

Your Best Writing Life
Linda Goldfarb
Each Tuesday, Linda Goldfarb and her writing industry experts share content for all levels of writers. You receive practical information and how-to applications to grow your writing career as a faith-based author. --We provide content to help you grow as a Christian writer to make your next book proposal, manuscript editing, speaking event, and writer's conference worth your time and energy. --Our episodes average 30 minutes -- Hit subscribe and join our family of writers. --Your Best Writing Life is associated with the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. --If you currently teach at Christian Writers/Speakers conferences, Linda would be interested in interviewing you. Please request a guest interview intake sheet - email Heather.YourBestWritingLife@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 9, 2024 • 48min
What Authors Need to Know About SEO with Matt Jones
What did you think of this episode? Are your author web pages easily findable by user search queries? Matt Jones provides what authors need to know about search engine optimization. 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 episode, you’ll learn What authors need to know about SEO Matt is the president of Jones House Creative, a design firm with a passion for helping Christian authors build their online platforms, promote their books, and connect with their readers online. What are some of the goals an author should have in mind when starting out with SEO?Where should an author start when setting up their SEO for the first time? What are the important things an author should keep in mind when setting up SEO?Author best practices to keep SEO fresh.LINKSJones House Creative Jones House Creative on InstagramFree - Social Trends Report Sign-upPodcast Special - Monthly Newsletter Management Use GOLDFARB as a promo code21 SEO Essentials for Authors PDF Downloadhttps://www.facebook.com/joneshousecreativeVisit 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

Apr 2, 2024 • 29min
Unveiling Toxic Writers with Edie Melson
What did you think of this episode?Warning signs to unveil toxic writers. 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 episode, you’ll learn nine warning signs to unveil toxic writers in your life. My industry expert is…Edie Melson. Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers 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 and Unruffled, Thriving in Chaos (co-authored with Rhonda Rhea) reflect her passion to help 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—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life. It’s great to have you here, my friend.Nine signs of a toxic writer.1. Writers who only talk about writing but never produce anything of their own.2. Writers who always have an excuse for not producing anything.3. Writers who always gossip about other writers.4. Writers who cannot accept honest critiques.5. Writers who put others down to build themselves up.6. Writers who legalistically follow the rules.7. Writers who insist that there is only one correct way to write.8. Writers who are more interested in a life support group or relationship than in encouraging each other to write.9. Writers who put themselves above others after success. Linkshttps://ediemelson.com/ https://ediemelson.com/books/ More info on toxic writersVisit 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

Mar 26, 2024 • 34min
Elevate Your Content for Higher Engagement with Monica Miller
What did you think of this episode?Creating content for your blogs, newsletters, or social media--made easy.Learn how to elevate your message and maximize engagement.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 episode, you’ll learn how to Elevate Your Message with the DEARS Content FrameworkMy industry expert is…Monica Miller. Monica is Your Content Guide, and she helps you be seen, heard and felt with every word to build an audience ready to learn and buy from you through mentorship or writing. She’s an author, International Speaker, and Writer who lives in Indiana with her husband and boys.Learn:Why people/entrepreneurs/authors struggle with creating content.The missing gap between your message and why elevating it is in your best interest.The DEARS Content Framework and how to utilize it.DirectEducationAuthorityResearch StoryCheck out Monica's calendar to get step-by-step helpListener giveaway - The Entrepreneur Woman's Social Media Content Template www.monicawrites.com, https://www.facebook.com/monika.lynn17, https://www.instagram.com/yourcontentguide Monica Miller's Books:https://www.amazon.com/Write-Your-Book-Time-Strategies/dp/1530383927https://www.amazon.com/30-Day-Devotional-Christian-Writers-ebook/dp/B01LBI8W54https://www.amazon.com/Cave-Nemesis-Monica-Lynn/dp/1606101129https://www.amazon.com/Floral-Journal-Paperback-inches-Notebook/dp/B0BW2MZ7DM/https://www.amazon.com/Profitable-Content-Entrepreneur-Workbook-Captivates/dp/B0CNP6SZ4V/r 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

Mar 19, 2024 • 50min
Strategies for Fiction Worldbuilding with Amy Williams
What did you think of this episode?What’s stopping you from writing fiction? Perhaps it’s how to build a world that enhances your story. Today’s guest is bringing everything we need to know about worldbuilding. 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 episode, my guest shares what you need to know about Fiction Worldbuilding.My industry expert is… A.C. Williams, A.C. known to many of us as Amy, is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. Author of 17 books, she keeps her fiction readers laughing with wildly imaginative adventures about samurai superheroes, clumsy church secretaries, and goofy malfunctioning androids; her non-fiction readers laugh at her, and the hysterical life experiences she’s survived. If that’s your cup of tea (or coffee), join the fun at www.amycwilliams.com. 1. When I think of worldbuilding, I automatically lean toward Fantasy and Sci-Fi. Is that correct? 2. Three highly suggested actions to build a believable world: Research, research, research. Use the real world as inspiration – travel to a destination. Use what you already have experienced. 3. What’s the most important element in worldbuilding? 4. What is the double use for worldbuilding? LINKSWorldbuilding 101 DownloadSocial Media Links for Amy Williams: Website: www.amycwilliams.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/acwilliams_author Substack: www.acwilliams.substack.com (or www.alwayspeachy.com) Facebook: www.facebook.com/amycwilliams.author Instagram: www.instagram.com/acwilliams.author Twitter: www.twitter.com/acw_author 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

Mar 12, 2024 • 26min
10 Tips to Simplify Your Writing Life with Edie Melson
What did you think of this episode?Today, we share ten tips to streamline your writing life. Some you may already do, and some you may not have considered. Just take a look at the list with an open mind and see if there’s anything on it that can make your life easier. 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. Today's industry expert is…Edie Melson. Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers 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 and Unruffled, Thriving in Chaos (co-authored with Rhonda Rhea) reflect her passion to help 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—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life. Simplify Your Writing Life 1. Take a look at your goals. 2. Evaluate how much time you’re spending on social media. 3. Let go of your expectations. 4. Determine when you are most creative in a 24-hour period. 5. Come up with a way to schedule your time. 6. Commit to quit talking negatively to and about yourself. 7. Take care of yourself physically. 8. Build in regular breaks. 9. Surround yourself with encouraging writers. 10. Engage a prayer team.LINKShttps://ediemelson.com/ https://ediemelson.com/books/ Tips to Make Writing a Priority 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

Mar 5, 2024 • 36min
Writing Sensational Settings with PeggySue Wells
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.Our guest, PeggySue Wells, is the bestselling author of 36 books and collaborator for many more. Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery pact the pages of the novels penned by P.S. Wells, including Chasing Sunrise. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction, including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.During this episode, you’ll learn how to shape sensational settings.What is the setting?What are the characteristics and personality of the setting?Passive - Active - Behaves as a character.The setting is the story.How does a writer utilize the setting to enhance their story? LINKS PeggySue Wells FB Author Page:PeggySue Wells FB Personal PagePeggySue Wells Linked InPeggySue WellsSingle Mom CircleWriting Sensational Settings Quick Guide free copyAll of PeggySue's Writing Quick GuidesVisit 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

Feb 27, 2024 • 28min
15 Reasons to Fall in Love with Writing!
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 episode, you’ll learn 15 Reasons to Fall in Love with WritingMy industry expert is…Edie Melson. Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers 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 and Unruffled, Thriving in Chaos (co-authored with Rhonda Rhea) reflect her passion to help 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. Edie 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—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life. It’s great to have you here, my friend.LINKSEdie MelsonBlue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference15 Reasons to Fall in Love with Writing PDF 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

Feb 20, 2024 • 33min
Five Questions to Ask an Editor Before Signing a Contract
What did you think of this episode?Today's industry expert is Debra Butterfield. Debra is the author of ten books, which include Claiming Her Inheritance, Discovering Her Inheritance, Unshakable Faith, and Carried by Grace: a Guide for Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse. She is a freelance editor and editorial director for CrossRiver Media Group and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family.Five Questions to Ask an Editor Before Signing a ContractHow does your faith influence your editing?What genre do you specialize in?What are your editing fees?When can I expect a finished product?How often will we communicate once I’m your client?LINKS Editorial Freelancers AssociationThe Christian PenFree self-editing checklist for fiction or nonfiction via Debra's https://themotivationaleditor.comSelf-editing & Publishing Tips for the Indie AuthorWebsite (for writers): https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/ Website (for readers): https://debralbutterfield.com/ Facebook (profile): https://www.facebook.com/debra.l.butterfield Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/DebraLButterfieldAuthor 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

Feb 16, 2024 • 3min
Are You Experiencing Limited Love From God?
What did you think of this episode?Welcome to Let’s Journey Together- a Moment with Father.I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit Linda Goldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.Are you experiencing limited love from God?Since God is love, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" 1 John 4:8Is it possible that Father’s love is not reaching you?Consider your openness to God.Are you daily seeking His way and His will? Do you rest in His timing?Or, are we so hung up on the happenings of our lives that we're not going to God as the Source of love in order to obtain it?God is love; therefore, ALL things--all things, fall under His covering.Apart from Father, we will not experience the possibilities of love. His agenda must be embraced daily.Living with Father’s agenda in mind is true love!Let's journey togetherOh Lord, fill me with your mercy, grace, and love this day. Praise You. You are the One who sits on high. your love is what I desire. Hallelujah.Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.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

Feb 13, 2024 • 33min
Companion Products Every Writer Needs with Carol Tetzlaff
What did you think of this episode?Did you know that companion products can boost your book sales? Carol Tetzlaff shares tips you can’t afford to miss.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 episode, you’ll learn about … the Companion Products Every Writer NeedsMy industry expert is…Carol Tetzlaff. Author, speaker, and co-owner of Redemption Press. Carol’s passion is discipleship of all ages. Living her best life in Arizona with Kelley and eleven fun and super cute grands. She loves super-sweet, iced coffee, spending time with friends, and the color yellow. Author of the 2022 Selah Award Bible Study winner, Ezra: Unleashing the Power of Praise. Please welcome Carol Tetzlaff to Your Best Writing Life!1. What is a companion product and what purpose does it serve?• Enhance message of your book• Greatest example - the Bible - 2. How does an author come up with content for a companion product?• When writing - you have content you don’t use• You base it on a theme or truth• You allow the reader to take a deeper dive.3. How do you envision the companion product enhancing the reader's experience with a book?1. Brings greater application, knowledge, transformation4. What are some examples of companion products that you can created for a book?• Another book…• Every genre can have a companion product - • Memoir - devotional, Novel – theme Bible Study - Devo, Teen study, children’s book, journals• Downloadable resources /book club • Video resources• Social media• Even out of the box fun items like t-shirts, jewelry, stickers, mugs5. How do you decide which type of companion product would be most effective in promoting your book?• Personality, abilities and skills, where is your audience - BOOK - • Email list - downloads, building your SM presence. • Do you speak and need to fill your table. 6. How does launching a companion product benefit the sales of the original book?• It helps bring a reader to it - it gives you a relaunch - allowing the reader to see the subject matter is still relevant.7. What advice would you give to authors who are considering creating companion products for their books?• Pray! Ask our Father… what message do I still need to share with the world - • If you still believe that your message - your story matters - Than you need to promote it and get it into the hands of the reader who can be blessed, encouraged and even transformed.LINKSCarol Tetzlaff’s Ezra Bible StudyVisit 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


