The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

Build a Writing Life with Eternal Impact
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Are you a Christian writer who is trying to figure out your next steps in communicating the message God has given you? Or maybe you love to write, but you aren't sure what exactly is the message you have to offer others or who needs to hear what you have to say. In this podcast for Christian writers, you'll hear a mix of practical help and Biblical truth to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. amylynnsimon.substack.com

  1. Episode 146: Writing Picture Books with Molly Arbuthnott

    6d ago

    Episode 146: Writing Picture Books with Molly Arbuthnott

    Where do the ideas for picture books come from? For my guest, Molly Arbuthnott, they started from the imagined adventures of her family cat who was lost on a ferry trip. In this interview, I talk with Molly about how she started writing picture books, how she is trying to market them for adults as well as children, and some encouragement for those just starting out on the writing adventure. About Molly Molly Arbuthnott is a teacher, author, editor, and academic from Scotland. She is passionate about the promotion of children’s literature and has published eighteen award winning picture books. Molly, a former teacher, transitioned her career to children’s literature in 2019 completing a Master’s in Children’s Literature at Glasgow University. Molly crafts narratives based on people that have been important in her life and that are simultaneously honest and gentle, teaching children about empathy, teamwork and moral courage. Each book collaborates with a charity which is associated with the theme of the book in some way. Her writing has received acclaim during book tours worldwide and won national awards; they have been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize, won the Wishing Shelf Book awards and the Firebird Book Awards. She’s shared academic papers with IRSCL Congress. She has been published in the ‘Once Upon Another Time’ anthology by the Book Whisperers and she has received the Emily Dickinson Award. She has a contract with Celene Press in Greece and Select Books in USA. Beyond writing, Molly has also demonstrated her proficiency in production, having written a program and trailer for BBC Alba’s adaption of her book Oscar the Ferry Cat. She also successfully created a VR program for Glasgow University’s Hackathon and hosts the popular podcast, “My Favourite Books.” She has amassed a loyal fan base of over 115K followers. Her foray into the auditory realm is also noteworthy, with her stories now available on Audible. Her current endeavour is to animate Oscar the Ferry Cat, with the goal of enchanting children through her compelling storytelling. Molly’s website: https://mollyarbuthnott.com/ Her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B077S1H5HN Amy’s Resources: Start here email course Pen Points The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com Disclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    19 min
  2. Episode 145: The Book Proposal Basics We Tend to Dread - Comp Titles and a Marketing Plan

    Jun 30

    Episode 145: The Book Proposal Basics We Tend to Dread - Comp Titles and a Marketing Plan

    If you’re dreaming of writing a nonfiction book, the book proposal isn’t just a hoop to jump through — it’s a clarity tool. Think of it as a business plan for your book, and one of the most valuable things you can do before you write a single chapter. In this episode, I walk through two of the most misunderstood (and most dreaded) sections of a book proposal: comp titles and your marketing plan. What I cover: What a book proposal actually is and why even self-publishing writers benefit from writing one before they begin. Comp titles demystified. “Comparative titles” are books similar to yours, and they’re not a threat. They’re proof that a market exists. I talk about how to find them (Amazon is a great starting point), what makes a strong comp, and how to position your book so it fills a slightly different need. Where would your book live in a bookstore? This simple question can bring surprising clarity to your project and help publishers and booksellers understand exactly what you’re offering. Your marketing plan. You don’t need a massive social following. Email subscribers, speaking engagements, podcast guesting, and other platforms all count. I talk about what to include and how to think about it without the overwhelm. If the scope of all this feels paralyzing, that’s normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It might just mean you need someone to help you think it through. Book a free 30-minute discovery call at amylynnsimon.com/coaching to talk about where you are in your writing journey and whether coaching might be your next right step. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    5 min
  3. Episode 144: Is Your Life Story Actually a Memoir?

    Jun 23

    Episode 144: Is Your Life Story Actually a Memoir?

    Have you been thinking about writing your life story as a memoir? Before you start, there are some important distinctions every writer needs to understand. Getting clear on them could save you months of frustration. In this episode, I breaks down the difference between memoir and autobiography, help you identify who you’re really writing for, and offer a honest word about emotional readiness before you share your story with the world. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why autobiography and memoir are not the same thing * The three audiences to consider before you write your story (yourself, your family, or a wider readership) * What memoir actually is: a specific transformation, not your whole life story * Why you need to heal privately before you share publicly * How to use your personal experience as illustration rather than the centerpiece of your writing * Why hiding behind your story might be fear in disguise Resources mentioned: * Bible study resources from Jana Carlson: janacarlson.com * Free download: 10 Questions to Ask About Your Reader and Message → amylynnsimon.com/free-writing-resources Recommended books on memoir writing (not all from a Christian perspective): “Writing Life Stories” by Bill Roorbach “Tell it Slant” by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola “Handling the Truth” by Beth Kephart “The Art of Memoir” by Mary Karr (contains some language, fyi) “The Memoir Project” by Marion Roach Smith “Your story Matters” by Leslie Leyland Fields The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    6 min
  4. Episode 143: The Benefits of Writing for Your Local Community

    Jun 16

    Episode 143: The Benefits of Writing for Your Local Community

    If you’re growing tired of the constant push to get your words out to as many people as possible, I invite you to take a deep breath and listen to this interview with Sarah Steele. In this conversation, we talk about how Sarah chose to invest her time, effort, and attention on serving her local community through her writing, which includes songs and poems. She also shares how her story of over-service to others without boundaries led to burn out and crisis, and eventually a poetry based memoire. About Sarah: Sarah Steele is a poet, songwriter, and performer whose work weaves vulnerability with hope and layered vocal harmonies. Her poetry memoir, An Ocean Without, tells the story of how God redeemed her from a life of service without boundaries, and she has shared her work at churches and community events across the Midwest. Sarah also serves as Senior Editor for The Way Back to Ourselves. Sarah lives in Michigan with her five redheads and loves embodying life as a Village Poet. You can find her on Substack at thevillagepoet.substack.com. Website YouTube Books on Amazon Looking for the Journey to Publication download mentioned in the intro? You find it here. Sarah also mentioned Writing Off Social. You can find them here. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com Disclaimer: My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    40 min
  5. Episode 142: Your Book's Elevator Pitch—How to Find Clarity on Your Main Idea

    Jun 9

    Episode 142: Your Book's Elevator Pitch—How to Find Clarity on Your Main Idea

    Can you explain your book in one or two sentences? If not, that’s your next step, and this episode is for you. This week we’re diving into how to sharpen your book’s main idea and craft an elevator pitch that brings clarity to both you and your reader. What You’ll Learn: * Why a clear, concise book concept is essential before you start writing * What an elevator pitch is and why it matters for writers * Two practical ways to find clarity when you feel stuck: free-writing and working with a writing coach Try This: Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and free-write everything you want your book to include. When time’s up, look for recurring themes, common threads, and a central transformation. That’s where your book lives. Work With Me: If you’re still stuck, book a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your ideas and find your direction. 👉 amylynnsimon.com Stay Connected: Enjoying the podcast? Get Pen Points, a weekly email with: * A short summary of each episode * A key question to reflect on * Practical next steps * A prayer for your writing Subscribe here: amylynnsimon.com/pen-points The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    4 min
  6. Episode 141: Before You Write a Single Chapter: Clarifying Your Book's Promise, Reader, and Transformation

    Jun 2

    Episode 141: Before You Write a Single Chapter: Clarifying Your Book's Promise, Reader, and Transformation

    You walk into a bookstore and a title catches your eye. You pick it up. Maybe you buy it. But why that book? It made you a promise, and you wanted it. That simple moment of connection is actually the key to writing a book that works. And it raises a question worth sitting with before you type a single chapter: What is the promise your book is making to your reader? In this episode, we dig into three foundational questions every writer needs to answer before starting a book. Not after the first draft. Not halfway through when things start feeling muddy. Before. These aren’t questions to rush past. They’re the ones that keep you from spending years writing a book that never quite lands. We talk about why being able to describe your book in one or two sentences isn’t just a marketing exercise. It’s a clarity test. If it takes several paragraphs to explain what your book is about, that’s important information. We also tackle one of the hardest things for writers who care deeply about their message: the difference between writing for everyone and actually serving someone well. If you’ve been circling a book idea and wondering why it still feels fuzzy, this episode is worth a listen. Resources mentioned: Hungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel Curry Download the free resource, 10 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Reader and Message The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    7 min
  7. Episode 140: How to Improve Your Writing Skills as a Christian Author (Before You Write Your Book)

    May 26

    Episode 140: How to Improve Your Writing Skills as a Christian Author (Before You Write Your Book)

    We’ve talked about the mindset that has to come first. Now let’s talk about the work. Because here’s the thing: wanting to write a book means we actually have to write well. If you feel like you’re not there, yet, don’t be discouraged. Writing is a craft, and crafts can be learned. Ways to Actually Grow A few places to start: * Read the classics on craft. On Writing Well by William Zinsser and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White are worth working through slowly, practicing the concepts as you go. * Get honest feedback. Not from family members who love us too much to critique us, but from fellow writers who will kindly tell us the truth. That kind of feedback is where real growth happens. * Find a writing community. An in-person critique group through a local library or coffee shop can be a gift. Online, the Writers’ Bloc Community at mywritersbloc.com is a warm, supportive space specifically for female Christian writers, with opportunities to submit writing for critique and connect in monthly Zoom sessions. * Submit to publications. Sites like Living by Design and Gospel-Centered Discipleship accept article submissions. Following their guidelines is good practice, and their editorial feedback can be genuinely useful. It also builds your online presence in the process. * Just write. Regularly. Blog posts, letters to friends, a church newsletter column. Try different genres, different tones. Experiment with fiction if you usually write nonfiction. Play with poetry. The more we write, the more we discover what actually sounds like us. Clarity on where to begin can make all the difference when we’re just starting out and don’t know what to do first. If that’s where you are, Start Here is a free 3-day email course designed to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Find it at amylynnsimon.com/start Additional Resources: From Stuck to Steady: The 5 Pillars of a Consistent Writing Rhythm for Christian Writers (free 30-minute recorded workshop) Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck. Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing. Download the “Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover”. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    5 min
  8. Episode 139: The Mindset Every Aspiring Christian Author Needs Before Writing a Book

    May 19

    Episode 139: The Mindset Every Aspiring Christian Author Needs Before Writing a Book

    Before we talk craft or contracts or query letters, we need to talk about something that will shape everything else on this journey. Humility. Not the kind that shrinks back and whispers, I have nothing to offer. And not the kind that charges forward thinking, I already know what I need to know. Both will quietly sabotage the work before it ever reaches a reader. The Two Extremes Some of us feel a deep sense of calling. God may have put this book on our hearts. But a divine assignment doesn’t exempt us from the learning curve. God can call us to write a book and expect us to grow in the craft. Both things are true. Others are drowning in insecurity. That hesitation can feel like humility, but sometimes it’s just fear wearing a disguise. Here’s the line worth sitting with: Confidence doesn’t mean we have nothing to learn. Humility doesn’t mean we have nothing to offer. What Teachability Actually Looks Like When someone critiques our writing, something in us flinches. It feels personal. But that resistance, if we let it run things, will keep us small. Proverbs doesn’t soften this: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1) And here’s a practical reality: if sharing our words with a trusted friend feels terrifying, what will it feel like to publish a book for strangers? A Few Next Steps * Pray and journal. Ask God to show you where pride, in either direction, is shaping how you see yourself as a writer. * Learn the industry. Let yourself be a beginner. That’s not weakness; it’s wisdom. * Find someone to read your work. Start thinking about who in your life could offer honest, caring feedback. One More Thing If mindsets are getting in the way of your writing, The Christian Writers’ Mindset Makeover is a free resource that walks through six common struggles and the biblical truth that meets each one. Find it at amylynnsimon.com/makeover or grab the link in the show notes. Resources: From Stuck to Steady: The 5 Pillars of a Consistent Writing Rhythm for Christian Writers (free 30-minute recorded workshop) Schedule a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you get unstuck. Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

    5 min
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Are you a Christian writer who is trying to figure out your next steps in communicating the message God has given you? Or maybe you love to write, but you aren't sure what exactly is the message you have to offer others or who needs to hear what you have to say. In this podcast for Christian writers, you'll hear a mix of practical help and Biblical truth to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. amylynnsimon.substack.com

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