Your Best Writing Life

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

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

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

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

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

What did you think of this episode?Are you ready to act as your own developmental editor to ensure your story is cohesive, engaging, and effective? Today’s guest has tips for fiction and nonfiction writers. 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 Dress Up Your Story with Tips and Tricks from a Developmental Editor for Fiction and Nonfiction.My guest today is Stephanie Miller. Stephanie is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, a two-time international best-selling author, and the founder of Butterfly Beginnings Coaching. Through coaching, editing, and workshops, she helps faith-filled writers overcome fear, find their voice, and transform their writing. Stephanie empowers authors to confidently pursue their God-given calling. Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Developmental Self-editing for BOTH Fiction and NonfictionThe WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, HOW of writing fiction and nonfiction, and how it relates to dressing up and picking out clothes from your closet.      FICTION:Writing your story is like picking your outfitKnow WHERE you're going (genre and audience expectations)Know WHAT you need to includeKnow WHY you are including content (plot-driven or character-driven). Know HOW to accessorize wisely. (dialogue, backstory, rich sensory detail, etc...)     NONFICTION:Writing your story is like picking your outfitKnow WHERE you're going (identify your clear theme and main points)Know WHO is going to be there (your audience, what do they need to hear?) Think about the type of people who will resonate most with your message.Know WHY you are including content (inform, inspire, entertain).Know HOW you're going to get there (describe the journey). Listener giveaway- Description of the Book Sketch/Transformation Tale (Hero’s journey)  www.butterfly-beginnings.com/booksketchLINKSwww.butterfly-beginnings.comhttps://liveandwritetransformed.substack.comwww.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoachwww.facebook.com/stephaniemillercoachVisit 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

What did you think of this episode?How effective is your brainstorming? Today’s guest shares tips to help you tap into your creativity by brainstorming banana peels.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 the Value of Brainstorming for Writers. My industry expert is Marci Seither. Marci started her writing adventure after her family-humor article was printed in their small-town paper. She has written hundreds of newspaper articles and articles for Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and WORLD magazine. She is a speaker and author of four books.Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Value of Brainstorming for Writers series - Part One: To Connect with Readers This is a Free resource on Brainstorming Banana PeelsCheck out Marci's website to receive your copy of the Southern Christian Writer Magazine  You can find out more about Marci Seither below.Marci Seither websiteMarci Seither on FacebookMarci Seither on InstagramMarci Seither on AmazonVisit 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

What did you think of this episode?Are emotions like jealousy and envy stealing your contentment in God’s plan? As Christian writers and speakers, we are not immune to emotions gone wild. It’s time to embrace a more satisfying life.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 deal with Jealousy, Envy, and impostor syndrome.Say hello to my industry expert, Jane Daly. Jane is addicted to coffee, purple pens, and her husband, not necessarily in that order. A self-proclaimed introvert, she enjoys the solitude of riding shotgun in Rigsby, her 37-foot motor home. But when they pull into a new campground, her favorite thing is to make new friends and find hangouts featuring local musicians. Her fantasy involves writing lyrics for country music songs and listening to them on the radio. In the meantime, she’ll stick to writing novels and seeing as much of the country as possible.Linda - Alright, let’s embrace some soul care today—Dealing with Jealousy, Envy, and Imposter Syndrome.Why is jealousy so harmful to us as writers?How does imposter syndrome keep us from God’s best?What impact does the envy of other writers have on us?  LINKSSign up for Jane's newsletter between now and May 31, 2025, to be included in a drawing for your choice of one of Jane's books - drawing results announced June 2, 2025, in the Your Best Writing Life Facebook group.Jan Daly websitehttps://www.facebook.com/janedalyspeakerandauthorhttps://x.com/JaneDal26031324https://www.instagram.com/thejanesdaly/Where Is My Sister book 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

What did you think of this episode?Writing for Middle Grade isn’t as easy as you might think. Today’s guest shares her top five tips to help you 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 episode, you’ll learn about … Top Five Tips for Writing Successful Middle Grade books.My industry expert is Taryn Souders. Taryn’s middle grade novels have been named to over 25 state award lists. Her book, Coop Knows the Scoop, was a 2021 Edgar Award nominee for Best Juvenile mystery novel and a Maud Hart Lovelace Honor book. The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle won the Florida Book Award and was both an Agatha Award and an Anthony Award nominee.  Alright, let’s head into our content for today.Top Five Tips for Writing Successful Middle Grade:KNOW your audience! Don’t have a bad-looking cover. Don’t preach. You HAVE to have high stakes and tension.Study dialogue. Taryn Souder's new book is releasing in January 2026. It's called SECRETS OF THE BROKEN HOUSE (Sourcebooks Young Readers)You can find out more about Taryn belowWebsite: www.tarynsouders.comX : https://x.com/TarynSoudersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/taryn.soudersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taryn_souders/ Books Taryn recommends:-The Fort by Gordon Korman-The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo-Wild Robot by Peter Brown.Linda suggests any book by Taryn Souders! The Mystery of the Radcliffe RiddleCoop Knows the ScoopHow to (Almost) Ruin Your SummerREGISTER for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers ConferenceREGISTER for the Florida Christian Writers ConferenceInfo on the 2025 FCWCVisit 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

What did you think of this episode?Writing conflict into stories is essential for producing a successful book. Stay tuned. Today’s guest will provide tips for creating effective conflicts for your characters.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 fourth episode of the Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn how to write effective conflict.My industry expert is DiAnn Mills. DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, and Selah awards, and was a finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol Award contests. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country.DiAnn explains the following tips to improve the effectiveness of conflict when you write fiction. These tips also help with writing nonfiction.What creates more conflict?Incorrect understanding of what is going on.The character doesn’t have all the information.The character is being lied to or deceived.The character isn’t sure he/she is making the right decision.For your copy of Diann’s Characterization Sketch, email Diann@DiAnnMills.comSavvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part OneSavvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part TwoSavvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part ThreeLearn more about Diann Mills below. - diannmills.com - facebook.com/diannmills - x.com/diannmills - diannmills.com/articles - bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills - instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/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