Writers Circle

Feedback is terrifying. It’s vulnerable to have your writing scrutinized, especially when you’ve poured so much of your time, heart, and energy into it. It’s tempting to avoid feedback altogether, but this ignores the overwhelming research on the benefits of coaching and mentorship. We grow faster and more profoundly under the tutelage of others. If you ignore this and go it alone, your craft will suffer.   Today’s guest is a master of feedback, since he’s a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, as well as the author of four fantastic books. In this conversation, Brett McCracken shares with book editor Will Parker Anderson: How to ask for feedback without being a nuisance Common cliches and writing mistakes you should avoid How to spark ideas by reading topically Why you should anchor every piece in a central idea  How to find a writing rhythm that works for your season of life Brett’s seasoned advice will embolden you to see feedback as a primary source of growth. It’s only when we practice together, side by side, that our full potential is realized. In the end, the joy of community eclipses even the sweetest moments of solitary practice.        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/ Brett’s latest books: Uncomfortable, The Wisdom Pyramid

In this engaging conversation, writing coach Ally Fallon shares her journey from aspiring writer to author and mentor, having published 13 books and helped countless others. She delves into the power of personal storytelling for self-discovery, emphasizing that vulnerability can lead to the most compelling narratives. Ally provides practical tips for crafting engaging opening lines and maintaining focus on a unified theme. Listeners learn how to find time for writing amidst busy lives, unlocking their creativity and overcoming self-doubt.

Do modern writers have to be marketers? In a word, yes.    This catches many authors by surprise. Isn’t it the publisher's job to promote a book? Yes, but in today’s publishing climate, marketing is a joint effort一a partnership between author and publisher. In the age of social media, writers are expected to leverage their audience to boost sales.   However, this is daunting for most writers. Where should you start? What platform should you use? What type of content should you post? How often? Today’s guest is a firehose of helpful tips, and a breath of fresh air for anyone who feels intimidated by the task of promotion and marketing. Jordan Raynor is a leading voice in the faith and work movement, and the author of several best-selling books, including Called To Create and Redeeming Your Time. As a lifetime entrepreneur, who feels called by God to start businesses, he shares his best marketing practices with senior editor Will Parker Anderson. His insights include:  The 8 things to look for when choosing a book idea How to beta test every idea with your audience before you start writing  His formula for clarifying your book idea in a single sentence Why one platform is all you need to grow your audience  Don’t fear the marketing monster. With Jordan’s strategies in hand, you can tame it. Jordan’s approach will help you promote your work, while also making you a better writer in the process一one who knows the market and resonates with readers.        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/ Jordan’s books: Called to Create, Redeeming Your Time, The Sacredness of Secular Work 

Do you ever feel like there’s no time to write? Life is busy. As we strive to steward the many aspects of our lives一school, kids, work, church, and family一writing often gets pushed to the backburner. This leads many to conclude: “I’m just not meant to write in this season.” While that may be true, perhaps our expectations about the writing life are misinformed. The average author doesn’t take a yearly retreat in some quaint, exotic location. Instead, they write from the trenches of everyday life. Right in the middle of the mess.   What if God is calling you to write, right where you are? What if your limited bandwidth, when entrusted to him, is more than enough? What if your limits are a chance to see God work through you? In this episode, pastor, speaker, and author Faith Eury Cho shares the story of writing her first book, Experiencing Friendship with God. Spoiler: she didn’t escape to a cabin in the woods for a month. Instead, she wrote in the midst of her life as a mother, wife, and leader. She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson: How to write even when it feels like there’s no time What she learned as a first-time author How to connect with readers in a deep way How to listen for God’s voice as you write How to follow God’s leading, not just industry trends   For every writer that feels strapped for time, burned out, or unproductive, this episode is for you. By the end of this conversation, you’ll be reminded that God sees you and the words you write. Nothing is wasted. In fact, life’s messiest moments are the very place God tends to produce the sweetest fruit.        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/  

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