Your Best Writing Life: Recent Episodes
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 30-45 minutes
-- hit subscribe and join our family of writers.
--Your Best Writing Life is associated with the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
--To request a guest interview intake sheet - email Heather.YourBestWritingLife@gmail.com
What did you think of this episode?
Have you considered writing an action-adventure technothriller? PeggySue Wells shares tips for writers, along with the story behind The Patent.
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, PeggySue Wells, is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nearly 50 books, including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. Known for her captivating novels spanning action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery genres—such as Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent—she also empowers readers with practical nonfiction, including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. A prolific writing coach, collaborator, and independent publishing strategist, PeggySue’s mission is to fill the world with stories and guides that take readers to places they’ve never been before.
PeggySue shares her fabulous writing journey of The Patent.
Writer’s tips.
1) Keep learning about anything and everything so you have something to write about. Always have fresh experiences so you have fresh content to include and influence your writing.
2) Write the story. No preaching, no worries about themes or word count. Trust the power of the story. After it is roughly put down, the natural themes appear. Write first. Polish after you know the project works. As with raising children, the writing often turns out 50 percent as anticipated, and the rest takes on a direction of its own.
3) Readers are not fond of being told what they must, should, or need to be, do, or think. They prefer to watch how things work out and then apply what fits in their own life. Don't save anything for the next book. The reader can sense when a writer withheld. Give your best and your all. Pour out, and the Lord refills you for the next project.
Quick Guides to Writing Well Set - check this out!!!
What Listeners Will Gain – when they buy your book
Giveaway - https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-with-bonus-set-5-quick-guides-to-writing
https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-get-3-bonus-novels
You can find out more below:
SOCIAL LINKS:
Preorder Cohen Code, and be the first to read the next novel in the Marc Wayne Action Adventure series
PeggySueWells.com
Chasing Sunrise
The Patent
Secrecy Order
Unnatural Cause, best mystery suspense of the year
The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make
SingleMomCircle.com
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
What story idea has God whispered, only to leave out the details? Maureen Miller shares her story behind Gideon’s Book with added tips to strengthen 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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Maureen Miller, is an author and speaker who loves encouraging others in their journey with Jesus. Married to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she lives on Selah Farm in the mountains of North Carolina. She blogs at Windows and Wallflowers (maureenmillerauthor.com), and her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available.
We all want to know the story behind Gideon’s Book – give us some background
1) God can whisper a story idea but leave the details for another time, allowing the writer to learn to listen, lean in, and let go.
2) As an adoptive mother, with three amazing birth moms who chose life for their unborn babies despite difficult circumstances, I believe these women are heroes, and there are many among us.
3) God’s Word—those placed by Gideons International and otherwise—is not just a figurative guide but a literal one as well, truly a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; I found this to be true in my life, and I wanted to weave such into this story.
4) As a mother of a child of color and having experienced a literal moment when God called me to have a difficult conversation with two women at a restaurant, I wanted to weave the truth that “all it takes if pullin’ up a chair”—that being, an opportunity to share healthy, honest conversations about challenging topics.
5) My prolife views are rooted in a decision I made long ago after facing what I feared was an unplanned pregnancy when I was seventeen and unmarried.
Writer’s Tips.
1) Stay the course, trusting God for His perfect timing to birth your words (Esther 4:14);
2) “Hone your craft!”—Said by the wonderful Cecil Murphey, who keynoted at Write To Publish 2007, which echoed throughout the almost two decades it took to write Gideon’s Book;
3) Be courageous enough to write the messages God gives, believing His will to be accomplished even when it’s hard.
What Listeners Will Gain - I believe they’ll gain truth steeped in God’s Word from my Gideon’s Book backstory, and thus be encouraged to seek Him more specifically to discover for themselves how God might be calling them to a task that they know is beyond their ability—only God! (Like Gideon in Judges 6 and in my story!)
Listener giveaway - One copy of Gideon’s Book in the format of your choice! Join us on Facebook - Your Best Writing Life and leave a comment prior to 7 PM ET August 3, 2026.
LINKS
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/maureen.miller.393/
Website – “Windows and Wallflowers” at https://maureenmillerauthor.com
Email – maureen@maureenmillerauthor.com
Gideon’s Book Amazon Link -- https://a.co/d/0332c4T7
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
How do you write a book that tells intimate details of your life? Amanda Scarborough shows us how as she shares her story behind A Beautiful War. I’m glad you’re here…
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Amanda Scarborough, is an award-winning author, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps women find hope in life’s darkest seasons. While facing postpartum depression and overwhelming fear, she encountered the restoring power of Jesus. Today she shares her story to reveal His love, guiding others toward healing, freedom, and a renewed identity in Christ.
We all want to know the story behind A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments – Amanda shares deep insight into Postpartum Depression, Surrender, Obedience, Patience, and Healing. Her memoir shows Surrender, Hope, and a mother's personal Perspective
Writer’s tips.
- Develop a writing prayer team.
- If the Lord has called you into unfamiliar waters, pray and trust His guidance.
- Go to reputable writing/speaking conferences.
Tell us a little more about A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments. The new, revised & expanded version is available now in eBook, audio, and paperback wherever books are sold.
What Listeners Will Gain - They will learn to find hope in dark seasons or times of struggle, how to surrender, and the difference between knowing who God is and being in a relationship with Him.
Listener Giveaway Drawing - A Gift Basket - (without a basket - lol)
- 1- Signed copy of A Beautiful War
- 1 - A Beautiful War Leather Bracelet
- A few - Red Heart of Hope Prayer Cloths
- 32 Prayer Cards of Hope
The drawing is for U.S. distribution - Your name is placed in the running when you leave a comment on Amanda's Tuesday, July 21, 2026, release post in the Your Best Writing Life Facebook Group.
The drawing will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026. The winner will be announced in the YBWL group.
Amanda Scarborough's SOCIAL LINKS:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.l.scarborough/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Amanda.L.Scarborough/
Website: www.AmandaLScarborough.com
Book links: Amazon https://a.co/d/052CxGsE
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Is your writing a result of perseverance? Sarah Schwerin shares her story behind The Willow Still Sings and tips to equip 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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue the new addition to Your Best Writing Life, The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today's guest, Sarah Schwerin, a former homeschool mom, is an author, a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, and a mentor with Word Weavers International. Her writing has appeared in publications including Mature Living, Bible Advocate, and The Upper Room. Her 1950s historical novel, The Willow Still Sings, is available now on Amazon.
Tell us the story behind The Willow Still Sings
· The Willow Still Sings is loosely based on my mother’s journey with polio. Her faith and compassion in the face of hardship helped me become who I am today. The end of my book includes my mom’s story in her own words. I’m awed that her story can encourage and inspire others just as it did me.
· In The Willow Still Sings, Florence struggles with misplaced guilt from her childhood, which shapes many of her reactions in the novel. My journey mirrors Florence's in that I have struggled with shame but have embraced the hope and healing only God provides.
· After homeschooling my two sons, I began to pursue writing and speaking full-time. At my first conference, I felt overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and the eventual rejection. At my second conference, God taught me an important lesson when I lost a contest and had to accept an award for a friend. Be happy for your writing friends and enjoy the journey. Every writer’s journey is unique. Your day will come. It won’t look like someone else’s. But your writing will do just what God wants it to do.
· Writing The Willow Still Sings helped me realize the truth that there is nothing new under the sun. Polio outbreaks were similar to life during the COVID pandemic. People had to quarantine, and there was widespread fear and confusion. We can learn a lot from our past.
Three tips for writers.
· Research helps a story come alive for readers. Research can be conducted in a variety of ways, including my favorites: interviewing others and taking field trips.
· Events in our lives and the lives of family members can encourage others and provide a way for our loved ones’ legacies to live on.
· Events in our lives and the lives of family members can provide “story seeds” for our current and future projects.
What will the listeners gain from your book?
· Listeners will learn the importance of perseverance. Like Florence, we must continue to choose to love and to remain in God’s calling, even when life is difficult.
· Listeners will learn to use stories from their lives as a seed to begin or enhance their own stories.
· Listeners will learn about the importance of research in their writing projects.
Free download – Giveaway | Sarah Schwerin
LINKS
· Website: sarahschwerin.com
· Amazon book link: https://a.co/d/065Jtq26
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchwerinAuthor/
· Instagram: Instagram
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Do you write assured that God is at work, no matter what? Today, Joni Topper shares her story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes and tips to help you achieve writing success.
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Joni Topper, the GloryTeller, shares God’s glory through inspiring stories. This Granna, author, worship leader, speaker, and cofounder of Uprooted Women, radiates passionate joy for “being” the Church. Her award-winning debut, The Power of a Well-Placed Yes, highlights God’s faithfulness. She’s served with her pastor husband for thirty years.
We all want to know the story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes – give us some background
- What you can see does not always define what God is actually doing.
- It is not us, but God who does the real work in the hearts of those we serve.
- There are seasons of ministry for which God prepares us, and his methods do not follow our design.
- The things you do that are important will likely be hard. They are worth the yes of faith it takes to reach the rewards that only God can orchestrate.
Writer’s tips.
- Read the guidelines and follow them. Then submit, submit, submit.
- Capture the inspiration when it happens. Record a message to yourself or write it down immediately.
- Don’t assume that small acts of obedience are unimportant. They are often the very things that God uses.
What Listeners Will Gain – from The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church
Readers will be encouraged that their faithful yes matters. They will observe the impact of God’s faithfulness and remember that he is trustworthy. Their desire to be part of God’s plan will be renewed, as will their servant’s heartbeat that often drives our ministry. They will recognize that God does not abandon us. They will rest in the hope that the results we aspire to achieve are safe in God’s hands.
SOCIAL LINKS:
Facebook, Instagram, Amazon.com: Joni Topper Pinterest
www.jonitopper.com
Join Joni's email list to receive her free decision guide for your next yes or no.
The Power of a Well-Placed Yes
The Art of Resilience
Gather the Goodness
Sage, Salt & Sunshine
Love, Joy & Peace
Successful in His Eyes
Transformed by His Grace
Renewed Christmas Blessings
Life in the Estrogen-Free Zone
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you spiritually fatigued and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4? Get ready to hear how you can delight in the Lord as Stephanie Rousselle shares her story behind Awaken Delight.
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Stephanie Rousselle, is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of "Awaken Delight", a book that releases with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Having lived in four different countries on three continents, she currently resides with her family in Pennsylvania.
We all want to know the story behind Awaken Delight – give us some background
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.
In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.
Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God:
· reshapes suffering
· quiets restless striving
· anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight in you
Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.
Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.
· Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not a fleeting emotion but a resilient identity.
· Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.
· Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.
· Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It’s the antidote to burnout. It’s even the foundation for sustainable ministry.
· God’s delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God’s delight in you frees you from striving! That’s the beginning of delight.
· Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.
· You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.
Writer’s tips. See giveaway!!!
What Listeners Will Gain - We will dismantle the lies writers believe.
Listener giveaway…https://www.gospelspice.com/awd-lindagoldfarb
We have 3 gifts for you:
1 - a 5-day email devotional to awaken your delight in God, rooted in His delight of you;
2 - a private podcast episode where Stephanie shares the lies she has overcome, as a writer, through delight in God;
3 - a "writer's prayer" ready to download and print.
https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight - preorder book today
https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584
Stephanie's SOCIAL LINKS:
https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
https://www.instagram.com/stephanierousselle.us/
https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rousselle.904/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
What is your therefore factor in your writing? Today’s guest shares the story behind her book and tips to empower 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 episode, you’ll learn the story behind Serah and the First Christmas
Today’s guest, Tama Fortner, is an ECPA award-winning author of more than sixty titles, including her latest, Serah and the First Christmas (Zonderkidz, 2026). She has collaborated with leading voices in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages and lives near Nashville with her husband and two feisty pups who are convinced they’re people too.
Tama, please share the story behind Serah and the First Christmas.
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What was the inspiration for Serah and her story? How do the biblical stories of Rachel and Rebekah factor into both the inspiration and the plot of the story?
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Why does Serah feel invisible? How is feeling invisible a universal feeling? How does Jesus rescue us from invisibility?
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What is the “therefore” factor? How should it affect our approach to the stories of the Bible, as both believers and as writers?
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When we struggle with feeling invisible ourselves, as writers, what hope can we take from Serah’s story?
Tips for Writers:
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Turn off the noise. Allow time and space for stillness. It’s in the stillness that God speaks and creativity blooms.
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Don’t be afraid to write ugly. The best writing happens in the rewriting and editing process.
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Embrace the power of the question “What if?” and ask it often! (What if lots of women were shepherds in Bible times, not just Rachel and Rebekah? What if a little girl wanted to be a shepherd so that she didn’t feel so invisible? What if she snuck out to the fields one night and heard the angels’ message about Jesus? What if she found not only Jesus that night but discovered a whole new way to live?)
What will the listeners gain from your book? My hope and prayer is that readers (and writers reading the book) will remember that not only are we and our efforts never invisible to God, but we also have the joy of seeing others and helping them know that they, too, are never invisible to God.
Listener giveaway…https://www.tamafortner.com/freebies
Serah and the First Christmas. Available wherever books are sold or at https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310167907/serah-and-the-first-christmas/
You can find out more below.
https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310167907/serah-and-the-first-christmas/
https://www.tamafortner.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TamaFortnerBooks/
https://www.instagram.com/tamafortnerbooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamafortner/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tama-fortner
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/589006.Tama_Fortner
https://www.tiktok.com/@tamafortnerbooks
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you using the most important piece of your novel-writing puzzle? You’re not alone. Get ready to hear today’s story behind the story with DiAnn Mills.
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, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert, DiAnn Mills, is a bestselling author who invites readers to expect an adventure through heart-pounding suspense, romance, and faith-filled stories. Her novels have landed on the CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and won numerous awards. DiAnn mentors writers nationwide. She lives in Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn at diannmills.com, or on her social media platforms on her website.
We all want to know the story behind Canyon of Deceit! Yet I can’t help but tap into your writing craft prowess with my first question -
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What is the most important puzzle piece of writing a novel?
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You have talked to us before about research. What went into the research for Canyon of Deceit?
-
Tell us about the songs that accompany the book.
Writer’s tips.
Tip 1: Journal…
Tip 2: Research…
Tip 3: Pray… don’t be afraid
Overcoming your fear of research - download
Listener giveaway…Sacred Seasons of the Heart download – poems & quotes
As we wrap up – tell us about your Suspense at Sea Reader Cruise - Join me and Traci Abramson Suspense at Sea Reader Cruise – Writers too!
January 16-23, 2027 https://diannmills.com/event/suspense-at-sea-reader-cruise/
Royal Caribbean: https://www.purplekoalacruises.com/GroupRegistrations/view/136564/cruise
While at sea, we have scavenger hunts, games, contests, and just plain fun!
Mastering the Art of Writing Fiction
Question for DiAnn - Email her!
You can find out more about DiAnn below:
SOCIAL LINKS:
https://www.diannmills.com
https://www.facebook.com/diannmills/
https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
https://x.com/diannmills
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2jjh2886
Website: https://diannmills.com/product/canyon-of-deceit/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you searching for the best formula to complete your God-driven calling? You’re not alone. Get ready to hear today’s story behind the story with Heidi Gray McGill.
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, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert Heidi Gray McGill is a Christian fiction author, speaker, and retired ESL director who began writing in 2020 out of obedience, not ambition. Legally blind and fueled by purpose, she writes stories that leave readers desiring Christ without realizing the journey they just took. She and her husband of 35 years live near Charlotte, NC, where two daughters and three grandsons keep life full and loud.
Tell us the story behind Desire of My Heart - Historical Christian Romance.
1) Obedience Over Ambition
2) Sharing Faith Without a Formula
3) Building the Craft Without a Foundation
4) Know Your Purpose Before You Write a Word
5) One Book Became a Mission Field
Writer’s Tips.
Tip 1: Read Widely and Intentionally
Tip 2: Be Teachable and Treat Learning as Part of the Work
Tip 3: Know Your Purpose Before You Write a Single Word
SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: https://heidigraymcgill.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HeidiGrayMcGill
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true
BOOK LINKS:
Heidi’s Books (Website) https://heidigraymcgill.com/my-books/
Discerning God’s Best — Series Page https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XWD3ZZ6
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Has it taken you forever to write your book? Today’s guest shares her story behind writing her debut novel 63 Hours in Hell.
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, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert, Susan L. Davis, is an award-winning Christian author, speaker, and blogger who loves diving into Scripture and sharing what she’s learning. Her debut novel, 63 Hours in Hell, blends biblical mystery with fiction to explore the three days between the cross and the resurrection. She lives in Illinois with her family.
Susan - Tell us the story behind 63 Hours in Hell
Behind My Story
I came to faith later in life—at a funeral in my 40s—during a season of deep grief, family struggles, and searching for purpose. That moment changed everything.
Before that, I devoured fiction. After accepting Jesus, I felt nudged to step away from it for a season and dive into nonfiction—Scripture, theology, and the writings of those who had gone before me. It became a time to build a strong biblical foundation and truly understand what I now believed.
One question sparked the story that would eventually become my book: when Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” where did they go? Jesus didn’t ascend to the Father until three days later. That question wouldn’t let me go.
Over time, everything I had been studying began shaping a story. I eventually returned to fiction—but I wasn’t the same writer. I drew from that foundation to share what I had learned through 63 Hours in Hell in a way that isn’t preachy, but invites readers into the story.
It took me thirteen years to write this book. Looking back, I believe that’s because God was shaping me as a writer just as much as He was shaping the story itself.
Three tips for writers.
- Your first draft is a discovery draft.
You’re uncovering the story as you go—so just get it written. You can’t fix a blank page. The real magic happens in the editing, so don’t get overly attached to those first words. Stay flexible, because you’ll revisit that manuscript again and again—and each pass makes it stronger.
- When you’re stuck, step away—but stay engaged with the story.
When I hit a wall, I don’t force it. I step back—research, read Scripture, pray, take a walk. That’s often where clarity comes. The key isn’t quitting; it’s staying connected to the story in a different way until the next piece falls into place.
- Borrow confidence from writers who are ahead of you.
Surround yourself with people who know more than you—join a writing group or plug into an online community. Seeing what’s possible and hearing their journey helps light the path for yours. Sometimes their belief in you will carry you when your own confidence is shaky. And if you’re able, investing in a writing coach can accelerate your growth.
What will the listeners gain from your book?
Listeners will be encouraged to keep going. This story shows that stepping into your calling doesn’t mean everything suddenly falls into place—there can be resistance along the way. For anyone pursuing a dream, it’s a reminder not to give up when things get hard. Sometimes the struggle is part of the journey, not a sign to stop. Not every closed door means no—sometimes it’s an invitation to trust the process, keep moving forward, or be open to a different door.
Listener giveaway: A free Booked and Busy guide—a 41-page printable, fillable resource with curated lists of Christian fiction to help listeners discover and track their next great reads. https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Z2niQPEYdf_viBatP9f7TKTRp8D7QqH/view?usp=sharing
63 Hours In Hell the book
LINKS
Website: https://www.susanldavis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanLDavisWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanldavisauthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanLDavisAuthor555
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/susanwrites
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanlandatodav/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a writer, your story behind the story plays a huge role in reaching future readers. Get ready to hear today’s story with Angela Mackey.
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, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert Angela Mackey encourages people to experience God through His Word so that everything–from ordinary days to hard seasons–is transformed by Jesus. She lives with her family in the Arkansas River Valley, cheering on her adult kids and delighting in the surprising ways God shows up daily.
Tell us the Story Behind Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead.
This is a nonfiction book for women dealing with infertility. Biblically based, encouraging, and providing guideposts to help you with your journey through infertility
Obviously, this book is based on your journey of infertility. What prompted you to take on the responsibility to write it?
Share some of the Scriptures…and how they helped you to help others.
Wrestling with God, how to ask questions, lament, and walk away changed and blessed, Genesis 32:24-32.
How to determine God’s direction for you and your spouse based on knowing what Godly wisdom looks like from James 3:17-18.
Often, our thoughts whirl out of control and do not help us focus on God and trust Him. So, we would discuss the battle for our minds based on 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Philippians 4:8-9
When things do not go as we prayed, we may wonder if we just did not have enough faith. We would discuss the kind of little faith Jesus condemned and see that God honors even faith as small as a mustard seed. Multiple scriptures are used here.
When things are particularly dark, the best thing for us to do is put on the garment of praise. So we will discuss what it takes to put on a garment of praise in the midst of darkness and how that will not change your circumstance often, but it does change your perspective
Three tips for writers.
- Prayer is your most important tool to effectively communicate God’s message.
- Next, start with God’s word, not your idea. Instead of saying I want to write about how important positive thinking is so I will find some verses about that, ask what does God’s Word say about thinking? Seek His Word…the ideas will be rooted in Him.
- Trust that the Holy Spirit in you will give you all you need to effectively communicate His message as you write, rewrite, edit, and do the work to write well.
Listener giveaway… is a downloadable 9-day devotion that is attached to my enewsletter. It is based on Philippians 4:8. Available here: http://eepurl.com/h3Nafz
As we wrap up – Online Infertility Support Group Called Circle of Hope sign up link: https://www.twelve12ministries.org/circleofhope
You can find out more in our show notes below:
Website:https://angelamackey.com/
Podcast:https://life-as-worship.com/
Book:https://a.co/d/06FDQT7n
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackeyal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinking_my_thinking/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a writer, your story behind the story may prompt you to give up. But not this day!!! Get ready to hear today’s story with Lori Stanley Roeleveld.
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, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert, Lori Stanley Roeleveld, is a writer, writing coach, speaker, devotional firestarter, and certified disturber of hobbits. She helps Christian writers find their voice, finish their books, and follow Jesus into the hidden places where real transformation begins. Her work is biblical, brave, merciful, and delightfully dangerous to the darkness.
Tell us the story behind - God’s Abundant Mercy: 40 Days of Living in His Compassion.
Three tips for writers.
a. Write WITH God, not FOR God. Don’t imagine that writing is holy, but branding and marketing are not. You can approach brand and market in a soul-satisfying way.
b. Manage your mindset and your energy, and your time/calendar will then come into line.
c. Abandon deficit thinking in favor of an abundance mindset in writing and in life. Trust God has given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
What will the listeners gain from your book?
Writers who experience God’s Abundant Mercy will see what it looks like to write about Scripture with confidence and authority but without answering “all the questions” or presenting formulas. Each chapter ends with questions that my research and reflection left me asking.
Readers will come away with a fresh perspective on God from the beginning of the Bible into eternity and a deeper appreciation of God’s mercy for each of us and how truly receiving that mercy shapes us to reflect it to others.
LINKS
God’s Abundant Mercy 40 Days of Living in His Compassion: http://bit.ly/4tGGqe9
You can find out more about Lori below.
Coaching Website: https://www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com/
Author Website: https://loriroeleveld.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@loriroeleveld
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lori.roeleveld
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/lorisroeleveld/
Facebook page for Take Heart! Coaching: https://www.facebook.com/takeheartcoaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorisroeleveld
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9798820.Lori_Stanley_Roeleveld
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorisroel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriroeleveld/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-roeleveld
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lorisroel
Amazon Link for Book: http://bit.ly/4tGGqe9
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Wondering what your publishing options are as a writer? PeggySue Wells shares six paths available to you and how to choose the right one.
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 which path of publishing works best for your current season of writing.
My industry expert, PeggySue Wells, is an award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, collaborator, writing coach, and independent publishing strategist who inspires readers and writers alike with nearly 50 captivating books and practical guides.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Six Paths to Getting your words out into the world.
- Authors have more options than ever before to get their work into the world. Which path is best for the author, their goals, and the project?
- What is an overview of each of the six paths?
- How does an author maintain control of their intellectual property?
- What are the significant differences between traditional and independent publishing?
Listener giveaway… Quick Guide To Writing Well: Paths to Publishing
Quick Guides to Writing Well: 6 books
The Patent, Secrecy Order, Unnatural Cause, and Chasing Sunrise
You can find out more about PeggySue Wells below:
PeggySue Wells Website
PeggySue Wells Resources
PeggySue Wells on LINKEDIN
PeggySue Wells on Facebook
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
“Do I need to sign up for faculty appointments if I’m not ready to pitch?” or “What should I do to ensure I get a contract?” Today’s guest shares that a 15-minute appointment is not just about pitching—it’s about connection, clarity, and next steps.
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 make the Most of your writing conference faculty appointments
My industry expert is… Executive Director of the BRMCWC Edie Melson.
What a 15-Minute Writing Conference Appointment Is Really For
Questions and Behaviors, You Should Avoid at a Writing Appointment
Read the other Mentoring Moments posts here:
WEEK 1: Make The Most Of A Writing Conference
WEEK 2: Six Tips to Prepare for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
WEEK 3: Paid Mentoring – Preparing the Writer for The Blue Ridge Conference
WEEK 4: Paid Faculty Critiques at BRMCWC
WEEK 5: Business Cards for Writers: What to Include Before Attending a Writing Conference (2026 Guide)
WEEK 6: Preparing For The Conference: The Elevator Pitch
WEEK 7: Preparing For The Conference: The Fifteen Minute Appointment
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
You’re not a writer! You’re just fooling yourself! Are thoughts like these spinning in your mind? Today’s guest brings truth to counter those lies and more on quitting your calling as a writer.
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 share tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. In this episode, you’ll learn why giving up on your writing is not an option.
My industry expert EMILY WICKHAM shares God’s Word and wonders with women. She is the author of Closer to God: A 10-Week Study on Prayer, and a podcaster, YouTuber, magazine writer, and blogger. Married to Mark since 1989, she is a mom of four and a mother-in-love. Emily enjoys life in South Carolina.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Don’t Give Up! God Will Use Your Words
· How have you handled thoughts about quitting?
· Why is it important to persevere as a Christian writer?
· In what ways have you seen God’s hand in your writing journey?
Listener giveaway… 7-Day Prayer Starters for Writers
You can find out more about Emily below.
· Website: https://www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com/
· Podcast Links - https://www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com/podcast/
· Substack: https://heartstirrings.substack.com/
· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/emilywickhamauthor
· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BibleReadingwithEmily
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilywickham.author/
· X: https://x.com/emilywickhamPH
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilywickham.author/
· Closer to God on Amazon: https://a.co/d/05CPeUBX
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you an independent author in need of a virtual assistant? How do you find the best one for your specific needs? Today’s guest offers us three systems every author needs to have in place – before we hire anyone.
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 Three Systems Every Indie Author Needs Before Hiring an Assistant.
My industry expert, Lorna K. Bailey, has been an Executive Virtual Assistant since 2014, supporting bestselling authors and entrepreneurs with systems that help them thrive. Drawing on her experience working with Dave Chesson (Kindlepreneur, Publisher Rocket, Atticus) and other top Amazon authors, she now teaches writers how to work with assistants and build sustainable, organized businesses.
Why should authors even care about having systems in their writing and business?
Writing system
Publishing system book abrogator
Marketing system
What is the biggest challenge you see indie authors facing today, and how can they overcome that?
LINKS
TikTok: @lornakbailey
Website
You will find both paid and free resources for authors in Lorna's store!
https://www.lornakbailey.com/store
VA Resources – lorna@lornakbailey.com write I Need a VA in the subject line.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Whether we write fiction or nonfiction, the story behind our writing makes for great conversation. Get ready to hear today’s story with Eva Marie Everson.
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, we launch a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
My industry expert, Eva Marie Everson, is the multi-award-winning author of nearly 50 fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, the Director of the BRMCWC Selah and Foundation awards, and a popular speaker. She and her husband—when they are not enjoying their children and grandchildren—are owned by a cat named Vanessa.
The Story Behind… Miss Beth Bettencourt
Question One: Tell us the story behind the story you titled “Miss Beth Bettencourt”
Question Two: What caused you to decide to make this a story about the detriments of unforgiveness and the freedom of forgiveness?
Question Three: Did you have a biblical story in mind when you added these elements to the story?
LINKS
Listener giveaway… “Miss Beth Bettencourt” Playlist
Find out more about Eva Marie Everson below:
- www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com
(All other social media sites can be found there) - https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Beth-Bettencourt-Bynum-Georgia/dp/0825453348/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you struggling to write your memoir, yet fearful of how others may respond? Today’s guest addresses two areas you need to consider before putting your fingers on the keyboard.
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 … Bold Memoir Writing
My industry expert is… Teodosia Rivera, author of When God Remains: The Hope that Sustains You in Your Darkest Moments. She has been a member of Word Weavers International since 2022. Her writing has been published in her hometown newspaper and in the FBC Writers’ Network.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Bold Memoir writing
1 Addressing controversial issues in memoir writing with confidence from a biblical perspective.
Acts 4:13—Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7—For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power* and of love and of a sound mind (NKJV).
Ephesians 6:19—and for me [praying always, v. 18], that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel (NKJV).
2 Balancing conviction with compassion.
- Conviction—persuaded, convicted
- Compassion—sympathetic with concern for others
Teodosia Rivera
Download Teodosia's Bold Memoir Writing handout
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Have you considered writing with a team? Maureen Miller shares tips for engaging with the world of collaborative 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 about … Collaborative Writing Tips to Enhance Your Career
My industry expert, Maureen Miller, is an author and speaker whose stories have been published in numerous collaborative publications. She contributes to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites, including the award-winning Arise Daily. Married for thirty-six years to her childhood sweetheart, Bill, they live on Selah Farm in western North Carolina.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Collaborative Writing— Being Part of a Team
1) What is collaborative / teamwork writing?
2) How does one best discover places to submit?
3) What are several keys to being selected for a collaborative (that is, making a good first impression)?
Listener giveaway: 2026 Guidepost All God’s Creatures, a daily devotional
Gideon’s Book on Amazon
Maureen Miller
Contact Maureen Miller
Christian Writers Market Guide 2026 edition
CIPA - Christian Indie Publishing Association
540 Writers Community
AWSA - Advanced Writers and Speakers Association
Christian Devotions - Write for Us
All God's Creatures Daily Devotional Give Away! (Join us in the Your Best Writing Life FB Group. Leave a comment to be in the running. The drawing takes place on 4-6-2026)
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you seeking publication or eager to use your words in more personal ways, such as letter writing, journaling, or sharing life experiences? Today’s guest will rock your world with clarity, and your writing will soar– stick around. Your Best Writing Life begins right now.
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 what kind of writer you are.
My industry expert, Lori Hatcher, is the award-winning writer of seven Our Daily Bread devotionals, including her latest, Lord, I Believe, 60 Devotions for Your Troubled Heart. She writes high-impact stories for spiritual transformation and loves training writers to share their God-given messages. She writes from her Happy Place in Lexington, South Carolina.
Professional or Personal?
Personal:
o Wants to learn to write well for family/legacy/community/writing purposes
o Desires to improve your writing ability in order to support work or career
o Likes sharing thoughts, insights, and experiences through personal letters and/or blogging
o Enjoys studying the craft of writing and learning to write well, but not seeking a career
o No traditional publishing goals
o A hobbyist
Professional:
o Seeking to write for more than personal reasons: traditional or self-publishing, whether for ministry, income, or professional advancement
o Desire to earn a full-time or part-time income through writing
o Willing to treat writing as a job, not a hobby
Book Author:
o Teachable—willing to accept and apply advice from seasoned writers and industry professionals
o Widely read in this genre.
Christian Living books:
o Has a body of knowledge, experience, or interest to draw from for topics
o Enjoys teaching and sharing information
Magazine and Online Article/ Blog Writer:
o Reads Christian Living articles
o Enjoys writing short form
Devotion Writer:
o Enjoys reading devotionals
o Prefers short form (sometimes very short form) writing
Bible Study Writer:
o Reads, attends, and teaches Bible studies
o Loves to teach and is teachable
Fiction Writer:
o Creative—must be able to generate ideas and combine existing things in new ways
o Find yourself in your own world and imaging other’s lives
LINKS
Lori Hatcher
David Sluka - 16 Ways to Create Devotional Writing
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you ready to Turn Your Dream Into a Finished Manuscript?
Today’s guest is sharing measurable writing goals to accomplish your dream.
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 … Using Measurable Writing Goals to Turn Your Dream Into a Finished Manuscript.
My industry expert, Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT, is a pediatric physical therapist, an award-winning author, and a mom. She contributes to The Write Conversation blog and Focus on the Family. Her book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year, is an essential addition to every new mother's library. She enjoys hiking and morning coffee.
Using Measurable Writing Goals to Turn Your Dream Into a Finished Manuscript.
-
What is the difference between a dream and a measurable goal?
-
You have five tips for setting reasonable and measurable writing goals?
· Tip 1: Write down your writing goal w/ an estimated completion date
· Tip 2: Determine your word count based on your genre
· Tip 3: Write a daily word count goal – use sticky notes as a reminder
· Tip 4: Track Your Progress – spreadsheet - date, chapter title, wordcount
· Tip 5: Have an Accountability Partner – preferably someone who understands the writing process.
LINKS
Ginny Cruz Website: ginn_ycruz.com
Socials: https://www.facebook.com/ginny.cruz.2025,
https: / /www.instagram.com/ ginnycruzauthor, x.com/ GinnyCruz, https://www.tiktok.com/@ginny.cruz27
Book link: https://amzn.to/3KDruLT
Freebie Download Title: Write Your Goals and Finish Your Manuscript
https://bit.ly/4aYicFo
Tummy Time Prayers Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/588849797651494
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Who are you in Christ? Who is Christ in you? And why did He call you in the first place? Today’s guest shares why this continuing class at the BRMWC always has a waiting list - stick around.
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 … Writing to Learn Who You Are in Christ, Who Christ is in You, and Why He Called You in the First Place …
My industry expert, Eva Marie Everson, is the multi-award-winning author of nearly 50 fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, the Director of the BRMCWC Selah and Foundation awards, and a popular speaker. She and her husband—when they are not enjoying their children and grandchildren—are owned by a cat named Vanessa.
This class is a 4-day CCPracticum. Tell us what that means.
How did this continuing class come about?
What should participants expect to learn during the class?
One must pre-register for this class. Why and how?
As we wrap up, words of encouragement to first-time attendees?
Eva Marie Everson
- Class Title: Writing to Learn Who You Are in Christ, Who Christ is in You, And Why He Called You in the First Place
Class Type: Continuing Class Practicum - Pre-Registration is required. See class requirements below
Class Description: ACT I/II/III 4-day CCP
Writing to Learn Who You Are in Christ, Who Christ is in You, And Why He Called You in the First Place
Class Requirements:
This class is limited to the first 10 participants. You must sign up in advance, and can do so by emailing Eva at PenNhnd@aol.com.
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Are you experiencing God’s provision in every stage of your writing process? Today’s guest shares the natural process of birthing a book and how God is present all along the way
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 the birthing process of a book.
My industry expert is Annette Marie Griffin. Annette is an award-winning author and speaker who writes timeless pieces to help readers find home. She’s a columnist and acquisitions editor for StarLight Magazine and has written hundreds of articles for kids and adults throughout her writing career. Her newest book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, will be released soon through Christian Art Gifts.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… the Process of Birthing a Book.
- *How abiding in Christ is the consummation of our gifts and talents (John 15:4-5)
- *The similarities between each stage of birthing a baby and birthing a book
- *The special provision God gives us through every stage and challenge of writing for Him.
- *Our book babies are His special creation--predestined to accomplish His will for His purposes. The hard part can be releasing our "babies" to Him and letting Him have His way with them.
Annette Griffin
Author Care Tips for Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit Download
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Everyone needs encouragement—especially writers. Today’s guest shares a story to help you make it through the week with 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 receive encouragement for your writing journey.
Today’s guest is Debbie Sorensen. Raised on a small Montana ranch with a storyteller father, she attended a one-room country grade school. She is a former teacher, mother, grandmother, and now a widow. Debbie loves crafting with words and has written newspaper columns and magazine articles, appeared on podcasts, and published one book, with a new audiobook just released.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… encouragement for your writing journey
1.) No matter where you begin, you can finish well.
2.) We can continue to impact people of all ages, using words and actions.
LINKS
Debbie Sorensen
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Are your stories falling flat? Maybe you could benefit from leveraging a bit of tension in your writing. Connie Mann offers tips to keep the pages turning and the late-night candles burning.
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 Make Your Novel Unputdownable.
My industry expert Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women. She is the author of The Crown Conspiracy, The Florida Wildlife Warriors, and the Safe Harbor series. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain, which is as much fun as it sounds. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… How to Make Your Novel Unputdownable
1-How to leverage tension to pull readers deeper and deeper into your story
2-What to do when scenes - or even whole sections - fall flat
Contact Connie Mann - Ask for her How to Make Your Novel Nonputdownable List
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Video isn't the go-to for many writers and speakers. Yet, today’s guest provides five key reasons to jump on the professional video bandwagon.
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 share tips and strategies from industry experts to help you excel in your craft and expand your reach. I’m so glad you’re listening in. In this episode, you’ll learn 5 Reasons an Author Needs Professional Video
My industry expert, Andrew Hamlet, is a filmmaker, writer, and creative director at Hamlet Productions LLC. He crafts cinematic stories across film, music, and live events, blending faith, technology, and emotion. Known for ambitious world-building and meticulous production, he partners with brands, ministries, and artists to tell meaningful, high-impact stories for worldwide audiences with boldness.
5 Reasons an Author Needs Professional Video
- Video Builds Instant Trust and Connection
Professional video allows readers to see your face, hear your voice, and connect with your message before they ever open your book. This builds credibility and deepens audience engagement.
- Video Drives Social Engagement
Social platforms prioritize video content. A polished video grabs attention quickly, increases engagement, and helps your message cut through the noise.
- Video Helps You Sell Without 'Selling'
Cinematic trailers, storytelling clips, and short author messages communicate emotion and purpose in seconds—creating interest and boosting book sales naturally.
- Video Increases Speaking and Media Opportunities
Event planners, podcasts, and conferences want to see how you communicate. A professional video reel increases your chances of being booked and paid for appearances.
- Video Turns Your Book Into a Brand
Video expands your message into courses, workshops, digital products, communities, and more—transforming your book into the foundation of a broader brand.
Use your videos for Courses, Workbooks, Devotionals, speaking topics, Online communities, Digital products, and Ongoing content series.
LINKS
Andrew Hamlet
Andrew Hamlet on LinkedIn
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Are you ready to claim your first paycheck as a writer? Today’s guest has the tips you need to hear.
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 move your passion for writing into a profession.
My industry expert is Amanda Elaine West, a freelance writer who publishes an average of 6 to 20 articles per month. What began as a part-time writing niche for a local magazine quickly grew into a full-time career. She has now published over 200 articles in the past four years and is the lead writer for Good News Shelbyville magazine. As a busy mom of five who also homeschools and a wife to a pastor on call 24 hours a day, she's actively learning how to make it all work. She serves as president of Word Weavers South Middle Tennessee and, until recently, was also president of Page 51.
How to move your passion for writing into a profession.
How to find freelance writing opportunities. Hint: opportunities are all around us, but you must first invest in yourself before others will.
How to craft a compelling story following a lackluster interview. Where do I start? How can I make nonfiction pop off the page?
Find out more about Amanda Elaine West
www.awestwrites.com
Email Amanda at awestwrites@outlook.com for your copy of “From Passion to Profession: How to Kickstart Your Freelance Writing Career.”
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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How do you find your niche as a Christian Writer? Today’s guest says it may be less complicated than we’re making it.
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 find your niche in the marketplace.
My industry expert is Jesse Florea, who has worked at Focus on the Family for over 30 years. For 25 of those years, he has served as the editor of Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He also cohosts the “Official Adventures in Odyssey” and “Official Average Boy” podcasts. His more than fifty book credits include the Defend Your Faith apologetics Bible for kids, The Case for Christ Young Readers Edition, and The One Year Devos for Sports Fans.
Jesse shares the path God took him down to be the author of fifty books, including devotionals, sports-associated books, and kidifying books. Listen in to grab a few tips to help and encourage you in your writing journey.
Find out more about Jesse Florea
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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What is a Neurodivergent Writer, and how can we make the most of neurodivergent characters in our stories? Today’s guest has the answers.
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 … The Neurodivergent Writer.
My industry expert is Heather Iseminger, an award-winning freelance author, former educator, and seminary graduate. As a consultant with Brookstone Creative Group, she helps authors pursue God’s calling in publishing. Heather’s deepest passion is teaching others biblical truths and guiding them to live a radical, Jesus-loving life.
The Neurodivergent Writer
1. Strategies and tips for the ND writer who struggles to maintain focus and function in a publishing world with neurotypical rules.
2. How to make sure ND characters aren't just stereotypes.
Tips for the Neurodivergent Writer
Tips for Writing ND Characters
Heather Isemiger with Word-Weavers
Heather Iseminger on Facebook
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Are you stuck when creating visuals to complement your presentations? Gretchen Huesmann shows how all of your senses make this happen.
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 Make Your Points Shine by creating visuals to complement your presentations.
My industry expert is… Gretchen Huesmann. With wit and wisdom, she shares messages of hope and healing with women, educators, and ministry workers. She has taught in private and public schools across seven states. Today, she tutors and substitutes to support her writing habit. Gretchen and her pastor-husband have survived, er, served five congregations, and raised four amazing children.
Linda - Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Make Your Points Shine: Create Visuals to Compliment Your Presentations
- Not all listeners are auditory learners. All senses count.
- Visuals should enhance, not distract from, your content.
LINKS
Gretchen Huesmann
It's a Good Day to Be a Teacher book
Check out what Coach Gretchen has to offer
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Writing styles and genres have guidelines; some are non-negotiable. Today’s guest offers tips on writing devotions and short pieces.
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 … the process of Writing Devotions and other "short" pieces.
My industry expert, Ava Pennington, is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher with a Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA from St. John’s University. She is a freelance editor and certified coach for Christian writers and speakers, and a mentor with Word Weavers Int’l.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Writing Devotions and other "short" pieces (such as submitting to anthologies)
Honing writing skills for all genres by learning the value of writing tight.
Non-negotiables of devotional writing.
LINKS
Ava Pennington's Newest book - Flourish: Grace-centered Practices to Protect and grow a Frutful Life in Christ
Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fullywww.AvaPennington.com
Connect with Ava Pennington on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Writing is a business. Knowing which laws impact you is a must for every career-minded writer. Today’s guest offers tips to help you stay on the right side of the law when you write.
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 share tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. In this episode, you’ll learn "What Every Writer Should Know About Law."
My industry expert, Ilena Alvarez, is a Florida-based attorney specializing in estate and business planning, probate, and guardianship law. She holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Cooley Law School (now Western Michigan University). With a passion for legal education, Ilena has spent over a decade teaching as an adjunct professor at Broward College, where she teaches courses in legal writing, business law, and litigation. In addition to her legal work and teaching, she is currently co-authoring a nonfiction book with Patricia Hartman, CPA, and is also working on a contemporary fiction novel.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… "What Every Writer Should Know About Law"
(1) The importance of separating the writer from the business.
(2) Other Legal Minefields (such as legacy planning or copyright law).
LINKS
https://word-weavers.com/ilena-alvrez
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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No one is perfect, and praise the Lord, we're not expected to be! I hope you enjoy this fun and giggle-filled episode of bloopers.
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 experience the raw side of episodes.
Merry Christmas!
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Connecting with our readers is crucial for expanding our Kingdom outreach. Katy shares how we can engage through newsletters and use Canva to create enjoyable content.
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 connect with your audience through newsletters.
My guest is Katy Kauffman, an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She has the privilege of working with writers and the Lighthouse team to create Bible study compilations and magazine issues. She has a monthly newsletter for writers called The Lighthouse Connection and contributes to three writing blogs.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… great ways to connect with your readers.
1. One of the best ways is through a newsletter
2. What goodies can we stuff into our newsletters that an audience will enjoy?
3. How to use Canva as a resource for creating digital graphics that can go in our newsletters.
LINKS
12 Ideas for Digital Freebies PDF download
Connect with Katy Kauffman - at her blog, Winning the Victory, and on Facebook and Twitter.
http://lighthousebiblestudies.com/
https://lighthousebiblestudies.com/katy-kauffman/
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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Are you utilizing Vision to Complete Your God-given Publishing Assignments? Today’s guest shares that our vision is a superpower for finishing the assignments God has given us.
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 Tap Into the Power of Vision to Complete Your God-given Publishing Assignments.
My industry expert is… Tarsha Campbell. As a “Purveyor of Empowerment,” Tarsha serves as an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, certified empowerment coach, business consultant, and mentor. Coach Tarsha, as she is affectionately called, is passionate about helping others discover and fulfill their life purpose and launch their dreams. Her signature presentations on vision have revolutionized lives, ignited creativity, and fueled divine manifestation for those who hear them.
Tarsha says, "A Writer’s Vision is a Superpower."
· What is vision, and why is it one of your superpowers?
· How to tap into the incredible power of vision, utilizing vision boards and vision board journals to complete your God-given publishing assignments strategically.
LINKS
Tarsha Campbell
Tarsha's Vision Board Journal
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Do you watch classic movies to improve your writing? Donna Mumma shares how doing just that can produce great fiction.
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 to pick out writing techniques from watching classic movies to improve your writing.
My industry expert Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first-grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She loves to blend history, mystery, and faith in her novels, which include Fresh Scars, The Women of Wynton’s, and First Comes Marriage . . . Then Comes Murder. A native Floridian, she now lives on the Sunshine State’s west coast, sharing life with her family and her energetic collie, Duke.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Writing Techniques We Can Learn from Classic Movies
How to watch a classic movie and pick out great writing techniques that will transfer well to writing great fiction.
All About Eve notes - Donna Mumma
Donna Mumma
Donna on Facebook
Donna on Instagram
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#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
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Have you ever thought, This story would make a great movie? Today’s guest provides some Hollywood insight to help you in your journey as a writer.
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 From the Page to Stage (or Screen): the Art of Adaptation.
My industry expert is… Mike Parker. As the publisher of WordCrafts Press, Mike Parker is also an award-winning writer, actor, director, playwright, and screenwriter. He holds a BA degree in Bible and Philosophy, served with the renowned US Army Special Forces (Green Berets), and had a career as a stockbroker before taking the entrepreneurial leap into the unpredictable world of the entertainment industry.
While publishing is a full-time job, in his spare time (ha!) Mike has produced and hosted two nationally syndicated Christian music video TV shows, written more than 100 episodes of three other Christian music video shows, produced and directed one feature film, and appeared in more than a dozen feature films, as well as numerous music videos and regional and national television commercials.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… From the Page to Stage (or Screen): the Art of Adaptation.
1) Why doesn't Hollywood want your story?
2) You don't need Hollywood to get your story onto the screen or stage.
Find Mike here - https://www.facebook.com/Scavengers
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As writers, we know that story makes a difference in our success. Jane Herlong shares tips to ensure your story is never forgotten.
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 … Finding Your Story Power
My industry expert is… Jane Jenkins Herlong is a SiriusXM humorist, Hall of Fame speaker, and award-winning author of five books, including Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South, featured in Cracker Barrel nationwide. From farm fields to the Miss America stage, Jane blends Southern-fried humor and wisdom to turn life’s trials into laughter.
From Found to Told
-If you can find it, you can frame it.
-What’s told well is never forgotten
Jane's Website!
-Speaker Hall of Fame
-SiriusXM 97 Radio Humorist
Jane's YouTube Channel
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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Are faith-based publications an answer to mentoring today’s youth? Beth Hanning and Linda Goldfarb share tips for fiction and non-fiction.
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 mentor youth through faith-based publications.
Linda's industry expert is Beth Hanning. Beth is the founder of Paradise Rivers Publishing, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping the next generation of world changers. She’s also the author of two Amazon #1 Best Sellers that blend her love for storytelling with a mission to mentor.
With degrees in Electrical Engineering and Instructional Design, Beth brings creativity and innovation to her work. Beth is the mom of two artistic daughters and a certified Stephen Minister. She lives in Florida with her husband and six koi fish.
1. Fiction manuscripts – how storytelling can shape, inspire, and guide young people in their relationships.
2. Non-fiction manuscripts: How practical, truth-driven writing can guide youth in real-world career exploration and mentoring relationships.
Connect with Beth Hanning
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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Are you taking advantage of sharing your faith in your writing?
Today’s guest explains how we can accomplish that and why it’s vital for our readers.
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 Sharing Your Faith Through Articles, Blogs, and Devotions.
My industry expert is Alice H. Murray, a retired adoption attorney who now pursues her passion for writing. She writes a weekly blog, a faith column, and numerous articles and devotions. Including "The Secret Of Chimneys," an annotated Agatha Christie mystery, and "God Adopted Us First," a 2025 adoption devotional.
Sharing Your Faith Through Articles, Blogs, and Devotions
1. Your best story/lesson to tell is what you have personally experienced.
2. It is crucial to keep in mind what your forum is (blog/devo/article) and who you are writing for.
Alice Murray's Info:
My blog: aliceinwonderingland.wordpress.com
Feet to Faith Column:https://www.patheos.com/blogs/feettofaith/
Website: authoralicehmurray.wixsite.com/website
Facebook Writer Page: https://www.facebook.com/alicemurraywriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alice.h.murray/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pstyre/ [Alice H. Murray]
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-H.-Murray/e/B0B8VMJZGF
X (formerly Twitter): @AliceHMurr51316
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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Writing picture books? During this episode, a professional illustrator gives us the inside scoop on how the illustration process works.
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 you 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 encore episode, you’ll learn the ins and outs of Illustrating a Picture Book.
My industry expert is Jack Foster. Jack is a follower of Jesus, the father of five, and the grandfather of fourteen. He has illustrated over 125 published picture books. He grew up in Chicago but now resides in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains with his wife, lovely Aleithia, and their two cats, Jasper and Stormy.
- Do you work traditionally or digitally, and what is the norm?
- What is the process of illustrating on full-page illustration?
- What is a Spot illustration?
- How long does it take to illustrate a picture book?
- Explain how you choose the colors for your illustrations and what inspires you.
- Is the text added by illustrators or by a designer?
LINKS
Jack Foster
Mr. Bobblehead Blog
Jack Foster Facebook
Jack Foster Twitter
Jack Foster Instagram
Jack Foster - FreeBibleImages
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Submitting work to agents and editors can be financially rewarding. Do you know that a submission can be rejected without even being read? Learn more in this episode.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 encore episode, you’ll learn guidelines to help your manuscripts avoid rejection.
Rhonda is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle, even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has published works in several anthologies and periodicals, winning numerous awards for her historical romance books.
LINKS
Rhonda Dragomir
Proposal Template Download
Free Writing Resource Classes
Details for checking the reading grade level of your WORD document
Hint for Mac users - To check Readability, (you do not have "Options" - instead, click Word, then Preferences, then Grammar & Spelling. From there, turn on "Show readability stats" - hitting OK is not required).
To view the readability level, click the Editor icon, then select Document Stats under Insights. Tada!
Grammarly AI-Powered writing enhancement tool
Christian Writers Market Guide
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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You’ve invested in a website and published a book. Now, how do you get people to visit your website? Today’s blogging tips are the answer.
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 Blogging Tips to Increase Website Traffic.
My industry expert, Susan U. Neal, is the author of nine books on healthy living, and her most recent release is "How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month." She is the CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association, the Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Indie Awards, and she serves as the director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference.
Talk to us about blogging and search engine optimization (SEO)
Google Keyword Planner at https://ads.google.com/home/#!/ (free), UberSuggest at https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/ (3 free uses/day or paid), and
Publisher Rocket (paid).
Christian Indie Publishing Association blog
(https://christianpublishers.net/blog/),
Healthy Living Series blog
(https://susanuneal.com/healthy-living-blog).
Create blog guidelines and post weekly.
Rewrite the blog’s meta description.
Create an engaging blog title.
Use https://convertcase.net/
Use the Advanced Marketing Institute’s headline analyzer
Pixabay.com Unsplash.com Canva.com Pixlr.com
Check out the blogging course at CIPA.Podia.com.
Interested in writing for Susan's blogs? Email Susan at
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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Are you pouring yourself out for Jesus and running on empty? Today’s guest offers the right fuel to keep you going!
Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I share tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you succeed in your craft. I’m so happy you’re tuning in. In this episode, you’ll discover how to make wise choices during uncertain times.
Today’s guest is Katie M. Reid, a dynamic Bible teacher and the author of four books (Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do?, and two fiction rom coms, A Very Bavarian Christmas and A Very Bavarian Summer). Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She hosted the Martha + Mary Show podcast and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five… are the best decisions she's made. Cut-to-the-chase conversations, sunsets, and musicals are a few of her favorite things. Subscribe to Katie's "Good News-Letter" at katiemreid.com.
Alright, sis – help us out here, how can we… Make wise decisions in uncertain times
1 - What are wise decisions we can make, even when we’re not sure what to do next?
2 - How do we move from a place of striving to a place of settledness when we’re wired like Martha (type A)? In other words, how can we be poured out for God but not burned out?
3 - What do we do when we face a dead end in our writing journey?
Katie's newest book – God, What Do I Do? A Bible Study on Judges 1–5 About Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times
Wherever books are sold or on my website. RightNow Media has a corresponding video series.
Just for you! The introductory lesson for free, from God, What Do I Do? here:
https://katiemreid.myflodesk.com/biblestudyfreebie1
You can find out more about Katie M. Reid
Website: https://www.katiemreid.com
Podcast: https://www.katiemreid.com/martha-mary-show-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieMReidWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_m_reid
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieMReid
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What did you think of this episode?
Writing about people is one of the easiest ways to get your article published. Learn tricks of the trade by article writing guru Linda Gilden.
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 encore episode, you’ll learn how to write the Best People-based Articles.
My industry expert is Linda Gilden – Linda is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author of theLINKED Personality Series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles, and several ghostwritten books.
As a freelance editor and writing coach, working with publishers and individuals, she encourages others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother of the six cutest grandchildren in the WORLD! Her greatest joy is the time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book, surrounded by splashing children!
Writing the best People-Oriented Articles
The first type of people-oriented article is a personal experience.
1 Why would anyone want to read/hear about my experiences?
2 Do I really have anything of value to say to others?
3 Who is your audience?
The second type of people-based articles is Profiles.
4 What is the difference between a profile article and a personal experience article?
5 As a Christian writer, do I always have to write for Christian markets?
6 Where is the best place to pitch a personal experience or profile article?
Part Two - Writing Instruction-based Articles
LINKS
Linda Gilden
Articles, Articles, Articles book
Sample Article Submission Page PDF
Barney the San Antonio Toilet Seat Artist
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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What did you think of this episode?
Are you a fiction writer with little to no medical background or familiarity with medicine? Today’s guest is gonna open your eyes to mistakes you can’t afford to pen…we’re talking novel malpractice, my friends.
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 … Medical mistakes in fiction and how to prevent them.
My industry expert is… Dr. Ronda Wells. A physician and award-winning author of The Christmas Cherub, Ronda Wells, writes “Heartfelt Stories from the Heartland.” Her Killer Nashville Magazine column, Novel Malpractice website, and her blogs, Novel Malpractice and Historical Novel Malpractice, offer authentic medical information for authors. Dr. Wells is a contributor to Guideposts, and she writes devotions for Crossmap and Arise Daily.
Linda - Alright, let’s head into our content for today… WARNING! Laughter will ensue.
Why did you get started with Novel Malpractice?
What’s the most frequent mistake you see in books and movies?
What can writers do to prevent making medical mistakes in their novels?
LINKS
Are you committing novel malpractice? quiz - https://novelmalpractice.com/quiz/
As we wrap up – The Christmas Cherub, at https://a.co/d/8g3RpCy
You can find out more about Ronda in our show notes as well.
https://novelmalpractice.com
https://rondawellsbooks.com
Link for The Christmas Cherub: https://a.co/d/8g3RpCy
X https://x.com/RondaWellsBooks
FB author page https://www.facebook.com/RondaWellsWriter/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rondawellsbooks/
Threads https://www.threads.com/@rondawellsbooks
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/rondawellsbooks/
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondawellsbooks/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57306481.Ronda_Wells
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ronda-wells
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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How good are you at speaking your story? Have you considered dictation? Today’s guest is gonna rock your writing world!
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 … Dictating your story. This is speaking instead of typing.
My industry expert is… Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Sarah is an author and writing instructor. She has appeared on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman’s blog, Writer’s Digest magazine, and more. Sarah also hosts The Confident Fiction Author podcast, which encourages authors to pursue their best creative lifestyles.
Linda - Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Dictating Your Story.
1. How did you personally get started with dictation, and what was your learning curve like?
2. What kind of impact has dictation had on your writing output?
3. What exactly is dictation, and how does it work for writers?
Listener giveaway... a live Dictation Bootcamp for Authors coming up on October 14, 2025. The link isn’t live yet, but you can share: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation
Learn about the Dictation Bootcamp
Learn About Morning Pages Mini-course
You can find out more at https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation, https://fictioncourses.substack.com, https://www.choctawspirit.com, https://www.fictioncourses.com/
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Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
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What did you think of this episode?
What writers and speakers provide to the podcast host steers the conversation of the interview.
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 Create Promise-fulfilling Interview Questions.
Today’s industry expert is… me! And my wonderful friend and sister podcaster, Kim Stewart. Kim is a podcast strategist for authors and host of the Book Marketing Mania podcast. She helps nonfiction authors reach more readers as a podcast host and guest. 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.
As part of our Start Marketing When You Start Writing Series, for four episodes, we are covering podcast interview best guesting practices – taken from Linda’s award-winning book, Creating Dynamic Podcasts & Audiobooks – available directly from Linda, her contact info is in the show notes, and on Amazon.
The best guesting practices we cover are:
- How to Expand the Reach of Your Core Message – Part One on YBWL
- How To Create Your Top Three Interview Topics – Part Two on BMM
- How to Create Promise-fulfilling Interview Questions – today’s topic on YBWL
- How to Create Professional Interview Queries – final episode on BMM next week
Also, something fun… we are broadcasting the four episodes on alternating podcasts – we are on Your Best Writing Life and on Book Marketing Mania.
Linda Goldfarb is a speaker, award-winning author & podcaster, audiobook narrator, and board-certified Christian life coach.
She hosts the Your Best Writing Life and Staying Real About Faith & Family podcasts. She is a clarity and mindset coach for The Biblical Nutritionist Academy, a board member of AWSA, emcee of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality Assessment.
Hey, Linda Goldfarb… welcome back to Your Best Writing Life!
Kim: We are cooking up something extra special today…
- First, we gather three ingredients: topic, audience, and need.
- Using a talking point template is a great recipe to keep your flow for multiple interviews.
- Create your media page for interviewers to find you.
Kim: Next time, we will cover how to create professional interview queries on my podcast, Book Marketing Mania
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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What did you think of this episode?
As a writer and speaker, your value to an interviewer goes beyond one book, article, or talk.
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 … 3 Steps to Expand the Reach of Your Core Message.
Today’s industry expert is… me! And my wonderful friend and sister podcaster, Kim Stewart, is with me to help facilitate this episode. Kim is a podcast strategist for authors and host of the Book Marketing Mania podcast. She helps nonfiction authors reach more readers as a podcast host and guest. 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.
As part of Linda’s and Kim's Start Marketing When You Start Writing Series, for four episodes, we are covering podcast interview guesting best practices – taken from Linda’s award-winning book, Creating Dynamic Podcasts & Audiobooks – available directly from Linda; her contact info is in the show notes, and on Amazon.
The best guesting practices we will cover are:
- How to Expand the Reach of Your Core Message - Part One
- How To Create Your Top Three Interview Topics - Part Two
- How to Create Promise-based Interview Questions - Part Three
- How to Create Professional Interview Queries - Part Four
Also, something fun… we are broadcasting the four episodes on alternating podcasts – part 1 & 3 are on Your Best Writing Life, and parts 2 and 4 are on Book Marketing Mania. The link to Kim's podcast is in the show notes as well.
Let me tell you a little bit about today’s guest. Linda Goldfarb is a speaker, award-winning author & podcaster, audiobook narrator, and board-certified Christian life coach.
She hosts the Your Best Writing Life and Staying Real About Faith & Family podcasts. She is a clarity and mindset coach for The Biblical Nutritionist Academy, a board member of AWSA, emcee of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality Assessment.
Linda says,
“My life is far from perfect, and that’s where Yeshua met me, loved me, and saved me. For Him, I’m eternally grateful.”
So, Linda Goldfarb… welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
Today's episode covers the following:
a - Identify Your Audiences
b - Identify Your Audience’s Needs
c - Satisfy Your Audience’s Needs
Next time, we will talk about how to create your top three interview topics on Book Marketing M
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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What did you think of this episode?
We often refer to writing as a lonely act of creativity. Today’s guest not only pokes holes in that theory, but he also offers foundational truths to inspire every writer to gain higher inspiration in the process.
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 … How to Connect With the Source of All Creativity as a writer.
My industry expert is… Bob Hostetler. Bob Hostetler (www.bobhostetler.com) is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker from Ohio, who these days lives in southern Nevada.
His more than fifty books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the dual-timeline novel, The Bone Box, have sold millions of copies.
As a literary agent with the Steve Laube Agency, Bob represents the work of fiction and nonfiction writers to Christian publishers.
He has been a radio disc jockey, radio commentator, game writer, pastor and preacher, and (with his wife, the lovely Robin) a foster parent to eleven teenage boys (though not all at once). He and his wife love spending time with their daughter, son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and their five perfect grandchildren.
Bob Hostetler, welcome back to Your Best Writing Life!
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… How to Connect With the Source of All Creativity as a writer.
This is an exciting day, Bob, as 100 Prayers for Writers is being released to the public. How did this book come about?
1 - Give us your take on writing being a solitary art.
2 - You say, when the writer consciously and purposefully partners with God in the creative process, something amazing happens.
3 – Today is the release of your latest book, 100 Prayers for Writers. Tell us what our writers can expect.
Bob’s book, 100 Prayers for Writers, is located on Amazon and at ShoptheWord.com, 100 Prayers for Writers – Creative Fuel for Inspired Workin both print and Kindle100 Prayers for Writers Kindle.
Connect with Bob Hostetler
Comment on Bob's Episode post in our YBWL Facebook group through 4 PM CT on August 25, 2025, to be placed in a drawing for one of three signed books from Bob.
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What did you think of this episode?
Are you prepared with the right questions to ask a potential book publisher? Today's encore episode is filled with tips to make publishing your book as smooth as possible.
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 five questions every author needs to ask before signing a book contract.
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 Contract
- How 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 Association
The Christian Pen
Free self-editing checklist for fiction or nonfiction via Debra's https://themotivationaleditor.com
Self-editing & Publishing Tips for the Indie Author
Website (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
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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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.
LINKS
Shelley Hitz
Join the Christian Book Academy
Publishing Map Download
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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?
LINKS
Kathi Lipp
Kathi's book - The Accidental Homesteader
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kathilipp
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 YouTube
- More about Annette Reeder
- The Biblical Nutrition Academy
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 licensing
- Where to find video clips and licensing
- Tips for writing scripts
LINKS
Shannon Redmon
Sign up for The Jail Cell
Shannon's Giveaway - Book Trailers PDSF Download
Shannon Redmon on Facebook
Examples of Book Trailers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljAN23iRPFrZzAJxWcnD0FbWhZbQ3hLR
Shannon Redmon's Books
DaVinci Resolve 17
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 19:37
- How 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?
LINKS
Heather Norman Smith
Timeout for Jesus Download
Songs for Sunday Book
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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 Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 writing
- Why each writer needs to get connected, be a sponge, be a rewriter, market, market, market, and think like a publisher.
LINKS
- Contact Larry J. Leech II
- Larry's Terrible 30 - Words to eliminate
- Writer's Digest
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 Engagement
- You 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 download
Click here for the Christian Creative Community.
Click here for author resources and submission info.
https://www.Abundance-books.com
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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.
LINKS
- Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
- Take the Rest Quiz
- Get your copy of Sacred Rest
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 Endorsers
and 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.
LINKS
Listener giveaway - Free tips for Reducing Risk for Breast Cancer www.ginnybrant.com/unleash
Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer
https://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 Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 Write
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What does finding freedom for the God-created writer in you mean?
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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?
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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 You
Heather 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 Linktree
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 Nonfiction
The 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 outfit
Know WHERE you're going (genre and audience expectations)
Know WHAT you need to include
Know 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 outfit
Know 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/booksketch
LINKS
www.butterfly-beginnings.com
https://liveandwritetransformed.substack.com
www.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoach
www.facebook.com/stephaniemillercoach
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 Peels
Check 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 website
Marci Seither on Facebook
Marci Seither on Instagram
Marci Seither on Amazon
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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?
LINKS
Sign 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 website
https://www.facebook.com/janedalyspeakerandauthor
https://x.com/JaneDal26031324
https://www.instagram.com/thejanesdaly/
Where Is My Sister book
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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 below
Website: www.tarynsouders.com
X : https://x.com/TarynSouders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taryn.souders
Instagram: 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 Riddle
Coop Knows the Scoop
How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer
REGISTER for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
REGISTER for the Florida Christian Writers Conference
Info on the 2025 FCWC
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded 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.com
Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part One
Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Two
Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Three
Learn more about Diann Mills below.
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diannmills.com
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facebook.com/diannmills
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x.com/diannmills
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diannmills.com/articles
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bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills
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instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
If you've ever thought about becoming a published author, today’s episode will dispel some myths you might believe to be true.
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 several Publishing Myths that hold you back from becoming a successful author.
My industry expert is… W. Terry Whalin. Terry understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor whose work has appeared in more than 50 publications. A former book acquisitions editor for several publishers and a former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers, covering a wide range of topics, from children’s books to biographies and co-authored works. Over 20 years ago, Terry wrote a diet book in eleven days called First Place by Carole Lewis, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Terry’s newest book is 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed (Morgan James Publishing).
We cover several myths found in Terry's book during today's episode. You can get your physical copy for only $10 (includes shipping), plus this special comes with over $200 worth of free bonuses. Get Terry's special offer at publishingoffer.com
Check out the 11th Myth here for your free chapter - https://Terrylinks.com/11thmyth
Click to receive Terry's Book Proposal ebook.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
During this third episode of the Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn How to Work Smart in Your Writing Career.
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.
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.
Here are today's 11 Ways to Work Smart in Your Writing Career
You also get a bonus download - 11 More Ways to Work Smart in Your Writing Career
Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part One
Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Two
Links
You can find out more about … in our show notes as well.
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diannmills.com
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facebook.com/diannmills
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x.com/diannmills
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diannmills.com/articles
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bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills
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instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you prepared to take the podcasting world by storm? Today’s guest shares tips to help you become the guest that podcasters can’t wait to interview.
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 Be A Writer Podcasters Love to Interview.
My industry expert is… Shelly Snead. She is a writer, an award-winning blogger, and host of UnPerfect, a podcast for Christian Women who desire to fully live the lives they’ve been dealt. She’s been miraculously married for 29 years and is “mom” to four kids, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a spoiled mutt she rescued in a weak moment.
How to Be A Writer Podcasters Love to Interview
Talking Points:
- What is the first step a writer should take before requesting an interview on a specific podcast?
a. Study the Podcast you are asking to be interviewed for.
b. (Discussion of how a writer can know if they are a good fit for a podcast).
- How should a writer adjust their mindset when preparing for a podcast interview?
a. Focus on serving rather than promoting.
b. (most important tip - requires a mindset shift, discussion of why it’s not really about your “book”)
- How can a writer assist the podcast host in preparing for the interview?
a. Provide a list of suggested questions for your topic or a subtopic of your book.
b. (discussion of a press release, suggested topics, even ways that fiction writers can land interviews)
Downloadable Giveaway - https://shellysnead.com/yourbestwritinglife/
You can find out more about Shelly in our show notes.
www.shellysnead.com (website)
https://shellysnead.substack.com/subscribe
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a Christian writer, strong listening skills can enhance readers' enjoyment.
Stay tuned. Today’s guest will share three ways to boost your writing-related listening skills.
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 two episode of Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn How Listening Makes Us Better Writers.
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.
Three ways to increase your writerly listening skills:
1. Listen with your whole body and mind. Shut out the rest of the world and concentrate on the audible voice.
2. Listen with empathy. Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes. What differences will this audible contribution make in your writing?
3. Listen with purpose. A writer aims to put themselves aside and write as the character.
Download DiAnn's How Listening Makes Us Better Writers PDF
You can find out more about DiAnn Mills in our show notes.
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diannmills.com
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facebook.com/diannmills
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x.com/diannmills
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diannmills.com/articles
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bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills
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instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Boost book sales through Amazon. In this encore episode, Linda Goldfarb and Vincent B. Davis II share what you need to know to increase sales as a multibook author.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Vincent B. Davis II. Vincent is an author, entrepreneur, and veteran. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and has served in the United States Army since 2014. He's the author of eight books, four of which have become international bestsellers. When he's not researching or writing his next book, you can find him watching Carolina Panthers football or playing with his rescued mutt, Buddy.
The questions Linda and Vincent cover in today's episode are:
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How to optimize your front and back matter.
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Getting beyond Option Paralysis
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Number one way to sell more books R & R
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The statistical benefit of writing more books.
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Tools outside Amazon to augment Amazon sales.
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Traffic + Conversion = $$$
LINKS
Vincent B. Davis II
Amazon Strategies for Advanced Writers PDF download
Pickfu.com
Ask Vincent about coaching - include YBWL in the subject line and request $100 off. email vincent@warriorbookmarketing.com
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Need help with Amazon optimization? Amazon marketing expert Vincent B. Davis II shares what you need to succeed in this encore episode as a Christian writer. Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Vincent B. Davis II. Vincent is an author, entrepreneur, and veteran. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and has served in the United States Army since 2014. He's the author of eight books, four of which have become international bestsellers. When he's not researching or writing his next book, you can find him watching Carolina Panthers football or playing with his rescued mutt, Buddy.
The questions Linda and Vincent cover in today's encore episode are:
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Why choose to sell exclusively on Amazon?
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What are two considerations we must know about Amazon marketing?
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What milestones should authors try to hit after launching a book on Amazon?
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How do authors engage with Amazon algorithms to sell books?
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What types of books typically succeed on Amazon with your marketing tactics?
LINKS
Vincent B. Davis II
Amazon Strategies for Beginning Writers PDF download
Ask Vincent about coaching - include YBWL in the subject line and request $100 off.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
In today’s encore episode, you will learn how to write more deeply while giving your reader a shorter study time.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Kathy Howard. Kathy is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate and richest coffee. She searches for cherished stories of faith that still impact hearts. And, she digs deep into God’s Word, mining His eternal truths for herself and to share with others. With more than 30 years of experience, Kathy has taught in dozens of states, internationally, and in various venues, including multi-church conferences and large online events.
She has a Master's degree in Christian Education and a certificate in Women’s Ministry from the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of 12 books, including five Bible studies and the Deep Rooted devotional series. She also serves on the LifeWay Women’s Ministry Training Team. Kathy and her husband live near family in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Kathy provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org.
Discover what a hybrid devotional study is and how you can begin writing meaty devotionals without breaking the time bank.
LINKS
Kathy Howard
How to Write a Deep Devotional PDF free download
Kathy Howard's Books
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
What you don't know about Public Relations as writers could be crushing your reputation. Linda Goldfarb and Julie Bonn Blank share top PR tips in today's encore episode.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Julie Bonn Blank. When Julie is not writing, she designs websites, works at ARMS/Abuse Recovery Ministry Services, and loves to walk the beach. She is a Certified Domestic Abuse Advocate in Oregon and an expert in domestic violence. She facilitates the Washington County Survivor Voices Committee and provides training in abuse and on many marketing and writing topics. She also facilitates an online encouragement, prayer, and critique group, North Coast Christian Writers.
PR Secrets and Slam Dunks for Writers
- What exactly is Public Relations
- At what level of writing should one consider PR
- What is more valuable online or printable PR
- Traditional PR – advertising, direct mail, 7 times before people move on it
- Online PR – reviews, ads, reputation management –
- Events, Webinars, (promo spread sheet)
- budget-sensitive tips writers can take for a DIY form of PR
- Work with your marketing team
- Webinars
- Haro – help a reporter out – free email list – sign up as an expert
- Podcasts – for authors - podcastguests.com
- News Media outlets – local news – books – press release – connect with reports (send thank you cards)
- Variety of topics – find celebrities – send your book to them – thank-you card – contactanycelebrity.com
Partnerships – work too (nonprofits $$ or % goes to them)
- What is your most important PR tip for writers.
- Not sales necessarily – connections
- Email list most important – storyorigin.com booksweeps.com – active audience
- Speaking opportunities – build them -
LINKS
Julie Bonn Blank
Abuse Recovery Ministries
Julie's Freebie - A short 2-story ebook, “Innocent Journeys"
Innocent Lives: Guardians of Grace Book 1
Innocent Voices: Guardians of Grace Book 2
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Would you like your novel to impact lives like an award-winning movie?
In today's encore episode, Deborah Raney shares her top movie techniques to help you do that!
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 encore episode, you’ll learn how to write your book with a movie in mind.
Linda's industry expert is Deborah Raney - Deb’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired an award-winning film from World Wide Pictures. Deborah teaches at writers’ conferences across the country, including Blue Ridge, and she served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for almost 18 years. Deb has written over forty books for imprints of Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and others and is thoroughly enjoying her career as a novelist. However, her first and most cherished calling is wife, mom, and “Mimi.” Native Kansans, Deb and her husband are transplants to Southeast Missouri, where seven of their thirteen grandkids live.
Deborah shares:
- The premise of her book, A Vow to Cherish, and how it became an award-winning movie!
- What did having a movie made from your novel teach you about writing?
- Share some movie techniques to help us bring our novels to life.
- How does writing cinematically teach us to Show, don’t tell?
LINKS
Deborah Raney
How to Bring Life to Your Novel by Writing Cinematically the book
More of Deborah Raney's Books
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Have you ever felt guilty about not meeting your writing goals or wondered if they need a check-up?
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 to do When Writing Goals Need a Re-Set.
My industry expert is…Penny Reeve.
Penny is a writer, children’s literature scholar, and speaker. She’s also the award-winning Australian author of more than 25 books for children. Writing as Penny Reeve, Penny Jaye, and Ella Shine, she writes picture books, junior fiction, children’s Bible studies, and young adult fiction. She is an experienced writing teacher with a particular interest in equipping Christian children’s writers. Learn more about Penny at www.pennyreeve.com
· Goals are important for writers, but how do we know if our goals need a check-up?
· How to start a writing goal re-set: revisit the old and consider the new.
· Be real about the rest of your life and then choose one to add, pause, delete, or restructure your writing goals.
Listener giveaway –Penny is generously offering a downloadable Writing Goals Check-Up! A resource specifically designed to help writers – just like you – to work and conduct a goals check-up of your own.
Check out Penny’s novel, Out of the Cages,a novel that took eleven years and eleven rejections before it found its way to publication and won awards, proof that re-setting goals can be a useful strategy for writers playing the long game.
· www.pennyreeve.com
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyreevethepennydrops
o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyreevethepennydrops/
o YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PennyReeveauthor
Book links for Penny’s 3 author names:
o Penny Reeve: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Penny-Reeve/author/B0034NJ9D4
o Penny Jaye: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Penny-Jaye/author/B07NCXW6GQ
o Ella Shine: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Shine/author/B08KCTYJYF
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
When you prioritize these four goals, you will maximize your monthly output! Today’s guest offers solutions to get you started.
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 Four Goals You Should Prioritize to Maximize Your Monthly Writing.
My industry expert is…Tina Yeager - Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach Tina Yeager hosts the Flourish-Meant Podcast and Flourish Today radio show on Christian Mix 106 and publishes Inkspirations Online, a weekly writers’ devotional. She has been licensed as a counselor since 2005. For holistic emotional wellness coaching, prayer-led creative journey mapping, purpose coaching, or event speaking, contact her at tina@tinayeager.com.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Four Goals We Should Prioritize to Maximize Our Month.
For your personal reset this month, here are four goals to restore your personal growth strategy and begin your journey to the best year ever.
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Start each day by praying through a passage of scripture with thankfulness and worship, meditating upon a specific name of God.
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Plan your intake. Nourish your brain, body, and spirit by what you choose to put into them. Set your food and beverages up before you get hungry.
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Draft policy statements for your interactions with others. Set standards for how you will respond to and treat people to act as guard rails.
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Prayerfully identify and execute short-term SMART goals. The Lord might reveal a long-range vision. If so, make sure all your short-term monthly goals support it.
Take a step in the next 24 hrs that commits you to the first objective of this month’s goal.
LINKS
If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/
Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses
Connect with Tina at:
Facebook Linked In Instagram YouTube Pinterest Goodreads
If you are ready to get
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Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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What did you think of this episode?
Are your devotions effective?
Writing devotions that change lives is what Cindy Sproles helps us understand better in this encore episode of Your Best Writing Life.
Cindy Sproles is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write, placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us, and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.
In this encore best-of episode, Linda and Cindy Sproles discuss the concepts many preachers use to prepare their sermons: Hook, Book, Look, and Take.
Find out how asking questions in your devotion can lose readers.
Everyone shares stories, but the reason telling a story in devotion is so important may surprise you.
Learn how to perfect your devotion by submitting it online to Christian Devotions.
LINKS
- Cindy Sproles
- Submit your devotion to Christian Devotions dot us
- Download your Hook, Book, Look, and Took PDF
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
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What did you think of this episode?
Have you ever thought about writing a children’s book or wondered what it takes to write for younger readers?
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 Busting the Myths about Writing for Children.
My industry expert is…Penny Reeve.
Penny is a writer, children’s literature scholar, and speaker. She’s also the award-winning Australian author of more than 25 books for children. Writing as Penny Reeve, Penny Jaye, and Ella Shine, she writes picture books, junior fiction, children’s Bible studies, and young adult fiction. She is an experienced writing teacher and speaker with a particular interest in equipping Christian children’s writers.
Busting the Myths About Writing for Children
· Myth #1 – Writing for children is easy.
· Myth #2 – Writing for children isn’t real writing.
· Myth #3 – Writing for children isn’t as important as writing for adults.
Listener giveaway – although Penny has spoken about writing for all ages, if you are considering writing a picture book, Penny is generously offering this episode’s listeners a downloadable Tip Sheet of Picture Book Basics!
· Penny’s children’s novel Camp Max explores themes of faith, friendship, and generosity for children aged 7 to 10.
· For more tips and tricks about writing for children, visit Penny’s YouTube channel for her ‘How to be a children’s author’ playlist. Plus, free writing activity videos for children!
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyreevethepennydrops
o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyreevethepennydrops/
o YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PennyReeveauthor
· Book links for Penny Reeve's three author names:
o https://www.amazon.com/stores/Penny-Reeve/author/B0034NJ9D4
o https://www.amazon.com/stores/Penny-Jaye/author/B07NCXW6GQ
o https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Shine/author/B08KCTYJYF
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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What did you think of this episode?
Are you struggling to get your writing started? Award-winning author Lori Hatcher shares five tips to help us increase our writing output.
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 Five Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity.
My industry expert is Lori Hatcher. Lori inspires and equips others by sharing high-impact stories for spiritual transformation. A popular women’s ministry speaker and writing/speaking instructor, Lori is an Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze with Toastmasters International. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com.
Lori, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
Five Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity
Tip one – Write in order of priorities, not preferences. Release the tyranny of the urgent: at the end of the day, what is most important for me to accomplish today?
Tip two – Use the four-bucket method, with either hard copies or digital folders. Notes app for iOS:
- Bucket of ideas: choose the one that resonates.
- Bucket of first drafts: write 500 words or one timer’s worth (check this bucket first).
- Bucket of ready-to-edit: a complete piece (go to this second).
- Bucket of ready-to-submit: a go-to list of places to submit or in your book manuscript.
Tip three: Use the Pomodoro method, intentionally moving up and down. Work for 25 minutes, then take 5 minutes off. Write in sprints (or more, perhaps 55 minutes on, followed by a 15-minute mental break during which you change locations and physical positions).
Tip four: Create a page or word count goal for each chapter or element to ensure cohesiveness. This will also help you write tightly.
Tip five: Pray before you write. God knows the words we need. Pray while you write, and pray after you write. Make time with God a top priority and release your work to Him. He always accomplishes what we need to do. Ask Him to give us His heart for our writing readers.
LINKS
A WORD FOR YOUR DAY: 66 DEVOTIONS TO REFRESH YOUR MIND, from Our Daily Bread Publishing
LORIHATCHER.COM
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What did you think of this episode?
Are you ready to take your platform to the next level? Linda’s guest offers three strategies to make that happen.
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 3 Top strategies to network and build your platform.
Linda's guest is Dr Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes. Dr. Katherine is an editor, author, speaker, podcaster, and educational consultant. She is the production editor for Embolden Media Group and a member of Word Weavers International, serving as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future in Guatemala.
Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She contributes regularly to several magazines, blogs, and newsletters. She authored a Bible study for women, a collaborative anthology of devotions, and is currently working on the sequels of her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story debuted in February 2024 through Endgame Press.
Today's episode walks you through three ways to network to grow your platform and engage with your audience.
Attend Writerly-events
Join Niche Groups
Engage Online
Giveaway- use the code Lindarocks2024 during checkout to receive a free eBook when they visit my website,www.drkatherinehayes.com, go to the book section, and choose any ebook.
Bonus giveaway - Building Your Author Brand: 5 Essential Strategies
Find out more about Dr. Katherine Hutchison Hayes
Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality podcast
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
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What did you think of this episode?
What does a street team do for writers, and where do you find them? Kara Swanson provides tips to attract and grow a robust street team.
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. You’ll learn about … Building a Robust Street Team during this episode.
Linda's industry expert is…Kara Swanson. Kara writes stories about fairytales and fiery souls. She spent her childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles, which inspired her award-winning Peter Pan retellings, DUST and SHADOW. Her latest fantasy series is set in an icy world filled with phoenixes called IGNITE, released in August 2024.
She is also the co-founder of the Author Conservatory where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.
You’ll find Kara with her toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with her delightfully nerdy husband, or chatting about magic and mayhem on Instagram
Building a Robust Street Team
- Kara, you recently built a street team of 700+ members, 70% of whom open your emails. How did you attract so many people to your street team?
- What kind of results have they brought you so far?
- What are your tips for managing a street team this large?
Listener giveaway - A training we put together called “The Smart Writer’s Guide to Publication and Beyond”
The Author Conservatory
You can find out more about Kara here
https://www.KaraSwanson.comhttps://www.AuthorConservatory.com
https://www.enclavepublishing.com/series/heirs-of-neverland/ Kara Swanson on Instagram
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Your 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 Podcast
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What did you think of this episode?
Readers want to see their authors. Listen in as Linda Goldfarb and Annette Reeder provide YouTube tips to help your writing business expand.
In this 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 over 19 million viewers with 439,000 subscribers
During our episode, Annette and I discuss the following:
- Why should writers 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 YouTube
- More about Annette Reeder
- The Biblical Nutrition Academy
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent moments with family.
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
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Let's develop healthy writing habits.
While the New Year holds much promise and excitement, difficult times are always waiting. Edie Melson helps us prepare for these challenges in this encore episode by developing healthy writing practices.
Welcome Edie Melson.
Edie is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. As a popular speaker, she encourages and challenges audiences to understand the necessity of Soul Care and leads workshops throughout the world on staying connected to God.
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.
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 23 Best Writing Practices.
Please welcome Edie Melson to Your Best Writing Life. It’s great to have you here, my friend.
Download the episode giveaway for 23 Things below.
Edie Melson
The Write Conversation Blog for Writers
Listener giveaway PDF Link for 23 Things to Do for Your Writing Self
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Scholarship Info
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
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What did you think of this episode?
Attention Writers…publicity is your friend! Linda’s guest shares how you can maximize your publicity beyond your book launch.
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 Publicity – ways to extend what a publicist did for you during your launch.My industry expert is… Stephanie Alton. Stephanie is a literary agent and marketer with The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. She represents best-selling and new voices in non-fiction and in select fiction genres. Stephanie promotes books by curating and executing publicity campaigns and online marketing plans. She has worked in publishing for 9 years and lives on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Today, we cover the following:
- Pre-launch tips.
- Post-Launch tips.
- Marketing advantages you have after your book launch that you don’t have during your launch period.
- What any author can do – even with no marketing experience –to market their book.
You can find out more about Stephanie Alton here: www.theblythedanielagency.com
https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_alton/
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What did you think of this episode?
Learn how playwriting and scriptwriting could be your mission in Christian ministry.
Your Best Writing Life is 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 … Playwriting and Scriptwriting
Billy Wayne Arrington is the founder and president of Vision Productions, Inc., Billy Wayne Ministries. He is an ordained minister, contemporary Christian vocal artist, Speaker, Writer, and Director/Producer/ Actor
Billy Wayne is an accomplished speaker as well as a Christian vocal artist. An accomplished singer/songwriter, he has produced over 20 music recording projects, various music videos, and live performances in concert. Known in the Christian music industry, Billy Wayne was also awarded regional finalist for the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Songwriter of the Year in 2000 and 2002. His book, “And God Was Watching,” received a 5-star Clarion review (The highest critic award) in 2011.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… **writing scripts and playwriting…
Why is production writing/script writing important in today’s culture?**
**How can one get started in this aspect of Christian ministry?
LINKS**www.Lamplighttheatre.com
www.billywayne.net
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Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
You can make money writing scripts for video games. Tune in to find out how to get started.Linda's industry expert is Bob Hostetler. Bob is an award-winning author, game writer, international speaker, and literary agent (with The Steve Laube Agency). His fifty books include Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell)and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional. He is also the executive director of the Christian Writers Institute (christianwritersinstitute.com).
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 Write for Video Games.
How to Write for Video Games**
1. What video game do you currently write for?
2. What challenges you the most as a video game script writer?
3. How would one get started in the video game industry?
4. Any final thought you’d like to share with our listeners, Bob?The show notes include a list of several writer’s conferences you’ll be attending, along with numerous links where you can learn more about Bob. LINKS
Website: www.bobhostetler.com
TruPlayGames
Blogs: www.oneprayeraday.com, https://www.guideposts.org/users/bobhostetler
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hostetler.395
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBobHostetler
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobhoss
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/bobhostetler1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/writerhoss
Pinterest: https://www.goodreads.com/writerhoss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerhoss/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-hostetler-aaabb57/
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
How does your point of view lose readership? Today’s guest shares the best point of view from which to tell 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 include the best point of view in your narrative.
Linda's industry expert is… PeggySue Wells. PeggySue is the bestselling author of 40 books, including the mystery suspense book of the year, Unnatural Cause. Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells, including Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction, including Slavery in the Land of the Free and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.
PeggySue is the founder of SingleMomCircle.com and a frequent flyer here on Your Best Writing Life…
In this episode, you will learn:
What is the second most fixed issue by editors?
The most fixed issue by editors?
How many types of POV are in the literary circle?
What is the best POV to use?
LINKS
Listener giveaway! PeggySue’s Particulars to Pen the Perfect Point of View - A Quick Guide to Writing Well
Chasing Sunrise
The Patent
Secrecy Order
Unnatural Cause
The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make
PeggySue Wells FB Author Page:
PeggySue Wells FB Personal Page
PeggySue Wells Linked In
PeggySue Wells
Single Mom Circle
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you ready to write a devotional that changes lives?
What if you could complete yours in 90 days?
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is… Janet McHenry is the author of 27 traditionally published books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk, Praying Personalities, and her newest, Looking Up! She teaches nonfiction form at writers’ conferences around the country and hosts the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat twice yearly. Her favorite thing is seeing lightbulbs light up in writers’ eyes.
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.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… How to write a 365-day devotional book in 90 days
Janet, help us out...
- You wrote 200,000 words for three different books in less than a year. How did that happen? And how do you schedule your writing time?
- Your most recent book, Looking Up!, is a 365-day devotional book that you wrote in three months’ time. How did you pace yourself to get that done?
- How would you coach someone in writing a devotion? What elements are important? And you say sometimes writers miss one—what is that?
LINKS
Listener giveaway - E-book: Prayer Helps: Scripture-Based Prayers When You Don’t Know How to Pray: https://www.janetmchenry.com/mini-magazine
Latest book - Looking Up! Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible: A Daily Devotional (Our Daily Bread Publications, Nov. 5, ,2024):
You can find out more about Janet McHenry here.
Website: https://www.janetmchenry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanetMcHenryAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetmchenry/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetmchenry/
X: https://x.com/LookingUpFirst
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is… Bethany Jett. Bethany is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen sons and their Pomeranian, Sadie.
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 the key concepts of a Great Nonfiction Book.
Are you utilizing the elements that create great nonfiction? Today we focus on one key element nonfiction books must contain to be successful.
The three pillars are Concept, Content, and Craft.
During this episode, we are concentrating on Concept.
What are High Concept ideas?
What makes your book a different book from someone else?
Define the audience who will walk into the bookstore looking for your book.
- Nonfiction content must answer a promise to their reader.
- Every chapter matters
- In this chapter, readers will understand take away or learn...
- There are no gray lines between memoirs and Christian living; it's one or the other.
- Who are the best sellers in your genre?
- Who are the midlist authors?
Links
Bethany Jett
Bethany Jett Books
Submission Guidelines
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
When is relaunching your book a great option?Today’s guests share strategies and insight into making a book relaunch your next best step. 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 … Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction
My industry experts are Athena Dean Holtz and Carol Tetzlaff… Athena is an author, speaker, podcaster, and publisher at Redemption Press, and She Writes for Him. She pioneered the indie publishing movement in the Christian market in the early 90s. Carol is an award-winning Bible study author, speaker, and associate publisher at Redemption Press.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction
- How do you know it’s time to relaunch?
- How can an author add value to the reader by revising or expanding?
- What are the most effective additions to make a new version stand out?
Listener giveaway? - Our free resource would be a course on Get unStuck in Your Writing.
Your A Game - Courage for the Communicator – PDF Download and watch training at Romans828mediagroup.com
https://www.redemptionpress.com
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Have you stalled out as a writer or speaker – is it because someone wounded you?
Today’s guest shares how we can heal from our wounded giftings to soar again.
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 … Have You Been Wounded in Your Gifting?
My industry expert is… Shellie Arnold. Shellie has written and edited articles, devotionals, novels, and nonfiction. She has keynoted and taught in workshops, Sunday school classes, and small group settings. She frequently serves on faculty at conferences, including leading the popular Manuscript Critique Track at FCWC, which allows writers to get feedback on their current work in progress.
- How do these wounds happen?
- How do they affect our calling to write or speak?
- How can we heal from these wounds?
LINKS
Listener giveaway - The Big Four Strategies is a free download on Shellie's website at https://www.shelliearnold.com/shop-c1bgp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellie.arnold.7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556125003924
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ShellieLArnold
Instagram: in process
Website: www.shelliearnold.com
Joined by God: Unconventional Devotions for Christian Couples can be found at: https://www.kaleidoscopebooks.net/ , Amazon, and through other retail outlets
The Spindle Chair, Sticks and Stones, and Abide with Me (novels about marriages in trouble) can be found at: https://www.kaleidoscopebooks.net/ , Amazon, and through other retail outlets
Podcast: Christian Marriage Uncensored can be found at https://www.shelliearnold.com/podcast-1 or your favorite podcast platform as well.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you curious about AI's true impact on Christian Writers? Today’s guest sheds some much-needed light on this growing topic of concern.
LYNETTE EASON IS THE BEST-SELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF OVER SIXTY BOOKS.
Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards, including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll, and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past, was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network.
Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love.
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 AI is impacting Christian writers.
LINKS
Lynette can be found online at
Lynette Eason
Lynette Eason on Facebook
and @lynetteeason on Twitter.
The Author's Guild
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
How does your writing change the world? Today’s guest helps us consider the importance of core values in our 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. You’ll learn about … Writing to Shape Our Culture during this episode.
My industry expert is…Michelle Lazurek. Michelle is a pastor’s wife, mother, and multi-genre, award-winning author and speaker. She is a regular contributor for iBelive.com and crosswalk.com and is passionate about making disciples and engaging in honest conversations for authentic living. She’s also a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services.
- Why is knowing core values essential for a writer’s career success?
- What are your core values?
- What core values should we focus on?
- What is the key to helping writers remain relevant in today’s culture?
Download - 10 Ways to Speak to Your Culture. PDF
Michelle S. Lazurek - Multi-genre award-winning author, literary agent, and certified writing coach. Thirty-time award-winning author, including a three-time Children's Book of the Year, Article of the Year, Selah and Directors' Choice award winner
http://www.michellelazurek.com
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Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Words have power. Is your dialog something readers quote long after they finish your book? Stay tuned—today's guest shares top strategies for drafting dynamic dialog.
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 Draft Dynamic Dialog.
My industry expert is…PeggySue Wells - PeggySue 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.What is the purpose of dialog?
What makes dialog memorable and quotable?
What items can be trimmed to have a clear, concise conversation?
What about swearing and the use of profanity?
Additional episodes with PeggySue Wells
5 Top Tips to Begin Your Writing Career
Writing Sensational Settings
Writing Creative Characters
How to Write Pivotal Plots
LINKS
Download - PeggySue's Particulars to Pen Dynamic Dialog
PeggySue Wells FB Author Page:
PeggySue Wells FB Personal Page
PeggySue Wells Linked In
PeggySue Wells
Single Mom Circle
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your 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 Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a faith-based writer, how do you find your perfect editor? Karin Beery helps you avoid bad editors and experience the best for yourself.
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 Find Your Perfect Editor.
My industry expert is…Karin Beery. Owner of Write Now Editing, Karin helps authors turn good manuscripts into great books. She is also a writing coach and a regular presenter at state and national writing conferences. When she's not editing or teaching, she writes hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance.
LINKS
Karin Beery - Hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance
Karin Beery - Author - Turning good manuscripts into great novels
Write Now Editing
Clean Read List Download
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Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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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 Career
We 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, Blogger
www.LoriHatcher.com
Refresh Your Faith
Refresh Your Prayers
Refresh Your Hope
Moments with God for Couples
loriahatcher@gmail.com
Ease into the Bible: How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidenceby Jean Wilund
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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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 things
- E = 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.
LINKS
Find out more about Dalene Bickel below:
YouTube
DaleneBickel.com
The One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts: Write Your Life Story, One Question at a Time
Thank 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.
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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.
LINKS
Ruthie Gray Book: Empty Nest Awakening
Ruthie Gray website:Authentic Online Marketing
Instagram: @ruthie_gray_author
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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.
- 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.
-
Check Bible references
-
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 Grammarly
-
Be consistent in the capitalization of deity pronouns
-
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 lines
- Fourth 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-up
LINKS
Lori Hatcher - Author, Speaker, Blogger
www.LoriHatcher.com
Refresh Your Faith
Refresh Your Prayers
Refresh Your Hope
Moments with God for Couples
loriahatcher@gmail.com
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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.
LINKS
Ten Strategies to Build a Thriving Email List
Website: https://morethanyourself.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristinebrown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinebrownwriter
Kristine’s books: https://morethanyourself.com/books-kristine-brown
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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 Programs
Online Courses
Coaching Programs
Certification Programs
Maximizing your content to reach beyond the pages of your book.
LINKS
www.Dayelightpublishers.com
www.instagram.com/crystalsdaye
www.facebook.com/dayelightpublishers
www.instagram.com/dayelightpublishers
Grab your free Bestseller Cheatsheet: 20 Practical Steps to Write & Market an Impactful Book.
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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 value
- I’m the one responsible for the reach of my words
Listener giveaway – PDF the ABCs of Social Media for Writers
As 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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:
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diannmills.com
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facebook.com/diannmills
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x.com/diannmills
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diannmills.com/articles
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bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills
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instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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 ourStart 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 bio
- Posting 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 Books
Part 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 1
New, 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 Stewart
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded 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 Believing
My 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 Download
Edie Melson, Social Media Coach - write Social Media Coaching in the subject line
Be 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a writer, how are you staying in touch with your future readers?Today, Kim Stewart and I discuss the importance of building an email list before you write a book.
Build That Email List Now!
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 one in our Start Marketing When You Start Writing series – Marketing guru Kim Stewart and I share the importance of community for writers.Writing evergreen content – building an email list
*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.
Today we cover:*• Why you need an email list
• Why you need a lead magnet and how to set it up
• How often to email and what to send
Kim Stewart Marketing
Book Marketing Mania podcast
Check out Linda’s previous episode on How Email Marketing WorksHow Email Marketing Works - Part One How Email Marketing Works - Part Two
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Have you set up a writing business that honors God?
Are you following the tax laws?
Are you maximizing your tax deductions? Learn how now.
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 Taxes and the Christian Writer
My industry expert is Patricia Hartman, CPA. For over thirty years, Patricia has been helping business owners set up and maintain their finances and prepare their tax returns. Patricia is also an award-winning author of several books and operates her own writing business. She has written both fiction and non-fiction books and is currently working on both. Besides finishing the third in her Poisoned Suspense series, she’s currently collaborating with an attorney to write one just for you, our writers, on today’s topic.
Today we discuss - the top 10 questions every writer should ask about taxes and business issues.
Legal disclaimer: None of the opinions Patricia gives on this episode should be construed in any way as either tax or legal advice. Patricia is not an attorney and, therefore, cannot give legal opinions. Further, your individual tax situation will inform you of the best way to set up and operate your business. Today’s tips are designed to help you understand what’s involved in the writing business, especially one that honors God. You are always best served by consulting with tax and legal professionals in your jurisdiction.
Note: Patricia Hartman is not currently accepting new tax clients. (Her tax-client quiver is full.) She is providing this information as an act of love to her brothers and sisters in the writing community.
LINKS
CPA Links:
Patricia Hartman CPA Website
Patricia Hartman CPA Facebook
Author Links:
Patricia Hartman Website
Patricia Hartman – Christian Prenuptial
Patricia Hartman Facebook
Business Links:
Common IRS Tax Deductions for Writers Giveaway
1099 NEC form and information
FINCEN - Register for The Beneficial Ownership Information Form
Hobby or Business IRS
Writers and Taxes Book survey - If you would like to help Patricia by taking a survey about your business needs or would like to know when the book comes
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a writer, what do you know about evergreen content?
Creating evergreen content for book marketing is powerful - learn why in today's 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 part two of our Start Marketing When You Start Writing series, marketing guru Kim Stewart and I share the importance of writing evergreen content.
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.
- Why you need to create online content to attract, serve, and nurture your audience and incorporate the know, like, and trust factors.
- Evergreen long-form vs. short-form (podcast/blog/video vs. social shorts)
- How often should you post content (weekly long-form, short-form if on social)?
LINKS
Kim Stewart
How to Transition into Podcasting Episode
YouTube Strategies for Writers
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
Are you ready to write your first flash fiction story?
Today’s guest will walk you through the steps you need to get started. 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 The FUNdamentals of Flash Fiction
Raised in multiple cultures, Sophia Hansen loves to write In Other Worlds. She’s an author and editor for Havok Publishing, and she’s celebrating her debut novel, Water's Break. Sophia resides in the Southeast of the United States with her husband of thirty-six years and can be bribed with good coffee and dark chocolate.
- What is Flash Fiction
- Five Reasons to Write Flash Fiction
- How to write Flash Fiction
LINKS
Sophia's recipes
Sophia Hansen's Website
Email Sophia - Help Me with Flash Fiction for Havok submissions
Sophia's book - Water's Break
Free downloads - Trumpet Blues and Mine
Havok Submissions
Legendary: Havok Season Ten
Story Dice
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
What did you think of this episode?
As a writer, where is your marketing community?
Today, Kim Stewart and I discuss the power of community for writers dealing with book marketing.
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 one of our Start Marketing When You Start Writing series, marketing guru Kim Stewart and I share the importance of community for writers. Writing evergreen content – building an email list
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.
The importance of building community before the tour book comes out.
- Why community is important to marketing (relationships, learning, leaning on, cheering each other on, future collaborations, etc.)
- Where to find a community online (social media, FB groups, memberships, conferences)
- Who to connect with and how (your target readers, those a few steps ahead of you, those serving your audience/similar audiences big/small, your elevator pitch)
LINKS
Kim Stewart
Create a Passionate Group of Followers with Kathis Lipp
The Scoop on Local Writing Groups with Heather Greer
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
How can I manage depression as a Christian writer?
Today’s guest shares how to make the most of your energy levels and moodiness.
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 … Depression and the Christian Writer.
My industry expert is…Sara Turnquist. Sara is a coffee-loving, word-slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose superpower is converting caffeine into novels. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires her. Well, tidbits of history and a good love story. And of all the love stories she knows, hers is her favorite. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions. Three, to be exact.
Sara is an avid reader and enjoys reading clean Historical Romances when she’s not traveling. Her books range from the Czech lands to the American Wild West and from ancient Egypt to the early 1900s. Some of her titles include The Lady Bornekova, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General’s Wife, Trail of Fears, and the Convenient Risk Series.
LINKS
Sara Turnquist
Energy Gifters & Energy Drainers PDF Download
Kentucky Christian Writers Conference
Check out Sara Turnquist's Plotting Workbook
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you clear about reaching your writing goals, or are you caught up in doing false work? Today’s guest supplies eight strategies for distracted 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 8 Strategies for Distracted Writers.
My industry expert is…Penny Reeve. Penny is the award-winning Australian author of more than 25 books for children. She writes picture books, junior fiction, children’s Bible studies, and young adult fiction. She is an experienced writing teacher and speaker interested in equipping Christian children’s writers. Learn more about Penny at www.pennyreeve.com
· What is a distracted writer (and are you one)?
· You believe writers face two main kinds of distractions: worthy and unworthy. What do you mean by that?
· What are the 8 strategies for distracted writers?
#1 - Identify the distractions for what they really are.
2 - Be clear about your goals and adjust them if necessary.
3 - Deliberately defy distraction.
4 - Be brutal to unnecessary distractions.
5 - Train yourself for deep work.
6 - Be wary of falsework.
7 - Be distracted well.
8 - Give Thanks.
LINKS
Penny's newest book in the Pet Sitters series
Penny's novel Out of the Cages Writing Warm-Ups for KidsSurviving Distraction for Writers Toolkit
· www.pennyreeve.com
Penny Reeve on Social Media:
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyreevethepennydrops
o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyjayeauthor/
o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-reeve-author-penny-jaye/
o YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PennyReeveauthor
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
How do you know when you have healed enough to write? Learn a three-stage process to bless your readers and be blessed in the writing.
Linda Goldfarb here. My guest is Paula Mosher Wallace. Paula is the Founder of Bloom In The Dark, Inc. (501c3) and author of BLOOM IN THE DARK, which offers hope to the hurting. She is also a Producer, Director, and Cohost of two internationally syndicated television shows. In addition to her podcast, six books, and online courses, Paula enjoys spending time with her three sons.
In today's episode, Linda and Paula discuss how you are not alone in your pain. There's a community that gets you. They share the importance of writing painful experiences in three stages as Paula provides the why and how of the process. The final result is a powerful message that engages your reader and offers hope for their future.
LINKS
Paula Mosher Wallace
Access Paula's Free Resources
Paula Mosher Wallace on Facebook
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Beginning writers need this. Before you sit down to write, listen to this encore episode. Award-winning author PeggySue Wells provides succinct tips to get your writing career started.
“Eminently quotable, PeggySue Wells is a tonic — warm like your favorite blanket, bracing like a stiff drink.”
History buff and tropical island votary, PeggySue parasails, skydives, scuba dives and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. The bestselling author of 30 books, including the What To Do series, The Slave Across the Street, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, Chasing Sunrise, and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make, PeggySue’s most challenging and rewarding adventure was solo parenting seven children. She is the founder of SingleMomCircle.com. Good to have you here PeggySue.
Today, Linda and PeggySue discuss the first decisions a writer makes.
The What, Who, and Why you need to know before you begin.
What vehicle format is best suited for what you write?
Format options. Word count for your genre.
Setting up your manuscript.
The three essentials every story must have for fiction and non-fiction.
LINKS
- PeggySue Wells
- 20-Tips for Unsticking a Stuck Wordsmith PDF
- Who's Your Audience? Writing Genre Word-counts PDF
- SingleMomCircle.com
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Writing narrative nonfiction is not the same as writing historical fiction. Knowing the difference will save you time and money.
Today's guest, Dr. Craig von Buseck, shares how to differentiate between narrative and historical nonfiction.
Craig is an award-winning author and popular speaker. He holds an MA in Journalism from Regent University. His book, I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel' won the 2020 Selah Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for the Truman Award by the Truman Presidential Library – welcome Dr. Craig von Buseck to Your Best Writing Life!
During this encore episode, you will gain first-hand knowledge of how Craig researches for his award-winning books, the dos and don'ts that will save you time, frustration, and some negative feedback.
Learn the basics of comparing narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.
Why has narrative nonfiction become so popular?
What fascinates Crag the most about his writing career?
LINKS
- Dr. Craig von Buseck
- Chapter Download - Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Writing short-length Kindle books can make you money, increase your audience reach, and maximize your impact.
In today's 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 --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 smaller books sell well.
How a shorter book really is a quick win for you as an author.
What length should your book be to maximize your impact?
We wrap up with where to start as you write a shorter book.
Stick around until the end; we have a great giveaway.
LINKS
Shelley Hitz
Procrastination to Publication Workshop with Shelley Hitz
Publishing Map Download
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you receiving proper writing critiques? In this encore episode, Dr. Katherine Hayes shares how to maximize critique effectiveness.
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 you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft.
My industry expert is Dr. Katherine Hayes. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, artist, speaker, podcaster, and sensitivity reader. She’s a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is working on the prequel to her first general-market thriller novel.
1) Why is it vital to have your work professionally and peer critiqued?
2) Why is it vital to be able to give others a well-rounded critique
3) Where are the best places to find professional editors?
4) Where are the best places to find quality peer critiques?
5) What are the basic components of a literary critique?
LINKS
Dr. Katherine Hayes
Tool Kit - Giving and Receiving Writing Critiques PDF All links mentioned in the show are in Katherine's Tool Kit download.Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality Podcast
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
In today's episode, you'll learn how to plan your writing to meet your deadlines.
In this encore episode, bestselling author DiAnn Mill's 12-Step Writing System will help you to master and meet your writing deadlines. Whether you're writing a book, blog post, or article, this system will make you an editor's dream author. Join Linda Goldfarb in welcoming DiAnn to Your Best Writing Life.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and won two Christy Awards, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country.
Links
- Connect with DiAnn Mills
- Taking the Dead Out of Deadlines PDF
- Ghost Reader text to Voice App DiAnn uses with her Macbook Pro
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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.
LINKS
Jones House Creative
Jones House Creative on Instagram
Free - Social Trends Report Sign-up
Podcast Special - Monthly Newsletter Management Use GOLDFARB as a promo code
21 SEO Essentials for Authors PDF Download
https://www.facebook.com/joneshousecreative
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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.
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Writers who only talk about writing but never produce anything of their own.
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Writers who always have an excuse for not producing anything.
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Writers who always gossip about other writers.
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Writers who cannot accept honest critiques.
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Writers who put others down to build themselves up.
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Writers who legalistically follow the rules.
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Writers who insist that there is only one correct way to write.
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Writers who are more interested in a life support group or relationship than in encouraging each other to write.
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Writers who put themselves above others after success.
Links
https://ediemelson.com/
https://ediemelson.com/books/
More info on toxic writers
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 Framework
My 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.
- Direct
- Education
- Authority
- Research
- Story
Check out Monica's calendar to get step-by-step help
Listener 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/1530383927
https://www.amazon.com/30-Day-Devotional-Christian-Writers-ebook/dp/B01LBI8W54
https://www.amazon.com/Cave-Nemesis-Monica-Lynn/dp/1606101129
https://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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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.
-
When I think of worldbuilding, I automatically lean toward Fantasy and Sci-Fi. Is that correct?
-
Three highly suggested actions to build a believable world:
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Research, research, research.
- Use the real world as inspiration – travel to a destination.
-
Use what you already have experienced.
-
What’s the most important element in worldbuilding?
-
**What is the double use for worldbuilding?
LINKS**Worldbuilding 101 Download
Social 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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.
LINKS**https://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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 Page
PeggySue Wells Linked In
PeggySue Wells
Single Mom Circle
Writing Sensational Settings Quick Guide free copy
All of PeggySue's Writing Quick Guides
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 Writing
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.
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.
LINKS
Edie Melson
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
15 Reasons to Fall in Love with Writing PDF
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 Contract
- How 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 Association
The Christian Pen
Free self-editing checklist for fiction or nonfiction via Debra's https://themotivationaleditor.com
Self-editing & Publishing Tips for the Indie Author
Website (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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 4:8
Is 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 together
Oh 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 1:22
May 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
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 Needs
My 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 -
- 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.
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How do you envision the companion product enhancing the reader's experience with a book?
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Brings greater application, knowledge, transformation
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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, mugs
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
LINKS
Carol Tetzlaff’s Ezra Bible Study
Companion Product and Relaunch PDF
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you interested in ghostwriting? Linda Goldfarb and her guest, Twila Belk, will share more information than you thought possible about it.
Also known as The Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, Twila Belk is an author, speaker, editor, and champion for writers. Since 2007, she has worked closely with veteran author Cecil Murphey as his personal assistant and associate, which has provided her with a wide range of industry knowledge and writing experience.
We cover a lot in today's encore episode.
What is ghostwriting, and who uses ghostwriters?
- What makes a good ghostwriter?
- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of ghostwriting?
- How do you break in?
- Tell us a bit about the process
LINKS
Twila Belk
Ghostwriting: The Murphey Method
Ghostwriting Resource PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
While the New Year holds much promise and excitement, there will also be difficult times. Today’s guest helps us prepare for these challenges by developing healthy writing practices.
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 23 Best Writing Practices.
Welcome Edie Melson.
Edie is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. As a popular speaker, she encourages and challenges audiences to understand 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 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—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.
Download the episode 23 Things below.
Edie Melson
The Write Conversation Blog for Writers
Listener giveaway PDF Link for 23 Things to Do for Your Writing Self
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Scholarship Info
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Do you utilize the Writing Cube concept in Novel writing? Get ready to learn a few aspects of story you may not be familiar with.
Join our host, Linda Goldfarb, and her industry expert, the critically acclaimed, best-selling author Steven James. Steven has served as a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest Magazine and is the author of the groundbreaking nonfiction books Story Trumps Structure and Troubleshooting Your Novel. When he’s not working on his next book, Steven teaches Novel Writing Intensive retreats across the country with New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
In this encore episode, Linda and Steven discuss the writing cube, pivot, and payoff. Steven provides a clear insight into the aspects of believability, escalation, causality, twists, and surprises along the way.
LINKS
Steven James
Preview downloads for The Art of the Tale - free
Steven James Books
The Art of the Tale book
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you prepared to make the most of your interview?
Today’s episode provides strategies to make the most of every interview in ways that may surprise you– stick around!
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, Edie Melson, Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’m sitting in for Linda Goldfarb today, and I’m very happy to be here with you. Each week, we bring you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. We’re so glad you’re listening in. During this encore episode, you’ll learn about Five Interview Tips to Help Writers Succeed.
Today’s industry expert is our very own Your Best Writing Life host, Linda Goldfarb. Linda is the award-winning co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personalities series, an international speaker, professional actress, and an audiobook narrator. She is a traditionally and independently published author who holds a board-certified advanced diploma in Christian life coaching.
Linda enjoys drinking frothed coffee with friends, hiking and playing golf with her hubby, and relaxing with family and friends as often as possible. She and Sam have four adult children and many, many grandbabies. They live in the Texas hill country with two country dogs.
Today's five strategies include the following:
1 - Preparation
2 - Engagement
3 -Takeaways
4 - Promotion
5 - Thankfulness
[bctt tweet="“As a guest, it’s good to be prepared for your host’s interview style and not surprised by it.” Linda Goldfarb" #writersrock #podcastsrock " username="@BRMCWC @LindaGoldfarb @EdieMelson"]
LINKS
Linda Goldfarb
Linda's 5 Gifts to Offer Your Interview Host PDF with Bonus Gift #6
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series. Linda also hosts the Staying
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Do you struggle to organize your writing? Are you searching for practical tips to help with your writing workspace, time, and materials?
Each week, Linda Goldfarb brings tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. We're so glad you’re listening to this encore episode, Organized Writing Equals Higher Productivity, with her guest, Liana George.
Before becoming a novelist, Liana George was a professional organizer and the owner of By George Organizing. Her first two novels are based on her experiences as an organizer and her time living in China. She is also the Co-founder of The Author’s Write Hand, a marketing/virtual assistance agency for Christian authors. Linda and Liana discuss organizing your space, time, material, and mind to be more productive as a writer.
LINKS
Liana George
Writer Info Spreadsheet download
Book Info Template Download
How to Organize Your Writing Space
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Regarding devotionals, are you asking, “Where’s the beef?” Would you like to go deeper when writing devotionals yet dread the time trap for your readers?
Today’s encore episode offers a way for you to write deeper while offering a shorter study time to your reader.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Kathy Howard. Kathy is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate and richest coffee. She searches for cherished stories of faith that still impact hearts. And, she digs deep into God’s Word, mining His eternal truths for herself and to share with others. With more than 30 years of experience, Kathy has taught in dozens of states, internationally, and in various venues, including multi-church conferences and large online events.
She has a Masters of Christian Education and a certificate in Women’s Ministry from the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary. Kathy is the author of 12 books, including five Bible studies and the “Deep Rooted” devotional series. She also serves on the LifeWay Women’s Ministry Training Team. Kathy and her husband live near family in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Kathy provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org.
Discover what a hybrid devotional study is and how you can begin writing meaty devotionals without breaking the time bank.
LINKS
Kathy Howard
How to Write a Deep Devotional PDF
Kathy Howard's Books
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
During this encore episode, Linda Goldfarb and Thomas Umstattd Jr. get to the business of building your author platform.
Does author platform building confuse you? You're not alone.
Author platforms! What a platform is. And how to build your platform. Linda Goldfarb's guest, Thomas Umstattd Jr., is here to answer platform-building questions. Thomas is the founder of Author Media and the host of the Novel Marketing Podcast. He travels the world speaking at events to help authors build their platforms, sell more books, and change the world with writing worth talking about. Thomas, welcome to your best writing life!
During this encore episode, Linda and Thomas get to the business of building your platform.
- Top two ways to weaponize your platform.
- Always include this element in your blog.
- One preventable mistake writers make.
- The skills you need to write good articles.
LINKS
- Author Email Onboarding Sequence Guide
- Author Media
Best Writing Life Life January Tip Sheet for Writers
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Christians should be writing Speculative Fiction! Science Fiction and Fantasy writing is a great genre for faith-based writers.
Linda Goldfarb here. I’m so glad you’re listening to this encore episode with award-winning author Amy A.C. Willims. Amy is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks will never match. With books in space opera, superhero adventure, and action-comedy, Amy loves helping authors discover the genre-defying joy of speaking truth in fiction.
Our time together is a little longer than usual, but you will be so happy you stuck around as we talk about Writing Faith-based Speculative Fiction
- What are the genre expectations for speculative fiction?
- What is “world-building”?
- Can you write science fiction without aliens?
- Can you write fantasy without being a linguist?
- Why should Christians write speculative fiction?
LINKS
- Amy (A.C.) Williams
- Amy's Speculative Fiction Recommended Reading PDF Download
- For more recommendations and reviews, check out www.amycwilliams.com.
- To find out about Amy’s coaching - https://www.amycwilliams.com/coaching/
- Email amy@amycwilliams.com
- Havok Story Podcast
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Did you know the shoes we wear play a huge part in getting more speaking gigs? Award-winning authors Erica Wiggenhorn and Linda Goldfarb explore in detail five ways to get invited back as a speaker.
Linda's guest, Erica, is an award-winning author and international speaker. She has published five books with Moody Publishers and 3 On Demand Video Teaching Series. She writes for P31 Ministries on their First 5 app. She lives in Phoenix, AZ, with her BFF Jonathan and their four children. Only two are of the human variety, and the others are furry and adorable.
At first glance, these secrets seem fairly obvious. It's what Erica shares in this encore episode that takes each secret deeper.
Secret 1 - Put yourself in the event planner's shoes - these are the right shoes!
Secret 2 - Know your audience
Secret 3 - Don't make your talk a guessing game
Secret 4 - Make prayer a priority
Secret 5 - Be teachable and grateful
LINKS
Erica Wiggenhorn
An Unexpected Revival
Free - The Busy Woman's Bundle to Connecting with God
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are your devotions written effectively?
Writing devotions with excellence is what Cindy Sproles helps us understand better in this encore episode of Your Best Writing Life.
Cindy Sproles is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write, placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us, and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.
In this encore episode, Linda and Cindy Sproles discuss the concepts many preachers use in preparing their sermons: Hook, Book, Look, and Took.
Find out how asking questions in your devotion can lose readers.
Everyone shares stories, but the reason telling a story in devotion is so important may surprise you.
Learn how to perfect your devotion by submitting it online to Christian Devotions.
LINKS
- Cindy Sproles
- Submit your devotion to Christian Devotions dot us
- Download your Hook, Book, Look, and Took PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
How do we write about hot topics without driving off our audience? Learn how during today's episode with Linda Goldfarb and Barb Winters.
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.
- When we talk or write about “hot topics” like pornography, divorce, or abortion, how do we approach the subject without alienating our audience?
- How do we transform our painful past into a message God can use to help others?
- How do we speak in love without watering down the truth?
LINKS
Barb Winters
Barb on Facebook
Barb on Instagram
Barb on LinkedIn
Barb's book - Sexpectations
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are your characters falling flat? If you are seeking how to write creative characters, today’s episode provides the answers you need.
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…PeggySue Wells - PeggySue 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.
Post a comment on the Your Best Writing Life FB group to be in PeggySue’s giveaway drawing.
LINKS
PeggySue Wells FB Author Page:
PeggySue Wells FB Personal Page:
PeggySue Wells on Linked In:
PeggySue Wells Website:
Single Mom's Circle Website
Craft Creative Characters Handout
Contact PeggySue
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Ever thought nothing good could come out of writing during the year's busiest season? Today’s encore episode will change your mind.
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 you 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 episode, we discuss the benefits of writing during the holidays.
My industry expert is Edie Melson. Edie is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. She’s a card-carrying introvert who loves to encourage an audience. And she embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. Her numerous books, including Unruffled, Thriving in Chaos, and 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. Edie Melson, it’s so good to have you back on Your Best Writing Life!
Discover
- How writing helps us get through busy seasons
- The benefits of creating a Holiday Bucket List
- Strategies to make the most of your holiday writing
Links
Edie Melson
10 Things Writers Can Learn From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer PDF download
The Write Conversation Blog
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Contests
Register for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
How much thought should go into book cover selection? Today’s guest shares five aspects we need to be clear on to have successful sales.
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.
Today’s guest is Samantha Evans – Sam's book Love Letters to Miscarriage Moms won second place in the Golden Scroll Awards for 2023. She and her husband live in Simpsonville, SC. Their cross-country move included two vehicles, three daughters, two cats—Pitter and Patter, and their husky. Sam was overruled in her campaign to name the dog Onomatopoeia.
Five aspects to consider when creating your book cover to maximize sales.
The Title is our First Hook
Think in Terms of Thumbnails
Book cover Color Matters
Clear the Clutter
Compare Shoppers vs. Readers
LINKS
More About Samantha Evans
Samantha Evan’s NewsletterSamantha Evans’ WebsiteSamantha Evans' PDF Chapter GiveawaySamantha Evans on TwitterSamantha Evans on Author CentralSamantha Evans on FacebookSamantha Evans on InstagramSamantha Evans on YouTube
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
**Linda would love to hear your thoughts about this episode.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent moments with family.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
In today’s episode, Annette Marie Griffin shares how we can reach millions of people who have no clue who Christ is.
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 … Writing Articles That Inspire Readers.My industry expert is…Annette Marie Griffin. Annette is an award-winning author who has written hundreds of high-ranking articles for Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, Biblestudytools.com, OnePlace.com, and iBelieve.com. She's a columnist and an acquisitions editor for StarLight magazine, and she has won multiple awards for her articles, including the 2022 and 2023 BRMCWC Selah Awards for online articles.
LINKS
Annette Marie Griffin
Annette Marie Griffin on Twitter
Annette Marie Griffin on Facebook
Annette Marie Griffin on Instagram
Annette Marie Griffin on YouTube
Annette Marie Griffin on Familius
Write for CrossWalk.com
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent moments with family.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you settling for less as a Christian writer? In today's encore episode, you will learn to delight in God's glory and never settle for less.
Christian communicators should strive for God's glory in their writing. Stephanie Rousselle discusses success, competition, and spiritual habits writers must hear.
Stéphanie is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries and hosts the Gospel Spice Podcast. Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One Lord over the last two decades-- on three continents, four countries, and five cities through six professional roles. This 100% French native is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director, and strategy consultant. Stephanie loves sharing nuances taken from the French and English languages and cultures to experience Scripture from the inside out.
Linda Goldfarb and Stephanie discuss the power writers have when they experience God's glory in their lives and their profession. Stephanie compares experiencing delight in the glory of God to a French croissant, and it's fabulous. They talk about true success, how we are a collective, not competitors, and how writers are not to hustle but to be actively still while developing habits of grace.
LINKS
- Stephanie Rousselle
- Stephanie's Free Resources
- Inspire Christian Writers Conference
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent moments with family.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you ready to grow your readership? Listen in as Linda Goldfarb and Annette Reeder provide YouTube tips to help your writing business expand.
Our readers are wanting more. As technology becomes readily available to more households, access to content must diversify, or the content provider will go the way of the dinosaur – and believe me, none of us want to be remembered by our dry bones – we want our bones to get up and walk and in the case of YouTube talk too!
In this encore episode - Linda's industry expert is The Biblical Nutritionist, Annette Reeder. 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 over 3 million viewers with 188,000 subscribers
Annette shares a fun personal fact that most people have no idea about - Is it solo skydiving, biking across the state of Florida, or hiking the Appalachian Trail?
During our episode, Annette and I discuss the following:
- Why should writers consider doing a YouTube channel?
- How to get started?
- Does it pay to be on YouTube?
- How to do YouTube for fiction and non-fiction.
- How does YouTube grow my audience?
Check out:
- These amazing freebies from Annette Reeder
- Annette Reeder on YouTube
- More about Annette Reeder
- The Biblical Nutrition Academy
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent moments with family.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you ready to build a bigger following as an author? Today’s guest is here to share tips 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 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.
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 and 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.
LINKS
Kathi Lipp
Kathi's book - The Accidental Homesteader
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kathilipp
Stop by the Your Best Writing Life FB group when this episode airs and mention in Kathi’s comments that you want a copy – we will have a drawing at noon CT on the Saturday following the episode drop.
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Every day is a new adventure with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Linda Goldfarb and PeggySue Wells share how you can get clear on writing your story plot to enhance your readership.
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 easily learn how to pen pivotal plots.
My industry expert is PeggySue Wells - PeggySue is the bestselling author of 34 books and collaborator of many more. Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells, including Chasing Sunrise. Her nonfiction focuses on living better, easier, and simpler lives, including *The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.
To be included in PegySue's drawing for the Particulars to Pen Pivotal Plots eBook,* comment in our Your Best Writing Life FB group by 12 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023.
LINKS
PeggySue Wells
PeggySue Author on Facebook
PeggySue Wells on Facebook
PeggySue on LinkedIn
Single Mom Circle
PeggySue Wells Books
PeggySue Wells on Amazon
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Linda is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach. Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Which formatting software works best for the self-published author? Today's guest and Linda cover free and for-purchase options.
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 the Publishing Success Skills for the Indie Author part 2.
My industry expert is…Sara Turnquist. Sara is a coffee-loving, word-slinging, clean Historical Romance author of over 20 published books. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires her. And a good love story. She lives happily with her Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions.
Today, we cover both free and for-purchase formatting software options for Indie authors.
D2D, Reedsy, Scrivener, Atticus, and Vellum software choices.
Udemy Courses
LINKS
Sara Turnquist
Kentucky Christian Writers Conference
Sara Turnquist's Formatting Options Giveaway
Kentucky Conference YouTube
Christian Editors Network
A Convenient Risk
99 Designs for Web Design
Sara's Books, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook
Sara Turnquist on Twitter
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Linda is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach. Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Are you ready to wear all the hats needed to be a successful Indie Author? Learn formatting elements to include to produce your best 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 this episode, you’ll learn the Publishing Success Skills for the Indie Author part 1.
My industry expert is…Sara Turnquist. Sara is a coffee-loving, word-slinging, clean Historical Romance author of over 20 published books. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires her. And a good love story. She lives happily with her Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions.
Today we cover the seven hats Indie Authors wear to publish books and formatting details.
LINKS
Sara Turnquist
Kentucky Christian Writers Conference
Kentucky Conference YouTube
Christian Editors Network
A Convenient Risk
99 Designs for web design
Sara's Books
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Facebook
Sara Turnquist on Twitter
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Linda is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach. Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Would you like your novel to impact lives like an award-winning movie? Today’s guest shares her top movie techniques to help you do just that!
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. My industry expert is Deborah Raney - Deb’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was the inspiration for an award-winning film from World Wide Pictures. Deborah teaches at writers’ conferences across the country, including Blue Ridge, and she served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for almost 18 years. Deb has written more than forty books for imprints of Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and others and is thoroughly enjoying her career as a novelist. However, her first and most cherished calling is wife, mom, and “Mimi.” Native Kansans, Deb and her husband are transplants to Southeast Missouri, where seven of their thirteen grandkids live.
LINKS
Deborah Raney
Writing Cinematically - the book
Join the Your Best Writing Life FB Group - Enter the Giveaway here!
Deborah Raney's Books
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Linda is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach. Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
How do busy writers manage all they do and still enjoy life? Today, Bob Hostetler provides productivity tools every writer needs.
Welcome to Your Best Writing Life. I’m your host Linda Goldfarb. During this episode, you’ll learn which Productivity Tool for Writers works best for you.
My industry expert is Bob Hostetler. Bob is an award-winning author, game writer, international speaker, and literary agent. His fifty books include Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional. He is also the executive director of the Christian Writers Institute.
Where to find Bob Hostetler:
- Oct 19-20 West Coast Christian Writers Conference (Roseville, CA)
- Feb 23-25 Asheville Christian Writers Conference (Asheville, NC)
- Mar 22-26 Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mt. Hermon (Santa Cruz, CA)
- Jun 11-14 Write-to-Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL)
LINKS
- Bob Hostetler Website
- www.oneprayeraday.com
- Guidepost
- Steve Laube Agency
- Christian Writers Institute
- Facebook page
- Facebook Author Page
- MeWe
- Goodreads
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Linda is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach. Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Writing a book proposal that gets us a contract is the only one we want to write, right? Literary agent and author, Blythe Daniel is sharing the secrets to a successful book proposal.
- What stands out as a sellable idea?
- Why do some books get picked up and others don't?
- Who can writers trust to help with writing book proposals?
Blythe has been in publishing for over 20 years. She’s a marketer, author, and literary agent, and has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Retailing, and others. She and her mother co-wrote: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children.
LINKS
- The Blythe Daniel Agency
- Read The Rise of a Writing Platform
- Get the book, Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters
- Our Mended Hearts
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling the countryside with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Public speaking is said to be the most feared activity by people everywhere. Why is speaking publicly so important for writers, and can we really learn how to do it well? Linda's guest, Karen Porter, shares how anyone can be a better speaker by following a few time-proven strategies.
Karen Porter is a professional speaker and writer coach, an international speaker, a successful businesswoman, and the award-winning author of seven books. She is co-owner with her husband, George, of Bold Vision Books, a traditional publishing company.
During this encore episode, Linda and Karen discuss:
- How to find the subject matter to speak on?
- How to get comfortable on any stage.
- The importance of having a "neutral" position.
- How to build a speaking platform.
- And more!
Karen says her greatest achievement is her marriage to George. In her spare time, she follows her lifelong quest to find the perfect purse.
LINKS
- Karen Porter
- Email Karen kaeporter@gmail.com and mention Your Best Writing Life in the Subject-line.
- Amplify - a speaker's course in a book.
- Evernote App for your notes
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling the countryside with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Writers are not immune to self-sabotage. We overcrowd our lives with numerous goals, nonproductive social media interaction, expectations beyond our abilities, and the list goes on and on. In today's encore episode, our guest, Edie Melson, gives us 10 ways to simplify our writing lives while maintaining a balanced level of productivity.
Find your voice, live your story…is Edie’s core message. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. As the author of numerous award-winning books, she’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Edie’s book Soul Care for Writers helps you tap into your creativity as you reconnect with God. Connect with her at EdieMelson.com. Welcome, Edie, to Your Best Writing Life!
LINKS
- Connect with Edie at EdieMelson.com
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page, Your Best Writing Life.
- 10 Tips to Simplify Your Writing Life
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling the countryside with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Bing-Worthy Podcast
Writing can wind us up to the point where we struggle with productivity. But learning how to rest well can bring about the balance we need to meet deadlines, be more creative, and just plain feel better. This is why I'm stoked about introducing our industry expert today.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a physician, author, and speaker who shares biblical truths to help heal the body, mind, and spirit. She has been featured on Daystar, Psychiatry Today, Focus on the Family, and many other media outlets. Her newest book is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, it’s an honor to have you here on Your Best Writing Life.
Links
- RestQuiz.com
- Dr. Saundra on Twitter
- Dr. Saundra on Facebook
- Dr. Saundra on Instagram
- Dr. Saundra on Pinterest
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About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling the countryside with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
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If Jesus read your work, would He see Himself? DiAnn Mills and Linda Goldfarb help us discover how our writing reflects our faith.
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 if **your writing habits reflect your faith.
Linda's** 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; won two Christy Awards, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, Golden Scroll, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks and teaches writing all over the country.
LINKS
DiAnn Mills
Five Tips to Ensure Our Writing Habits Reflect Our Faith PDF
Facebook: facebook.com/diannmills
Twitter: twitter.com/diannmills
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills
Blog: diannmills.com/articles
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, and board-certified Christian life coach.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, experience a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends and traveling the countryside with Sam.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Do you struggle with finding book endorsers? Are your current endorsers the best choice? Today’s episode provides you with the answers.
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 experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this 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.
LINKS
- Ginny Brant
- Breast Cancer Prevention Sheet PDF Download
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ginny.d.brant/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ginnydentbrant/
- Linked in - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-brant-aa5153a/
Unleash Your God-Given Healing Book
Finding Freedom Book
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Is your book the topic of multiple book clubs? Today’s guest is sharing her secrets to making your next book a gush-worthy success!
Linda's writing industry leader is Carrie Schmidt. Carrie is an avid reader, book reviewer, story addict, and cool aunt. She loves Jesus and THE Story a whole lot. Carrie started the popular blog ReadingIsMySuperPower.org in 2015, co-founded the Christian Fiction Readers' Retreat and JustRead Publicity Tours, and co-wrote the book Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers.
Today, Linda and Carrie discuss the following during this episode on What Makes a Gush-worthy Read?
1 - Some common characteristics shared by novels to be considered gush-worthy
2 - Questions an author can ask themselves to push a novel from 'good' to 'gush-worthy'
3 - Why do reviews vary so much between reviewers?
LINKS
- https://readingismysuperpower.org/
- Is My Book in 5-Star Territory? PDF Download
- https://www.facebook.com/meezcarriereads/
- https://twitter.com/meezcarrie
- https://www.pinterest.com/meezcarrie/boards/
- https://www.goodreads.com/meezcarrie
- Carrie's book - https://amzn.to/3rInBZp
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you aware of Amazon's recent changes and how they impact you as an author? If you are selling on Amazon or have a book for sale on Amazon, you must listen to 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 about How the latest Amazon Changes Impacts Authors
My industry expert is Vincent B. Davis II. Vincent writes historical fiction to keep the past alive through the power of storytelling. Vincent’s mission is to inspire and empower others through fiction and equipping authors via his marketing services for writers.
What's new with Amazon?
How is this change impacting authors?
Multiple updates we need to know.
LINKS
Vincent Davis II website
Vincent Davis II on Facebook
Email Vincent Davis II
Amazon Changes PDF
Join Vincent's The Modern Author Patreon membership
Create Your Own Patreon Account
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Planning your book launch? Listen in to hear what you should or shouldn’t do when leading a book launch.
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 The Do’s and Don’ts of Leading a Book Launch Team.
My industry expert is Karen Sargent. After the launch of her debut novel, Karen discovered how overwhelming launching a book can be and never passed an opportunity to join a launch team to support her fellow authors. Soon authors began asking her to lead their teams. When a publisher advised her to start a book launch side hustle, she did. Since 2019, Karen has helped Christian authors of all sizes—from indie to authors with big publishers—launch their books. A retired educator, Karen gets her fix by teaching writing workshops and coaching aspiring authors.
We cover the following questions:
When it comes to launching a book, what are some common mistakes authors make?
What are some best practices authors can implement to increase their launch team's success?
LINKS
Karen’s book launch services
Karen Sargent on Facebook
Karen Sargent on Instagram
Karen Sargent Website
How to Recruit a Successful Book Launch Team PDF
Enjoy our content? Support this podcast.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website and Your Best Writing Life Podcast.
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life.
Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and many grandchildren. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Welcome to Your Best Writing Life! Linda Goldfarb and Thomas Umstattd Jr. discuss why and where authors should Create Online Courses. Plus, common mistakes writers easily make.
Linda's industry expert, Thomas Umstattd Jr, is the founder of Author Media and the host of the Novel Marketing Podcast. Thomas travels the world speaking at events to help authors build their platforms, sell more books, and change the world with writing worth talking about. He has been creating online courses for ten years, making him the perfect fit for today’s topic.
In this highly rated encore episode, Linda and Thomas talk about the first steps an author should take before creating a course, the common mistakes course creators make, how to attract students to your course, and how to help your students benefit the most from your course.
LINKS
- Thomas Umstattd Jr.
- Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Free course Author Website Course -
- Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Book Launch Blueprint Course
- Obscure No More Beta Group
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
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 you 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 Estate Planning for Authors.
My industry expert is Rowena Kuo. Rowena is the CEO, Executive Editor, and Producer for Brimstone Fiction, Brimstone Books and Media, and Brimstone Fire. Her specialties include Author Legacy and Financial Literacy. She is an author @ Scrivenings Press. She is a mom with secret aspirations for spaceflight when not working on words or films.
Today we look at - Author Legacy, Ensuring the Immortality of Your Life’s Work – Estate Planning for Authors.
- What authors need to know about protecting and preserving their intellectual assets for future generations.
- Digitised-Trust vs Book Trust
- Letter to your heirs designating who does what.
- Other ways to avoid probate.
LINKSDownload an Author Intake Trust Form. One for you, one for a friend. Fill out and email to ro@rowenakuo.com
Check out Rowena's book– Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers, Winning the Hearts of Agents, Publishers, Editors, and Readers.
Rowena Kuo
Rowena Kuo on Facebook
Don't Be a Cinderella Show
Brimstone Fiction on FB
Brimstone Fire on FB
Rowena Kuo - LinkedIn
Brimstone Fiction
Rowena Kuo's website
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you using your fiction platform for Kingdom causes? Our guest shares how using fiction for kingdom causes can improve our writing.
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. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to use Fiction as a platform for Kingdom causes and improve your writing.
My industry expert is Heather Norman Smith - Heather Norman Smith is an 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 19:37
- How 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?
LINKS
Heather Norman Smith
Timeout for Jesus Download
Songs for Sunday Book
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
What do you know about article sidebars and hot boxes? This episode covers these and other article-writing essentials.
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. I’m so glad you’re listening in. Today’s discussion is Essential Article Writing Basics.
My industry expert Linda Gilden – Linda is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author of theLINKED Personality Series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles, and several ghostwritten books. As a freelance editor and writing coach, working with publishers and individuals, she encourages others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother of the six cutest grandchildren in the WORLD! Her greatest joy is the time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children! Please welcome my good friend Linda Gilden to Your Best Writing Life.
We will cover each of these subtopics.
-
What differences do writers need to be aware of concerning print and digital articles?
-
What type of content is considered Evergreen?
-
What do we need to know about Article Sidebars?
-
I’m guessing, Article Hot Boxes have nothing to do with saunas --
-
What do we need to know about submitting photos for articles?
-
How are Payments handled when we write articles?
LINKS
Linda Gilden
Beginning Article Writer's Checklist PDF
Articles, Articles, Articles the Book
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you taking full advantage of being a podcast guest? Done right, guesting on a podcast can grow your author platform, grow your email list, grow your podcast, and market your 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. My industry expert is Kim Stewart – Kim is a book marketing coach and Book Marketing Mania podcast host. 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.
In this episode, we cover the following:
When is the best time to start pitching yourself as a podcast guest?
How can writers easily find podcasts (and contact info) that align with their message to pitch?
What are some common mistakes writers make when they pitch podcasts (and how can they avoid them?)
Does it matter if you are pitching yourself, or is it better to have a team member or PR firm do your pitching?
How can writers troubleshoot their pitching process if they’re not getting acceptances from hosts?
LINKS
Kim Stewart
Jumpstart Your Podcast Pitching
Book Marketing Mania Podcast
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Did you know that well-placed articles reach more people than the average book? If you are an expert in a subject, your how-tos can help others succeed. Today’s episode is part two of our Deep Dive into Article Writing series.
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 you 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 - my guest today is Linda Gilden, an award-winning author of numerous books, including Articles, Articles, Articles. As a freelance editor and writing coach, working with publishers and individuals, she encourages others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother of the six cutest grandchildren in the WORLD! Her greatest joy is time spent with her family.
Today, Linda and Linda cover How-To Articles and Round-Up Articles.
LINKS
Linda Gilden
Article Submission Format PDF
Linda Gilden's Writing Coaching
Linda Gilden's Editing Services
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
The hero’s journey is not just for stories; it can help guide your life. Today’s episode is Part 3 of the Hero’s Journey for Writers series – Pack your bags for adventure!
I’m your host Linda Goldfarb. Each week I bring you 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. Our last time together, we covered Part Two in the Hero’s Journey for Writers – today, we look at our final episode, Experience the Hero’s Journey - Pack your bags for adventure!
My industry expert is A.E. Jackson! Andrew writes uncanny speculative fiction for your enjoyment. He believes there are ma-lev-olent forces, just below the surface, tugging us all down. He knows another force, more ben-ev-olent than we deserve, works to keep us buoyant. He reads Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho, Richard Matheson, H.P. Lovecraft, and Richard Bach. He lives in Delaware and is married with two children.
Today we cover -
- The tools or methods exist to equip a writer to undertake their own Hero’s Journey.
- Recommended reads - see links below.
- The five minor quests which support your personal Hero’s Journey.
- Why celebrating the start of your personal Hero’s Journey is important.
LINKS
Andrew Jackson
The Miracle Morning for Writers by Hal Elrod, Honoree Corder, and Steve Scott Atomic Habits by James Clear
Jane McGonigal’s Super BetterStart Finishing by Charlie Gilkey Five Thousand Words Per Hour by Chris Fox
Be A Writing Machine by M.L. Ronn
Get Your Self-Led Here's Journey Discovery course
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Have you considered writing articles, but you’re not sure what type to write? Linda Goldfarb and Linda Gilden talk about writing people-based articles, part one of a Deep Dive into Article Writing.
I’m your host Linda Goldfarb. Each week I bring you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. My industry expert is Linda Gilden – Linda is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author of theLINKED Personality Series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles, and several ghostwritten books. As a freelance editor and writing coach, working with publishers and individuals, she encourages others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother of the six cutest grandchildren in the WORLD! Her greatest joy is the time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children!
Writing People-Oriented Articles
The first people-oriented articles are - Personal Experiences.
1 Why would anyone want to read/hear about my experiences?
2 Do I really have anything of value to say to others?
3 Who is your audience?
The second people-based articles are about Profiles.
4 What is the difference between a profile article and a personal experience article?
5 As a Christian writer, do I always have to write for Christian markets?
6 Where is the best place to pitch a personal experience or profile article?
LINKS
Linda Gilden
Sample Article Submission Page PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you following the hero’s journey in your personal life? Linda Goldfarb and Andrew Jackson share part two of the Hero’s Journey for Writers.
Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad you’re listening in, during this episode, we examine – Part Two in the Hero’s Journey for Writers – with Further Defining Your Hero’s Journey.
My industry expert is A.E. Jackson! Andrew writes uncanny speculative fiction for your enjoyment. He believes there are malevolent forces, just below the surface, tugging us all down. He knows another force, more benevolent than we deserve, works to keep us buoyant. He reads Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho, Richard Matheson, H.P. Lovecraft, and Richard Bach. He lives in Delaware and is married with two children.
Part 2 – Further Defining Your Hero’s Journey
Your personal hero's journey is a guided personal examination of past passions, desires, and current dreams.
Explore the seven aspects which comprise your personal hero’s journey.
1- Find a Character
2- Find a Passion
3- Find a Guide
4- Find a Plan
5- Find a Journey
6- Find a Goal
7- Find a Failure
LINKS
A.E. (Andrew) Jackson
Grab your Personal Hero's Journey Plan
Recommended Reading
The Hero with A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler
Stealing Fire From The Gods by James Bonnet
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God's Story by Donald Miller
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Thinking about hiring an illustrator for your children’s book? Tune in to learn more about the contract, expenses, and copyright process.
My industry expert is Jack Foster. Jack is a follower of Jesus, the father of five, and the grandfather of fourteen. He has illustrated over 125 published picture books. He grew up in Chicago but now resides in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains with his wife – the lovely Aleithia, and their two cats, Jasper and Stormy.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… The writer/illustrator collaboration
A. Does a picture book author need to hire an illustrator?
B. How did authors find you? And how do writers find an illustrator?
C. What are the two best pieces of advice you can give an author once they have found an illustrator?
D. In a standard author/illustrator contract, who retains the rights to the artwork?
E. Why is it so expensive to hire an illustrator?
LINKS
Jack Foster
Jack's Illustrator/Author Resource
Jack Foster on Facebook
Jack Foster on Twitter
Jack Foster on Instagram
https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/jack-foster
https://www.freebibleimages.org/contributors/mrbiblehead/
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
You’ve heard of the hero’s journey in story structure. Tune in to learn how the hero’s journey applies to our personal lives. Stick around for Part One Of the Hero’s Journey for 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. I’m so glad you’re listening in. Today– Part one in The Writer’s Personal Hero’s Journey - Overview of Hero’s Journey and Personal Application
My industry expert is A.E. Jackson writes uncanny speculative fiction for your enjoyment. He believes there are malevolent forces, just below the surface, tugging us all down. He knows another force, more benevolent than we deserve, works to keep us buoyant. He reads Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho, Richard Matheson, H.P. Lovecraft, and Richard Bach. He lives in Delaware and is married with two children.
Andrew, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
We discuss:
The Hero's Journey Story Structure in deep detail.
Overview of how the Hero's Journey can apply to our personal life.
LINKS
A.E. (Andrew) Jackson
Grab your Personal Hero's Journey Plan
Psalm 37:4
Matthew 6:33
The Hero with A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler
Stealing Fire From The Gods by James Bonnet
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God's Story by Donald Miller
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Have you considered writing picture books? Linda's guest is a professional illustrator who’s prepared to give us the inside scoop on how the illustration process works.
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 you 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 episode, you’ll learn A Professional’s Perspective on Illustrating a Picture Book.
My industry expert is Jack Foster. Jack is a follower of Jesus, the father of five, and the grandfather of fourteen. He has illustrated over 125 published picture books. He grew up in Chicago but now resides in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains with his wife, lovely Aleithia, and their two cats, Jasper and Stormy.
- Do you work traditionally or digitally, and what is the norm?
- What is the process of illustrating on full-page illustration?
- What is a Spot illustration?
- How long does it take to illustrate a picture book?
- Explain how you choose the colors for your illustrations and what inspires you.
- Is the text added by illustrators or by a designer?
LINKS
Jack Foster
Mr. Bobblehead Blog
Listener Giveaway - Coloring Pages
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Jack Foster Facebook
Jack Foster Twitter
Jack Foster Instagram
Jack Foster - FreeBibleImages
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
How do you write when the unexpected happens? Linda Goldfarb and Josie Siler help you to keep writing through suffering and illness.
Writers! Each week Linda Goldfarb brings you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. We're so glad you’re listening in, during this episode, you’ll learn about Writing When the Unexpected Happens.
Linda's industry expert is award-winning author Josie Siler - Josie’s passionate about helping people find joy in their journey. She shares God’s gifts of beauty, hope, and adventure with those who are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, encouraging them to walk in the freedom found in Jesus. As a chronic illness warrior, she believes every day should be celebrated.
In this episode, Linda and Josie discuss:
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How chronic illness affected Josie's desire to write.
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Does suffering keep you from writing?
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What have you learned from writing through illness/suffering?
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Josie shares tips for getting things done when you don’t feel well.
Work in small bursts.
Make lists of what I can do later.
Write ideas, books, articles, and story ideas.
Ask for prayer, for help.
Come alongside others in their times of need.
Do the hard work of resting.
Create a Revolving to-do list.
LINKS
Josie Siler
Get Howie's song!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast.
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Searching for someone to critique your writing project? Linda and Dr. Katherine Hayes give you top tips for giving and receiving critiques.
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 you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft.
My industry expert is Dr. Katherine Hayes. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, artist, speaker, podcaster, and sensitivity reader. She’s a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is working on the prequel to her first general-market thriller novel.
1) Why is it vital to have your work professionally and peer critiqued?
2) Why is it vital to be able to give others a well-rounded critique
3) Where are the best places to find professional editors?
4) Where are the best places to find quality peer critiques?
5) What are the basic components of a literary critique?
LINKS
Dr. Katherine Hayes
Tool Kit - Giving and Receiving Writing Critiques PDF
Special Gift Code for a limited time: LINDAROCKS23 (Expires 7/1/23) Go to www.drkatherinehayes.com and use your code to download your free mini e-book.
All links mentioned in the show are in Katherine's Tool Kit download.Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality PodcastIf you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Make the most out of your speaking engagements as a writer. Linda Goldfarb and Tammy Whitehurst share top tips to increase your speaking.
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 you 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 episode you’ll learn Moving from Page to Stage
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Tammy Whitehurst - Texas twang and southern slang! Tammy Whitehurst is a full-time speaker and co-director of the Christian Communicator’s Conference. She has been described as a HOOT with a capital H! Tammy is real. She also struggles like the rest of us with dust, dishes, cellulite, junk drawers, and wrinkles. If you get a chance to hear her speak, don’t hesitate – you will be blessed!
Top tips for writers who desire to be speakers:
Reduce Your Book to One Word
Develop Your Signature Hook
Know Your Audience
Don't weigh success by audience size
Power of the Pause
Audience Interaction
Don't Misuse PowerPoint
Plus - how to get gigs when first starting out.
LINKS
Find Out More About Tammy Whitehurst
Tammy's Daily Devotional
Christian Communicators Conference
Tammy Whitehurst on YouTube
Contact Tammy About Writing a Facebook Devotional
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you embracing the Hope you have as a Christian writer? Linda Goldfarb and Lori Hatcher provide five reasons why hope is available to you in abundance no matter what life throws at you.
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, I’m so glad you’re listening in, during this episode, you’ll learn 5 Reasons Christian Writers Can Have Hope
My guest, Lori Hatcher is a women’s ministry speaker, author, magazine editor, blogger, minister’s wife, and career healthcare professional. She shares an empty nest in Lexington, South Carolina with her husband, David, and her vast collection of books.
Lori’s an award-winning Toastmasters International speaker and the author of six devotional books. She’s also a blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker. She uses high-impact stories to create transformational messages.
As the author of the blog, Hungry for God, Lori writes to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. Ever grateful for the kind people who have helped her along the way, she loves sharing her passion for writing, editing, and speaking at writers’ conferences and workshops.
Today's episode covers:
1. God is sovereign (Ephesians 1:11). (Add links for NIV)
2. God’s plans can’t be thwarted (Job 42:2).
3. God’s Word never returns void. It always accomplishes God’s purposes (Isaiah 55:11).
4. God’s plan for your writing may look different from your plan, but because God is good, His plans are, too (Psalm 18:30).
5. God’s timing is always perfect (Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:9).
LINKS
Lori Hatcher
Lori's giveaway - 5 Reasons Christian Writers Can Have Hope download
Lori's latest book - Refresh Your Hope, 60 Reasons to Trust God with All Your Heart
Lori and David hatchers latest book: Moments with God for Couples - eBook
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Ready to maximize Amazon for sales? Linda Goldfarb and Amazon marketing expert Vincent B. Davis II share what you need to know as a multibook author.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Vincent B. Davis II. Vincent is an author, entrepreneur, and veteran. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and has served in the United States Army since 2014. He's the author of eight books, four of which have become international bestsellers. When he's not researching or writing his next book, you can find him watching Carolina Panthers football or playing with his rescued mutt, Buddy.
The questions Linda and Vincent cover in today's episode are:
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How to optimize your front and back matter.
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Getting beyond Option Paralysis
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Number one way to sell more books R & R
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The statistical benefit of writing more books.
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Tools outside Amazon to augment Amazon sales.
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Traffic + Conversion = $$$
LINKS
Vincent B. Davis II
Amazon Strategies for Advanced Writers PDF download
Pickfu.com
Ask Vincent about coaching - include YBWL in the subject line and request $100 off.
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
What you don't know about Public Relations as writers could be crushing your reputation. Linda Goldfarb and Julie Bonn Blank share top PR tips.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Julie Bonn Blank – When Julie is not writing, she designs websites, works at ARMS/Abuse Recovery Ministry Services, and loves to walk the beach. She is a Certified Domestic Abuse Advocate in Oregon and an expert in domestic violence. She facilitates the Washington County Survivor Voices Committee and provides training in abuse as well as on many marketing and writing topics. She also facilitates an online encouragement, prayer, and critique group, North Coast Christian Writers.
In this episode, we discuss the following:
What is PR?
At what level of writing should one consider public relations?
Is one better than the other - Online vs Print PR?
Budget-sensitive DIY forms of public relations
Three most important PR tips for writers.
LINKS
Julie Bonn Blank
Abuse Recovery Ministries
Julie's Freebie - A short 2-story ebook, “Innocent Journeys"
Innocent Lives: Guardians of Grace Book 1
Innocent Voices: Guardians of Grace Book 2
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Is your book receiving the attention it needs in Book Clubs? Want to know how your book can be the subject of book club conversation?
Linda Goldfarb discusses author strategies to market books to book clubs with best-selling author 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; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, Golden Scroll, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks and teaches writing all over the country.
Today's content:
Where do we begin?
Tips on how to offer your book to their group.
Strategies to engage the readers.
Blog and newsletter post ideas.
LINKS
DiAnn Mills
Email DiAnn
DiAnn Mills Books
Tips to Attract Book Clubs and Keep Them Coming Back for More PDF
DiAnn Mills Book Club info
Word Search Puzzles
Cross Word Puzzles
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Confused about Amazon optimization? Linda Goldfarb and Amazon marketing expert Vincent B. Davis II share what you need to know to succeed. Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Vincent B. Davis II. Vincent is an author, entrepreneur, and veteran. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and has served in the United States Army since 2014. He's the author of eight books, four of which have become international bestsellers. When he's not researching or writing his next book, you can find him watching Carolina Panthers football or playing with his rescued mutt, Buddy.
The questions Linda and Vincent cover in today's episode are:
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Why choose to sell exclusively on Amazon?
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What are two considerations we must know about Amazon marketing?
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What milestones should authors try to hit after launching a book on Amazon?
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How do authors engage with Amazon algorithms to sell books?
-
What types of books typically succeed on Amazon with your marketing tactics?
LINKS
Vincent B. Davis II
Amazon Strategies for Beginning Writers PDF download
Ask Vincent about coaching - include YBWL in the subject line and request $100 off.
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you getting the most from a local writing group? Today’s episode provides the low down on what to expect from a writing group and the elements to consider when starting one. Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Heather Greer - Heather Greer is the author of Faith’s Journey, Grasping Hope, Relentless Love, Cake That!, Love in the Squared Circle, and her newest release, Window of Opportunity. She also has devotions published in Thriving Family magazine. Heather’s goal is always to write and speak truth to encourage God’s people to live their faith. When she isn’t busy writing or speaking, Heather enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandson. As a preacher’s kid and pastor’s wife, Heather has enjoyed years of serving in ministries that work with all age groups.
Linda and Heather discuss the following:
1. Why do we need local writing groups?
2. Where do we locate writing groups?
3. What if there isn’t a local group? How can you start one?
4. Who should participate in these groups?
5. What do you do at a writer’s group?
LINKS
Heather Greer
Heather Greer's Books
Writing Group Exercises PDF
Check out Heather Greer's downloads
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
**Do you know all liars have a tell? Are you utilizing the most from your descriptions of body language to engage your reader? Today’s guest is an expert court witness when it comes to reading and writing body language.
Welcome back,** Dr. Deborah Maxey - As a child, Deborah loved to eavesdrop on adult conversations and developed a passion for stories. As a licensed therapist, she specialized in trauma and attachment, appearing as an expert witness in court over one thousand times, testifying on behalf of abused and neglected children. A writer since childhood, she heard God call her to close her practice and repurpose, not retire, in 2020 and write for Him. Her debut Award-winning novel, The Endling, was released in May 2021. A popular speaker, Deborah loves sharing her wisdom and encouraging others. Her life motto: He speaks through everything.
Be sure to listen to Episode 122 for part one.
We wrap up this two-parter with micromovements, examples of what it would sound like in your writing, and body language specifics!
LINKS
The Body Doesn't Lie part two handout
Dr. Deborah Maxey
The Sociopath Next Door book
The Dictionary of Body Language - Joe Navarro
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Do you struggle with social media? Do you feel pressure to keep up with the online trends and find yourself weary in the process? Today’s episode will help you embrace your uniqueness as a creative to stand out in the writing industry. 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 you 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 episode, you’ll discover How to Be a Zebra on Social Media
My industry expert is Molly Jo Realy - Southern hippie-chick at heart; Molly Jo Realy is the author of the romantic location mystery novel NOLA and creator of the Book Builder Binder. An editor and coach, she encourages people to embrace their unique talents to share stories as only they can. Molly Jo is addicted to God, cats, tea, planners, and pens.
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Why “zebra?” / What’s the background story here?
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Social media is always changing. Why suggest that we should begin doing something that doesn’t?
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What creative “fails” have you experienced on your journey to becoming a zebra?
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How do you encourage people to embrace their uniqueness? When someone feels they don’t fit in, how can they - use their uniqueness to stand out?
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Once a person finds their zebra-ness, what suggestions do you have to keep using it?
LINKS
Molly Jo Realy
Molly Jo Realy Books
Tips for Journaling Download - Free
Free Phone or Tablet Wallpaper downloads
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you tired of starting a book proposal only to keep stopping and walking away? Linda's guest, Terry Whalin, shares the top five elements you must include to confidently finish your proposal.
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 you 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. You’ll learn the Five Essentials for Every Book Proposal during this episode.
My industry expert is Terry Whalin. Terry is an editor and author of more than 60 books and has written for more than 50 magazines. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry and his wife live in Denver.
Terry says, "I've written two proposals that received six-figure advances. I also believe your proposal is your business plan and is something every author needs to create--no matter whether they write fiction, nonfiction, or children's books and even if they self-publish. They still need to create this important document."
Be prepared to be equipped, whether you self-pub or go the traditional route.
LINKS
Terry Whalin's Blog - The Writing Life
Get your Free copy of the eBook, Book Proposals That Sell by Terry Whalin
The Elder Rage Success Story by Jacqueline Marcel
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Does your spouse support your writing? Have you considered writing to serve God as a couple? Today’s episode brings joy and some tips to the concept – How Writing Ruined My Wife!
Linda Goldfarb's industry experts are Edie and Kirk Melson - Edie and Kirk love nothing more than God and doing life together! Edie is an author who feels lost without her camera and a card-carrying introvert who loves to encourage an audience. And she embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As an author, blogger, and speaker, she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world—often with her husband at her side. Kirk is an engineer of 40+ years. And while his professional training isn’t in the publishing industry, He’s Edie’s support in all she does. And they’ve both shared a home office since 1999.
Kirk is instrumental in helping her behind the scenes as Edie directs the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and runs an online blog that's been included in the Writer's Digest list of 101 Top Sites for Writers since 2017.
They live in the upstate of SC (the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns) near all three of their grown sons and grandkids. When they’re not playing with computers and/or babies, you can often find them with their big black dog wandering the mountains—Edie hanging off ledges for the best pictures and Kirk carrying her tripod.
During today's episode, we learn:
Foundational Ways Couples Serve the Lord
How a Spouse Can Help Behind the Scenes
Priority Issues to Support Your Writer
How to Bridging the Writer's Language Barrier
Encouragement for Writers and non-writing Spouses
LINKS
Edie Melson
Kirk Melson's Thoughts on How Writing Ruined My Wife
PDF Download - How Writers Can Help Spouses Be Supportive
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you in need of a break? Linda Goldfarb's guest, Kathy Carlton Willis, walks you through the process of personal retreats for 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 you 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 episode, you’ll learn about A Writer’s Personal Retreat
My industry expert is Kathy Carlton Willis - Known as God’s Grin Gal, Kathy writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith, whimsy, and wisdom. Kathy is a former publicist who stimulates brain tsunamis as she coaches writers. Her group, WordGirls, lovingly calls her WordMama. Her words inspire grin-worthy moments despite groan-worthy experiences.
Linda and Kathy discuss the following:
What are some different types of personal retreats for writers?
What is the key element for a personal retreat?
What tools help us get the most from a personal retreat?
What do you recommend for a writer who can’t get away for a retreat?
What are some challenges to pre-address, so they don’t derail our retreat goals?
LINKS (Please note - some are affiliate links)
Kathy Carlton Willis
Sign up to receive “Sixty Gifts to Give Yourself” 14-page e-booklet
More about WordGirls sisterhood of writing support for Christian authors
The Ultimate Speaker’s Guide: Practical Tips, Tools & Takeaways by Kathy Carlton Willis
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you eagerly awaiting your next interview? Maybe you are seeking your first interview and unsure how to prepare. Today’s episode will give you strategies to make the most of every interview in ways that may surprise you– stick around!
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 Edie Melson, Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’m sitting in for Linda Goldfarb today, and I’m very happy to be here with you. Each week we bring you tips and strategies from experts in the writing and publishing industry to help you excel in your craft. We’re so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about, 5 Gifts to Offer Interview Hosts.
Today’s industry expert is our very own, Your Best Writing Life host, Linda Goldfarb. Linda is the award-winning co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personalities series, an international speaker, professional actress, and an audiobook narrator. She is a traditionally and independently published author who holds a board-certified advanced diploma in Christian life coaching.
Linda enjoys drinking frothed coffee with friends, hiking and playing golf with her hubby, and relaxing with family and friends as often as possible. She and Sam, have four adult children and many, many, grandbabies. They live in the Texas hill country with two country dogs.
1 - The Gift of Preparation
2 - The Gift of Engagement
3 - The Gift of Takeaways
4 - The Gift of Promotion
5 - The Gift of Thankfulness
LINKS
Linda Goldfarb
Linda's 5 Gifts to Offer Your Interview Host PDF with Bonus Gift #6
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you familiar enough with body language knowledge to write correctly about your characters? Learn how with - Dr. Deborah Maxey
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 you 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 part one episode, you’ll learn How to Write and Read Body Language Correctly
My industry expert is Dr. Deborah Maxey - As a child, Deborah loved to eavesdrop on adult conversations and developed a passion for stories. As a licensed therapist, she specialized in trauma and attachment, appearing as an expert witness in court over one thousand times, testifying on behalf of abused and neglected children. A writer since childhood, she heard God call her to close her practice and repurpose, not retire, in 2020 and write for Him. Her debut Award-winning novel, The Endling, was released in May 2021. A popular speaker, Deborah loves sharing her wisdom and encouraging others. Her life motto: He speaks through everything.
We discuss the seven levels of the Continuum of Dishonesty.
a. Level one - Lazy Liar
b. Level two - The Embellisher
c. Level three – The Avoider
d. Level four – The Defensive Liar
e. Level five – The Intentional Liar
f. Level six – The Pathological Liar
g. Level seven – The Psychopath
And the proper use of lie detectors in our stories.
LINKS
Dr. Deborah Maxey
The Body Doesn't Lie Part 1 PDF
The Sociopath Next Door book
The Dictionary of Body Language - Joe Navarro
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you interested in ghostwriting? In this short amount of time, Linda Goldfarb and her guest, Twila Belk, bring you more information than you thought possible about ghostwriting.
Also known as The Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, Twila Belk is an author, speaker, editor, and champion for writers. Since 2007, she has worked closely with veteran author Cecil Murphey as his personal assistant and associate, which has provided her with a wide range of industry knowledge and writing experience.
We cover a lot in today's episode.
What is ghostwriting, and who uses ghostwriters?
- What makes a good ghostwriter?
- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of ghostwriting?
- How do you break in?
- Tell us a bit about the process
LINKS
Twila Belk
Ghostwriting: The Murphey Method
Ghostwriting Resource PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
When it comes to devotionals, are you asking, “Where’s the beef?” Would you like to go deeper when writing devotionals yet dread the time trap for your readers?
Today’s episode offers a way for you to write deeper while offering a shorter study time to your reader.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Kathy Howard. Kathy is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate and richest coffee. She searches for cherished stories of faith that still impact hearts. And, she digs deep into God’s Word, mining His eternal truths for herself and to share with others. With more than 30 years of experience, Kathy has taught in dozens of states, internationally, and in various venues, including multi-church conferences and large online events.
She has a Masters of Christian Education and a certificate in Women’s Ministry from the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary. Kathy is the author of 12 books, including five Bible studies, and the “Deep Rooted” devotional series. She also serves on the LifeWay Women’s Ministry Training Team. Kathy and her husband live near family in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Kathy provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org.
Discover what a hybrid devotional study is and how you can begin writing meaty devotionals without breaking the time bank.
LINKS
Kathy Howard
How to Write a Deep Devotional PDF
Kathy Howard's Books
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Do you currently write devotions? Are you looking to diversify your writing to include devotions? Writing devotions is what Cindy Sproles helps us understand better in this episode of Your Best Writing Life.
Cindy Sproles was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains. She loves her heritage and enjoys sharing about the mountain culture. Cindy is a speaker, author, and conference director and works as a writing mentor. She’s married to Tim (the prince), with four adult sons, and 2 grands.
In this encore episode, Linda and her guest discuss the concept many preachers use in preparing their sermons: Hook, Book, Look, and Took.
Find out how asking questions in your devotion can lose readers.
Everyone shares stories, but the reason telling a story in devotion is so important may surprise you.
Learn how to perfect your devotion by submitting it online to Christian Devotions.
LINKS
- Cindy Sproles
- Submit your devotion to Christian Devotions dot us
- Download your Hook, Book, Look, and Took PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Are you taking advantage of your cognitive focus? Can gardening or listening to audiobooks increase your creativity? Today’s episode will connect you with your creative potential.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 you 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 episode, you’ll learn about Creativity and Brain Science for WritersMy industry expert is Tina Yeager, an Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach. Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, publishes the Inkspirations Online writers’ devotional, and hosts Subdue Stress and Anxiety online. Check out Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision, 2022).
Is everyone creative?
Can we improve our creative potential?
What habits can we adopt to optimize brain function?
How do our thoughts contribute to creative productivity or detract from it?
We discuss these questions and more.
LINKS
Tina Yeager and her podcast, Flourish-Meant
Free Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book Template
Tina Yeager Speaker
Tina Yeager Life Coaching
Tina Yeager on YouTube
Weekly Devotions - read and or submit
Stress-Less Online Course
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Do you dread writing during the holidays? Have you ever thought – What good could come out of writing during the year's busiest season? Today’s episode is exactly what writers need to make the most out of our busiest holiday seasons
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 you 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 episode, we discuss the Benefits of Writing During the Holidays
My industry expert is Edie Melson. Edie is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. She’s a card-carrying introvert who loves to encourage an audience. And she embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. Her numerous books, including Unruffled, Thriving in Chaos and 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. Edie Melson, it’s so good to have you back on Your Best Writing Life!
Discover
- How writing helps us get through busy seasons
- The benefits of creating a Holiday Bucket List
- Strategies to make the most of your holiday writing
Links
Edie Melson
10 Things Writers Can Learn From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer PDF download
The Write Conversation Blog
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Contests
Register for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Do you struggle to organize your thoughts, let alone your writing? Are you searching for practical tips to organize your writing workspace, time, and materials? Today’s episode provides information to make your life more productive as a writer.
Each week, Linda Goldfarb brings tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. We're so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn How to Organize Your Writing Life for Higher Productivity with her guest, Liana George.
Before becoming a novelist, Liana George was a professional organizer and the owner of By George Organizing. Her first two novels are based on her experiences as an organizer and her time living in China. She is also the Co-founder of The Author’s Write Hand, a marketing/virtual assistance agency for Christian authors. Linda and Liana discuss organizing your space, time, material, and mind to be more productive as a writer.
LINKS
Liana George
Writer's Information Template - download as an Excel file
{Book Title} Information Template - download as an Excel file
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
As a writer, how do you define failure? Do you struggle with allowing yourself to fail? Linda Goldfarb and her guest, Beth Duewel, share tips to replace failure with a fresh start.
Beth is a writer, speaker, and blogger at fix-her-upper.com. She lives in Ashland, Ohio, where she has been happily married to her husband for a long while now, and they have three adulting children and two growing-up-too-fast Grandbabies. Beth, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
In today's soul care episode, we discuss the fear of failure, perfectionism, three steps to move forward from failure, and giving ourselves grace.
LINKS
Beth Duewel
5 Days of Prayer PDF
Flash by Rachel Anne Ridge
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, 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 Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
As a writer, how do you define Story? What value do you place on context? Get ready to learn a few aspects of story you may not be familiar with our host, Linda Goldfarb, and her industry expert, the critically acclaimed, best-selling author Steven James.
Steven has served as a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest Magazine and is the author of the groundbreaking nonfiction books Story Trumps Structure and Troubleshooting Your Novel. When he’s not working on his next book, Steven teaches Novel Writing Intensive retreats across the country with New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni and hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed more than two hundred of the top storytellers and writers in the world.
In this episode, Linda and Steven discuss the writing cube, pivot, and payoff. Steven provides a clear insight into the aspects of believability, escalation, causality, twists, and surprises along the way.
LINKS
Steven James
Preview downloads for The Art of the Tale - free
Steven James Books
The Fiction Intensive Writing Conference
The Art of the Tale book
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Being prepared for your book launch just got easier! Linda Goldfarb's guest, Tammy Karasek shares her tips that launched over 100 books with great success.
Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect of life. She’s President of ACFW Upstate SC and a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy, the Blog Editor for Word Weavers International, the Social Media Coordinator for Blue Ridge, and a monthly contributor for The Write Conversation. Welcome, Tammy!
Linda Goldfarb and Tammy discuss the essentials of launching a book, street teams, beta readers, and how to gain influencers for your next book launch.
In this heavily downloaded encore episode, Linda's guest, Tammy Karasek, shares strategies that have launched over 100 books.
LINKS
- tammy@tammykarasek.com
- Tammy Karasek
- Tammy’s Writer Facebook Page
- Tammy’s Twitter Account
- Tammy’s Instagram Account
- Tammy’s Pinterest Account
- Tammy’s Goodreads Account
We have a great announcement, Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and we have our first sponsor, Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our ho
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Sponsored by Access More!
Has God asked you to influence children? Are you writing books that parents will use to instill Christian values in the lives of their children? This episode is for you.Join Linda Goldfarb and her guest, Lee Ann Mancini for 10 Ways to wow parents through your writing. Lee Ann has written seven Christian children's books that have collectively won more than 25 awards. Lee Ann is the host of the 2021 award-winning solo podcast, Raising Christian Kids, which can be found on all major platforms
Welcome Lee Ann to YBWL
LINKS
Lee Ann Mancini
Raising Christian Kids
Raising Christian Kids Community Facebook Group
Sea Kids Information
Unique Gifts - Sea Kids free episode
Nancy Sander's book “One Sentence Storybooks”
Writing & Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market by Clyde Young and Michelle Medlock Adams
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
Christian Independent Publishers Association
Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Visit the website of our host,
Are you writing about a painful experience in your life? Wondering how you can know when you have healed enough to share your story? Today’s episode offers you 3 ways to write your story to bless your readers and be blessed in the writing.
Linda Goldfarb here, my guest is Paula Mosher Wallace - Paula is the Founder of Bloom In The Dark, Inc. (501c3) and author of BLOOM IN THE DARK offering hope to the hurting, Paula is a Producer, Director, and Cohost of two internationally syndicated television shows. and, In addition to HER podcast, 6 books, and online courses, Paula enjoys time with her three sons.
Paula, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
In today's episode, Linda and Paula discuss how you are not alone in your pain. There's a community that gets you. They share the importance of writing painful experiences in three stages as Paula provides the why and how of the process. The final result is a powerful message that engages your reader and offers hope for their future.
LINKS
Paula Mosher Wallace
Access Paula's Free Resources
We have a great announcement, Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and we have our first sponsor, Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb.
Do you struggle with writing submissions to agents and editors? Are you aware that a submission can be rejected without being read? Learn more in this episode.Linda Goldfarb's guest, Rhonda Dragomir, shares formation guidelines to help writers' manuscripts stay off the slush pile.
Rhonda is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle, even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has published works in several anthologies and periodicals and has won numerous awards for her historical romance books. Rhonda, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
LINKS
Rhonda Dragomir
----Scroll Down to the Podcast Listeners button- Click for your Download
Free Writing Resource Classes
Details to checking the reading grade level of your WORD document
Hint for Mac users - To check Readability, (you do not have Options - instead, click Word, then Preferences, then Grammar & Spelling. From there turn on "Show readability stats" - hitting OK is not required)
To view the readability level, click the Editor icon, and click Document Stats under Insights. Tada!
Grammarly AI-Powered writing enhancement tool
Christian Writers Market Guide
We have a great announcement, Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and we have our first sponsor, Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb.
Book trailers are one of the most underutilized marketing tools available to writers. Shannon Redmon and Linda Goldfarb discuss how authors can create book trailers.
Please welcome, Shannon Redmon. Shannon is a Publisher's Weekly bestselling author and writes romantic suspense stories for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. She creates video book trailers for Christian authors to provide marketing content for their social media pages, websites, Amazon, and Goodreads. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
In this episode, you will learn - the basic bones about Book Trailers
Types of Software to use for Videos
What not to do
Where to find audio clips and licensing
Where to find video clips and licensing
Tips for writing scripts
Contact Shannon with any questions and be sure to download her free gift and make an appointment to discuss your trailer options with her.
LINKS
Shannon Redmon
Sign up for The Jail Cell
Creating Video Trailers PDF and access to Discuss your video trailer with Shannon
Shannon Redmon's Books
DaVinci Resolve 17
We have a great announcement, Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and we have our first sponsor, Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb.
Visual images go beyond show don't tell. Zena Dell Lowe and Linda Goldfarb share ways to engage your readers better.
Linda's industry expert is Award-winning Writer, Speaker, and Teacher, Zena Dell Lowe - Zena has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a writer, producer, director, actress, and story consultant. Zena also teaches advanced classes on writing all over the country. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, she launched The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, a podcast designed to serve the whole artist, not just focus on craft.
Learn visual techniques you can use in your writing to draw your reader in and take them on an adventure.
LINKS
Zena Dell Lowe
The Storytellers Mission with Zena Dell Lowe podcast
7 Steps to Crafting Visual Images PDF
We have a great announcement, Your Best Writing Life is part of the Spark Media podcasting network, and we have our first sponsor, Access More!
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb.
In today's episode, you'll learn how to plan your writing in order to meet your writing deadlines.
In this encore episode, bestselling author DiAnn Mill's 12-Step Writing System will help you to master and meet your writing deadlines. Whether you're writing a book, blog post, or article, this system will make you an editor's dream author. Join Linda Goldfarb in welcoming DiAnn to Your Best Writing Life.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Chrisitan Writers Conference and speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country.
Links
- Connect with DiAnn Mills
- Taking the Dead Out of Deadlines PDF
- Ghost Reader text to Voice App DiAnn uses with her Macbook Pro
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing short Kindle books increases your audience reach. Find out how with Linda's guest, Shelley Hitz.
Today we are covering the big impact of writing small kindle books for Christian writers. You’ll find out why smaller books sell well, how a shorter book really is a quick win for you as an author, and what length your book should be to maximize your impact. We’ll wrap up with where to start as you write a shorter book. Stick around to the end, we have a great giveaway.
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 --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 inside their membership Christian Book Academy. They have often been called “pastors for writers.”
Shelley Hitz – it’s great to have you here.
LINKS
Shelley Hitz
Procrastination to Publication Workshop with Shelley Hitz
Publishing Map Download
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
All writers hit a point where they feel like giving up. Linda Goldfarb and Lori Stanley Roeleveld discuss perseverance strategies to help Christian writers stick with their calling.
Linda's industry expert is Lori Stanley Roeleveld. Lori is a life coach, blogger, speaker, freelance writer, and disturber of hobbits. She’s authored five encouraging, unsettling books, including Running from a Crazy Man, with a sixth in the works. Her latest release is Colorful Connections:12 Questions about Race that Open Healthy Conversations. She lives online at www.loriroeleveld.com.
Linda and Lori discuss some common challenges Christian writers face that cause them to consider giving up. Lori shares her five strategies for helping writers stick with writing, build resilience, and not give up. They also answer the questions:
- Are there some writers who should give up?
- Are there some who just don’t have the talent or skill to persevere?
- How do writers know if they’re supposed to persevere or find a different calling?
- What are the rewards for perseverance?
Links
Lori Stanley Roeleveld
7 Steps to Overcoming a Setback! PDF Download
Colorful Connections: 12 Questions about Race that Open Healthy Conversations.
Check out Lori's post, Holding onto Faith Despite the Pressure to Let Go
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
When writing causes friction in your marriage, it's time to change. Davis & Tracy Sellars provide practical ways to replace friction with understanding.
Linda Goldfarb's industry experts are David and Tracy Sellars, this couple is passionate about bringing the truth of God’s Word to marriages. They minister to couples through a weekly 25-minute radio broadcast/podcast, Biblical marriage counseling, conferences, and men’s and women’s groups and retreats. Seeing couples’ hearts turn toward Christ and each other is their greatest joy.
What do you do when:
Writing begins to divide the marriage.
Writing is seen as a hobby by your spouse.
Writing become a financial burden.
You feel alone,
and so much more!
LINKS
David and Tracy Sellars
Vows to Keep PDF download
Email Davis & Tracy Sellars - author@vowstokeep.com
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Waiting is difficult for everyone. As writers, being on hold impacts more than our time. Candy Arrington and Linda Goldfarb discuss the keys to waiting well.
Linda's industry expert is Candy Arrington – Candy is a writer, blogger, and speaker. She has over twenty years of experience writing for publication. Candy’s topics include faith, health, caregiving, personal growth, suicide, and moving beyond challenging life circumstances. She is the author of three nonfiction books and hundreds of articles in numerous print and online outlets.
In this episode, we discuss:
- 5 steps for writers “on pause” to consider
- Waiting moments writers experience
- How Candy experienced waiting in her writing journey
- How writers can benefit from waiting
- 5 Keys to Waiting Well
Candy Arrington
Candy's book - Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well
5-Keys to Waiting Well PDF Download
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Bestselling author, Janet McHenry, provides writers with strategies and practical steps to structuring their writing.
Janet has written 24 books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk. Because she has written in eight different book genres, she may be her agent’s nightmare client . . . but in doing so, she has learned how to analyze writing form, which she teaches at conferences and her own Sierra Valley Writers Retreat. It’s good to have her here. Welcome to your best writing life, Janet.
In this encore episode, Linda Goldfarb and Janet discuss what challenges writers the most about writing form. This includes how writers determine the shape of their book interior based on genre. They discuss the best place for a writer to start learning about form. Finishing with steps Janet encourages writers to take when learning a new genre and when it's time to stop writing.
LINKS
- Janet McHenry's Website: https://www.janetmchenry.com
- Podcast giveaway - 5 Ways to Study Writing Form
- Looking Up! Mini-magazine signup: https://www.janetmchenry.com
- Janet McHenry's Coaching: https://www.janetmchenry.com/lookinup/Janet-McHenry-Coaching
- Sierra Valley Writers Retreat: https://www.janetmchenry.com/lookingup/Sierra-Valley-Writers-Retreat
- Janet McHenry's Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/janet.mchenry.9
- Janet McHenry's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/JanetMcHenryAuthor/
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. Life is a new adventure every day with four adult children and 15 grandbabies. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Five secrets event planners love that will get you more speaking gigs with award-winning author Erica Wiggenhorn. Linda Goldfarb and Erica explore in detail what event planners need from speakers to make inviting us back a no-brainer.
Linda's guest, Erica, is an award-winning author and international speaker. She has published 5 books with Moody Publishers and 3 On Demand Video Teaching Series. She writes for P31 Ministries on their First 5 app. She lives in Phoenix, AZ, with her BFF Jonathan and their 4 children, only two of which are human and the others furry and adorable.
At first glance, these secrets seem fairly obvious. It's what Erica shares that takes each secret deeper.
Secret 1 - Put yourself in the event planners shoes
Secret 2 - Know your audience
Secret 3 - Don't make your talk a guessing game
Secret 4 - Make prayer a priority
Secret 5 - Be teachable and grateful
LINKS
Erica Wiggenhorn
An Unexpected Revival
Free - The Busy Woman's Bundle to Connecting with God
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing male characters correctly is no easy task. J.P. Robinson and Linda Goldfarb share how to connect with all readers successfully.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is JP Robinson. JP is an award-winning author of historical and political suspense. He is a contributor to Guideposts, Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, and the Salvation Army’s War Cry. His work has been praised by industry leaders such as Publishers Weekly and secured the #1 spot on Amazon’s historical thrillers category.
During today's episode, Linda and J.P. discuss:
Why it's important to write characters that appeal to men and women.
What female writers need to be aware of when writing male characters.
How to reach a male YA reader.
How boys should be depicted in your writing.
What does the market look like for male readers?
What kind of impact writing books for boys without a dad in the house can make.
LINKS
Connect with J.P. Robinson on his website
J.P. Robinson's Articles for Writers
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Use your manuscript to grow your speaking opportunities. Linda and Mary R. Snyder share great strategies you can implement now.
Knowing how to craft a message that transforms your audience from listeners to readers is priceless. Every writer needs to hear this episode –Mary R. Snyder will help you increase the reach of your message and positively influence your bottom line.
Linda's industry expert is Mary R. Snyder. Mary is a speaker, coach, podcast host, and event & tour producer. She’s spent the past 20 years on the stage, behind the stage, and booking & coaching some of the most influential speakers of our time. She has the heart to help aspiring authors craft the message of their books.
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… From Manuscript to Message
How do you determine the best message to share?
What are the elements of a well-crafted message?
How do you open a message?
How do you close a message? Summarize
How do you use your message to drive book sales?
Links:
Mark R. Snyder
Master Your Manuscript Checklist PDF
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda also hosts her brand new Staying REAL About Faith & Family podcast - Check it out!
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Reduce passive voice to make your writing better. Linda Goldfarb and Multi-award-winning author DiAnn Mills give the top ten tips to eliminate passive voice.
DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today.
During this encore episode, you learn:
What is an active voice
What is a passive voice
How to remedy the use of passive voice
When is passive voice okay to use?
How to avoid to-be verbs
Online tools you can use for editing and determining passive voice.
and so much more.
LINKS
- DiAnn Mills website
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- Word frequency counter link
- Tips to Eliminate the Passive Voice PDF Download
- Consult with Grammarly or ProWriting Aid to help determine active and passive voice
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
How can writers get more readers? Literary agent, Blythe Daniel, shares tips and strategies with host Linda Goldfarb to help writers increase their readership.
Blythe Daniel – has been in publishing for over 20 years. She’s a marketer, author, and literary agent and has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Retailing, and others. She and her mother co-wrote: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children
In today's episode, Linda and Blythe discuss why we must have a built-in readership, how we can increase our following, and how we can get past the hesitation of doing what we must do to get it done.
[bctt tweet="How can writers get more readers? Literary agent, Blythe Daniel, shares tips and strategies with host Linda Goldfarb to help writers increase their readership." username="@LindaGoldfarb @BRMCWC @BlytheDaniel"]
LINKS
Blythe Daniel
Our Mended Hearts
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit our website, Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Praying the WRITE prayer acrostic keeps you focused on God, your readers, and your why. Cherrilynn Bisbano and Linda share soul care for writers.
Many of us use acrostics when we pray. the familiar ACTS prayer model stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Another is PRAY – Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield. And yet another prayer acrostic, The Way - in which the six letters in the acrostic T.H.E. W.A.Y. represents the main idea behind each of the six prayers. Temptation, Hallelujah, Everything, Wisdom, All Men, and Yahweh.
Linda Goldfarb here and my guest today is Cherrilynn Bisbano. Cherrilynn is an award-winning writer, speaker, and coach. She loves encouraging her brothers and sisters to stand firm and shine for Jesus. She is an expert in writing book proposals and memoirs. Coaching writers is her passion. And if she’s not actively writing or coaching, You can find her at the beach hunting sea glass.
Cherrilynn’s peek behind the curtain reveals an adventurous spirit. Take a listen to find out what she did.
In this episode, we talk about prayer using the acrostic, W.R.I.T.E.
Word of God, Readers, Inspiration, Thanksgiving, and Expectations. Which word in WRITE is your favorite?
Check this out:
- Cherrilynn Bisbano
- The W.R.I.T.E. Prayer PDF
- Cherrilynn’s book Shine Don’t Whine
- Cherrilynn on Twitter
- Cherrilynn on Instagram
- Cherrilynn on LinkedIn
- Cherrilyn on Facebook
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
YouTube can explode a writer's readership. Listen in as Linda Goldfarb and Annette Reeder provide tips to help your writing business expand.
Our readers are wanting more. As technology becomes readily available to more households, access to content must diversify or the content provider will go the way of the dinosaur – and believe me, none of us want to be remembered by our dry bones – we want our bones to get up and walk and in the case of YouTube talk too!
My industry expert is The Biblical Nutritionist, Annette Reeder. 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 over 3 million viewers with 188,000 subscribers
Annette share's a fun personal fact, that most people have no idea about - Is it solo skydiving, biking across the state of Florida, or hiking the Appalachian Trail?
During our episode, Annette and I discuss the following:
- Why should writers consider doing a YouTube channel?
- How to get started?
- Does it pay to be on YouTube?
- How to do YouTube for fiction and non-fiction.
- How does YouTube grow my audience?
Check out:
- These amazing freebies from Annette Reeder
- Annette Reeder on YouTube
- More about Annette Reeder
- The Biblical Nutrition Academy
If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life's content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode --Linda
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Coauthoring with a spouse or close friend can skyrocket your career. Linda talks with best-selling authors, Bill and Pam Farrel about making the best of coauthoring.
My industry experts are Bill and Pam Farrel - Bill and Pam are prolific conference and church communicators. They speak together at marriage and parenting conferences with a unique ability to “speak as one” in all their presentations. Bill helps people gain strength and real-world wisdom through messages at men’s retreats and church services. Pam equips and encourages women to be courageous, influential, and strong in faith at women’s gatherings around the world. Welcome, Bill and Pam to Your Best Writing Life!
- What is your ministry and marriage blend?
- Perhaps the pros and cons in writing with a spouse, maybe your and Bill’s top 5 or 10 tips
- What are practical ways you and Bill have used to balance marriage and ministry?
- Share about how you two co-author and what tips do you have for anyone considering co-authoring? How to select a co-author? What are the benefits and challenges?
- You have written and published 56 books, which book would you recommend for authors and leaders?
LINKS
- Bill and Pam Farrel
- Write On Tips and Helps for Writers
- Pam and Bill's Books
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Split-time novels move us from historic times to modern days. Learn more from Linda Goldfarb and her guest, New York Times Best Selling author, Rachel Hauck.
My industry expert is Rachel Hauck, Rachel is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She served on the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board for eighteen years and mentored writers through My Book Therapy for more than fifteen years. She recently retired from both. She is a worship and prayer leader in her community and a semi-enthusiastic gym rat. Hauck has been married to her fantastic hubby for 30 years. They are servants to an ornery cat.
Please welcome – Rachel Hauck to Your Best Writing Life – great to have you here, Rachel!
- What exactly is split-time?
- What is the idea behind this style of novel writing?
- How did you start writing split-time?
- What are key structural components to a well-told split time story?
LINKS
- Rachel Hauck
- My Book Therapy
- Split-time Novel Writing Tips
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Writing trends for children ignite your imagination. Linda Goldfarb and Michelle Medlock-Adams help writers learn the basics of writing for children.
My industry expert is Michelle Medlock Adams. Michelle is a NY Times Best-selling ghostwriter and an award-winning author of more than 100 books including, Springtime for Your Spirit, Cuddle-Up Prayers, and Dachshund Through the Snow. Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, they have two married daughters, five adorable grandchildren, two diva dogs, and two kitties. Michelle, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Let’s head into our content for today - Writing Trends for Children
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Do children’s trends follow the same trends as in adult publishing?
-
What are some current trends in children’s publishing?
-
As writers, should we be writing to fit the trends or writing to fill a need, or just writing?
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Are trends the same in the general market and the Christian market?
-
What makes a good crossover book?
LINKS
- Michelle Medlock Adams
- Serious Writer Academy
- Storytime with Michelle
- Resources for Parents and Teachers
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Creating effective video content is in your future. Linda Goldfarb and Barb Roose discuss practical ways to create effective video content.
Barb Roose is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management, a speaker and author who is passionate about teaching women to live beautifully strong and courageous, to experience God’s great adventure of faith and purpose for their lives. She’s the proud empty-nest mom of three and whenever possible, Barb prefers to eat dessert first.
In today's episode, you learn why video content is the highest engaging form of media. Barb shares how authors can overcome the top three reasons they hesitate to produce video content, the most popular types of videos to connect with audiences, and her two best practices to immediately level up any video.
LINKS
- Barb Roose
- 10 content ideas to create captivating videos
- Barb Roose Literary Agent
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Writing for newspapers can increase your book readership. Julie Lavender shares the benefits and how to's with Linda Goldfarb
Linda's industry expert is Julie Lavender - Julie is a journalist, author, wife to a wildlife biologist, mommy of four adult children, and grandmommy to a precious three-year-old. With a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Julie taught public school before becoming a homeschooling mom. The Lavenders spent twenty years as a Navy family in five different states. please welcome her - It’s great to have you on Your Best Writing Life - Julie!
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- What are the benefits of writing for a newspaper?
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- What are writing credits?
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- How do you break into newspaper writing? Freelance Stringer
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- What are some interview tips to complete a newspaper article?
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- What’s the proper way to format a newspaper article?
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- How to share faith-based newspaper articles without coming across as preachy?
LINKS
- Julie Lavender Website
- Julie Lavender on Focus on the Family
- Children's Bible Stories for Bedtime
- 365 Ways to Love Your Child
- Contact Julie for your free "Make Every Day a Holiday download
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website
- Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Writing memoirs are not the same as sharing your life story. Linda Goldfarb and Susy Flory discuss what works best in writing memoirs.
Linda's industry expert is the New York Times bestselling author or co-author of sixteen books Susy Flory. Susy directs West Coast Christian Writers; she’s the founder of Everything Memoir and is working on her MA in New Testament from Northern Seminary.
Her book, The Unbreakable Boy, was adapted for the screen scheduled for a 2022 release, starring Patricia Heaton and Zachary Levi. Her most recent book. Sanctuary (Tyndale), co-authored with Patrick Barrett, is the true story of an Irish village, a man who lost his way, and the rescue donkeys that led him home, launched on March 15, 2022. – Susy Flory, welcome!
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Writing Memoirs
● What’s the difference between a memoir and a biography or autobiography?
● What can those who want to write memoirs learn from novelists?
● Why do publishers and agents sometimes discourage memoirists from trying the traditional publishing route?
● Tell us a little bit about the different kinds of memoirs. Which kinds are more publishable in the Christian market?
● What are the ten rules for writing a memoir?
LINKS:
Email Susy Flory to get your free copy of the Ten Rules for Writing Memoirs
Check out Susy Flory's Freebies:
- An original watercolor, downloadable Sanctuary “book map.”
- An excerpt of Sanctuary to read:
- A sample of the Sanctuary audiobook (5 min, & an Irish accent!)
Visit the West Coast Christian Writers
Check out Susy Flory's book, Sanctuary [Tyndale, 2022]
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Writing for Middle Grade requires more than writing skills. Linda Goldfarb and Taryn Souders share details and benefits you need to hear.
Linda's industry expert is Taryn Souders. Taryn’s middle-grade novels have been named to multiple state reading award lists. Her novel, Coop Knows the Scoop, was a 2021 Edgar Award nominee for Best Juvenile mystery novel. She is a member of the SCBWI and Word Weavers International and is represented by Sally Apokedak of Apokedak Literary Agency.
During this episode, you learn the age group breakdowns for children's books and the word counts. Taryn shares the writing process she used to gain award-winning author status and the benefits and suitable material you should consider when writing for Middle Grade.
LINKS
- Taryn Souders
- Taryn Souders on Facebook
- Taryn Souders on Twitter
- Book Category Breakdowns
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Linda Goldfarb and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith offer tips and strategies for Non-fiction Writers' platform building.
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, including insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your 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 episode on Non-fiction platform building, Dr. Saundra and Linda discuss five ways you can build your platform with or without a published book. Are you a bit fearful of coming across as salesy to your readers? No worries, Dr. Saundra says, "Don't talk about your book!" Learn why and what size platform you should aim at for publishing success.
LINKS
- Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
- Take the Rest Quiz
- Get your copy of Sacred Rest
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Story inspiration and creativity are two keys to writing successful novels. Join Linda Goldfarb and James R. Hannibal to hear more.
Linda's industry expert is James R. Hannibal – Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by a terrorist. He is a three-time Silver Falchion award-winner for his Section 13 mysteries for kids, a Carol and Selah award-winner for his Clandestine Service spy thrillers, and a Thriller Award finalist for his military thriller Shadow Maker. James is also a multi-sense synesthete who sees and feels sounds/smells and hears flashes of light. If he tells you the chocolate cake you offered smells blue and sticky, take it as a compliment.
James R Hannibal, welcome back to Your Best Writing Life!
Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Story Creation and Inspiration:
1 - Story Beats: How do we capitalize on this knowledge as writers?
2 - Hollywood vs Novel writing: How do we prevent our use of the story beats from becoming formulaic?
3 - Story inspiration: How do we prepare ourselves for inspiration? T
4 - Collaborative storytelling: How do we manage the converging and clashing of ideas?
James R Hannibal - Books …… Section 13 - The Gryphon Heist - Chasing the White Lion - Wolf Soldier
LINKS
- James R Hannibal
- Lightraiders
- Fun Family Discipleship
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and 15 grandbabies– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Can I write a book at my age? Yes! You're never too old to write a book. Linda Goldfarb talks with Laine Lawson Craft about the possibilities.
Linda's industry expert is Laine Lawson Craft - Best-selling award-winning author and speaker of Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow: Discover the Power to Live the Life You Love and companion Journal. Laine has a bi-weekly podcast, Livin’ Lively, with Laine Podcast sharing stories of hope and her brand-new Warfare Parenting Podcast helping parents with prodigals.
She is LIVE on Facebook every other Thursday at 7 p.m. central. Laine has been married to Steve, her husband, for over thirty-four years and loves to spend time with her two sons, daughter, daughter-in-love, and son-in-love.
Laine shares a great eBook twist any author can use to promote an upcoming book release. At age fifty, Laine's life took a turn from living the life to waiting on God's next best step resulting in her becoming an award-winning author.
LINKS
- Laine Lawson Craft
- 5 Warfare Prayers for Your Prodigals download
- Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow book
- Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides 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, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam, are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Instagram best practices for writers offers strategies to increase your platform. Mary DeMuth shares tips to make it happen.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Mary DeMuth - Mary is a literary agent, podcaster of the popular Pray Every Day podcast, artist, speaker, and the author of 40+ books, including The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible (Salem 2022). She lives in Texas with her husband and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Mary, welcome to Your Best Writing Life – it’s great to have you here.
Linda and Mary discuss what goes in your bio space, the best use of reels, stories, buttons, hashtags, and the promote and save features in Instagram.
LINKS
- Mary DeMuth
- Instagram Best Practices blog post
- Free How to Write a Book eBook
- Etsy Writer Help
- Links for Writers
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Learn how to repurpose your written content and increase its value. Misty Phillip and Linda Goldfarb discuss how it works.
Linda's industry expert is Misty Phillip. Misty is a dreamer and a doer, passionate about helping to spark your soul message. She encourages people to use their story to give God glory. The Founder of Spark Media, Misty equips Christian Communicators and podcasters through virtual and live events, a podcast network, a magazine, and a thriving membership community. She is the host of the By His Grace Podcast ranked in the top 1.5 percent of all podcasts. Misty is a sought-after inspirational speaker and the author of the award-winning #1 Amazon New Release Bible Study, The Struggle is Real: But so is God, and the Spark Podcast Planner.
Misty Phillip, it is a pleasure to have you back on Your Best Writing Life.
During this episode, we discuss ways to repurpose your long and short formatted content to gain more social media presence. How to create 48 social media offerings and so much more.
LINKS
- Misty Phillip
- Join the Spark Media Ventures
- AnswerthePublic.com
- Find Misty Phillip: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally. *
Beginning writers need this. Before you sit down to write, listen to this episode. Award-winning author, PeggySue Wells provides succinct tips to get your writing career started.
(We hope you enjoy this highly downloaded encore episode)
“Eminently quotable, PeggySue Wells is a tonic — warm like your favorite blanket, bracing like a stiff drink.”
History buff and tropical island votary, PeggySue parasails, skydives, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. The bestselling author of 30 books including the What To Do series, The Slave Across the Street, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, Chasing Sunrise, and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make, PeggySue’s most challenging and rewarding adventure was solo parenting seven children. She is the founder of SingleMomCircle.com. Good to have you here PeggySue.
Today, Linda and PeggySue discuss the first decisions a writer makes.
The What, Who, and Why you need to know before you begin.
What vehicle format is best suited for what you write?
Format options. Word count for your genre.
Setting up your manuscript.
The three essentials every story must have for fiction and non-fiction.
LINKS
- PeggySue Wells
- 20-Tips for Unsticking a Stuck Wordsmith PDF
- Who's Your Audience? Writing Genre Word-counts PDF
- SingleMomCircle.com
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Is your best publishing option, self-publishing or the traditional publishing route. Self-publishing expert, Susan U Neal shares her tips. You decide!
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Susan U. Neal
As a Certified AWSA Writer Coach, Susan’s desire is to help others publish and sell their God-given message. She is the author of eight healthy living books. Her self-published number one Amazon best-seller, 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates, won the Selah award and sold over 20,000 copies in four years. Susan won the 2020 Christian Author Network Crown Award for Outstanding Broadcast Media for her book marketing campaign. She is the Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA) Director. Hi Susan and welcome back to Your Best Writing Life,
How does self-publishing benefit authors in comparison to traditional publishing? Susan provides the information you can use to make a strategic publishing decision.
LINKS
- Susan U Neal
- Vellum for Mac
- Author Media Kit scroll to the bottom of the page
- Join Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA)
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
As writers, the ability to recognize the difference between composing and communicating with our readers is a key to success. Award-winning author, Cynthia Ruchti shares tips to take your writing to the next level.
Linda's guest is the award-winning author of more than 30 books and a sought-after speaker, Cynthia Ruchti - Cynthia is the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and serves as a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin near their three children and six grandchildren. 1 Writing and Marriage Have a Lot in Common
2 The Goal is Resonance
3 Somewhere on the Spectrum Between Gourmet and Fast Food
4 If Your Writing is Speaking AT the Reader, the Reader Isn't Listening.
5 Finger-pointing and Trust Falls in Writing
LINKS
- Cynthia Ruchti
- Hemmed In Hope
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
First-time writers, learn from the best. Larry J. Leech II shares five tips to help writers be successful.
Writing coach of award-winning authors and Senior Editor at Iron Stream Media. Larry has spent nearly forty years writing and editing. He has ghostwritten nearly thirty books and edited more than 300 manuscripts for numerous publishers. For more than a decade Larry has taught at inspirational and general market conferences nationwide. Please welcome Larry J Leech II to Your Best Writing Life – Good to have you here, my friend!
Larry shares with Linda, some mistakes writers make when beginning their careers and how to remedy them. He explains why each writer needs to get connected, be a sponge, be a re-writer, market-market-market, and think like a publisher.
LINKS
- Contact Larry J. Leech II
- Larry's Terrible 30 - Words to eliminate
- Writer's Digest
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Authors and readers make a beautiful community. Debb Hackett shares where readers can connect with authors online and have an opportunity to review books.
Join Linda Goldfarb and Debb for 30-minutes of reader/author opportunities.
Writer, broadcaster, and speaker Debb Hackett was a radio journalist for more than twenty years. She is one of the leaders, lovingly called the Three Musketeers for the Blue Ridge Reader Connections. Debb’s first novel, In the Air, was an ACFW Genesis finalist in 2020 and won a Foundation Award at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2021. Debb also produces The Word on Wednesday devotional on her blog each week. When she’s not writing or reading, Debb can be found leading worship, and if you can swing by while she’s making scones, that would also be a win. Debb is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
Learn about the opportunity for authors and readers to connect, get book reviews, give reviews, and much more at the safe Christian community - Blue Ridge Reader Connections site.
LINKS
- Blue Ridge Reader Connections
- Blue Ridge Reader Connections Facebook group
- Debb Hackett Website
- Email BRRC - For more information
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Welcome! Linda Goldfarb and Thomas Umstattd Jr. discuss why and where authors should start Creating Online Courses. Plus common mistakes writers easily make.
Linda's industry expert, Thomas Umstattd Jr, is the founder of Author Media and the host of the Novel Marketing Podcast. Thomas travels the world speaking at events to help authors build their platforms, sell more books, and change the world with writing worth talking about. He has been creating online courses for ten years making him the perfect fit for today’s topic.
Linda and Thomas talk about the first steps an author should take before creating a course, the common mistakes course creators make, how to attract students to your course, how to help your students benefit the most from your course.
LINKS
- Thomas Umstattd Jr.
- Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Free course Author Website Course -
- Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Book Launch Blueprint Course
- Obscure No More Beta group
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Christian communicators should strive for God's glory in their writing. Stephanie Rousselle talks about success, competition, and spiritual habits writers need to hear.
Stéphanie is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries and the host of the Gospel Spice Podcast. Her personal motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” Born and raised in France, she has lived, for her One Lord over the last two decades-- on three continents, four countries, and five cities through six professional roles. This 100% French native is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director, and strategy consultant. Stephanie loves sharing nuances taken from the French and English languages and cultures to experience Scripture from the inside out.
Linda Goldfarb and Stephanie discuss the power writers have when they experience God's glory in their lives and in their profession. Stephanie compares experiencing delight in the glory of God to a French croissant, it's fabulous. They talk about true success, how we are a collective not competitors, how writers are not to hustle but to be actively still, while developing habits of grace .
LINKS
- Stephanie Rousselle
- Stephanie's Free Resources
- Inspire Christian Writers Conference
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
- About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Learn how to prepare for an interview with Media expert, Monica Schmelter. Use these nine tips to stand out as a media guest.
Linda Goldfarb welcomes Monica Schmelter to Your Best Writing Life. Monica hosts a daily television program – Bridges, which airs in over 50 million homes on Christian Television Network. Her show Bridges is also available on streaming platforms like ROKU and at monicaschmelter.com.
Listen in as Linda and Monica talk about rocking your media interviews as an author.
How do you prepare for the interview?
How to utilize the acronyms BRAND and SHOW to personalize your media content, and so much more.
LINKS
- Monica Schmelter
- Talk to Monica about coaching
- Make the Most of Your Media Interview PDF Download
- Enjoy our content? Support this podcast - Every dollar keeps us going - thank you!
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Is your writing environment helping you write better? Author, Sara Turnquist's five tips on productivity, ergonomics, writing strain, and writer's block will change how you sit down to write.
Sara is a coffee lovin', word-slinging, clean Historical Romance author. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions—three to be exact. Sara’s books range from the Czech lands to the American Wild West, from ancient Egypt to the early 1900s. Sara, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
Linda sits down with Sara to talk about environmental writing habits, which include productivity tips, the ergonomics of writing, mental creative fatigue, and breaking writer's block.
LINKS
- Find Sara Turnquist here
- Indie Authors Retreat
- 5-Tips to Improve Your Writing Environment PDF
- Enjoy Our Content? Support this podcast - Every dollar keeps us going - thank you!
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Marketing elements should help you brand yourself, not just your project. Branding expert, Amber Weigand-Buckley shares how.
Linda's industry expert is Amber Weigand-Buckley - Specializing in Global Brand and Communications Management, #barefacedcreative owner, Amber @barefacedgirl, is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and has over 24 years of award-winning multi-media experience. The publications she has served have received over 20 awards from the Evangelical Press Association. She was named the 2015 AWSA Member of the Year and the 2018 Evangel University Distinguished Communications Alumni of the Year. Currently, Amber serves authors and speakers in many consultancies, coaching, and communication strategy capacities including her role as Marketing, Communications, and Brand Director for the Right to the Heart Ministry Network, which includes AWSA.
Amber is the founding editor and Art Director of Leading Hearts magazine (which has received an EPA award every year of its 8 years of publication. Welcome amber to Your Best Writing Life.
During this episode, Linda and amber talk about the look of your social media, brand marketing, the importance of your social media fingerprint and having a logical marketing sandwich.
LINKS
- Amber Weigand-Buckley
- Website Branding examples - Cynthia Cavanaugh Monica Schmelter
- Leading Hearts Magazine
- Amber's Brand Survey Questionnaire
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Getting multiple book contracts in one year is possible. Award-winning author, Karen Whiting shares how to secure contracts and interest editors in multiple books.
Karen Whiting writes to help families thrive. In 2021 she had 4 books release and in 2022 she has 3 books scheduled for release. This includes four separate book launches and promotions for the books as well. Her 2021 books are Devos for Brave Boys (Tyndale Kids) and The Super-Sized Book of Bible Craft Gifts (Rosekidz division of Tyndale House Publishing), Growing a Mother’s Heart - AMG, and 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer – Rosekidz also. She’s a mom of five (including two rocket scientists) and a grandmother. Karen enjoys adventure like camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, and scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast. She heads to the Mediterranean next summer. Please welcome, Karen whiting to Your Best Writing Life! Karen, it’s great to have you here…
Today we find out about:
- How to prepare for a multi-book contract year.
- How to meet writing deadlines.
- How to create successful book proposals.
- How to create spreadsheets to write all of the books.
LINKS
- Karen Whiting
- Karen's download - Organizing Your Books with Spreadsheets
- Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
About your host - Linda Goldfarb
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, and the co-owner, co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System, and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series.
Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Linda Goldfarb shares how to embrace God's Promises and Possibilities to kick start your 2022 "write" off right!
Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb, a natural storyteller, is a multi-published author. Including her award-winning quick guide to personalities series, LINKED, coauthored with her sister-friend, Linda Gilden. The series includes LINKED for Educators, LINKED for Parents, LINKED for Couples, and the original, LINKED… for everyone. Linda and her hubby, Sam are empty nesters leading full lives. With four adult children and grandbaby #15 on the way– life is a new adventure every day. She loves sipping frothed coffee with friends, traveling the countryside with her hubby, Sam, and sharing transparent truth to help others take their next best step-- personally and professionally.
Be sure to check out the show transcript.
LINKS
- Email Linda your prayer requests
- December - Advent Soul Care for Writers
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Authors' platforms, what a platform is, and how to build them. Where should you build your platform? Linda's guest, Thomas Umstattd Jr is here to answer our questions. Thomas is the founder of Author Media and the host of the Novel Marketing Podcast. He travels the world speaking at events to help authors build their platforms, sell more books, and change the world with writing worth talking about. Thomas, welcome to your best writing life!
During this encore episode, Linda and Thomas discuss, a fun fact most people do not know about Thomas, then we get to business about building your platform.
- Top two ways to weaponize your platform.
- What's the most important part of a blog?
- One big preventable mistake writers make.
- What skills it takes to write good articles.
LINKS
- Author Email Onboarding Sequence Guide
- Author Media
- December - Advent Soul Care for Writers
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Is co-authoring a book your next best choice? Multi-published author, Linda Gilden, shares insight to help you decide.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is one of her best friends, Linda Gilden - Linda is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author of theLINKED Personality Series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles, and several ghostwritten books. As a freelance editor and writing coach, working with publishers and individuals, she encourages others to make their writing the best it can be. Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother of the six cutest grandchildren in the WORLD! Her greatest joy is time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children! Please welcome Linda Gilden to Your Best Writing Life
- What are some reasons to consider writing with a co-author?
- What are things to look for in a coauthor?
- When you decide to co-author, should one person be the lead writer, or should you divide the work? How does co-authoring work?
- Why do you need a co-author agreement?
- What is included in a co-author agreement?
- How does co-authoring impact royalties – with a self-pub or a traditional pub book
- Who owns the copyright?
- What is the most important element between coauthors?
LINKS
- Linda Gilden
- Two Are Better Than One--or Are They? PDF
- Carolina Christian Writers Conference 2022
- December - Advent Soul Care for Writers
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing coaches. Are they for everyone? Deb DeArmond and PeggySue Wells provide answers for all writers
Here’s a little bit about our guests, you’ll find more about them in our show-notes:
Deb DeArmond is an award-winning author, speaker, and writing coach, helping others to achieve their goals whether in marriage, family relationships, at work, or in ministry. Her books reflect that path. Her newest release, We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished, encourages and informs women 50+ how to make the rest of their life the best of their life.
PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre woods in Indiana, PeggySue is the founder of SingleMomCircle.com and the bestselling author of 30 books includingThe Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make,Homeless for the Holidays, andChasing Sunrise. PeggySue coaches writers from concept through the completed manuscript, and any portion as needed.
Listen in as these writing coaches share what to look for in a writing coach, how to know if you're ready for a coach, and so much more.
LINKS
- Deb DeArmond - Procrastination PDF
- Deb DeArmond - Distraction Tracker
- Deb DeArmond
- Why Hire a Writing Coach PDF from PeggySue Wells
- Connect with PeggySue Wells
- Check out PeggySue Wells and SingleMomCircle
- December - Advent Soul Care for Writers
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Bestselling author, Janet McHenry, provides every writer with practical steps to understand and study, Writing Form. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life - I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb and it's so awesome to have you here.
My industry expert is Janet McHenry. Janet has written 24 books—including the bestselling PrayerWalk. Because she has written in eight different book genres, she may be her agent’s nightmare client . . . but in doing so she has learned how to analyze writing form, which she teaches at conferences and her own Sierra Valley Writers Retreat. It’s good to have her here, Welcome to your best writing life, Janet.
Today, Janet and I discuss, what challenges writers the most about writing form. This would be how writers determine the shape of their book interior based on genre. We discuss the best place for a writer to start learning about form. Finishing with steps Janet encourages writers to take when learning a new genre, and when it's time to stop writing.
LINKS
- Janet McHenry's Website: https://www.janetmchenry.com
- Podcast giveaway - 5 Ways to Study Writing Form
- Looking Up! Mini-magazine signup: https://www.janetmchenry.com
- Janet McHenry's Coaching: https://www.janetmchenry.com/lookinup/Janet-McHenry-Coaching
- Sierra Valley Writers Retreat: https://www.janetmchenry.com/lookingup/Sierra-Valley-Writers-Retreat
- Janet McHenry's Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/janet.mchenry.9
- Janet McHenry's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/JanetMcHenryAuthor/
- Janet McHenry's Facebook groups:
- Bible Girls 2022: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471630317390642
- The Safe Place Prayer Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1598113236891334
- The Walking Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2940524352632825
- Janet McHenry's Twitter: https://twitter.com/LookingUpFirst?lang=en
- Janet McHenry's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetmchenry/
- Janet McHenry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-mchenry-18793b24/
- Janet McHenry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetmchenry/
- November Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
What brings you joy? During this season of thankfulness, it’s a good time to share snippets from our writing industry experts on what brings them joy. I pray you are encouraged, empowered, and entertained with their answers.
Brian Bird, Sharon Tedford, Katy Kauffman, Edwina Perkins, Cindy Sproles, PeggySue Wells, Jayme Lee Hull, Bethany Jett, and Becky Antkowiak share what brings them joy.
There you go, stories, moments, and ponderings of God’s provision in the lives of some of our industry experts. It’s important to me, Linda Goldfarb, for you to know how much you are valued as one of our listeners and I understand that as much as you want to write – life happens and detours show up, yet—God is sovereign, and His timing is perfect. Drop me a note, let me know what you walked away with from this episode, and please share what brings you joy in this season of life. check out our show notes for my email link and more. I look forward to being here with you next time on Your Best Writing Life.
Be sure to check out our additional links:
- November Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul has its perks. Tracy Crump shares tips to get your stories accepted for multiple chicken Soup books.
My industry expert is Tracy Crump. Tracy dispenses hope in her 30-day devotional, Health, Healing, and Wholeness. Best known for contributing twenty-two stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul, she has published numerous devotions and articles in diverse publications. Tracy conducts writing workshops, offers freelance editing, proofreads for Farmers’ Almanac—and she loves on four grand-darlings.
How did you get started writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul?
What is the most important thing to remember about writing for Chicken Soup?
What are some dos and don’ts in writing for Chicken Soup?
How do you submit stories to Chicken Soup?
LINKS
- Tracy Crump (website)
- Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul PDF Download
- Serious Writer Academy
- Write Life Workshops
- Health, Healing, and Wholeness
- Health, Healing, and Wholeness Box Sets
- November Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Is Speculative Fiction a Christian genre? Multi-book author, A.C. Williams is happy to share why Christians should be writing Speculative Fiction.
Linda Goldfarb here, I’m so glad you’re listening in today, we’re talking about Writing Speculative Fiction with industry expert, Amy A.C. Williams - A.C. Williams is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks will never match. With books in space opera, superhero adventure, and action-comedy, Amy loves helping authors discover the genre-defying joy of speaking truth in fiction.
Our time together is a little longer than usual, but you will be so happy you stuck around.
- What are the genre expectations for speculative fiction?
- What is “world-building”?
- Can you write science fiction without aliens?
- Can you write fantasy without being a linguist?
- Why should Christians write speculative fiction?
LINKS
- Amy (A.C.) Williams
- Amy's Speculative Fiction Recommended Reading PDF Download
- For more recommendations and reviews, check out www.amycwilliams.com.
- To find out about Amy’s coaching - https://www.amycwilliams.com/coaching/
- Email amy@amycwilliams.com
- Havok Story Podcast
- November Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Email marketing frequency, content tips, and writing prompts. Patricia Durgin guides us through what's right for writers.
Today is part two - How email marketing works for you!
Linda is sitting down with marketing expert Patricia Durgin. Patricia is the founder of Marketers On A Mission, trains Christian writers and speakers to become change catalysts for the Kingdom. She’s a recognized online marketing and Facebook Live expert. Patricia has hosted over 500 (60-minute) interviews with Christian writers and speakers and she is an AWSA Certified Writer and Speaker coach.
In today’s episode, Patricia talks about Email Frequency, Email content tips, How to reactivate a dormant email list, Evergreen topics, Writing prompts for fiction and nonfiction writers, and more – be sure to download the PDF slides.
LINKS
- Patricia Durgin - Marketers On A Mission
- How Email Marketing Works show slides
- Write Emails Your Readers Want - 35 Content Prompts
- Marketers On A Mission Facebook Page
- Marketers On A Mission ENGAGE Facebook Group
- Patricia Durgin YouTube
- November Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Email marketing works with the correct messages in place. Patricia Durgin guides us through the process in two parts.
Today is part one - How email marketing works
Linda is sitting down with marketing expert Patricia Durgin. Patricia is the founder of Marketers On A Mission, trains Christian writers and speakers to become change catalysts for the Kingdom. She’s a recognized online marketing and Facebook Live expert. Patricia has hosted over 500 (60-minute) interviews with Christian writers and speakers and she is an AWSA Certified Writer and Speaker coach.
In today’s episode Patricia talks about how 3rd party email provider platforms such as eWeber, Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Mailerlite, etc. work behind the scenes, the difference in broadcast emails and email autoresponders, and more – be sure to download the PDF slides.
LINKS
- Patricia Durgin - Marketers On A Mission
- How Email Marketing Works show slides
- Marketers On A Mission Facebook Page
- Marketers On A Mision ENGAGE Facebook Group
- Patricia Durgin YouTube
- October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
If your book characters fall flat so will your sales. Award-winning author, Aaron Zook Jr., shares how to create memorable characters.
Linda's industry expert is her good friend, Aaron M. Zook Jr. Aaron is a multiple-award-winning author and speaker. He’s thrilled thousands with his YA Christian mystery/adventure series about two inquisitive brothers and their dogs who solve one crisis after another around the world. Aaron is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and lives with his wife, Joyce, in Texas. It’s a pleasure to have you here, Aaron!
- How to use personality knowledge to keep characters in order.
- Creating Depth in your character.
- Character Interviews.
- Changes your character must go through.
LISTS
- Aaron Zook
- Holly Lake Video
- Passionate for God article
- Crashin' Coaster Mystery - Book #5 in the Thunder and Lightning series
- Thunder and Lightning Series
- Creating Memorable Characters Tip Sheet
- October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Developmental editing helps all writers. Acquisitions Editor, Edwina Perkins gives us tips on the process of developmental editing.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is award-winning writer, Edwina Perkins - Edwina is assistant director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with BRMCWC. As an acquisition editor with Iron Stream and for Harambee Press,she desires to see ethnic writers published. A longtime member of Word Weavers International, Edwina now serves on the advisory board. Along with being an award-winning writer, Edwina is an experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and sensitivity reader. She is also a freelance writer with Guideposts. One of her passions is to coach and mentor other writers. Edwina, it is good to have you back on Your Best Writing Life!
1 -What is a developmental editor and what will they do for a writer?
2 - What’s the difference between a developmental editor and a copy editor?
3- Are developmental editors needed with fiction and nonfiction?
4 -At what stage of their manuscript should a writer consider using the services of a developmental editor?
5 - What can a writer do to prepare to work with a developmental editor?
Links
- Edwina Perkins
- Edwina's Developmental Editing Tipsheet
- LetsTalkWriters.com
- Edwina on Facebook
- Email Edwina about Sensitivity Readers
- Email Edwina at Harambee Press
- October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing fiction book proposals is not difficult if you know what needs to be included. Rowena Kuo gives us more than a snapshot.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Rowena Kuo. Rowena is the CEO of Brimstone Fiction. With over 15 years of ministering to women and families, Rowena advocates for writers to build God-centered support systems consisting of people, perseverance, practice, and prayer. When not working on words or films, she is a full-time mom with aspirations for spaceflight. Please welcome Rowena Kuo.
Looking at the basics of fiction proposals and what happens in the submission process.
Three things editors can't fix for writers.
What is a compelling author's voice?
What is content editing?
What is a line edit? What is proofing? Beta readers.
How does the Brimstone publishing process work?
LINKS
- Email Rowena Kuo
- Brimstone Fiction website
- Brimstone Fiction on Facebook
- LPCMediaGroup on Facebook
- Download - Crossing Into the Mystic
- Download - Rafen
- Download - Stock Car Inferno
- October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Amazon sells 85% of books sold. SEO Master Rhonda Robinson shares Amazon Optimization tips every writer can use.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Rhonda Robinson - Rhonda is an award-winning author, a marketing coach with EABooks, and founder of ScribeTribe Membership. Rhonda served as managing editor for MondayMonday where she led teams of writers to create viral content and helped create Facebook pages with over 2-million fans. Today she helps content creators become content marketers. Welcome Rhonda, to Your Best Writing Life!
Why do well-written books fail to reach their audience on Amazon?
**Why do self-published authors have an advantage over traditionally published authors on Amazon?
What are your top 3 steps an author can take to optimize their books on Amazon?
LINKS**
- Rhonda Robinson
- What Every Author Should Know About Amazon PDF
- ScribeTribe
- www.RhondaRobinson.tv
- Facebook profile; https://m.facebook.com/AMothersLife
- Facebook Page https://m.facebook.com/freefallingfaith
- Rhonda's calendar link makes finding time to talk easy.
- September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Eliminating passive voice makes your writing better. Multi-award-winning author, DiAnn Mills gives the top ten tips to eliminate passive voice.
DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today.
LINKS
- DiAnn Mills website
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- Word frequency counter link
- Tips to Eliminate the Passive Voice PDF Download
- Consult with Grammarly or ProWriting Aid to help determine active and passive voice
- September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing Bible studies that make a difference is a skill Katy Kauffman has mastered. Listen in to discover Bible Study tools you can use today.
Linda's industry expert is Katy Kauffman. Katy is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She graduated from Luther Rice Seminary with a BA in Religion. Katy contributes to three blogs on writing, she loves to combine art and scripture, and a FB group called, My Artsy Tribe that practices hand lettering and posts her creativity on social media. Please welcome Katy Kauffman to Your Best Writing Life.
In today's episode, we discuss the importance of writing Bible studies, several tools Katy uses in writing Bible studies, five major building blocks for developing a Bible Study, and how to cite Bible studies in your writing.
LINKS
- Download Katy Kauffman's free Bible study writing template and see details about the Enrich Conference:
- Lighthouse Website
- Lighthouse Connection's Monthly Newsletter with Submission Opportunities and Digital Freebies
- Lighthouse Bible Studies on Facebook
- Katy’s Author Page on Facebook
- Katy on Twitter
- Katy on Pinterest
- Katy's Facebook group for those who love art and crafts
- September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writers make marketing and social media mistakes, and Bethany Jett helps get them on the right track to writing success in today's episode.
Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is Bethany Jett. Bethany is a multiple award-winning author, ghostwriter, and marketer who received the Distinguished Scholar award for earning the top GPA in her Master’s Program, where she focused on Communications: marketing and PR. Bethany co-owns Serious Writer and Platinum Literary Services and loves everything about the publishing industry...except the rejections! She’s a military wife to her college sweetheart, and a work-from-home momma-of-boys, who loves planners, suspense novels, and all things girly. – Welcome to Your Best Writing Life Bethany!
What social media platforms should writers focus on?
What are the marketing mistakes you see writers making?
How is marketing rooted in Christian concepts?
LINKS
- Bethany Jett
- 10 Steps to Integrated Marketing PDF
- Michelle and Bethany
- September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Organized writers are happy writers. Join Linda Goldfarb and her guest, Edie Melson to learn strategies to help organize your writing and your writing life.
Linda's industry expert is Edie Melson, whose core message is Find your voice, live your story…. Her blog, The Write Conversation reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. As the author of numerous award-winning books, she’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, Edie!
Edie share ways to organize your time as a writer as well as how to organize your writing.
Learn about the Pomodoro Method and also about Bullet Journaling.
What process works best to get organized and stay organized?
LINKS
- Edie Melson
- Organize Your Writing Life PDF
- The Write Conversation blog
- Edie on Instagram
- Edie on Twitter
- Edie on Pinterest
- Edie on Facebook
- Edie on LinkedIn
- Edie on YouTube
- Soul Care for Writers series
- August Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Pre-writing research is key to great story content. Award-winning novelist, Lisa Carter shares two ways to apply our research to the story and research basics.
My industry expert is Lisa Carter – Lisa is a Multi-published author who describes her romantic suspense novels as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” Her novel, The Stronghold won a Daphne du Maurier and Under a Turquoise Sky won the Carol Award. She also writes contemporary romance with Love Inspired, and the popular Matchmaker series is set in our familiar Blue Ridge Mountains. Lisa welcome back to Your Best Writing Life!
- What two ways do you take what you’ve learned through research and apply it to the story?
- What role does the power of discovery play in your pre-writing process?
- What are the three stages of writing?
- Writing Basics we must remember.
- Lisa's award-winning writing process
LINKS
- Lisa Carter
- The Researcher's Creed PDF
- Geograph.org.uk
- August Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Are you writing a time-slip novel? How do you keep the chronological events in the correct order? Award-winning author, Diann Mills shares ten tips to make your fiction flow.
DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today. Welcome DiAnn
What are the pitfalls of a time slip?
DiAnn shares four, story structures to consider for your fiction writing.
How to keep your action flowing forward.
Why it's important to avoid backstory.
Online tools to keep track of time.
LINKS
- DiAnn Mills website
- Email DiAnn for her Chronological Template Spreadsheet
- DiAnn's Tipsheet to Keep Your Novel Chronologically Correct
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- World Clock
- Scrivener Software
- Print a Calendar at Home
- August Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Novel writers research before writing. Award-winning author, Lisa Carter shares tips to make the research process understandable.
My industry expert is Lisa Carter – Lisa is a Multi-published author who describes her romantic suspense novels as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” Her novel, The Stronghold won a Daphne du Maurier and Under a Turquoise Sky won the Carol Award. She also writes contemporary romance with Love Inspired, the popular Matchmaker series is set in our familiar Blue Ridge Mountains. Lisa welcome to Your Best Writing Life!
In part one, Lisa covers in detail the Researcher's Creed, the Rule of Three, plagiarism, and the truth about anecdotal content versus facts. You also get access to why and how Lisa uses three main resources for every book.
LINK
- Lisa Carter
- The Researcher's Creed PDF
- Geograph.org.uk
- August Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writers can feel lonely. Mentor expert, Jayme Lee Hull, shares tips to overcome loneliness and how seasoned writers can help too.
Jayme is a speaker, mentor expert, certified coach, and author of Face To Face: Discover How Mentoring Can Change Your Life. She is the host of the Face To Face Mentoring Podcast and loves to hear others share their God stories. It’s good to have you here, Jayme!
- Let's talk about the loneliness of writing.
- As a Mentor Expert, what advice do you give to authors just getting started?
- What mentoring advice do you have for seasoned authors?
- Share your thoughts on writing and witnessing to impact the world for Christ.
LINKS
- Giveaway: Essential Checklist To Determine Spiritual Direction
- Online Course: Becoming the Mentor Millennials Need and Want
- Jayme Lee Hull Website
- Face To Face Mentoring Podcast
- Freebies from Jayme
- Jayme on Facebook
- Jayme on Instagram
- Jayme on Twitter
- Jayme on Pinterest
- August Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing for film and television. Does your writing have what it takes? Writer and producer Brian Bird shares what he looks for in a screenplay.
Linda Goldfarb welcomes Brian Bird - Brian is co-creator and executive producer of the top-rated Hallmark Channel series WHEN CALLS THE HEART, now prepping its ninth season -- and he’s the executive producer of the family drama, MYSTIC, now in its second season of production. He has written and/or produced two dozen films, including THE HEART OF MAN, THE CASE FOR CHRIST, CAPTIVE, NOT EASILY BROKEN, THE ULTIMATE LIFE, and BOPHA! Along with nearly 350 episodes of television, including TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL, STEP BY STEP, and EVENING SHADE. He is currently developing five new films, NORTHERN LIGHTS, LIFE AFTER HEAVEN, The STORY OF EVERYTHING, THE DREAM KING, and THE MONARCH. His most important production to date is his 40-year marriage to his wife Patty and their five children.
Welcome, Brian Bird to Your Best Writing Life.
1 -What must-haves does a Film or TV producer look for that moves a manuscript from the slush pile to the “Let’s take a look at this” pile?
2 -What are the key factors you look for in a screenplay that differs from a book?
3 -How does a book get turned into a film project?
4 -What 3 tips would you give to writers aspiring to write for film or TV?
5 - Is it more difficult to write for television and film, or to produce a show?
LINKS
- Brian Bird on Facebook
- When God Calls the Heart Devotional PDF
- Brian Bird on Twitter
- Brian Bird on Instagram
- July Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing devotions is what Cindy Sproles helps us understand better in this episode of Your Best Writing Life.
Cindy Sproles was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains. She loves her heritage and enjoys sharing about the mountain culture. Cindy is a speaker, author, and conference director and she works as a writing mentor. She’s married to Tim (the prince), with four adult sons, and 2 grands.
We discuss the concept many preachers use in preparing their sermons: Hook, Book, Look, and Took.
Find out how asking questions in your devotion can lose readers.
Everyone shares stories, but the reason telling a story in devotion is so important may surprise you.
Learn how you can perfect your devotion by submitting it online to Christian Devotions.
LINKS
- Cindy Sproles
- Submit your devotion to Christian Devotions dot us
- Download your Hook, Book, Look, and Took PDF
- July Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life to put in your bid for Cindy's Book, What Momma Left Behind.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Songwriting? Are you ready to turn your words into lyrics? British singer-songwriter, Sharon Tedford can help you begin.
Sharon is an international British singer-songwriter, author, speaker, and award-winning podcast host. Her latest album and companion book provides you with a “private worship retreat.” Mother of three and wife of an Irishman, Sharon encourages people to live a life that reveals God in the ordinary rhythms of their lives. Welcome, Sharon!
Why is it important to have ONE theme in a song?
Is rhyme necessary in songs?
How can a song draw the listeners in?
How do you make songs relatable?
Tips on how to care for our voice, because speakers need this too.
LINKS
- Sharon Tedford at 61-Things
- Sharon's Watercolour Download link - use the word Podcast in the pop-up
- Listen to Sharon's songs with lyrics
- Link to MyPureMist
- July Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Beginning writers need this. Before you sit down to write, listen to this episode. Award-winning author, PeggySue Wells provides succinct tips to get your writing career started.
“Eminently quotable, PeggySue Wells is a tonic — warm like your favorite blanket, bracing like a stiff drink.”
History buff and tropical island votary, PeggySue parasails, skydives, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. The bestselling author of 30 books including the What To Do series, The Slave Across the Street, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, Chasing Sunrise, and The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make, PeggySue’s most challenging and rewarding adventure was solo parenting seven children. She is the founder of SingleMomCircle.com. Good to have you here PeggySue.
Today, Linda and PeggySue discuss the first decisions a writer makes.
The What, Who, and Why you need to know before you begin.
What vehicle format is best suited for what you write?
Format options. Word count for your genre.
Setting up your manuscript.
The three essentials every story must have for fiction and non-fiction.
LINKS
- PeggySue Wells
- 20-Tips for Unsticking a Stuck Wordsmith PDF
- Who's Your Audience? Writing Genre Word-counts PDF
- SingleMomCircle.com
- July Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF Download
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
The right narrator is key to a successful audiobook. Self-narration or voice-actor? Audiobook producer and narrator, Linda Goldfarb gives tips to make your book a viable audiobook option.
Linda Goldfarb is an award-winning author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personalities series, international speaker, professional actress, podcaster, and audiobook narrator. She is a traditionally and independently published author who holds a board-certified advanced diploma in Christian life coaching. As the podcast host of Your Best Writing Life, Linda interviews industry experts weekly, keeping her current with all things writing-related. Linda works with EABooks Publishing as the Audiobook Division Director, Acquisitions Editor, and Voice Professional. She loves helping writers and speakers take God’s next best step to reach their publishing goals and beyond.
Now let’s dive into today’s topic - The Truth About Audiobooks for Writers... welcome our guest host. Co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference - Edie Melson as she takes over the podcast and interviews Linda.
Four reasons why you should consider audiobooks.
Which genres work best for audiobooks?
Who's the best voice for your audiobook?
How to market your audiobook.
LINKS
- Linda Goldfarb
- Audiobook for Writers Tips PDF Download
- Linda Goldfarb on Facebook
- Linda Goldfarb on Twitter
- Linda Goldfarb on Instagram
- Linda Goldfarb on Pinterest
- Linda Goldfarb and LINKED Personality Series
- Wavve App - to create audio memes.
- Download the June Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Christians, it's okay to write about your life. Biographies and memoirs have a lot to offer. Dr. Craig von Buseck gives great insight into writing about others and yourself.
My industry expert is Dr. Craig von Buseck –Craig is an award-winning author and popular speaker. He holds an MA in Journalism from Regent University. His book, I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel' won the 2020 Selah Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for the Truman Award by the Truman Presidential Library.
Why do publishers hesitate to release memoirs?
Are you happy to be the Moon?
Debunking the myth that Christians shouldn't write their life story.
What's the difference between biographies and memoirs?
What's the difference between academic and narrative biographies?
LINKS
- Dr. Craig von Buseck
- Chapter Download - Forward!– the Leadership Principles of Ulysses S Grant
- Some of Craig's Favorite Writers -
- David McCullough
- Peggy Noonan
- Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Ron Chernow
- Download the June Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Marketing beyond your book is the key to success. Radio veteran, Debb Hacket provides tips for your next interview and writing press releases.
Today, Linda and her guest are sharing How to Market Your Words, with my industry expert from across the pond, Debb Hackett - Debb is a military wife, and mom to two medium-sized girls. After a twenty-year radio career, she’s focusing on writing contemporary romance and was an ACFW Genesis finalist last year. Debb is also one of the co-coordinators of the Blue Ridge Reader Connections website and a regular devotional writer for the Advanced Writer’s and Speakers Association blog, Arise Daily. Debb it is a privilege to have you here today...
Debb explains the term, using your other writer's voice as a marketing tool.
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you can do this.
How to get booked for interviews before you are a bestselling author.
Writing press releases for fantastic interviews.
LINKS
- Debb Hackett
- Blue Ridge Reader Connections Facebook
- Write Well Sell Well Book
- Press Release Basics PDF Download
- Remarkable Interviews Download
- Give Us the Code Word - Your Best Writing Life
- Download the June Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Virtual conferences are part of the writer's life. Navigating virtual conferences well impacts the writer's bottom line. Zoomie commander (our pet name for her), Becky Antkowiak shares insight and strategies to take advantage of every online conference.
Becky (ant-KO-vee-ack) Antkowiak is a writer, speaker, editor, adoptive homeschooling mom, Compassion sponsor, enthusiastic Grammar Floozy, and Project Manager with Redemption Press. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes every stranger is a friend she hasn’t met. Fair warning: if you make eye contact, you may be friends for life. She founded the 540 Club, a free group for writers focused on studying the craft, sharpening skills, and sharing encouragement for the writing journey. When she’s not writing or finding ways to connect people, you can find her demolishing, rebuilding, and creating alongside Patrick, her best friend, and husband of 20 years.In her spare moments, she binge-listens to audiobooks while eating salted caramel anything. Becky, welcome to Your Best Writing Life
Focus and Preparation are key to having the best online experience.
Focus on Details
Focus on Learning
Focus on Tech
Focus on Environment
Focus on Communication
LINKS
- Becky Antkowiak
- 540 Club for Writers Website
- Making the Most of Virtual Conferences PDF Download
- 540 Club - Join on Facebook
- Download the June Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing narrative nonfiction is not the same as writing historical nonfiction. Knowing the difference will land you an award-winning book. Dr. Craig von Buseck shares how.
Craig is an award-winning author and popular speaker. He holds an MA in Journalism from Regent University. His book, I Am Cyrus: Harry S. Truman and the Rebirth of Israel' won the 2020 Selah Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for the Truman Award by the Truman Presidential Library – welcome Dr. Craig von Buseck to Your Best Writing Life!
During this episode, you will gain first-hand knowledge of how Craig researches for his award-winning books, the dos and don'ts that will save you time, frustration, and some kickback.
Learn basics in comparing narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.
Why has narrative nonfiction become so popular?
What fascinates Crag the most about his writing career?
LINKS
- Dr. Craig von Buseck
- Chapter Download - Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant
- Download the June Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing humor has a lot to do with the combination of observation and timing. Author and book coach, Amy Williams shares how humor, lowers stress and makes tough topics palatable.
Amy is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. Amy likes her road trips with rock music, her superheroes with snark, and her blankets extra fuzzy, but her first love is stories and the authors who are passionate about telling them.
Good to have you back, Amy!
Linda and Amy discuss shock value, physical comedy, situational humor, and character-based humor. Are you using the right humor in your writing? It makes the difference.
LINKS
- Amy Williams
- Humor notes and How to Write Funny Download
- Amy's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
- Amy's Coaching Packages
- Download the May Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Launch Teams and Street Teams are essential for authors. Beta Readers and Influencers play a big part in launching your book too. Linda's guest, Tammy Karasek is sharing strategies that have launched over 100 books.
Tammy uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect of life. She’s President of ACFW Upstate SC and a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy, the Blog Editor for Word Weavers International, the Social Media Coordinator for Blue Ridge, and a monthly contributor for The Write Conversation. Welcome, Tammy!
LINKS
- tammy@tammykarasek.com
- Tammy Karasek
- Tammy’s Writer Facebook Page
- Tammy’s Twitter Account
- Tammy’s Instagram Account
- Tammy’s Pinterest Account
- Tammy’s Goodreads Account
- Download the May Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Linda Goldfarb and her guest discuss traditional publishing, answer some forbidden questions, and take a look at the many options for self, independent, co-publishing, and partnership publishing. As someone with her foot in both worlds, our industry expert Cheri Cowell can help you evaluate your options.
Cheri is the Founder and CEO of EABooks Publishing. She brings a unique blend of publisher/author experience to independent publishing, as an author with four traditionally published books who has a passion for helping others see God's Word come alive. Cheri is excited to help you take advantage of the new publishing trends. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, Cheri!
- How do you define traditional publishing, independent publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid authors?
- What are the five main differences between traditional and independent publishing?
- How to know which direction is right for me?
- What is the cost as a self-published author?
LINKS
- Cheri Cowell
- EABooks Partnership Publishing Download
- Publishing Comparison Handout Download
- The Marketing Pyramid Download
- My Treehouse Escape
- EABooks Publishing
- Download the May Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
How to book a podcast tour. Susan Neal was interviewed on 29 podcast/radio shows in eight months in 2020 and won the Christian Author Network Crown Award for Outstanding Broadcast Media. You can do this too.
As a Certified AWSA Writer Coach, Susan’s desire is to help others publish and sell their God-given message. She is the author of seven healthy living books. Her self-published number one Amazon best-seller, 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates, won the Selah award and sold over 17,000 copies in three years. Susan is the director of the Christian Indie Publishing Association. CIPA was created in 2004 to provide independently published authors and small publishers with resources to publish like a traditional publisher. The CIPA discounts (Free Ingram Spark title set-up, ISBN discount, plus 15 more discounts), education materials (8 courses, 17 guides), and marketing tools make your publishing experience easier and more profitable.
What process to take in finding the right podcasts to query?
How much time do you spend on an effective campaign?
Best interview tips?
Extra benefits of having a podcast tour?
LINKS
- Susan U Neal website
- Email Susan Neal CIPA Director
- Christian Indie Publishing Association
- CIPA Author Media Kit Download
- Download the May Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Strategies to get started on your first book are not as complicated as you might think. Author Michele Chynoweth Shares her 8-step process every writer can follow.
Michele Chynoweth is a book coach, founder of the “Your Book Done Right” Master Class and best-selling and award-winning author of The Faithful One, The Peace Maker, The Runaway Prophet, and The Jealous Son, contemporary suspense novels that re-imagine Bible stories. And believe me, Michele is all of these and so much more – be sure to see the show notes – Welcome to your best writing life – Michelle!
1 - What do you recommend is needed to get started on your first book?
2 - What are some resources that can help me learn to write better?3 - What if I get side-tracked, overwhelmed, or have writer’s block, how do I get my book finished once I start?All four of Michele's novels can be found anywhere books are sold and are available in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and as audiobooks; autographed paperback copies are also available on my website:
https://michelechynoweth.com/books
LINKS
- Michele Chynoweth Book Coach
- Michele's book, The Jealous Son
- Your Book Done Right Master Class PDF
- How-To Guide - Step One Get Your Book Done
- Download the April Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Advice and wisdom to be a successful writer, you don't want to miss this episode. DiAnn Mills shares twenty-plus years of writing wisdom with our host, Linda Goldfarb.
Whether you are aspiring to be an author or a bestseller who wants to know, "What next?'" DiAnn answers questions to keep you moving forward without falling into the potholes of pride and what-ifs.
- What she would do differently.
- What she will never change.
- Pitfalls that await new and aspiring writers.
- Long-term goals for advanced writers.
- Encouragement with practical application every writer can benefit from.
DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today. Welcome, DiAnn Mills.
LINKS
- Books by DiAnn Mills
- Airborne by DiAnn Mills
- DiAnn Mills website
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- The Value of Writer Energy PDF Download
- Download the April Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Think your audience is too small for God? Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares how our small beginnings work in the lives of our readers. Join Linda Goldfarb and Dr. Michelle as they dismiss the concept that you are only useful to God when you've made it to the top.
Dr. Michelle is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, podcaster, national and international media resource on mental health, she’s a speaker, multi-award-winning author, and lover of mountain hikes, beach strolls, and lake sunsets. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, my friend, Dr. Michelle Bengtson.
Today we address the following questions:
1. We’ve all heard the scriptural command, which at times might come across as a cliché, to not despise small beginnings, and yet you have found it to be true. How so?
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When you say to not despise small beginnings, how does that relate to the writing life?
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When we are writing for the Lord, what other scriptural basis should we keep in mind?
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It’s common for writers to have aspirations of writing the next bestseller, but you tend to focus instead on writing for an audience of One. Why is that?
LINKS
- Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Your Hope Filled Perspective podcast
- How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win download
- 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
- Download the April Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing nonfiction can seem boring, yet Edie Melson says, not true, we just need the right elements to make our words pop. Listen in as Linda and Edie discuss how to perfect our nonfiction endeavors.
Find your voice, live your story… is Edie Melson’s core message. Her blog, The Write Conversation reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. Edie has spent the past twenty years writing award-winning nonfiction from freelance to books. In her everyday life, she is quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Please welcome Edie to Your Best Writing Life.
today we discuss:
1 -What makes nonfiction interesting?
2 -How do I take an idea and decide which nonfiction medium is best for it?
3 -What makes nonfiction evergreen?
4 – Tips How to come up with ideas for short nonfiction
LINKS
- Edie Melson
- The Write Conversation blog
- Edie on Instagram
- Edie on Twitter
- Edie on Pinterest
- Edie on Facebook
- Edie on LinkedIn
- Edie on YouTube
- Soul Care for Writers series
- Writing Evergreen Nonfiction PDF
- Download the April Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Is podcasting in your future? Our panel of podcasters, Misty Phillip, Doris Swift, and Heather Creekmore, give you insight into the world of podcasting through their individual stories.
Say hello to Linda Goldfarb's fellow podcasters.
Misty Phillip - Misty is a dreamer and a doer who believes we are all here for a reason and that we are created for a purpose. She encourages people to use their story to give God glory. She inspires others through her leadership, speaking, and mastermind groups.
Misty is the founder of Spark Media which consists of the Spark Christian Podcast Conference, Spark Now Summit, and the Spark Collective. She is the host of the popular By His Grace podcast. She currently serves as the Houston Connect Leader for Christian Women In Media. Misty is the author of the best-selling Bible Study, The Struggle is Real: But So is God and the Spark Podcast Planner 2020.
Website: MistyPhillip.com and SparkMedia.Ventures
By His Grace podcast and the focus of the show is Christian encouragement.
Get your copy of Create and Grow a Steller Podcast
We also have
Doris Swift - Doris is an inspirational speaker, author, and host of the Fierce Calling Podcast. In ministry for more than thirty years, she is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to study God’s Word, walk in their calling, and use their gifts to impact the world for Christ. She currently resides in Florida with her husband Brian and loves spending time with their children and six grandchildren.
Download: Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith
Doris Swift
On Fierce Calling, Doris talks with women who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. The heart of the podcast is to inspire, equip, and challenge all women of God to take action, walk in their fierce calling, and use their gifts to impact the world for Christ.
Rounding off our panel we have
HEATHER CREEKMORE Heather is the host of the Compared to Who? Podcast, she writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. Her first book Compared to Who? encourages women to uncover the spiritual root of body image issues and find freedom. Her new release, The Burden of Better, offers women a journey into the depths of God's grace to find a way off the treadmill of constant comparison. Heather has been featured on Fox News, Huff Post, Morning Dose, Church Leaders, For Every Mom, along with numerous other shows and podcasts. But she's best recognized from her appearance as a contestant on the Netflix hit show, Nailed It. Heather and her fighter-pilot-turned-pastor husband, Eric, have four children and live in Austin, Texas.
Click on the Body Image Quiz at www.comparedtowho.me
Heather's podcast is: Compared to Who? https://comparedtowho.libsyn.com
LINKS
- Download the March Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on Facebook Your Best Writing Life
WEBSITE Essentials FOR BEGINNERS - what authors need to get started. Web Girl, Katrina Glover shares website basics to promote your books help people connect with you.
Linda's industry expert is Katrina Glover … Katrina has been designing websites long enough to remember Internet Explorer 6 (shudder) and table design for websites (double shudder). A web designer wasn’t her original “life plan” but, honestly, how many of those work out? In 2011, Katrina decided to make it official and launched kikaDESIGN, offering custom website design and development to authors. And it’s a pleasure to have her here today – Katrina, welcome to Your Best Writing Life.
Consider web site essentials: Who needs a website, really?
What should every author's website have?
What focus should the website have?
When should you get a website?
How much does a website cost?
Links
- Katrina Glover
- My Kika resource for KikaDesign clients open to you!
- Download the March Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on Facebook Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Fiction writing tips: How do characters handle betrayal? Every character must stay true to their personality, find out how with DiAnn Mills.
Linda Goldfarb welcomes, DiAnn Mills – co-director of the BRMCWC as our guest today. DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today. Welcome DiAnn
- How is betrayal used in character and plot?
- How can we reveal betrayal in the story?
- How does a character process betrayal?
Links
- Books by DiAnn Mills
- Airborne by DiAnn Mills
- DiAnn Mills website
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- Advanced Characterization Sketch PDF
- Download the March Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on Facebook Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing articles that sell books sets you up as an expert in your field. Linda Goldfarb welcomes the Author of Articles, Articles, Articles, Linda Gilden, to share tips and strategies to make it happen.
Linda is an award-winning Amazon bestselling author, speaker, editor, and writing coach. As the author of over a thousand magazine articles and dozens of books, Linda seizes every opportunity to take writers to the next step in their writing journeys. She especially loves every minute spent with her grandchildren, a great source of writing material.
- How to get started writing articles.
- I write fiction, how does writing articles work for me?
- How does writing articles help to sell my book?
Email our guest at linda@LindaGilden.com
Links
- Linda Gilden
- Carolina Christian Writers Conference
- 8 Types of Articles PDF
- Beginning Writer's Glossary PDF
- Download the March Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on Facebook Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Email our host, Linda Goldfarb at yourbestwritinglife@gmail.com
Social Media expert, Edie Melson, and Linda Goldfarb discuss How Writers Should Use Pinterest and Instagram
Welcome, Edie Melson, whose core message is Find your voice, live your story…. Her blog, The Write Conversation reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. As the author of numerous award-winning books, she’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love.
Pinterest – Just in case we have listeners who’ve never looked at Pinterest – what is it?
How can writers use Pinterest to grow their platform?
Professional or Personal account – what do we need?
Are there dos and don’ts we need to know about concerning this social media platform?
Instagram - this is a visual network - how should writers use it?
What's the difference between Story and Reels?
Links
- Edie Melson
- The Write Conversation blog
- Edie on Instagram
- Edie on Twitter
- Edie on Pinterest
- Edie on Facebook
- Edie on LinkedIn
- Edie on YouTube
- Soul Care for Writers series
- Social Media for Today’s Writer book
- Instagram Basics for Writers PDF
- Pinterest Basics for Building Your Online Reach PDF
- Download the March Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing a Bible study or devotional? Learn the essential elements to make it effective for your reader - How to Format Devotionals and Bible Studies with Cynthia Cavanaugh.
Sitting across a table engaged in meaningful conversation with a cup of tea and helping others flourish is Cynthia’s joy. Her story of brokenness has propelled her to write, speak, and give voice to help others redeem their pain, and heal through the pages of God’s Word. Cynthia is the author of multiple books and the award-winning author of Anchored: Leading Through the Storms by New Hope Publishers which focuses on leading with godly integrity amid adversity and Live Bold: A Devotional Journal to Strengthen Your Soulwith Redemption Press. Her latest bible study project, The Godly Kings of Judah will be released in 2022 with Moody Publishers. Let’s welcome her to Your Best Writing Life – so good to have you here Cynthia
What are the most important steps in writing a Bible study?
How do you apply critical thinking to your study?
What are the essential elements to make a Bible study effective?
What is the best way to write devotionals to engage the reader?
Also, you have an opportunity to have your story in an upcoming compilation book through She Writes for Him - contact cynthia@redemption-press.com
Links
- Cynthia Cavanaugh
- SWFH - Blueprint 2021
- 5 Tips to Writing a Bible Study
- Lisa Harper Bible Studies
- Erica Wiggenhorn Bible Studies
- Michelle Cox Devotions
- Download the February Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook, Your Best Writing Life
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
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 you 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 today, we’re sharing tips and strategies for fiction writing – The Lies Our Characters Believe
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; they’ve won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. We are blessed to have her with us today. Welcome, DiAnn!
Concerning The Lies, Our Characters Believe…
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How does a character give in to believing a lie?
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How do we show where a lie originates?
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How do our writers show growth and change – or not – in a character resulting from a lie?
Links
- Books by DiAnn Mills
- DiAnn Mills website
- DiAnn on Facebook
- DiAnn on Pinterest
- DiAnn on Instagram
- Advanced Characterization Sketch PDF
- Download the February Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
A brand new way to connect authors with their readers is here! Blue Ridge Reader Connections is helping readers feel the excitement of encountering a new author or reconnecting with an old favorite. We want everyone to experience the joy of opening the inside look, sure in the knowledge, they have a wonderful, entertaining, helpful, inspiring, or informative journey ahead.
Linda's guests, Heather Kreke, Debb Hackett, and Darlene L. Turner are lovingly called the Three Musketeers of BRRC as together they are changing the world one book at a time.
Are you an author looking for a new connection point with your readers?
Are you an author looking for marketing resources?
Are you a reader who loves to review books?
BRRC offers authors a platform to hosts their featured book and two additional books. Show off your latest book trailer with an opportunity to have your books reviewed by numerous readers - wow, who doesn't need more reviews? And yes, there's more.
LINKS
- Blue Ridge Reader Connections
- BRRC on FB
- Contact the Three Musketeers - Heather, Debb, and Darlene.
- email brreaderconnection@gmail.com
- Download the February Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Social Media is not a place to market your wares. It is a place of ministry to your readers. As you invite them to get to know you, they discover you care and therefore will care about you.
My industry expert is Edie Melson, whose core message is Find your voice, live your story…. Her blog, The Write Conversation reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. As the author of numerous award-winning books, she’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love.
In today’s episode, Linda and Edie discuss the true purpose of social media and how most writers fail at it. They also cover strategies concerning the number of social media platforms we should commit to investing in and why.
The six Social Media sites Edie recommends: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Linkedin
Links
- Edie Melson
- The Write Conversation blog
- Edie on Instagram
- Edie on Twitter
- Edie on Pinterest
- Edie on Facebook
- Edie on LinkedIn
- Edie on YouTube
- Soul Care for Writers series
- Social Media for Today’s Writer book
- 11 Reasons for Writers to Love Social Media PDF
- Download the February Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our Facebook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Getting media interviews – let’s get real – if you’re a writer, odds are you’ll want to be on the radio, television, podcasts, and blogs to talk about your latest book, life lesson, or other writing projects – being ready to secure media engagements is key to your success in getting your message out there. Linda Goldfarb's industry expert, award-winning author Karen Whiting is filling our time with practical tips and strategies you don't want to miss.
Karen is the mom of five and grandma to 12, she writes to build tomorrow’s wholesome families. She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and author of twenty-six books. Her adventures include camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, and scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast. Welcome Karen, to Your Best Writing Life.
1 - How do you pitch to the media when you have a new book?
2 - How do you use your interviews to promote your books?
3 - What are the key things to remember before and during an interview?
4 - After the interview tips.
5 - How do you respond to the unexpected and/or hard questions?
LINKS
- Online Presskit Essentials and Media Story Hooks Downloads
- Promotional Timeline PDF
- Karen's Press Kit
- Karen Whiting
- Download the January Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
Writing conferences. Building a writing career. Pseudonyms. Award-winning author and publisher, Ramona Richards gives us the inside scoop on attending writers conferences, tips on how editors really see writers, writing in different genres, and much more.
Ramona Richards is the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media, and she has been working in the Christian publishing industry for almost 40 years. She's worked in every aspect of the business, from reading the slush piles to clerking in a bookstore. As an editor, Ramona has worked on trade nonfiction, Bibles, curriculum, Bible reference books, CD-ROMs and DVDs, magazines, and fiction. She's the author of 12 books, including her recent suspense novel, Burying Daisy Doe. She loves talking to writers and is a frequent speaker at writers conferences around the country. Please welcome, Ramona to Your Best Writing Life.
Why attend a writers conference?
What is one of the hardest things for writers to do in order to build a writing career?
How can writers make a two-pronged writing path work?
How do pseudonyms work?
LINKS
- The Top 10 Things Editors Look for in a Writer PDF
- Iron Steam Media
- Story Trumps Structure by Steven James
- C heck out WattPad for short-story writing
- Ramona Richards
- Ramona's Books
- Download the January Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb
What is God doing in your life as a writer? What are you willing to allow Him to do? Former politician turned award-winning author Michelle Cox and Linda Goldfarb share writing possibilities and opportunities at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
Co-author of When God Calls the Heart devotional books based on Hallmark's When Calls the Heart. Michelle Cox is a speaker and author and the creator/developer of the Just 18 Summers® brand. Her “Life with a Southern Grandmother” column runs each Tuesday and Thursday on Guideposts.org. She’s written for groups like FoxNews.com, WHOA Magazine for Women, Focus on the Family, and Product Concept, and writes a weekly food column for Fox News Personality Todd Starnes. Welcome, Michelle to Your Best Writing Life podcast!
What if you never wanted to write?
How do you write with short deadlines?
How to take advantage of everyday life?
So. Much. More.
LINKS
- Just18Summers on Facebook
- Michelle's parenting blog
- Michelle Cox on Twitter
- Download the January Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit Linda Goldfarb's website
Self-editing like a pro is something all writers can do. Linda Goldfarb's industry expert is writing coach extraordinaire, Larry J. Leech II. He has written/ghostwritten thirty books and uses his expertise to help writers excel in their craft. Larry was a journalist for 23-years. He's lived out a lot of "story" and he's here to help you do the same.
As a writing coach, Larry is passionate about helping aspiring writers rise to success. He already has 15-writing clients who are award-winning authors, maybe you could be his number 16. Today, Larry shares tips from his Magic 25 editing guide and he's giving it away to all of our listeners.
A strong manuscript shows evidence of the words you left out.
- Qualifiers
- Progressive Tense
- Start and Began
- Dialogue
LINKS
- Larry J. Leech II
- Download Larry's Magic 25 Editing Guide
- Download the January Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Visit our website Your Best Writing Life Podcast
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- Visit Linda Goldfarb's website
Why write blog posts?
Who can you write for?
What do blog owners expect from their writers?
Linda's industry expert, Heather Kreke, is the Blog Manager for BlueRidgeConference.com and she's a Blue Ridge Conference Assistant.
Along with those two roles, Heather is a novelist who is passionate about showing teens and young adults they can trust God’s plan for their lives, even during their darkest times. Heather is published on numerous blogs and in the Christian Writers Market Guide. She also teaches a writing class at her church. Heather, welcome to Your Best Writing Life.
"The BRMCWC blog is an awesome resource for writers to learn about the craft, hear from other writers, and to be published themselves." Heather Kreke
Blog guidelines--Topic ideas
Who can submit to the BlueRidgeConference.com blog?
LINKS
- General Guest Blog Post Guidelines
- Contact Heather Kreke
- Blue Ridge Conference Blog
- An audio Christmas gift from Linda, the Lovey Mouse Adventure Book with audio.
- December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Surveys show that public speaking is the most feared activity by people everywhere. Why is speaking publically so important and can we really learn how to do it well? Linda's guest, Karen Porter shares how anyone can be a better speaker by following a few time-proven strategies.
Karen Porter is a professional speaker and writer coach, an international speaker, a successful businesswoman, and the award-winning author of seven books. She is co-owner with her husband George of Bold Vision Books, a traditional publishing company.
During this episode, Linda and Karen discuss:
- How to find the subject matter to speak on?
- How to get comfortable on any stage.
- The importance of having a "neutral" position.
- How to build a speaking platform.
- and more!
Karen says her greatest achievement is her marriage to George. In her spare time, she follows her lifelong quest to find the perfect purse.
LINKS
- Karen Porter
- Email Karen kaeporter@gmail.com mention Your Best Writing Life in the Subject-line
- Amplify - a speaker's course in a book.
- Evernote App for your notes
- An audio Christmas gift from Linda, the Lovey Mouse Adventure Book with audio.
- December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Ready to write a Christian book for children, but not sure how to start? Linda's guest, award-winning author Michelle Lazurek has tips to get you on the right path to writing life-impacting books for early readers.
- Know the role you play as a writer of children's books.
- Consider a problem and solve it.
- How to research the writing style that fits you.
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and crosswalk.com and is a movie reviewer for Movieguide Magazine. She also is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog, Cookie.
LINKS
- Michelle Lazurek
- 10 Tips When Writing Books for Early Readers
- An audio Christmas gift from Linda, the Lovey Mouse Adventure Book with audio.
- December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
How to overcome literary bloat. Does your manuscript suffer from pleonasm? Multi-award-winning author, Alton Gansky explains manuscript clutter and how to avoid it.
Alton Gansky is the author of over 50 books. He has been a Christy Award finalist ( for A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner ( for Terminal Justice) and received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. (Doctor of Literature as well). It’s an honor to have you with us today Al!
- What is manuscript clutter?
- When should a writer obsess over clutter?
- How to override over-writing.
LINKS
- Alton Gansky
- An audio Christmas gift from Linda, the Lovey Mouse Adventure Book with audio.
- December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Are Christians missing the mark when it comes to sharing hope in their books? Linda's guest, storyteller, and book coach, Amy, A.C., Williams speaks from the heart with her concern that inspirational writing is not speaking hope to Millennials and Zoomers.
Amy is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks will never match. With books in space opera, superhero adventure, and action-comedy, Amy loves helping authors discover the genre-defying joy of speaking Truth in fiction. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life – Amy!!
- Hope is communicated differently today
- Authenticity is everything
- Compare and contrast inspiration and hope
LINKS
- Book chapters of RONNIE AKKARD & THE BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES and Saving Sparrows
- Amy Williams
- An audio Christmas gift from Linda, the Lovey Mouse Adventure Book with audio.
- December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
How can self-publishing lead to a traditionally published book? Our guest, Athena Dean Holtz has worked in the publishing industry for over thirty years. As the co-founder of Redemption Press, Athena has stories to share and tips to advance your writing career.
Athena Dean Holtz is a publisher, speaker, author, podcaster, pastor’s wife, and former radio host. For over thirty years, she has worked in the book business, spearheading the independent publishing movement in the Christian market. In 2014 Athena cofounded Redemption Press to fill an author-centered niche in publishing. Welcome her to Your Best Writing Life with our host, Linda Goldfarb.
- How did you personally experience this strategy?
- What seems to be the expectation with traditional publishers in order for them to consider contracting your self-published title for their house?
- Do you have some examples of those you’ve worked with who have been picked up by a traditional publisher?
LINKS
- She Writes for Him: Stories of Resilient Faith
- She Writes for Him Bootcamp
- Editing Essentials for the Christian Writer
- November Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Writing a book proposal that sells is the only one we want to write, right? Literary agent and author, Blythe Daniel is sharing the secrets to a successful book proposal.
- What stands out as a sellable idea?
- Why do some books get picked up and others don't?
- Who can writers trust to help with writing book proposals?
Blythe has been in publishing for over 20 years. She’s a marketer, author, literary agent, and has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Retailing, and others. She and her mother co-wrote: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children.
LINKS
- The Blythe Daniel Agency
- Read The Rise of a Writing Platform
- Get the book, Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters
- Our Mended Hearts
- November Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Authors' platforms, what a platform is, and how to build them. Where should you build your platform? Linda's guest, Thomas Umstattd Jr is here to answer our questions. Thomas is the founder of Author Media and the host of the Novel Marketing Podcast. He travels the world speaking at events to help authors build their platforms, sell more books, and change the world with writing worth talking about. Thomas, welcome to your best writing life!
During this episode, Linda and Thomas discuss, a fun fact most people do not know about Thomas, then we get to business about building your platform.
- Top two ways to weaponize your platform.
- What's the most important part of a blog?
- One big preventable mistake writers make.
- What skills it takes to write good articles.
LINKS
- Author Email Onboarding Sequence Guide
- Author Media
- November Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Do writing deadlines scare you? Bestselling author, DiAnn Mills has a proven 12 Step System to master writing deadlines. Whether you're writing a book, blog post, or article, this system will make you an editor's dream author. Join me in welcoming DiAnn to Your Best Writing Life.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Chrisitan Writers Conference and speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country.
Links
- Connect with DiAnn Mills
- Taking the Dead Out of Deadlines PDF
- Ghost Reader text to Voice App DiAnn uses with her Macbook Pro
- November Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers download
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Writing about different cultures can get you into a lot of hot water if you're not using a sensitivity reader. Award-winning author, Edwina Perkins is shining a spotlight to clear up any misconceptions about using sensitivity readers. Listen in as our host, Linda Goldfarb gets answers to the following questions and more.
- Who qualifies as a sensitivity reader?
- Which genres do sensitivity readers cover?
- Where do you locate a sensitivity reader?
Edwina Perkins is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, and editor. She serves on the Word Weavers International Advisory Committee. Currently, she is the Managing Editor for Harambee Press—Iron Steam Media’s ethnic voices imprint which seeks to publish ethnic writers and stories. Edwina is also a freelance writer with Guideposts. Welcome, Edwina to Your Best Writing Life!
LINKS
- Harambee Press
- Edwina Perkins
- Download the October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
No matter your book publishing path, you will experience trouble in the publishing industry.
Seeking a traditional publisher?
Plan to self-publish?
Hiring a hybrid-publisher?
Linda's expert guest, Steve Laube, provides answers to question you might not know to ask.
During today's episode, you will learn the horrible questions the grumpy agent, the cynical editor, and the bored marketing person at a publishing company will ask. And the two responses you want to hear from each of them. Plus so much more.
Steve is the president and founder of The Steve Laube Agency. He's a veteran of the bookselling industry with nearly 40 years of experience. He spent over a decade with Bethany House Publishers and was named the Editor of the Year by AWSA. Over sixteen years ago he became an agent where he and his agency have represented nearly 2,000 new books and Steve was named Agent of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. Steve was inducted into the Grand Canyon University Hall-of-Fame by their College of Theology. He is married with three grown children and one grandchild.
Join me in welcoming Steve Laube to Your Best Writing Life.
Links
- Steve Laube Agency
- Download the October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Self-published writers are on the rise and you may be one of them. Traditionally published authors are also self-publishing. Let's face it, the publishing industry is changing. One thing we need to know is how these changes are impacting the role and or need of a literary agent. Join our host, Linda Goldfarb in welcoming today’s industry expert, Cynthia Ruchti, as she clears up any confusion you might have when it comes to having an agent or not!
Cynthia is an award-winning author of more than 30 books and a sought-after speaker. She is the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and serves as a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin near their three children and six grandchildren.
LINKS
- Read the first chapter of Cynthia's novel Afraid of the Light from Kregel Publications
- Find out more about Cynthia Ruchti
- Download the October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
Writers are not immune to self-sabotage. We overcrowd our lives with numerous goals, nonproductive social media interaction, expectations beyond our abilities, and the list goes on and on. Our guest, Edie Melson, is giving us 10-ways to simplify our writing lives while maintaining a balanced level of productivity.
Find your voice, live your story…is Edie’s core message. Her blog, The Write Conversation reaches thousands and has consistently been named a Writer’s Digest Top 100 Sites for Writers. As the author of numerous award-winning books, she’s quick to remind those she meets about the practical and personal applications of God’s infinite love. Edie’s book Soul Care for Writers helps you tap into your creativity as you reconnect with God. Connect with her at EdieMelson.com. Welcome Edie, to Your Best Writing Life!
LINKS
- Download the October Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers PDF
- Connect with Edie at EdieMelson.com
- Join fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.
- 10 Tips to Simplify Your Writing Life
Do you have to be a published author to enter a writer's contest? What does it cost to enter a writer's contest and who pays for it? Today’s industry expert, Eva Marie Everson, is taking us behind the scenes of writing contests to answer these questions and more. You'll be amazed at what you learn during our, Inside the Life of a Writer segment.
Eva Marie is a bestselling, multiple award-winning author & speaker of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the president of Word Weavers International and the director of the Florida Christian Writers Conference and the North Georgia Christian Writers Retreat as well as the Contest Director of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s Christian Writer’s Conference. Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, Eva Marie!
Links
- Word-Weavers
Download your September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers seasonal PDF
Connect with host Linda Goldfarb and her guest in, Your Best Writing Life on Facebook for our after the show party Tuesday's at 12-noon ET
Writing can wind us up to the point where we struggle with productivity. But learning how to rest well can bring about the balance we need to meet deadlines, be more creative, and just plain feel better. This is why I'm stoked about introducing our industry expert today.
She is is a physician, author, and speaker who shares biblical truths to help heal the body, mind, and spirit. She has been featured on Daystar, Psychiatry Today, Focus on the Family, and many other media outlets. Her newest book is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, it’s an honor to have you here on Your Best Writing Life.
Links
- RestQuiz.com
- Dr. Saundra on Twitter
- Dr. Saundra on Facebook
- Dr. Saundra on Instagram
- Dr. Saundra on Pinterest
Download your September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers seasonal PDF
Connect with Your Best Writing Life on Facebook
Host, Linda Goldfarb welcomes, multi-book award-winning author, Director of the Carolina Christian Writer's Conference, and her long time friend, Linda Gilden, to share tips and strategies for the beginner writer, as well as tips for writing veterans as well. We cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time.
Linda Gilden is an award-winning author, speaker, editor, and writing coach. Author of over a thousand magazine articles and dozens of books, Linda seizes every opportunity to take writers to the next step in their writing journeys. Linda especially loves every minute spent with her grandchildren, a great source of writing material.
Visit Linda Gilden's website
Download the First Time Writer's Checklist
Download our September Writing Tips and Soul Care Tips for Writers
Award-winning, Techno-thriller fiction writer, James R. Hannibal shares about the language of techno-thrillers and the qualifications it takes to write them.
James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up with surface to air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a multi-award-winning author for his military and spy novels and for his children’s mystery/fantasies.
The dramatic video trailer for The Gryphon Heist is here
Download the dossier on the Gryphon Heist series landing page here
Visit James R Hannibal's website
Download our September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers
Award-winning authors and co-directors of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, DiAnn Mills and Edie Melson kick off our full-length debut episode to share writing tips about the craft and about the soul care of the writer.
You'll also hear our vision for writers, from beginners to bestsellers. And a surprise reveal of upcoming guests
CLICK to download your, September Writing Tips and Soul Care for Writers seasonal PDF
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference
Host, Linda Goldfarb gives you a brief overview of what to expect when you tune in to, Your Best Writing Life. Industry experts provide weekly tips and strategies for beginner to bestselling writers
DiAnn Mills - Founder
Edie Melson - Founder
Linda Goldfarb - Host