Writers Circle – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

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

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Will's Instagram: @willparkeranderson

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

It's easy to lose yourself as a writer.

With good intentions, we start with a message we think the world needs. It's about helping others, not building a brand. And yet, steadily and silently, the lure of fame and approval seeps into our bones. We long to see our name on the front cover. Publishers demand social media numbers that are moving up and to the right. We compare ourselves to others, which leads to pride on some days and discouragement on others.

The desire to be published is noble, but how do we preserve our souls in the process?

In this episode, Jenni Burke, who is a literary agent and the CEO of Illuminate Literary, shares her heart for authors. She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:

• Why author coaching should always include soul care

• The importance of rest, reflection, and play

• How to stay connected to Jesus in a dizzying industry

• The elements of a winning book proposal

• How to find satisfaction regardless of your audience size

By the end of this episode, you'll have practical strategies for positioning yourself well in a crowded market. Even more importantly, your soul will be postured in a place of contentment and peace. 

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/

What if people looked forward to your writing every week? What if they eagerly waited for your newsletter to hit their inbox?

Unfortunately, a lot of writers resort to spammy, gimmicky tactics to gain readers. This might work for a short while, but eventually, people unsubscribe. For others, they've tried to create a weekly newsletter, but eventually give up. Writing consistently is difficult.

Today's guest, Jon Tyson, has one of the fastest growing newsletters in his space. As the lead pastor of Church of the City New York, Jon has every excuse to flake on his weekly emails. Beyond pastoring a large congregation, he runs a nonprofit, travels and speaks extensively, and writes books.

Despite all these responsibilities, Jon is fiercely committed to putting out his weekly newsletter一even when it's 1am and he'd rather be asleep. He's an ideal tutor, and in this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson:

• How to create a newsletter that actually brings value

• Why consistency is crucial

• How the title of your book directly impacts sales

• The power of a burning message

By the end of this episode, you'll be inspired and equipped to build your audience through a newsletter, Substack, social media, or whatever medium you use to share your writing. As Jon says in this episode: "Words have the power to change the world, so choose them well."

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/

Finding the right tone in your writing is difficult. How do you balance knowledge with humility? Challenge with grace? Creativity with clarity?

Most people toggle between all of these, hoping their words land. But it feels like a guessing game. Today's guest, Steve Carter, gives this helpful advice: Write to your former self. What do you wish you knew 10 years ago? An author of several books, including his most recent release, Grieve, Breathe, Receive, Steve chops it up with editor Will Parker Anderson about:

• Why writing in community will dramatically nurture your craft

• How to communicate on the page vs. stage

• How to focus and create time to write

• The importance of choosing your lane as a writer

Steve is a master communicator, whether speaking in front of a live audience or sharing through his books. As you listen to this episode, Steve's pastoral wisdom, heart for people, and creativity as a communicator will impact you. You'll feel like you're at a coffee shop, sitting across from a friend. And you'll walk away with a clearer vision of your calling to write.

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/

Steve's new book: Grieve, Breathe, Receive 

Steve's website: https://www.stevecarter.org/

In this episode, Will Parker Anderson interviews Megan Hill, managing editor at The Gospel Coalition, about the intricacies of writing and getting published. They delve into crafting a winning article, avoiding common pitfalls, and valuing feedback. Megan shares tips on finding unique angles, structuring pieces, and creating compelling introductions. 

She highlights the editor's role as a supportive ally and discusses balancing feedback with maintaining one's voice. They also explore the healing power of words, drawing from Megan's book on church hurt, and the challenge of blending honesty with hope. 

Some key takeaways:

• How to pitch an article that gets noticed

• Most common mistakes writers make

• Why shifting your audience brings freshness to a concept

• How words have the power to heal 

• How to balance honesty with hopefulness, especially when writing on difficult topics 

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/

Good writing is provocative. It grabs your attention, not as click bait, but because it resonates with reality一it names the ache you feel in everyday life. It emboldens you to stay in the fight, to forgive, to grow.

Unfortunately, it's easier to be predictable than prophetic. On one hand, some writers go over the top to gain attention, without offering people something of substance. But on the other hand, thoughtful writers sometimes come off predictable and, in the end, few people pay attention.

Today's guest has the rare gift of both substance and style. Dr. Mason, who pastors Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, shares with senior editor Will Anderson: 

• Why followers of Jesus should write about topics that raise eyebrows

• How to interact and listen to your audience, to help you write better

• Why writing is one of the primary ways God changes the world

If you desire to fuel your own writing life and vision, make sure to listen to the end. Dr. Mason drops some encouragement that will inspire and fuel your craft.

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/

Dr. Mason's website: https://www.pastoremase.com/

If you don't market your book, don't expect anyone to read it. 

That sounds harsh, right? The problem is, most writers assume that good writing is enough to garner reader attention. They pour countless hours into creating content, but give little thought to packaging and marketing it. Readers won't come to a book if they don't even know it exists.

If we're being real, few of us know how to market something in the first place.

That's why today's conversation with literary agent Don Gates is so crucial. Don comes to his work with a pastoral mindset, along with some serious marketing muscle. He shares with senior editor Will Parker Anderson how to find your audience while refusing to compromise your convictions along the way.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The basics of what a literary agent does 

• Why writers even need agents

• How to successfully market your ideas

• How to build a platform with integrity

Stick with us through this whole episode, because at the very end, Don gives some sobering advice to writers that you should definitely hear. 

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/

Don's website: the-gates-group.com

Ever feel like social media is draining your soul? But you can't let it go because you're trying to build a platform to appease publishers? It's a common conundrum.

A lot of writers invest hours posting on social, with limited results. It's discouraging and draining. On the other hand, writers who ditch social feel left out一like they've committed career suicide. 

Is there a way to build an author platform without being a victim to the merciless algorithm? 

Today's guests, Sandy Cooper and Mary Tiller, share their story about struggling to get noticed on social media. Ultimately, when they recognized it was distracting them from their calling一things like family, writing, and stewarding time well一they both did something very countercultural: They walked away from social media altogether.

Along the way, they discovered dozens of other writers experiencing the same disillusionment, who lacked an alternative approach to building a readership. So they pioneered a movement called Writing Off Social.

In this episode, Sandy and Mary share with Will Parker Anderson:

• Effective ways to build a platform without social media

• How to evaluate if social is helping or hindering your happiness

• Encouragement that your writing matters, even when publishers dismiss you

By the end of this episode, you will have a treasure trove of new ideas for building your platform. This is not a hit piece on social media一it's a thoughtful conversation that will provoke honest self reflection, and nudge your mind, body, and soul toward health.

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/

Mary and Sandy's website: https://writingoffsocial.com/

Why is it so hard to make time to write? With good intentions, we set out to create a regular rhythm, only to get distracted or discouraged, and it fades away.

If you struggle to write regularly, it's probably because you haven't discovered the secret to forming a lasting habit. No shame一it's easier said than done.

Today's guest, Justin Whitmel Earley, is uniquely qualified to help us. Professionally, Justin is the author of three incredible books, which he managed to write while working as a full-time corporate lawyer. Personally, he's a husband, popular speaker, and father to three boys. Needless to say, he's overqualified to instruct us how to cultivate the writing life in the midst of life's chaos.

Justin shares with Will Parker Anderson about the following:

• How to make time to write, even when it feels impossible

• 3 key strategies that will improve your craft

• Why risk is crucial to the writing life

By the end of this episode, you will have practical steps to help you write more regularly. Away with good intentions (and the guilt we feel when we flake on them). 

Together, let's learn to steward our craft in a way that's life-giving, even when our schedules feel maxed out.

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/

Justin's Books: 

The Common Rule

Habits of the Household

Made for People