The Writers Circle

Will Parker Anderson
The Writers Circle

A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.

  1. AUG 13

    Why Platform Matters with Curtis Yates (part 1)

    Why does your platform matter so much to publishers? Isn’t good writing enough? Is it necessary to become an online personality just to land a book deal?    You’ve probably asked these questions, as you watch countless writers exhaust themselves trying to gain traction on social media. It’s noble to want to exit the circus and focus on what matters: writing.   When it comes to platform, writers make two key mistakes. First, they ignore it altogether. But if publishers look for momentum, and don’t see it, it’s unlikely you’ll get a book deal. Second, writers try to gather followers across too many platforms. It’s too much to manage, and they ultimately give up. Today’s guest offers a better way. Curtis Yates is a lawyer, literary agent, and author coach at Yates & Yates一the agency his father founded. In this episode, he explains to senior editor Will Parker Anderson how the digital age has shifted the publishing world. Discoverability, which was once confined to brick and mortar bookstores, has moved onto the internet and social media. If you want to win the game, you have to know the rules. Curtis offers insight about why publishing has changed so dramatically in the last 10-15 years, and what you as a writer can do about it.   This episode is Part 1 of 2. Stay tuned for the second half next week.        EPISODE LINKS   Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/

    33 min
  2. JUL 30

    Murder Your Darlings with Brett McCracken

    Feedback is terrifying. It’s vulnerable to have your writing scrutinized, especially when you’ve poured so much of your time, heart, and energy into it. It’s tempting to avoid feedback altogether, but this ignores the overwhelming research on the benefits of coaching and mentorship. We grow faster and more profoundly under the tutelage of others. If you ignore this and go it alone, your craft will suffer.   Today’s guest is a master of feedback, since he’s a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, as well as the author of four fantastic books. In this conversation, Brett McCracken shares with book editor Will Parker Anderson: How to ask for feedback without being a nuisance Common cliches and writing mistakes you should avoid How to spark ideas by reading topically Why you should anchor every piece in a central idea  How to find a writing rhythm that works for your season of life Brett’s seasoned advice will embolden you to see feedback as a primary source of growth. It’s only when we practice together, side by side, that our full potential is realized. In the end, the joy of community eclipses even the sweetest moments of solitary practice.        EPISODE LINKS   Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/ Brett’s latest books: Uncomfortable, The Wisdom Pyramid

    53 min
  3. JUL 23

    How To Write Your Story with Ally Fallon

    If you could spend 45 minutes with a writing coach who’s helped hundreds of people write books, how would that transform your writing process? How much time and energy would you save if you put her advice into practice?    That’s what this episode is all about.    After grad school, Ally Fallon quit her job to write full-time. She gave herself 6 months to write her first book. 3 years later, she published it. Despite the success of her first book, she quickly realized that earning a living off writing is hard, so she started coaching other writers who were on a similar journey. Ally’s coaching business has grown and now operates under the name, Write Your Story. She’s published 13 books of her own and helped countless others get their story onto the page.    She breaks down the fundamentals of good writing一things like:   How to write an opening line that hooks readers Why every book must be about one thing, and how to identify what that thing is Why the most interesting thing you have to say is usually the thing you’re afraid to say   This conversation will remind you: your story matters. Self-doubt and insecurity try to sabotage all of us, but thanks to Ally’s wisdom and encouragement, you can write your story well.        EPISODE LINKS   Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/

    50 min
  4. JUL 16

    How to Slay the Marketing Monster with Jordan Raynor

    Do modern writers have to be marketers? In a word, yes.    This catches many authors by surprise. Isn’t it the publisher's job to promote a book? Yes, but in today’s publishing climate, marketing is a joint effort一a partnership between author and publisher. In the age of social media, writers are expected to leverage their audience to boost sales.   However, this is daunting for most writers. Where should you start? What platform should you use? What type of content should you post? How often? Today’s guest is a firehose of helpful tips, and a breath of fresh air for anyone who feels intimidated by the task of promotion and marketing. Jordan Raynor is a leading voice in the faith and work movement, and the author of several best-selling books, including Called To Create and Redeeming Your Time. As a lifetime entrepreneur, who feels called by God to start businesses, he shares his best marketing practices with senior editor Will Parker Anderson. His insights include:  The 8 things to look for when choosing a book idea How to beta test every idea with your audience before you start writing  His formula for clarifying your book idea in a single sentence Why one platform is all you need to grow your audience  Don’t fear the marketing monster. With Jordan’s strategies in hand, you can tame it. Jordan’s approach will help you promote your work, while also making you a better writer in the process一one who knows the market and resonates with readers.        EPISODE LINKS   Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: writerscircle.co Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/ Jordan’s books: Called to Create, Redeeming Your Time, The Sacredness of Secular Work

    45 min
4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.

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