Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode?You don’t have to write a book to advance your writing career. Today’s guest offers tips to embrace and benefit from short-form 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 episode, you’ll learn How Short-form Writing Can Advance Your Writing Career.My industry expert is…Lori Hatcher.Lori Hatcher is an editor, women’s ministry speaker, writing instructor, and author of numerous devotional books with Our Daily Bread Publishing, including her latest, A Word for Your Day. Her articles and devotions have appeared in publications such as Focus on the Family, Revive Our Hearts, Upper Room, and Crosswalk.com.Lori Hatcher, welcome back…How Short-form Writing Can Advance Your Writing CareerWe discuss the following:Short-form writing trains you to write for larger projects.Short-form writing helps you build relationships that can connect you to larger projects.Short-form writing doesn’t have to be a stepping stone. It can be an effective and lucrative writing career in itself.LINKS - Lori Hatcher - Author, Speaker, Bloggerwww.LoriHatcher.comRefresh Your FaithRefresh Your PrayersRefresh Your HopeMoments with God for Couplesloriahatcher@gmail.comEase into the Bible: How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence by Jean Wilund   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 ready to PEN your story?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 pen your story.Today's industry expert is Dalene Bickel.Dalene founded Lasting Legacies Publishing, where she works as a ghostwriter, personal biographer, and book coach. She is also the host of the Ink and Impact podcast, the founder of The Inkwell (a Christian writing community), and the creator of Bookworthy Academy (a self-publishing course).Are you ready to PEN your story?P = Pivot; change your mindset or way of doing thingsE = Embrace; embrace the writing process; discover the direction God wants you to take, and then do the work!N = Nurture; attract and interact with your target audience; help them get to know you and God and His truths.Listener giveaway. Here’s the link to Dalene's freebie: https://bookworthyframework.com-The Bookworthy Framework will help you:Write with purpose – craft a life-changing message.Gain clarity – stop second-guessing your content. Discover what to include … and when.Achieve your goals – Amplify your message, build your brand, and scale your mission.LINKSFind out more about Dalene Bickel below:YouTubeInstagramLinkedInDaleneBickel.comThe One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts: Write Your Life Story, One Question at a TimeThank you, friends, for joining us. Please take a moment to share this podcast with another writer or two, give us a star rating, post an episode review, and hit subscribe. I greatly appreciate what you say and what you choose to write. 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 and Caregiving. Is it possible to do both and be successful? Today’s guest is a multi-generational caregiver and a writer. Her story and tips will encourage… and equip you. My industry expert is…Ruthie Gray. Ruthie is a wife, Gigi, empty nester, and content marketing coach for Christian creatives, specializing in Instagram and newsletter growth. Her hobbies include Florida beach walks, RVing with hubby, and reading historical fiction. Ruthie founded Authentic Online Marketing School and podcasts at Authentic Online Marketing (so easy, your mom – or Carol Brady – can do it). Connect with her on Instagram or her website at authenticonlinemarketing.com.LINKSRuthie Gray Book: Empty Nest Awakening Ruthie Gray website: Authentic Online MarketingInstagram: @ruthie_gray_authorVisit 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?Ways to reduce your editing costs. Move through your first, second, and third manuscript drafts without breaking the bank. 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 5 Tips to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Editing.My industry expert is…Lori Hatcher. Lori Hatcher is an editor, women’s ministry speaker, writing instructor, and author of numerous devotional books with Our Daily Bread Publishing, including her latest, A Word for Your Day. Her articles and devotions have appeared in publications such as Focus on the Family, Revive Our Hearts, Upper Room, and Crosswalk.com.5 Tips to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Editing.Here are five things you can do to clean up your manuscript and save hundreds of dollars in editing fees.1. Use contractions, especially in dialogue.One of the most common and easily avoided mistakes I encounter as a copyeditor is the author's repeated failure—or outright refusal—to use contractions in dialogue.2. Check Bible references3. Use people or technology to help you identify your personal repeated/pet/filler words. Every writer has these, but we’re seldom aware of them until someone or something points them out. Pro-writing aid Grammarly4. Be consistent in the capitalization of deity pronouns5. Edit in stages. Please don’t attempt to clean it all up at once.First pass, content. Have you said everything you need to say? Are there any loose threads or elephants in the room that will frustrate or confuse your readers?Second pass, flow, and structure (is there a part where your mind drifted as you listened? Better spice it up. Is there a logical flow of ideas or is it choppy or confusing?Third pass, first and last linesFourth pass, passive verbs, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. This is where your technology comes in.Fifth pass, typos (don’t ignore the squiggles), and final clean-upLINKSLori Hatcher - Author, Speaker, Bloggerwww.LoriHatcher.comRefresh Your FaithRefresh Your PrayersRefresh Your HopeMoments with God for Couplesloriahatcher@gmail.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?Ready to grow your email list by leaps and bounds? Create a lasting email list of readers committed to you and your message of hope.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 Build a Thriving Email List: The Secret No One Wants to Tell You.”My industry expert is…Kristine Brown - Kristine is a ministry wife, mom, stepmom, and Mimi. She loves connecting today’s women with the women of the Bible through her website, freelance writing, and speaking. Any day, you can find her texting her family, checking on neighbors, or searching for a new way to cook broccoli. Kristine and her husband live in East Texas.“When it comes to gaining subscribers, how do I know which strategies work and which don’t, without wasting what limited time I have?” Mindset shift #1: No time is wasted. I will learn as much from the flops as I do from the strong finishes.“I don’t know where to find my readers.” Mindset shift #2: Change the idea of “finding my readers” to building relationships. “I need to build an email list to sell my book.” Mindset shift #3: My email list is not a means to an end. The people should be the goal.“I don’t have time to nurture my audience and still have time to write.” Mindset shift #4: I need to pace myself in marathon mode instead of leaning into the sprint.LINKSTen Strategies to Build a Thriving Email ListWebsite: https://morethanyourself.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristinebrownFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinebrownwriterKristine’s books: https://morethanyourself.com/books-kristine-brownVisit 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?Learn how to make money as a Kingdom Entrepreneur.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts 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. You’ll learn about … How to Monetize Your Books during this episode.My industry expert is… Crystal Daye. Crystal is an award-winning author of 10 books, an international speaker, and the CEO of DayeLight Publishers. She helps authors write, publish, market, and monetize books and is a sought-after expert in personal branding, digital marketing, and book publishing. Crystal also hosts The DayeLight Show and hosts the Reach Millions Author conference, and is the founder of the Kingdom Indie Author Awards.Discover your hidden talents.Be willing to fail, and you will be successful.Unconventional investment in ourselves is a mindset we need to adopt as Kingdom entrepreneurs.Mentorship ProgramsOnline Courses Coaching ProgramsCertification ProgramsMaximizing your content to reach beyond the pages of your book.LINKSwww.Dayelightpublishers.com www.instagram.com/crystalsdayewww.facebook.com/dayelightpublisherswww.instagram.com/dayelightpublishersGrab your free Bestseller Cheatsheet: 20 Practical Steps to Write & Market an Impactful 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?If you’re a new writer, today's episode will clarify some social media myths you need to quit believing. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts 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.My industry expert is…Edie Melson. Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers who is observing life through the lens of her camera. As a popular speaker, Edie encourages and challenges audiences on the necessity of Soul Care and leads workshops throughout the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion for helping others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Since 2017, Edie’s industry blog, The Write Conversation, has been recognized as a Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She and her husband Kirk have been married for 40+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found hiking and enjoying life together—Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life. It’s great to have you here, my friend.Today, we are covering:If social media doesn’t sell books, it has no valueI’m the one responsible for the reach of my wordsListener giveaway – PDF the ABCs of Social Media for WritersAs we wrap up – You can find out more about … in our show notes.Be sure to check out Part 1 of our Common Social Media Myths New Writers Need to Quit Believing series. The link is also in the show notes.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?As a fiction writer, is your story setting all it needs to be to hold your reader's attention? DiAnn Mills offers tips on developing story settings.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts 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 part one episode of Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn about Developing Your Story Setting.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, 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. Developing Your Story Setting·      What is the story setting, and why the story setting is important?·      What does the story setting add to the plot?·      How does a writer choose a story setting? DiAnn's new book, Lethal Standoff, a Romantic Suspense, with Tyndale Publishing, will be released on September 3, 2024. Listener giveaway- Developing Your Story's Setting download Find out more about DiAnn here: - 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

What did you think of this episode?As a writer, you must consider social media early. Kim Stewart and I discuss the value of social media before you write a book.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts 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 part four of our Start Marketing When You Start Writing series, marketing guru Kim Stewart and I share aspects of social media to help you market your product effectively from the start.Kim Stewart is a book marketing coach and host of the Book Marketing Mania podcast. She helps Christian nonfiction authors build their platforms and market their books on podcasts. When she’s not strategizing with clients, you’ll find her in Dallas enjoying time with her family and indulging in coffee, caramel, and Friends reruns.Welcome back. We are sharing part four of the Start Marketing When You Start Writing series – What Writers Need to Know About Social Media Before Publishing a Book.Do you need to be on social media?Profile presence - what to put in your bioPosting content (playing by the platform’s rules/algorithm), serving current followers, or attracting new ones? Part 1 - The Power of Community for New Writers When Marketing BooksPart 2 - Help for New Writers on Creating Evergreen Content for Book Marketing Part 3 - Why New Writers Should Build an Email List Before You Publish a Book?Check Out These Related episodes:Social Media Myths New Writers Need to Quit Believing - Part 1New, Nurture, or Numbing Out? How are You REALLY Spending Your Book Marketing Time on Social Media?(Book Marketing Mania episode #69)Writing Off Social as a Christian Writer with Sandy Cooper(Book Marketing Mania episode #75)Find out more about Kim StewartVisit 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?Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts 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 part one episode, you’ll learn about three of the top five… Common Social Media Myths New Writers Need to QUIT BelievingMy industry expert is Edie Melson. Edie is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers who is observing life through the lens of her camera. As a popular speaker, Edie encourages and challenges audiences on the necessity of Soul Care and leads workshops throughout the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion for helping others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Since 2017, Edie’s industry blog, The Write Conversation, has been recognized as a Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She and her husband Kirk have been married for 40+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found hiking and enjoying life together—Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life.Here are the myths we bust today!Social media sells books!If I don’t have a book, I don’t have anything valuable to share.I can build my social media after I write/publish the book.Is Social Media Still a Wise Investment? PDF DownloadEdie Melson, Social Media Coach - write Social Media Coaching in the subject lineBe on the lookout for Part Two of our Common Social Media Myths New Writers Need to QUIT Believing series.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