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

    1d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Episode 138: How to Prepare to Write a Book (From an Acquisitions Editor) with Jennifer Dukes Lee

    May 12

    Episode 138: How to Prepare to Write a Book (From an Acquisitions Editor) with Jennifer Dukes Lee

    What should you actually do before you start writing your book? In this episode, I’m joined by author and acquisitions editor Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about what aspiring authors often overlook in the excitement of getting started. If you’ve been eager to dive into writing your book but feel unsure where to begin, or you’ve already started but question whether you’re on the right track, this conversation will help you step back and build a stronger foundation. Jennifer shares the three essential things every writer should focus on before writing their book: * Growing an audience of readers who are genuinely interested in your message * Developing your writing craft and strengthening your skills * Clearly defining your target reader and the problem your book will help them solve We also go behind the scenes of her newest book, How to Love Your Morning, as she shares how the idea came to life, along with the intentional research and planning that shaped it. This episode will help you move forward with clarity and purpose, so you’re not just writing a book, but writing one that truly serves your readers. Next Steps: If this episode helped you realize you need more clarity on your message or audience, that’s exactly what I help writers do. → Book a free discovery call to see how coaching can help you find clarity→ Download From Stuck to Steady if you’re ready to figure out why you struggle to write consistently. Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus. Follow Jennifer on social media @JenniferDukesLee. 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

    35 min
  5. Episode 137: Before You Write a Book: What Every Christian Writer Needs to Know First

    May 5

    Episode 137: Before You Write a Book: What Every Christian Writer Needs to Know First

    Welcome to a brand-new season of The Purposeful Pen! From now through July, we’re focusing on what happens before you write a book—because the writing journey starts long before “Chapter One.” If you’ve ever told someone you’re a writer and immediately been asked, “What books have you written?”—you’re not alone. Many people assume writing always leads to publishing a book. But is that really the goal? In this episode, we take a step back to explore a foundational question: Why do you want to write in the first place? Writing can take many forms—journaling, poetry, blogging, articles, or even processing personal experiences. Not all writing is meant for publication, and not all writers are called to write books. But if you do feel called to write for others—to encourage, serve, and build up the Body of Christ—then it’s important to approach writing with clarity and intention. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why writing a book isn’t the only (or first) goal for writers * The importance of understanding your motivation for writing * Different ways your writing can impact others beyond books * What it actually takes to prepare for writing and publishing a book * Why clarity about your reader and message matters before you begin Writing a book is a meaningful goal—but it’s also a significant journey. It requires growth in your craft, clarity in your message, and a willingness to share your work, receive feedback, and build a platform over time. In the coming episodes, we’ll walk through the essential steps to take before you ever start your manuscript. Resources Mentioned: * Download your free Journey to Publication guide: amylynnsimon.com/free-writing-resources Next Steps: Take a few minutes to reflect: * Why do I want to write? * Who do I want to serve with my words? * What impact do I hope my writing will have? 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

    5 min
  6. Episode 136: 5 Questions to Help Writers Choose the Right Platform Strategy

    Mar 24

    Episode 136: 5 Questions to Help Writers Choose the Right Platform Strategy

    After exploring multiple ways to grow your platform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. In this episode, we’re simplifying the process and helping you discern your next right step. Instead of trying to do everything, you’ll learn how to choose one platform strategy that fits your current season, strengths, and capacity—so you can move forward with clarity and consistency. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Over the past several episodes, we’ve covered a variety of platform-building strategies, including: * Public speaking * Podcasting * Guest blogging and podcast interviews * YouTube * Collaborations and giveaways * The YouVersion app But here’s the truth: you can’t do all of them—and you shouldn’t try to. In this episode, we walk through five key questions to help you confidently choose the best platform strategy for you. 5 Questions to Help You Choose Your Next Step: 1. What is your current capacity?Consider your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. Your season of life matters more than you think. 2. What are you already doing?It’s often easier (and wiser) to build on something you’ve already started rather than creating something brand new. 3. What are your strengths?Lean into what comes naturally—whether that’s teaching, storytelling, or connecting with others. 4. What sounds interesting and fun?Pay attention to what energizes you. Excitement can be a strong indicator of where God is leading. 5. What can you be consistent with?Consistency matters more than frequency. Choose a rhythm you can realistically sustain. Key Takeaway: It’s far more effective to focus on one strategy done well and consistently than to try several strategies sporadically and burn out. Season Wrap-Up: This episode wraps up the current season of the podcast. We’ll be taking a break in April to rest, plan, and prepare for what’s next. 🎙️ The podcast returns in May, where we’ll dive into what needs to happen before you start writing your book. 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. Watch the podcast on YouTube. Read the blog version of the podcast. 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

    6 min
  7. Episode 135: Building Your Platform as a First-Time Author with Cara Ray

    Mar 17

    Episode 135: Building Your Platform as a First-Time Author with Cara Ray

    In this week’s episode, I talk with Cara Ray, who has recently published her first book, “The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places”. We talk about the different ways that she grew her platform, including through publishing Bible reading plans on the YouVersion Bible app. She also shared about her publishing journey and what that looked like as a first time author without having the huge platform numbers that some publishers are looking for. Cara Ray is a writer, Bible teacher, and founder of The Writers’ Bloc community and podcast. As a former quiet time checkbox checker, she now writes to help others slow down, savor Scripture, and pursue holy leisure. Her work has been featured on Desiring God, Challies.com, Gospel Centered Discipleship, and the YouVersion Bible App. Cara’s online community, The Writers’ Bloc, equips women to grow in the art and heart of writing. Her weekly podcast by the same name features conversations with Christian writers who desire to encourage others in the craft of writing and write for God’s glory. She also owns and operates her own copywriting and marketing business, where she helps entrepreneurs and creatives communicate their message with clarity and conviction. Cara lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband, four kids, and two obnoxious dogs. 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. Watch the podcast on YouTube. 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

    35 min
  8. Episode 134: When Platform Numbers Mess With Your Heart: 3 Truths Christian Writers Need to Remember

    Mar 10

    Episode 134: When Platform Numbers Mess With Your Heart: 3 Truths Christian Writers Need to Remember

    Platform growth can easily become all about numbers, such as followers, subscribers, downloads. But as Christian writers, our worth isn’t measured by metrics. In this episode, we talk about how to pursue growth without being defined by it, how to focus on the people behind the numbers, and how to stay faithful while leaving the results to God. If you’ve been discouraged by slow growth or tempted to compare your journey to someone else’s, this conversation will help refocus your heart where it belongs. 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. * Watch the podcast on YouTube. * Read the blog version of the podcast. * 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

    6 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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