Your Best Writing Life

Linda Goldfarb
undefined
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min

How to Write Short Kindle Books to Maximize Your Impact with Shelley Hitz

What did you think of this episode?Writing short-length Kindle books can maximize your impact, make you money, and increase your audience reach.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During today's popular encore episode, we cover the benefits for Christian writers in writing small Kindle books. My industry expert is Shelley Hitz. Shelley has mentored writers since 2010. Her experience in writing 58 books and selling over half a million copies solidifies that she's our go-to gal for today. Shelley and her husband, CJ, are the hosts of the Kingdom Writers podcast, and together, they create a powerful team to help you accomplish your goals with their membership in Christian Book Academy. They have often been called “pastors for writers.”You’ll find out:Why do smaller books sell well? How is a shorter book a quick win for you as an author?What length should your book be to maximize your impact? Where to start as you write a shorter book? Stick around until the end; we have a great giveaway. LINKSShelley HitzJoin the Christian Book Academy Publishing Map DownloadVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jul 29, 2025 • 32min

Top Strategies to Grow a Writer’s Following with Kathi Lipp

What did you think of this episode?Are you ready to build a following that thrives? Kathi Lipp is here to share tips for writers on how you can grow your fan base.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. My industry expert is Kathi Lipp. Kathi is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including The Accidental Homesteader, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free. As a writing and marketing coach, she is also the host of the Writing at the Red House Podcast. She runs both The Writing at the Red House Retreats and The Red House Writers Collective – a writing program that helps authors develop their writing, their platform, and their business. Kathi lives on her Red House mini homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens, where she holds cozy writer retreats for content creators.Many authors and content creators struggle with the idea of "niching down." Given your focus on specific topics like clutter and homesteading, what are your thoughts on the importance of finding a niche? What role has social media played in growing your audience? Do you have any platform-specific strategies that have proven particularly effective? How do you balance the fine line between providing valuable free content and promoting paid products like your books? LINKSKathi LippKathi's book - The Accidental HomesteaderFacebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLippInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/kathilippVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jul 22, 2025 • 44min

YouTube Hacks for Writers with Annette Reeder

What did you think of this episode?Are you taking advantage of YouTube? Listen in as Linda Goldfarb and Annette Reeder provide practical YouTube tips to help you expand your writing reach.In this much-sought-after encore episode, Linda's industry expert is Annette Reeder, the Biblical Nutritionist. It was a summer evening on the lawn of a camp meeting that God called Annette into missions. Today, without getting on a plane or traveling through the bush, she is sharing the Gospel around the globe via YouTube – to over 125 countries and more than 20 million viewers, with over 480,000 subscribers.During our episode, Annette and I discuss the following:Why writers should consider doing a YouTube channel.How to get started?Does it pay to be on YouTube?How do you do YouTube for fiction and non-fiction?How does YouTube grow my audience?Check out: These amazing freebies from Annette Reeder Annette Reeder on YouTubeMore about Annette ReederThe Biblical Nutrition AcademyVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jul 16, 2025 • 33min

Create Book Trailers to Grow Your Platform with Shannon Redmon

What did you think of this episode?Book trailers can boost your author platform. In this encore episode, Shannon Redmon and Linda Goldfarb discuss how writers can create book trailers. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer.Please welcome, Shannon Redmon. Shannon remembers the first grown-up book she checked out from the neighborhood bookmobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen, and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop teenage chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.  She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author, and her greatest hope is for her stories to immerse readers into a world of suspense and escape while encouraging faith, hope, and love in Christ.   She has six books published by Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line—Cave of Secrets, Secrets Left Behind, Mistaken Mountain Abduction, Christmas Murder Cover-up, Unraveling Killer Secrets, and Mountain Murder Threat.​​Shannon is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. In this episode, you will learn the basics about Book Trailers Types of Software to Use for Videos What not to do Where to find audio clips and licensingWhere to find video clips and licensingTips for writing scriptsLINKSShannon RedmonSign up for The Jail Cell  Shannon's Giveaway - Book Trailers PDSF DownloadShannon Redmon on FacebookExamples of Book Trailers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljAN23iRPFrZzAJxWcnD0FbWhZbQ3hLRShannon Redmon's BooksDaVinci Resolve 17Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jul 8, 2025 • 34min

Use Spiritual Themes to Improve Fiction Writing with Heather Norman Smith

What did you think of this episode?Learn how using fiction for kingdom causes can improve your writing. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn how to incorporate biblical themes to enhance your writing.My industry expert is Heather Norman Smith - Heather is the author of Christian Fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. Her goal is to entertain and encourage readers while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She lives just outside Winston-Salem, NC, with her husband, their four children, and several pets.Today we discuss:What do you mean by “Kingdom causes”?In addition to the gospel, what are some Biblical themes Fiction writers utilize to build a story? Biblical references: James 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14, Hebrews 13:3, Proverbs 19:37How does focusing on spiritual themes help you as a writer?What advice do you have for a Fiction writer who gets stuck in their writing?How do you incorporate spiritual themes organically into a story?LINKSHeather Norman SmithTimeout for Jesus DownloadSongs for Sunday BookIf you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.About your host - Linda GoldfarbBesides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, co-owner, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series. Linda also hosts the Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jul 1, 2025 • 35min

Five Tips to Help You Thrive as a Writer with Larry J. Leech II

What did you think of this episode?First-time writers, learn from the best. Larry J. Leech II shares five tips to help writers be successful.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer.Writing coach to award-winning authors, Larry J. Leech II, has spent over forty years writing and editing.He began his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he covered prep sports and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, Larry transitioned to writing and editing, having published over 2,300 articles and conducted more than 13,000 interviews.Since that time, he has ghostwritten 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process.For over a decade, Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences across the nation. You can find him online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.Larry shares with Linda:Common mistakes writers make when starting their careers How to rectify mistakes before they ruin your writingWhy each writer needs to get connected, be a sponge, be a rewriter, market, market, market, and think like a publisher.  LINKSContact Larry J. Leech IILarry's Terrible 30 - Words to eliminateWriter's DigestVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jun 24, 2025 • 41min

How to Recognize and Utilize REAL Online Engagement with Teresa Janzen

What did you think of this episode?Are you wasting time trying to engage with your readers online?  Today’s guest will help us recognize and benefit from genuine engagement. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to stop wasting your time "trying" to engage on social media, with the help of The Engagement Blueprint.My industry expert is Teresa Janzen. Teresa empowers individuals to break free from their ruts and discover peace, purpose, and passion in their work, life, and relationships. She is an award-winning author, international speaker, certified emotional health coach, and editor-in-chief at Abundance Books.Teresa, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!How to Recognize and Utilize REAL Online EngagementYou teach that online engagement is more than just getting likes or shares.What does ‘real engagement’ look like?What is the main reason it is so difficult to engage with people on social media?You talk about shifting from a platform mindset to a community mindset.Why is that especially important for Christian communicators today? Listener giveaway…The Engagement Blueprint downloadClick here for the Christian Creative Community.Click here for author resources and submission info.https://www.Abundance-books.comVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jun 17, 2025 • 38min

Five Ways to Grow Your Non-Fiction Platform with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

What did you think of this episode?Linda Goldfarb and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith offer tips and strategies to help non-fiction writers build their platform.Linda's industry expert, Dr. Saundra, is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and award-winning author. She is an international well-being thought-leader featured in numerous media outlets, including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, INC, CNN Health, and TED.com. She is the author of numerous books, including her bestseller, Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, which offers insight into the seven types of rest needed to optimize productivity, increase overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 250,000 people have discovered their rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com. Dr. Saundra, it's great to have you back on Your Best Writing Life.In this encore episode on growing a Non-fiction platform, Dr. Saundra and Linda discuss five ways you can build your platform with or without a published book. Are you concerned about coming across as overly salesy to your readers? No worries, they discuss how to effectively promote your book and the ideal platform size to aim for to achieve publishing success.LINKSDr. Saundra Dalton-SmithTake the Rest QuizGet your copy of Sacred RestEnjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcastVisit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life PodcastJoin fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeVisit the website of our host, Linda GoldfarbVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jun 10, 2025 • 35min

Locating Book Endorsers and Leveraging Book Endorsements with Ginny Brant

What did you think of this episode?Finding the right endorsers for your book is possible!If you have endorsers, are they the right fit for your book? Today’s encore episode shares six essential tips for finding and leveraging the best endorsements for your book. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in; during this highly praised encore episode, you’ll learn the … Top Six Tips to Find and Use Book Endorsements.My industry expert is… Ginny Brant. Ginny is a speaker and writer who grew up in our nation’s capital. Her award-winning book, Finding True Freedom, was endorsed by Chuck Colson. Her recent book, Unleash Your God-given Healing, has won five awards. Both books received media interviews nationwide. Ginny has also written over 200 articles. Ginny shares her Top Three Tips to Locate Endorsersand her Top Three Tips to Leverage Endorsements :Endorsers can be used to validate and market a book. Choose endorsers who bring different perspectives to your book’s message. Be intentional in who you choose to write the forward. LINKSListener giveaway - Free tips for Reducing Risk for Breast Cancer  www.ginnybrant.com/unleashUnleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancerhttps://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Your-God-Given-Healing-Prevent/dp/1973688123/      Finding True Freedom, From the White House to the World https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-White-House-World/dp/1936143097 You can find out more about Ginny Brant www.ginnybrant.com https://www.facebook.com/ginny.d.brant/  https://www.instagram.com/ginnydentbrant/     https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-brant-aa5153a/ Ginny Brant's Books:https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Your-God-Given-Healing-Prevent/dp/1973688123/https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-White-House-World/dp/1936143097 Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
undefined
Jun 3, 2025 • 26min

How to Write the Way God Designed You to Write with Heather Greer

What did you think of this episode?Are you writing based on popular opinion or by God’s design? Today’s guest shares tips to help you write based on your uniqueness. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to write the Way God Designed You to write.My industry expert is Heather Greer. Heather is a multi-published author, including three Selah Award finalists. In her fiction writing, Heather creates characters who live their faith, one story at a time. In addition to fiction, Heather writes and speaks to encourage authors to write with passion, equipped to experience the success God has for them. Her latest book, You Write You: Freedom for the God-designed Writer in You, is available where books are sold.  How to Write the Way God Designed You to Write1. What does finding freedom for the God-created writer in you mean? 2. If a writer’s personality traits and circumstances don’t fit or work well with the current writing styles, tools, and rules, does that mean they are destined to fail?  3. Does this mean writers are free to toss out any ideas, tools, or methods they don’t like and still write well? You can learn more about Heather below.Heather Greer Website Heather Greer’s book You Write YouHeather Greer Newsletter Sign Up Heather Greer, Amazon Author Central Heather Greer on Facebook Heather Greer on Instagram Heather Greer on Pinterest Heather Greer on X Heather Greer on LinktreeVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app