt, budget options, spiritual formation, rest vs. recovery, and practical retreat planning from food prep to scheduling.

If you’re a writer, ministry creative, or Bible teacher feeling stretched thin, this episode will help you reframe retreat as obedience and investment — not indulgence. Guest: Angie Baughman — licensed pastor, Bible teacher, author, podcaster, and founder of Steady On Ministries. Creator of the Step-by-Step Bible Study Method and Study On University.

Ghostwriting can sound mysterious—but Kent Sanders pulls back the curtain and shows how practical (and relational) it really is. In this conversation, Kent shares how he went from teaching ministry and theology at a small Christian college to building a full-time writing business, why ghostwriting is often misunderstood, and what it takes to become the kind of steady, professional presence high-level clients trust with their “book baby.”

• Kent’s winding road into writing—and why his shift started with a practical need to support his family


• A clear, everyday definition of ghostwriting (hint: you’ve “used” a ghostwriter before—think greeting cards)


• How ghostwriters capture a client’s voice through listening, patterns, and a collaborative revision process


• What the ghostwriting process actually looks like: outlines, Zoom interviews, transcripts, “brain dumps,” and intensive sessions


• How ghostwriting intersects with publishing: self-publishing, assisted self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional publishing


• The ethics question—and why Kent believes ghostwriting is a natural extension of how books are always made (teams, editors, designers, etc.)


• Why professionalism matters more than people think (reliability, calm communication, and emotional regulation)


• What clients are really looking for when choosing a ghostwriter: trust, steadiness, fit, and the ability to create psychological safety


• 
  

  Kent’s 3 best tips for aspiring ghostwriters

  
  
  
  
  1. Publish your own book (and invest in a professional cover)
  
  
  2. Tell people what you do—build visibility and clarity
  
  
  3. Get your first client win quickly to build momentum and confidence
  
  
  
  

• “Ghostwriting happens all the time—we just don’t frame it that way.”


• The “Find the Ghostwriter” game: Kent looks for hidden credit clues in acknowledgements and encourages ghostwriters behind the scenes.


• A helpful distinction: author vs. writer—the ideas can be the author’s even when a writer shapes them.

Kent treats ghostwriting like high-level consulting: yes, the deliverable is writing, but the work also includes clarity, support, structure, and calm leadership throughout a complex process.

Kent Sanders is a ghostwriter, entrepreneur, and author/co-author of dozens of books. He writes books for business leaders and hosts The Profitable Writer podcast. He also leads The Profitable Writer Membership, helping writers increase their impact and income through practical strategy, mindset, and professionalism.

• Website:kentsanders.net


• Community + Podcast:theprofitablewriter.com


• Amazon: Kent Sanders

Is your idea strong enough to become a book?

If you've ever wrestled with that question, you're in good company. In today’s episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I sit down with writing coach and author Ann Kroeker to talk about how to know whether your idea has the depth, clarity, and longevity needed for a full manuscript.

Together, we explore:
✨ How to test and validate your book idea long before you write the full draft
✨ Why sharing your idea early is a gift—not a risk
✨ How curiosity, calling, and stewardship shape the projects we pursue
✨ What traditional publishers are really looking for
✨ When self-publishing is the stronger path
✨ How to build a brand that supports your message—without losing sight of ministry
✨ Why experimentation, iteration, and “just making things” matters for every writer
✨ The surprising connection between platform, clarity, and long-term passion for your topic

Ann’s wisdom will encourage you to slow down, think deeply, and discern where God might be leading you as a writer. If you're standing at the crossroads of Do I write this book? or Is this idea enough?, this episode will meet you right where you are.

You can follow Ann at annkroeker.com and her podcast, Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach, wherever you listen to podcasts.

👇 Let me know in the comments:
What idea are you exploring right now—and what step will you take this week to test it?

Writing online can feel like shouting into the void or slipping into self-promotion. In this conversation with Grant Herbel of The Writer’s Calling on Substack, we explore a different way: seeing writing as worship, serving readers rather than chasing numbers, and using Substack’s features to build a real, engaged community.

If you’ve wondered whether Substack is worth your time, how to grow there without “platform panic,” or how to think Christianly about promotion and audience-building, this episode will steady and encourage you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why your “failed” blogs and abandoned projects aren’t wasted in God’s hands
How a secure identity in Christ can free you to write boldly without making writing your identity
What makes Substack unique for writers who want depth, not just clicks.
How Substack Notes can become a top-of-funnel way to meet new readers
Practical ways to host a community using comments and Chat
Healthy ways to think about paid subscriptions and monetizing your writing

🔗 Find Grant on Substack:
thewriterscalling.substack.com

If this conversation encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with a writer friend who’s trying to navigate calling, community, and platform with a clear conscience before the Lord.

What if the most fruitful writing life isn’t about going bigger—but going smaller? In this conversation, author Kristen Couch (Deep Roots, Good Fruit) shares how “thinking small” has shaped her craft: trading platform chasing for prayerful presence, social scrolling for noticing, and grand gestures for steady obedience.

Kristen opens up about her process and her weekly workflow. She shares editorial tips, such as the power of reading aloud, choosing stronger verbs, cultivating specificity, and guarding sacred writing hours. She also offers gracious counsel on life rhythms and what it means to write for an audience of One while serving the many.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “small faithfulness” produces deep fruit in your writing
How to protect creative focus in a distracted world
Practical editing moves: read aloud, feel the “potholes,” strengthen verbs
The surprising reach of specificity (how small stories touch universal nerves)
A simple analog system for capturing ideas that won’t get lost
How to build a sustainable weekly writing rhythm without guilt

Connect with Kristin
Website & newsletter: the-palest-ink.com (The Good, the True, the Beautiful)
Audio course: Write the Truth Beautifully (details on her site)
Book: Deep Roots, Good Fruit (The Good Book Company)

To access Kristin's teaching in the Writers’ Bloc, consider becoming a premium member here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/3029...
If this encouraged you, share it with a writer who needs a nudge toward steady, quiet faithfulness. Subscribe for more craft-forward, gospel-hearted conversations, and join our community to grow in the art and heart of writing—together.

How do you write honestly about pain, without despair, and with real gospel hope? In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Vaneetha Rendall Risner shares her journey from childhood polio and profound loss to a ministry of writing that comforts the suffering. We talk about lament, journaling, discernment about what (and when) to share, and how God often calls “reluctant writers” to faithful words.

Key takeaways for writers

Lament is candid grief with trust—bring your full heart to God and let the turn to praise arise honestly.

Write from processed pain: journal now; publish later.

Measure faithfulness, not metrics. Obedience beats “virality.”

Your plain, unadorned voice can be precisely the vessel God uses.

Resources mentioned

Scripture: John 9; Romans 8:28; the Psalms of lament

On lament: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

Mentors referenced: John Piper; Joni Eareckson Tada; Ann Voskamp; Paul Tripp

Writing tool: Dragon NaturallySpeaking (voice-to-text)

Connect with Vaneetha

Website: vaneetha.com (aka “Dance in the Rain”)

Books: Watching for the Morning (devotional); Walking Through Fire (memoir); The Scars That Have Shaped Me; This Was Never the Plan (forthcoming, April 1)

Stay connected with The Writers’ Bloc

Subscribe for more conversations that help you grow in the art and heart of writing.

Share this episode with a friend who’s writing through hard places.

Want community and craft support? Join us inside The Writers’ Bloc.

If this episode encouraged you, drop a comment with a one-sentence lament or prayer let’s bear one another’s burdens and point each other back to Christ.

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray sits down with Lori Ann Wood, author of Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted. Lori Ann shares how an unexpected heart failure diagnosis became the catalyst for her writing journey, leading her to process suffering through journaling and eventually publish a traditionally published, award-winning book.

She opens up about walking through seasons of deep uncertainty, how she wrote her story in small, faith-anchored pieces, and how God meets us on the detours we didn’t plan for.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write from scars instead of wounds—or how to trust God when your life takes an unplanned turn—this conversation is for you.

📖 Connect with Lori Ann Wood:
Website & book trailer → https://loriannwood.com/books

Instagram & Facebook → @LoriAnnWood

✍️ The Writers’ Bloc Podcast is a place for Christian writers to grow in craft, faith, and community.

Welcome to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast! In this episode, Cara sits down with Mary DeMuth—a powerhouse in the Christian publishing world. Mary is a literary agent, a daily podcaster of Pray Every Day, a Scripture artist, a speaker, and the author of over 50 books.

🎙️ In this conversation, we talk about:

What makes a strong agent–author relationship

How to build a meaningful platform that truly connects with readers

Common publishing myths (and what agents are really looking for)

Why great writing and original ideas still matter most

Tips for craft, mentorship, and marketing that help authors stand out

Mary also shares personal insights from her decades-long career, from writing in journals as a young girl to mentoring writers around the world.

📚 Learn more about Mary: marydemuth.com

📖 Her latest book: The Freedom of Surrender (IVP)

🪴 Writers, be encouraged: God does impossible math with your loaves and fishes. Steward your words well, and trust Him with the reach.

Writing isn’t just about fighting distractions—it’s about facing the mindsets that keep us stuck. In this episode of the Writer’s Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray and Amy Simon (host of The Purposeful Pin Podcast and writer of the Pen Points newsletter) talk about building a sustainable writing routine rooted in discipline, grace, and truth.

We dig into:

Why writing is a spiritual discipline

How to spot (and replace) unhealthy mindsets like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and “all-or-nothing” thinking

Balancing God’s role and our role in the writing process

How to write faithfully, even when numbers or recognition don’t come

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or discouraged in your writing, this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and practical steps for moving forward.

👉 Don’t miss Amy’s premium teaching inside the Writer’s Bloc, where she’ll go even deeper into mindsets and strategies for writers. Join us at www.mywritersbloc.com.

You can follow Amy at @amylynnsimon.com and The Purposeful Pen Podcast.

Can you really pray for your writing? In this episode of The Writer’s Bloc Podcast, I sit down with author Jenn Soehnlin to talk about the power of prayer in the writing life.

Jen shares her journey from resisting God’s call to write to discovering how praying Scripture transformed not just her motherhood and faith but also her words on the page. We explore:

How prayer shapes and sustains the writing process

The surprising lessons Jenn learned about praying Scripture

Practical ways writers can pray for their words, ministry, and readers

Why prayer changes us even before it changes our circumstances

Whether you’re wrestling with imposter syndrome, longing for direction in your calling, or simply wanting to align your words with God’s will, this conversation will encourage you to see writing as a ministry, rooted in prayer.

📖 Connect with Jen: embracing.life

📖 Download her 25 Scriptures to Pray for Your Writing: https://prayerempoweredwriter.substac... https://jennembracinglife.substack.com/ https://embracingthisspeciallife.subs...

What does it mean to adorn Christ’s work with our words? In this heartfelt episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m joined once again by my dear friend Cara Blondo. Together, we explore the biblical call to adorn the gospel—not through outward beauty, but through the hidden beauty of the heart and the good works that flow from it.

We talk about:
💡 The meaning of the word adorn in Scripture and its connection to our writing lives
💡 How writers can point others to the beauty of Christ instead of themselves
💡 The difference between striving for a platform and offering our words as worship
💡 Why suffering and vulnerability can become a fragrance of Christ to others

This conversation will encourage you to see your words—whether written, spoken, or lived—as a way of magnifying the beauty of Jesus.

👉 Stick around until the end to hear how Cara will go even deeper with our Writers’ Bloc members in a special follow-up session.

You can follow Cara's work on her website: https://theonethingdesired.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram @theonethingdesired

Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Join the Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Week Challenge here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...

Whether you dream of landing a traditional publishing deal or simply want to clarify the vision for your next book, a strong book proposal is your non-negotiable first step. Join us for this Gathering where we sit down with writer and editor Lara D’entremont to demystify the proposal process—what it is, why it matters, and how to approach it without overwhelm.

Lara shares insider tips from the publishing world, common mistakes to avoid, and the elements that make a proposal irresistible to agents and editors. You’ll learn how a proposal not only sells your book but also helps you refine your message, audience, and structure before you write a single chapter.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll figure out the proposal later,” this conversation will show you why later is now. You won't want to miss this discussion and our forthcoming challenge, "Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Weeks"

Here are the details Write Your Book Proposal in 6 Weeks

Dates: Sept 15-Oct 27
When: Weekly lessons and live meetings over Zoom (Mondays 11 CST)
Where: On the Writers' Bloc! When you join, you'll get access to an exclusive space with all our course materials and meeting links.
Why: Because your idea is worth pursuing!
Investment: Only $149 (Writers' Bloc premium members pay only $75--look for your sign-up link in the Writers' Bloc Premium Space: 'The Coffee Shoppe').

Join us here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...

A one-sheet can open the door to publishing opportunities—but only if it’s done right. In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray interviews Rose Jordan about how to distill your book proposal into a clear, captivating one-page pitch.

Rose shares:

-What a one sheet is (and what it isn’t)
-The essential elements every author should include
-How to design for clarity and impact
-Tips for tailoring your one sheet to agents and publishers -Her own experience landing a request for a full proposal.
-Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this episode will help you create a one-sheet that stands out and sparks interest.

📌 Watch now and learn how to make your book irresistible—on a single page.

Join The Writers’ Bloc—our online community for Christian writers—where this complete one-sheet workshop is waiting for you inside.

As a member, you’ll enjoy:

📚 Full access to trainings like this one, plus our growing library of craft and publishing workshops
🤝 Connection with a supportive, faith-filled community of writers
🎯 Personalized feedback and encouragement to help you grow in your calling
💬 Live Q&A sessions with industry experts and authors
🛠 Resources to sharpen your skills and move your projects forward

Whether you’re polishing a proposal, launching your first book, or simply pursuing excellence in your writing, The Writers’ Bloc is your place to learn, connect, and thrive.

👉 Join us today and unlock the full training: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/3029

In this episode of the Writers' Bloc Podcast, we chat with our friend Mariel Davenport to hear her story of coming to faith in Jesus and how the Lord led her from atheism to becoming a Bible study teacher and writer.

Mariel shares how the Lord "tended" her heart through the Word and has been faithfully teaching and guiding her ever since. As writers, who struggle with comparison, you'll appreciate this honest conversation about faithfulness, showing up, trusting God, and staying in our lane.

Whether you're wrestling with discouragement, feeling behind, or wondering if your writing is making a difference, this conversation will help you realign with what truly matters — trusting God in the process.

You can follow Mariel at MarielDavenport.com, podcast: Tending Your Soul Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/09qvVYf...

or join her pre-order sign up for: Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected https://a.co/d/bLfkUxf

To learn more about her TEND method, you can also visit Episode 24 with Mariel: HOw to Write for God's Glory by TENDing your Own Soul: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-b2ve8-1...

Have you ever wondered if God could use your pain to point others to His promises? This episode is for every woman who has walked through a hard season and felt a nudge to turn her testimony into a Bible study that brings hope and healing.

Cara sits down with ministry leader and Bible study author Teresa Whiting, who shares her powerful journey from brokenness to boldness—and how the Lord led her to write studies rooted in Scripture and grace. With wisdom drawn from over 30 years of ministry, Teresa explains how to write from scars, not open wounds, and how to shape your personal story into a transformational tool that draws women into the Word.

Teresa’s approach is practical, Spirit-led, and deeply compassionate. She gives insight into:

Why she chose to write a Bible study instead of a memoir

How to keep the focus on God’s redemptive work—not just your personal narrative

What it takes to create a compelling, structured, and biblically rich study

How she moved forward in publishing—without relying on a large platform

Encouragement for women who feel called to teach the Word, even if they feel unqualified

If you’ve sensed the Lord prompting you to turn your hard story into something that strengthens others, this episode will inspire and equip you to take the next faithful step.

Tune in and be encouraged that your story, surrendered to God, can become a study that sets others free.

You can access the materials referenced in this episode here:

Link to download the Introduction and first chapter free: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w... and here: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w...

For over two decades, Tim Challies has been a consistent voice in the Christian blogging world, encouraging believers with clarity, conviction, and biblical truth. As a pastor, author, and one of the internet’s most prolific Christian writers, Tim has modeled what it means to steward the written word with faithfulness and purpose.

In this special interview, we talked with Tim about his long-standing commitment to the craft of writing. How does he stay inspired? What habits sustain his daily discipline? And what encouragement does he have for writers who want to press on when motivation wanes?

Whether you're just starting or have been writing for years, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to pursue the work God has set before you—faithfully, diligently, and for His glory.

Join us for this behind-the-scenes conversation on longevity, calling, and the joy of steady obedience in the writing life.

You don't want to miss it!

If you want to join a writing community and grow in the art and heart of writing, the Writers' Bloc is the place to be. Join our free community today. https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1435...

Tim shares some of his systems for staying inspired and organized, and we reference this post in this interview: https://www.challies.com/resources/th...

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc, we sit down with Ashe of America, a journalist and conservative pundit known for her sharp insights and fearless commentary. As a writer for Badlands Media, Ashe analyzes the day's news stories, breaking down current events with a critical eye and a deep understanding of cultural and political trends.

We’ll explore her journey into journalism, her approach to news analysis in an era of media polarization, and what it means to be a conservative voice in today’s landscape. Ashe will share the challenges of staying true to her convictions in the public square, the role of faith in her work, and how she navigates the ever-changing world of media.

Whether you're a writer, journalist, or someone who values independent thought, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Ashe’s work and perspective. You won't want to miss!

Ashe Epp is a writer, podcaster, federal pro se victor, and election integrity activist in Colorado. You can find her on Badlands Media six days a week and find all her work at http://linktree.com/asheinamerica

Kori Frazier Morgan is an author, disciple, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of West Virginia University's Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program, she is the author of two books, The Goodbye-Love Generation: A Novel in Stories, and Why I Dyed My Hair Purple and Other Unorthodox Stories. She is the founder and Chief Literary Strategist of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services company that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers.

Are you wondering how to better manage yourself and your life as a writer? We all have strengths and weaknesses, and when we're a one-woman show, we have to wear all the hats. 

Carla will help us understand what it means to lead ourselves well and how to find those who can help us fill in the gaps of our weaknesses.

Carla H. Hayden is passionate about raising up the next generation of women leaders for the Kingdom of God…one conversation at a time. As a Maturity Mentor, Carla uses group mentoring and 1:1 clarity sessions - affectionately referred to as “Mentoring with Mama” and “Coffee with Carla” - to lead, guide, and mentor younger women - whether young in age or young in stage - in their personal, professional, and spiritual development. 

As a Marketplace Shepherd, Carla uses her gifts of connection, communication, and coaching to help individuals, teams, and companies eliminate inefficiencies, establish order out of chaos, and enhance a culture of clarity and accountability. 

Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Carla and her family have called Indianapolis, IN, home for the last 25+ years. She thrives on meaningful conversations over coffee or cocktails, enjoys photo-journaling snippets of her story, and loves traveling—whether exploring local gems or venturing abroad.  

Carla contributes her Working Geniuses of Discernment and Tenacity to every project she puts her hands to, and unashamedly declares that Gifts and Words of Affirmation are at the top of her Love Languages list. 

You can connect with her on Instagram (@coffee_with_carla), LinkedIn (@Carla H. Hayden), or visit her website at coffeewithcarla.com.

Becky Kopitzke is a multi-published author and founder of The Inspired Business, a coaching hub dedicated to helping content creators and coaches monetize their passion work in order to keep it sustainable. A veteran blogger, freelance writer, speaker, and writing coach, Becky’s sweet spot is in digital product sales funnels, an ideal method for getting paid to grow your audience. 

Becky and her husband Chad are building the life they love from home offices in northeast Wisconsin, where they share precious space with their two teen daughters, tables stacked with homework, and two devoted office dogs. Becky is a big fan of matcha lattes, family game nights, historical fiction, and pretty much anything chocolate.  Find Becky online at theinspiredbusiness.co and beckykopitzke.com. 

Join us for this conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee—a writer, former news journalist, and farmer’s wife from Iowa. She’s an acquisitions editor for Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and the author of several books, including Growing Slow and her newest release, Stuff I’d Only Tell God. Jennifer writes with honesty, hope, and trust in God’s timing. Whether she’s talking about slowing down, telling the truth, or growing in grace, she invites us to live rooted and authentically. Learn about the connection between seasons and your writing and creative life, how guided journaling can help you heal and find your creative angle, and the spiritual lessons we can learn from corn. Yes, you read that correctly. Corn. 🌽 You won't want to miss it!

Because Instagram is visual, with over 500 million daily users, writers will find it can be a strong tool to help them find their voice, develop their personal brand, and build their following. Like any tool, however, results depend on how often and how well it's handled. Michelle will help you identify your God-given message, teach you how to engage with Instagram users, and show you how to use the data to create community. 

Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. Named as one of the White House’s “Women Working to Do Good,” Hannah has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, Glamour, USATODAY.com, the Chicago Tribune, and more. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Lane, and daughter, Novalee. Find Hannah at hannahbrencher.com. Her newest book, “The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World,” was released on September 17. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and audio formats wherever books are sold.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your words in front of the right readers, today’s episode is for you. SEO—Search Engine Optimization—might sound technical or even intimidating, but it’s actually a powerful way to steward our writing well. When used wisely, SEO isn’t about chasing algorithms—it’s about making sure the messages God has placed on our hearts reach the people who need them most.

Join us for this conversation with Jana Carlson, a professional SEO content writer who views SEO as a blessing for Christian writers. We’ll be talking about:

• 
  

  How SEO fits into a biblical perspective of stewardship.

  
  


• 
  

  Simple, actionable SEO strategies for writers.

  
  


• 
  

  The impact of AI on SEO and what Christian writers should know.

  
  

Whether you’re just starting to build an online presence or looking to refine your approach, this conversation will equip you to write faithfully and reach more readers—without compromising your message.

Jana has created "Simple SEO for Christian Writers" a beginner's course for learning SEO. With your purchase, you'll also receive a free membership to the Writers' Bloc.  Sign up today! 

If you’re like many writers, self-editing might feel like the hardest part of the process. Maybe you love drafting but dread revising. Maybe grammar and punctuation rules feel overwhelming, and you're unsure where to start. The good news? Editing doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Join us for this fun conversation with author Deborah Pettit, a grammar, punctuation, and self-editing expert. She’s here to help us polish our prose so we can present our best work to the world. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 
  

  Why self-editing is crucial for every writer.

  
  


• 
  

  Simple tricks for remembering grammar and punctuation rules.

  
  


• 
  

  How to approach editing without feeling overwhelmed.

  
  

Deborah’s practical advice will help you edit like a pro—without the frustration. Whether you’re prepping a manuscript for publication or want to clean up your blog posts, this conversation will equip you with tools to elevate your writing.

Follow Deborah Pettit at deborahpettit.com, and don’t forget to check out The Writers' Bloc for more resources, encouragement, and writing community. Create a FREE account today! 

If you’re a new writer, you know the doubts can be loud—Is my writing good enough? Will anyone read this? Am I even a real writer? That inner critic? She can be relentless. But today, we’re learning how to turn down the volume of self-doubt and turn up the grace.

In this episode, we're joined by Jill McCormick, a writer, speaker, and podcast host of "Grace in Real Life." Jill shares her heart for encouraging women to let go of perfection and embrace the grace of God in their creative pursuits. If you’ve ever felt stuck in comparison, paralyzed by fear, or unsure where to even start, Jill’s wisdom will remind you that writing is a journey, not a test you have to ace on the first try.

You’ll walk away from this episode feeling lighter, freer, and ready to write with confidence, knowing that grace is enough.

Stay connected with Jill McCormick by following her at www.jillemccormick.com  and on Instagram @jillemccormick. You can always find more writing encouragement and community at The Writers' Bloc. Create a FREE account today!

Join us for this fun conversation with the Queen of copywriting, Ashlyn Carter. Ashlyn’s fun, best-friend style is instantly engaging, and she knows how to craft words to get your people to buy, like, and follow. As a Christian writer and creative, working in both the Christian and secular realms, she understands the advantages and pitfalls of building an online platform. Come listen and be inspired in your own platform-building pursuits for the glory of God.  
 

Ashlyn Carter – Conversion Copywriter, Marketing Strategist, and Founder of Ashlyn Writes

Ashlyn Carter is a sought-after conversion copywriter and marketing strategist specializing in helping creative entrepreneurs and business owners craft words that work. As the founder of Ashlyn Writes, Ashlyn has supported over 5,000 clients and students with her signature approach to persuasive copywriting, blending her love for storytelling with strategic marketing principles to deliver measurable results.

A former public relations professional and agency director, Ashlyn traded Fortune 500 boardrooms for small business coaching after experiencing burnout and discovering her passion for empowering entrepreneurs. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Southern Living, and Entrepreneur, and she’s a trusted voice in helping businesses master messaging through launches, email sequences, and website copy that converts.

When she’s not crafting copy or teaching her renowned “Copywriting for Creatives” course, Ashlyn enjoys diving into good books, exploring her Southern roots, and spending quality time with her husband and children.

Ashlyn’s engaging personality, deep expertise, and actionable advice make her a favorite among podcast hosts and audiences alike. Whether you're navigating the art of storytelling, launching strategies, or overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, Ashlyn’s insights are sure to inspire and empower listeners.

Learn more about Ashlyn and her many copy-related services at ashlynwrites.com.

Riley Cross is a SciFi author who loves merging the elements of fantasy, science, and reality together. When not taking care of her two children, typing away at her next story, or teaching in the classroom, she enjoys brewing chocolate coffee and dancing to a random playlist. 

Creating relationships around our message is the goal of most Christian writers.  We want to help people grow, change, and live out their God-given purpose. As writers, we are often in the background, working quietly behind-the-scenes, and we aren't aware of the work the Spirit does in the hearts of our readers. However, we can get to know the real-life needs of our readers by engaging with them in meaningful and practical ways.

In this episode of the Writers Bloc Podcast learn some practical ways you can get to know your readers and build community around their needs both online and in real-life. Our guest, Rose Jordan is a writer, speaker, podcaster, creative, and Devotional Life Mentor. She has taken her message of creating a devotional life you love and created a vibrant, engaged community of readers. Join our conversation and learn how Rose has built an engaged community around her message and takeaway some practical ideas of how you can do the same.

You can learn more about Rose, her writing, and community on her website: https://beneaththefigtree.org/

If you want to access more of Rose's teaching and all the features of the Writers' Bloc, you can join our Premium plan for only $27 per month.

How do we handle Scripture with care as we create content? As writers, we must be confident in our accurate use of Scripture. Join us in a conversation with Angie Bauhman, a Bible study teacher and leader of Stead On University, as she shares her step-by-step Bible study method to help you understand and apply Scripture to your life. She will also share how the overflow of your connection with God's Word shines through your writing projects. This is an important topic for Christians (writers and not) to handle the Word of Truth rightly! You won't want to miss it.

You can learn more about Angie and her work at https://livesteadyon.com/

If you want to learn from Angie's additional teaching and many other resources for Christian writers, join us on the Writers' Bloc. You can join for free here.

Join us in this fun episode, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Benjamin Vrbicek, author of Blogging for God's Glory in a Clickbait World. Benjamin is a teaching pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is the managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He has contributed to various platforms, including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and For The Church.

Benjamin shared insights into the dynamic nature of online writing, and how to persevere in the ever-changing digital landscape. He highlighted that while trends and platforms may shift, the commitment to producing meaningful, God-honoring content remains constant.

We also delved into the complexities of social media and platform building and how Christian writers can make glorifying God our main aim.

For more of Benjamin's work, visit his blog, Fan and Flame, where he shares reflections on the Bible, culture, and pastoral ministry. Additionally, explore Gospel-Centered Discipleship, an organization dedicated to cultivating writers and resources that make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus.

One way to blog for God's glory is to join a community of Christian writers who are also seeking to honor the Lord with their craft. You can join us in that effort on the Writers' Bloc. Join for free today!

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level with Pinterest? Join Paige C. Clark, a digital marketing pro, as she shows you how to unlock Pinterest’s potential for your brand. Join us for a fun conversation about how you can create eye-catching pins, optimize captions, and drive more traffic to your website. Whether you're just starting or want to up your Pinterest game, this conversation will help you walk away with simple, actionable steps to grow your brand. Let’s get pinning and watch your writing platform thrive!

You can follow Paige and her writing at https://paigecclark.com/

Paige's second teaching mentioned in this episode is available for paid members of the Writers' Bloc. If you want to join the Writers' Bloc and take advantage of our FREE membership option, you can do so here. 

We'll see you next time on the Bloc!

As a writing coach and developmental Editor, Stephanie Miller knows what makes good writing stand out. Join us for this craft-oriented conversation as Stephanie guides us through our writing "closets" and shows us how to dress up our stories to serve our audiences. Just like the right accessory completes an outfit, asking yourself the right questions as you write will make your story and written word sparkle and shine.

You can follow Stephanie on her website at: https://www.butterfly-beginnings.com/ or find her on social media at https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemillercoach/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

Pamela Henkelman had a successful speaking career when she decided to start writing. Her writing journey was one of many lessons over the years. At first, she thought she wanted to write about intimacy with God and our identity in Christ, but then she became an empty nester, and her passions changed. Often, when the Lord pivots our focus, our writing focus needs to pivot with it. Join us for this fun conversation as Pamela will share how we can gain the courage to step into God's calling.

You can follow Pamela on her website at: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/pam.henkelman/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!