Writers Circle

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

The Writers Circle is a podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Andersons interviews authors and experts about the writing life.