The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Kathi Lipp
  • 5.0 (69)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Writing at the Red House Podcast where we gather at the table to break bread and tell tales with some of our favorite writers and speakers. Our heart is to equip and encourage men and women to be the communicators God has created them to be.

  1. 6D AGO

    When Everything Falls Apart, Keep Taking Notes: A Real Talk About Writing Through Chaos

    Life doesn't pause for our writing schedules. Between long COVID, emergency surgery, a tree crashing through the house, and a week without power, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp have navigated one of their most challenging seasons yet—all while keeping the podcast going and even submitting a new book proposal. If you've ever wondered how to maintain your creative momentum when everything feels like it's falling apart, this episode is for you. Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to be a content creator during crisis and share why these difficult seasons might actually be the key to your most authentic, impactful writing. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why hard seasons make your writing more real and relatable to readers How brainstorming counts as writing—even when you can't sit at your desk Practical ways to capture ideas during chaotic times (notes apps, emails, voice memos) The power of talking it out with a partner, friend, or even AI Why you don't need all the answers to write authentically about struggle How to give yourself permission to write badly—because editing is easier than creating from scratch

    23 min

  2. APR 6

    Stop Slapping Your Book Cover on Instagram: What Actually Works for Author Marketing

    You've probably seen it a hundred times—an author posts their book cover on Instagram with a "Buy my book!" caption, and... crickets. If you've ever wondered why simply showing up with your book cover doesn't translate into sales, this episode is for you. Social media strategist and author Ruthie Gray joins Kathi Lipp to share the real secret to Instagram book marketing: it's not about the launch week—it's about the runway you build long before your book ever hits shelves. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why posting book covers alone never works (and what to do instead) The "breadcrumb" strategy that trains your audience to take action when it matters most How to connect your everyday life to your book's content in authentic ways What to start doing NOW even if your book doesn't release for another year Practical call-to-action ideas that build engagement without feeling salesy How to use Instagram Stories to test content before creating Reels Launch week strategies including Instagram Lives and collaborations The power of hitting pain points and creating content series Why This Matters for Your Writing Journey Whether your book releases next month or in 2027, the time to start building your Instagram presence is now. Ruthie shares from her own experience launching Empty Nest Awakening and preparing for her upcoming devotional, proving that consistency and authenticity trump flashy marketing every time. Key Takeaways Start before you need it: Build your Instagram consistency and engagement long before launch Train your audience: Use simple calls to action so followers are ready for the big ask Live your message: Find the intersection between your daily life and your book's content Test in Stories: Use Stories to discover what resonates before creating polished Reels Collaborate for reach: Instagram Lives and collaborations expand your audience during launch

    20 min

  3. MAR 30

    Write the Book Before You Write the Book: 8 Ways to Test Your Message Before You Type Chapter One

    Have you ever poured your heart into a book idea, only to wonder if anyone will actually want to read it? What if there was a way to know—before you write a single chapter—that your message will resonate with readers? In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory reveal the approach that separates successful authors from those whose books gather dust: writing your book before you write your book. For writers who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of investing months (or years) into a manuscript without knowing if it will connect, this conversation offers a liberating path forward. Instead of hiding your ideas until they're "perfect," Kathi and Cheri share eight practical ways to test, refine, and develop your message while simultaneously building the audience who's waiting for it. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why keeping your book idea "under wraps" until release is one of the biggest mistakes new authors make How podcasting activates different parts of your brain and surfaces ideas that would never emerge through writing alone The power of being a guest on other podcasts to flex your message for different audiences Why social media feedback—even when it takes your idea in unexpected directions—is invaluable for your writing process How to develop a signature framework that gives your ideas memorable shape The freedom that comes from calling your workshop a "pilot" or "beta" program Why you're not responsible for your readers' transformation—just for providing the tools The mindset shift from "what I want to say" to "what they desperately need to know" Key Takeaways for Writers Start serving now. Publishers, agents, and your future readers don't want you waiting for a book deal to share your message. The book becomes a synthesis of what you've already been teaching—not the starting point. Use different platforms to access different parts of your brain. Speaking and writing engage different cognitive processes. What emerges in conversation may never appear when you're sitting alone trying to craft perfect sentences. Fall in love with your people. The process of testing your message transforms you from someone who has something to say into someone who desperately wants to serve. That shift shows up in every word you write. Whether you're just beginning to dream about your first book or you're refining ideas for your next project, this episode offers a roadmap for developing content that truly connects—long before you type "Chapter One."

    27 min

  4. MAR 23

    I Help Blank Who Are Blank: The Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise That Changes Everything

    Have you ever tried to pitch a book and felt like you were throwing spaghetti at the wall? Or maybe you've described your audience as "everyone who needs hope" and wondered why agents and publishers weren't biting? Here's the truth that might sting a little: if your book is for everyone, it's really for no one. In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive deep into the concept of audience clarity—the foundational work that must happen before you ever pitch your book. They share practical questions and exercises that will help you stop spinning and start writing with laser focus. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why clarity about your audience matters more than a clever pitch The powerful advice that changed everything: "Write the book you needed five years ago" Three clarifying questions to define what your reader truly needs The "Three Real People" exercise that brings your audience to life How to craft your "I Help" statement to focus your message Why narrowing your audience actually increases your chances of getting published Key Takeaways Clarity comes before the pitch. If your pitch feels vague, it's not because you're a bad writer—it's because you're trying to write to everyone. The work of defining your specific audience is the foundation everything else builds upon. Your audience needs you to be specific. When you know exactly who you're writing to, what problem you're solving, and why you're the person to solve it, your message becomes infinitely more powerful. Real transformation comes from real connection. When you can point to actual people whose lives have changed because of your message, you have the proof that your book needs to exist. Your Homework Complete this statement: I help [blank] who are [blank] to [blank] so that they can [blank]. Your first attempt might not be perfect—and that's okay. The goal is to get specific enough that you could pick your reader out of a crowd.

    22 min

  5. MAR 18

    Writing from Faith, Not Church Culture: A Brave Conversation

    Have you ever felt the tension between what you genuinely believe and what Christian publishing seems to expect? You're not alone. In a world where church culture and gospel truth don't always align, finding your authentic voice as a faith-driven writer can feel overwhelming. What You'll Discover in This Episode In this honest conversation, Kathi Lipp and twenty-time author Dr. Susy Flory explore what it really means to let your faith—not your religion or your tribe—inform your writing. Whether you're navigating the shifting landscape of Christian publishing or wrestling with how to stay true to your convictions while reaching a broader audience, this episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom. Key Takeaways for Your Writing Journey The publishing landscape has changed dramatically. With most Christian bookstores gone, writers now reach a universal audience that includes people from various faith traditions—or no faith at all. Knowing Jesus personally matters more than knowing the market. Your faith informs your writing when you're actively spending time with Jesus, not just repeating what you've heard in church circles. Clear, accessible language opens doors. Avoiding "churchy" jargon helps your message reach people who need it most, including those who've been hurt by the church. Bravery comes from conviction, not conformity. The most authentic writing flows from what you actually believe, not what you think your audience wants to hear. Welcoming posture transforms your writing. Like Jesus eating with sinners, your writing can create space for readers who are still searching, questioning, or healing. If you've been wrestling with how to honor your faith while navigating the pressures of publishing, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to choose between authenticity and reaching readers. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is write from your genuine convictions—and trust that the right readers will find you.

    29 min

  6. MAR 9

    Stop Trusting Your Memory and Start Trusting Your System: A Simple Capture Plan for Writers

    Do you ever sit down to write only to realize you've forgotten that brilliant idea you had in the shower? Or maybe you've captured dozens of notes at conferences that are now buried under layers of paper on your desk, slowly dying from neglect? If you've ever felt like you struggle more with starting than with actual writing, this episode is for you. Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp dive into the unsexy but life-changing truth about writing productivity: boring systems are what actually get the work done. Not inspiration. Not waiting for the perfect moment. Just simple, repeatable systems that remove the decision fatigue that keeps so many talented writers stuck. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why writers don't quit because they lack talent—they quit because decision fatigue is brutal The difference between having a writing problem and having an "idea leak" Simple capture systems you can set up in 10 minutes (from one-note apps to shower crayons!) Why the weekly review is the bridge between "someday" and "scheduled" Three powerful questions to ask during your weekly review How to make your next step so small it feels almost insulting Non-icky ways to use AI for brainstorming without letting it write for you The power of accountability partnerships for processing ideas The System in One Sentence Capture daily. Review weekly. Next tiny step today. That's it. That's the whole system. And it works because it removes the mental load of constantly deciding when, what, and how to write. Your Homework (Do This Now!) Take 10 minutes right now to: Set up your capture system (a notes app, a notepad, whatever works for you) Put it on your home screen for one-tap access Schedule your 15-minute weekly review on your calendar Then head over to the Writing at the Red House Facebook group and tell us what capture system you chose and what day you picked for your review. We'll cheer you on! Key Takeaways Boring means you don't have to decide—like brushing your teeth, your body already knows what to do Your brain relaxes when it knows the schedule Capture without review is just hope that dies on your desk Most writers don't avoid writing—they avoid starting Make your goals so small they feel insulting: open the doc, paste the outline, write a terrible first paragraph

    28 min

  7. MAR 2

    The Branding Bank Method: Why Your Best Social Media Posts Start Before You Write Them

    Ever find yourself scrolling through 11,000 photos on your phone, desperately searching for that one picture that actually looks like you? You're not alone. For authors and creators trying to build a consistent presence online, the photo hunt can feel like a second job. In this episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with branding expert Tenneil Register to introduce a game-changing concept: the branding bank. This isn't about hiring expensive photographers or chasing the latest Instagram aesthetic—it's about building an organized, authentic collection of visual assets that make showing up online faster and more confident. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why branding is so much more than logos and colors—and what it actually means for your author platform The concept of a "branding bank" and how it saves time while building reader trust How to identify your unique anchor props that set you apart from every other writer with a laptop photo The 25 photos in 20 minutes challenge that jumpstarts your visual library Why chasing trends actually hurts your brand (and what to do instead) Simple ways to capture authentic moments that resonate with your audience The Power of Consistency Tenneil shares a powerful story about customers approaching her booth at events and saying, "Of course I like it—it's R7. I should have known by looking." That instant recognition is the goal of strong branding. When readers encounter your content, they should feel that same sense of familiarity—like coming home. Getting Started Today The homework is simple: create a folder called "Branding Bank" and add 10 existing photos you don't hate. That's your down payment on a more consistent, confident online presence. No professional photoshoot required—just intention and a few minutes of your time. Key Takeaways Pick three brand words that describe how you want your brand to feel to others Choose five anchor props that match your lifestyle and personality Take 25 photos in 20 minutes to start building your library Stop chasing trends—authenticity builds more trust than perfection

    25 min

  8. FEB 23

    The Micro Story Formula: Write Something Meaningful in Five Minutes Without Spiraling (Part 2)

    Do you ever stare at a blank screen, knowing you have something to say but feeling paralyzed by the pressure to be brilliant? What if you could create meaningful, compelling content in just five minutes—without spiraling into overthinking? In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and storytelling expert Tenneil Register unpack a simple four-part framework that will transform how you approach micro content. Whether you're crafting Instagram reels, blog introductions, newsletter copy, or social media posts, this formula gives you the container you need to share your message with clarity and confidence. What You'll Discover in This Episode The Magnet: How to create an irresistible hook that stops the scroll—using contradiction, observation, tension, or a direct promise The Moment: Why a snapshot beats backstory every time, and how to capture your reader's attention in three to five sentences The Meaning: The bridge that connects your story to a deeper truth your audience needs to hear The Move: Five types of content direction—reflective, practical, reframing, invitation, and permission—that transform passive readers into engaged followers Why This Matters for Your Writing Journey Here's the truth Kathi shares: You only get one or two big, dramatic stories every decade. The rest of your content—the posts, reels, and emails that build your platform—comes from small, honest moments you're already living. You don't need to be brilliant. You just need to be clear. Tenneil offers a powerful reminder: if you're living, breathing, and moving through life, you already have these moments. From shower curtain rings getting tangled to sitting at your kitchen table with a half-written outline, your ordinary life is full of extraordinary teaching opportunities. Key Takeaways Clarity trumps brilliance—your audience needs to understand you, not be impressed by you If your hook could belong to anyone, it belongs to no one—make it uniquely yours The "move" is what transforms a nice story into content that changes lives You don't need all four elements at once—capture the moment now, and let the meaning emerge Your big messages are built from small, honest moments

    25 min
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About

Welcome to The Writing at the Red House Podcast where we gather at the table to break bread and tell tales with some of our favorite writers and speakers. Our heart is to equip and encourage men and women to be the communicators God has created them to be.

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