Writers Circle

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  

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/

Join Justin Whitmel Earley, a full-time corporate lawyer and author of three books, as he dives into the chaos of balancing a writing life. He shares practical strategies to carve out time for writing, even amidst distractions. Discover the importance of risk in the creative process and how personal connections can enhance your craft. Justin emphasizes establishing consistent habits and navigating challenges, encouraging writers to embrace their callings with discipline and joy.

Welcome to episode #1, with author and pastor, Rich Villodas, the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York. This one’s fun because Will Parker Anderson is Rich’s editor at Waterbrook, so they invite you behind-the-scenes to reveal the unique relationship between writer and editor—the good, the awkward, and everything in between. They discuss the vulnerability and productivity of the editing process, as they worked together on Rich's forthcoming book, The Narrow Path. Other highlights include:    What is it like to pour so much energy and effort into a manuscript, to then receive it back from an editor, all marked up? How do we prepare our hearts to receive feedback well? Why is feedback essential to growth?   By the end of this episode, you’ll have way less fear about showing your work to others. And a renewed commitment to grow in your craft through the input of others.       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/ Rich’s books:  The Narrow Path Good and Beautiful and Kind The Deeply Formed Life