Writers Circle

Feeling stuck trying to grow your platform—and not sure what actually works? You’re not alone. Building a platform can feel like shouting into the void. But today’s guest, Kathleen Kerr of Alive Literary, brings clarity with a tool she calls "The Platform Pyramid"—a fresh, strategic approach that actually makes sense. No gimmicks, no burnout. Just smart steps to grow your audience with purpose. 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 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   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/  

There’s a problem with publishing. It feels like quantity trumps quality. Those with big platforms get book deals. Meanwhile, many who have something worthwhile to say get ignored. But it’s not all bad news. Today’s guest, Jackie Hill Perry, proves it’s possible to have a massive following and still deliver powerful content. She explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how she hopes the industry will change in favor of those with something to say一regardless of their platform numbers. As a master communicator, Jackie unpacks:   How to discern if you should write a book How to balance creativity and clarity Why the grueling work of writing a book is worth it  How to choose a book topic How to protect your voice in the editing process By the end of this episode, you’ll worry less about the size of your platform. You’ll be free to write from the heart. And thanks to Jackie’s wisdom, you’ll save time focusing on what matters.        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/  

A lot of writers struggle with the idea of building a platform. Some of us lack motivation because it seems impossible to get noticed in today’s noisy world. Some of us get pulled into the black hole of social media, depleting our energy and resorting to gimmicks to try and promote our writing. In Part 2 of this conversation with literary agent Curtis Yates, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how to navigate the tension between promoting our work on one hand and surrendering the outcome on the other. Some of his big ideas include:   - Why we should think about platform as stewardship - How to organically and strategically grow your audience - How to cultivate community through a newsletter If the idea of building a platform feels overwhelming or discouraging to you, this episode is for you. Curtis gives a ton of practical pointers to help you take steps towards growth.        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/  

Why does your platform matter so much to publishers? Isn’t good writing enough? Is it necessary to become an online personality just to land a book deal?    You’ve probably asked these questions, as you watch countless writers exhaust themselves trying to gain traction on social media. It’s noble to want to exit the circus and focus on what matters: writing.   When it comes to platform, writers make two key mistakes. First, they ignore it altogether. But if publishers look for momentum, and don’t see it, it’s unlikely you’ll get a book deal. Second, writers try to gather followers across too many platforms. It’s too much to manage, and they ultimately give up. Today’s guest offers a better way. Curtis Yates is a lawyer, literary agent, and author coach at Yates & Yates一the agency his father founded. In this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how the digital age has shifted the publishing world. Discoverability, which was once confined to brick and mortar bookstores, has moved onto the internet and social media. If you want to win the game, you have to know the rules. Curtis offers insight about why publishing has changed so dramatically in the last 10-15 years, and what you as a writer can do about it.   This episode is Part 1 of 2. Stay tuned for the second half next week.        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/

As a Christian writer, it’s likely that you interact with scripture in your work. Sometimes you retell a story from the Bible, or quote a verse, or reference an idea. And every time we do, there’s a responsibility to handle scripture well.    But how do we do that? Today’s guest is Trillia Newbell, a prolific author, speaker, and the acquisitions director at Moody Publishers. She is a powerhouse of wisdom, and particularly gifted at teaching the Bible, whether on a stage to an audience, or in a book to readers.    In this conversation, Trilla explains to senior editor WIll Parker Anderson:    Why her writing process starts with God, not cultural topics Why you should know the differences between Christian publishers  How to summarize your book idea in one word How to overcome fear about publishing your thoughts   By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer vision of how God transforms the world through words. And how your words can play a part in his redeeming work.        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/

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