The Writers Bloc (Cara Ray)

More and more writers are choosing to leave social media because it's not life-giving, they're tired of battling the algorithm, or they find that the return on their investment isn't worth their time and energy.

Leaving social media as a writer is an emotional decision. You’re probably asking yourself, “How will people find me? Will I fade into obscurity? Is it irresponsible of me to even consider shutting this down? What if I leave and then regret it?” Sandy and Mary K. get it! They both decided to leave social media and haven't looked back. If you are a writer considering leaving social media, this conversation is for you. Sandy and Mary K will offer several viable alternatives to social media, so if you choose to leave it, you can do so without regret.

You won't find Sandy and Mary K. on social media, but you can find them on their website: https://writingoffsocial.com/ or subscribe to their podcast. 

Another way to grow your following is to learn and grow in community with other writers. If you want to join the Writers' Bloc, sign up for our waitlist here: www.mywritersbloc.com. 

Do you want to expand your writing platform? One of the best ways to do so is to collaborate with other writers. Whether you want to write, start a podcast, host a webinar, or build an online community, working with other writers can be a daunting, but rewarding endeavor. Sarah Frazer has over ten years of experience working with other writers and has a lot of wisdom to offer on collaboration. A successful collaborative effort requires direction, organization, and servanthood. The benefits are many including growth in your personal platform and new relationships made. Join us for this conversation, where Sarah will share her wisdom and experience for making your next collaboration the best one yet!

You can follow Sarah on her website at: https://sarahefrazer.com/ or find her on social media at: https://m.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Frazer/61553205174113/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

As writers, we know discipline takes time, consistency, and courage. We show up to our craft because we understand that work is a gift from God that allows us to operate in His strength and co-collaborate with Him. The messy practice of our art is both a joyful fulfillment of our gifts and an expression of our responsibility to steward our message. Listen in on this conversation with Melissa Smith to learn why discipline is important and how to implement tools to practice it in your writing life.

To learn more about Melissa's work as a writing coach, visit her website at https://www.framedinjoy.com/ or follow her on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/framedinjoy/

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and access our growing archive of teachings, visit https://mywritersbloc.com/

From mental stimulation to deep breathing, the word “inspiration” feels like magic. In this session, Melissa will demystify the what and how of sustaining inspiration in our creative work. Deeply rooted in divine guidance and easily practical, inspiration is as simple as looking at the SON. Join us to learn the three paths to sustaining inspiration in our writing lives.

Melissa is a speaker, writer, and coach. You can follow her work at www.framedinjoy.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/framedinjoy/. 

Be a part of the neighborhood by joining Melissa and all our teachers and members at the Writers' Bloc. To learn more and join us, visit: www.mywritersbloc.com

Join us for a special recap of our 2024 Writers' Bloc Retreat, "Establish the Work of Our Hands."

In June 2024, eight women from all over the U.S. and Canada came together for a special weekend in Show Low, Arizona. Our time was special as online friends became IRL friends! We enjoyed a fabulous property, ate good food, worshipped the Lord, and sat under the teaching of the Word. Here's what we learned and how God worked in our hearts!

Do you want to learn about future retreats and how to be a part of our growing community of writers? Join our waiting list for updates about our next open enrollment in the Writers' Bloc at www.mywritersbloc.com

Writing fiction is Melanie Dobson’s excuse to immerse herself in the past by reading old books, interviewing new friends, and exploring fascinating places around the world. She is the award-winning author of almost thirty historical, time-slip, and romantic suspense novels. Five of her novels (Memories of Glass, Chateau of Secrets, Catching the Wind, The Silent Order, and The Stranger) have received Carol Awards, and Catching the Wind received the Inspirational Fiction Audie Award and was a finalist for the Christy. The Black Cloister, her novel about a dangerous cult, was named the ForeWord Religious Fiction Book of the Year.

Melanie also loves encouraging writers and stopped by for a fun chat on the Bloc. Writers of all skill levels will appreciate and benefit from this interview.

To learn more about Melanie, visit her website at https://melaniedobson.com/ Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

If you learn more about the what, how, and why of writing a book proposal, this episode is for you! Ariel knows something about the publishing world, such as writing and reading proposals. Ariel was an acquisitions editor for over a decade, ran her own business as Ariel Curry Editorial, and now works for Source Books as a Senior Acquisitions editor. Having worked with many authors and authored books herself, Ariel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of writing and publishing books. Join us for this insightful conversation as we talk all things book proposals with Ariel Curry.

Check out Ariel's new book, Hungry Authors: The Indispensable Guide to Planning, Creating, and Publishing a Nonfiction Book.

You can also learn from her podcast Hungry Authors and check out her website www.arielcurry.com

Riley Cross is a SciFi author who loves merging the elements of fantasy, science, and reality together. When not taking care of her two children, typing away at her next story, or teaching in the classroom, she enjoys brewing chocolate coffee and dancing to a random playlist. 

Branding is simply a shortcut for the brain. What do other people think and say about you when you’re not in the room? That’s your brand. Our brands are made up of hundreds of interactions online that engage the mind, eye, and heart. Use these elements to your advantage in establishing your own online presence and brand. Cara will lead us this week in developing our own brand strategies. We’ll look at our brand’s purpose, the problems we solve, and how we present ourselves on our websites.

As writers, we are encouraged to share our words with a waiting world. Is there a place to lay down the pen and rest from writing? In this unique session, you'll learn how to give yourself permission to Sabbath in multiple ways and discover practical ways to prepare, step away, and reengage when the time is right - and how to continue even to share content while you're savoring rest and refreshing.

Ronne Rock is the author of One Woman Can Change the World. You can follow Ronne and her travels all over the world at www.ronnerock.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ronnerock/

Join Ronne and all her neighbors on the Writers' Bloc! An online Christian community for writers who want to grow in the art and heart of writing. You can join us at www.mywritersbloc.com.

Pamela Henkelman had a successful speaking career when she decided to start writing. Her writing journey was one of many lessons over the years. At first, she thought she wanted to write about intimacy with God and our identity in Christ, but then she became an empty nester, and her passions changed. Often, when the Lord pivots our focus, our writing focus needs to pivot with it. Join us for this fun conversation as Pamela will share how we can gain the courage to step into God's calling.

You can follow Pamela on her website at: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/pam.henkelman/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

As writers of Bible Study materials, we desire to write relevant and useful materials that are true to God's Word and accessible to all who desire to study. Writing an approachable and applicable Bible study begins with the author's personal study. From the wellspring of the writer's Bible observations, accurate interpretation and quality direction can flow week after week of study. In this conversation, Ann teaches us what is behind solid Bible study questions and how to reach for the application that truly matters to a woman's heart.

If you've ever desired to write a Bible study, you need to listen to this conversation about writing Bible studies to reach your reader's heart.

Ann has written several Inductive Bible studies available on Amazon, including Heirs in Exile, a Study of 1 Peter, Sovereign God: A Study of the Book of Esther, and Worthy: A Study of Philippians.

Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

Join us for this fun conversation with the Queen of copywriting, Ashlyn Carter. Ashlyn’s fun, best-friend style is instantly engaging, and she knows how to craft words to get your people to buy, like, and follow. As a Christian writer and creative, working in both the Christian and secular realms, she understands the advantages and pitfalls of building an online platform. Come listen and be inspired in your own platform-building pursuits for the glory of God.    

Ashlyn Carter – Conversion Copywriter, Marketing Strategist, and Founder of Ashlyn Writes

Ashlyn Carter is a sought-after conversion copywriter and marketing strategist specializing in helping creative entrepreneurs and business owners craft words that work. As the founder of Ashlyn Writes, Ashlyn has supported over 5,000 clients and students with her signature approach to persuasive copywriting, blending her love for storytelling with strategic marketing principles to deliver measurable results.

A former public relations professional and agency director, Ashlyn traded Fortune 500 boardrooms for small business coaching after experiencing burnout and discovering her passion for empowering entrepreneurs. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Southern Living, and Entrepreneur, and she’s a trusted voice in helping businesses master messaging through launches, email sequences, and website copy that converts.

When she’s not crafting copy or teaching her renowned “Copywriting for Creatives” course, Ashlyn enjoys diving into good books, exploring her Southern roots, and spending quality time with her husband and children.

Ashlyn’s engaging personality, deep expertise, and actionable advice make her a favorite among podcast hosts and audiences alike. Whether you're navigating the art of storytelling, launching strategies, or overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, Ashlyn’s insights are sure to inspire and empower listeners.

Learn more about Ashlyn and her many copy-related services at ashlynwrites.com.

Meg Wallace is a writer, author, speaker, dreamer, creator, wife, and mother to seven! She's also a self-taught photographer, part-time homeschooler, 22+ year pastor's wife, life coach, potty training expert, hair and fashion guru, Bible obsessed, people-loving ballet/sports mama, puppy parent, chicken keeper, sourdough lover, and official homemaker for a not so little family.

Meg first began blogging in 2015 as an "expression of art" after their church, Mars Hill Huntington Beach, closed down. She wrote posts geared toward moms, with a desire to strengthen women and communicate the gospel. Her writing gained the attention of millions, and her work has been seen on Focus on the Family, The Courage with Kirk Cameron, Faith Wire, Faith It, and many more.

As a woman who juggles a lot, her prayer hasn't been, "Lord, please help me lessen my load," but, "Lord, expand my capacity." Join us for this fun conversation about certain seasons that require addition, not subtraction. If you've ever felt that way in juggling writing, family, and responsibilities, you'll find fresh gospel encouragement in this conversation with Meg and Cara.

You can learn more about Meg on her website: https://www.megmariewallace.com/. She is the author of With all Joy. Meg talks all things motherhood on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/megmariewallace/ Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

As writers, we rightly focus on our audience, but we sometimes unintentionally alienate the listeners over the readers. Many audiobook fans, might even avoid reading your book if it doesn’t have an audio option available. Join us for this fun conversation where Kelda will encourage us to consider audiobooks as an option for our work and the practical how-tos to get it done.

Kelda has written several books, and she's also a writing and life coach and homeschool consultant. You can learn more about her work at www.KeldaLaingPoynot.com

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc, become a member, and access Kelda's teachings and many more, visit www.mywritersbloc.com

Have you heard people talk about content marketing and wondered what that means? Or have you also wondered, as a writer, how can I make my words go further and last longer? Sometimes, writing feels like a never-ending hamster wheel. We keep writing and feeling like we have to churn out content. But with a few simple strategies, you can maximize your efforts and make actionable adjustments to get more bang for your writing bucks.

In this episode, we'll discuss the essential strategies and tactics of content marketing, including how to create a content calendar, measure success, and adjust your personal strategy for better results. You'll also understand how to create a successful content marketing plan for your writing.

To access Paige's second teaching, you'll need to join the Writers' Bloc. Teaching, friends, resources, and much more await you inside the Writers' Bloc. Visit www.mywritersbloc.com to learn more.

To learn more about Paige, visit her website at www.paigecclark.com. 

You can also follow her podcast 9 to 5 Faith here.

Traditional publishing is often romanticized and idealized for writers longing to put their words into the world. But the journey is often filled with twists and turns that range from delight to disappointment. Join Amy and Ronne as they discuss how to better "define the relationship" with traditional publishing. Consider how you can set realistic expectations and prepare for a traditional publishing journey.

Ronne Rock is the author of several books, including One Woman Can Change the World. She writes what's true and trustworthy to help you hold on to hope. To learn more about her writing and ministry, visit her website: https://ronnerock.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://ronnerock.com/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ronne

Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

Join us for a special conversation about writing for God's glory with Tanner Swanson. Tanner is a writer and editor at Desiring God, and in this conversation, she walks us through her process of writing articles. From pitch to fleshing out the outline, discover some helpful writing skills to hone your craft of writing online.

You can follow Tanner's writing on Desiring God here.

If you want to learn more about growing in the craft of writing and doing it within a community, join our waiting list to be a part of the Writers' Bloc. Our free enrollment opens quarterly, so you don't want to miss out. www.mywritersbloc.com

Do you want to get published someday? What qualities distinguish publishable writing? What are editors looking for? In this practical session, Rachel will uncover 5 characteristics of a strong, marketable manuscript. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, strong manuscripts are the key to publication success.

Rachel Allord knows a thing or two about getting published. Her most recent book, The Girl on the Tube , was just released, and you can learn more about it and all of Rachel's work on her website: www.rachelallord.com.

This is the first in a 2-part teaching on the qualities of a marketable manuscript. You can access Rachel's second teaching and all other teachings when you join the Writers' Bloc.

Creating relationships around our message is the goal of most Christian writers.  We want to help people grow, change, and live out their God-given purpose. As writers, we are often in the background, working quietly behind-the-scenes, and we aren't aware of the work the Spirit does in the hearts of our readers. However, we can get to know the real-life needs of our readers by engaging with them in meaningful and practical ways.

In this episode of the Writers Bloc Podcast learn some practical ways you can get to know your readers and build community around their needs both online and in real-life. Our guest, Rose Jordan is a writer, speaker, podcaster, creative, and Devotional Life Mentor. She has taken her message of creating a devotional life you love and created a vibrant, engaged community of readers. Join our conversation and learn how Rose has built an engaged community around her message and takeaway some practical ideas of how you can do the same.

You can learn more about Rose, her writing, and community on her website: https://beneaththefigtree.org/

If you want to access more of Rose's teaching and all the features of the Writers' Bloc, you can join our Premium plan for only $27 per month.

Join us for a discussion with Julie Lefebure as she shares "lessons learned looking back" after her self-publishing journey. Learn more about what she wishes she had known before starting and some things she would do differently next time.

You can follow Julie on her website at: https://www.julielefebure.com/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/julie.gorkowlefebure 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

Christy Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who expect the unexpected in novels. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 150 works, ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to nonfiction books to novels.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2019.

Angela joined us on the Writers' Bloc to tell us about her writing process and some tips and tricks she uses to write so prolifically. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!

To learn more about Angela and see her growing list of books, visit her website at https://www.angelahuntbooks.com/ and join her Substack newsletter, "Write Well," here.

Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies - including Gracelaced, Beholding, and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She's an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people's hearts. 

She dropped in to talk to us about writing, calling, platform-building, and remaining true on and offline. Enjoy this special episode with Ruth Simons and Writers' Bloc founder Cara Ray.

You can follow Ruth on her website at https://gracelaced.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruthchousimons/

Do you want to grow in the art and heart of writing? There's no better place to do that than among your neighborly friends at the Writers' Bloc. Learn more and join us here at: www.mywritersbloc.com

Well-told stories are powerful. They ignite our imagination, inspire us to action, and enable us to absorb greater truths. Understanding the building blocks of fiction will empower your writing, whether you craft novels, blogs, memoirs, or non-fiction. Rachel will help us share our stories and add sparkle to our writing by teaching us the must-have ingredients of a good story, the power of word pictures, and the tools to develop a plan and start writing.

Rachel is the author of several books, including her most recent The Girl on the Tube. You can learn more about Rachel, her ministry in London, and her other books on her website at https://rachelallord.com/

You can access Rachel's complete teaching, and a host of other resources and make new writing friends by joining the Writers' Bloc.

Christian writers want to expound God's Word rightly and tell it in a way that captures their readers' attention. Many writers sacrifice beauty or rightly handle the Word of truth when writing Christian content. Lara will teach us to guard our writing against biblical errors and write the truth in a lovely way.

Lara is the author of A Mother Held, and she writes on both her website and Substack. You can follow her at https://www.laradentremont.com/ and https://laradentremont.substack.com/

Do you want to gain access to Lara's full teaching and all the other teachings available inside the Writers' Bloc? You can join the Writers' Bloc, explore all our teachings, and enjoy the friendliest neighborhood around the Bloc! There's always room for more on the Writers' Bloc: www.mywritersbloc.com

Writing is our creative expression and words are the vehicles we use to minister to others. But the reality of writing is that it can make us grow weary as we constantly try to satisfy the ever-changing expectations of readers, publishers, and culture. How might we safeguard our souls and give ourselves space to build rhythms for writing that are holy and whole? Ronne will lead us in practical wisdom and exercises to build healthy, sustainable rhythms for both writing and rests.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

As writers, we long to feel comfortable in our calling. We look forward to developing and sticking to a routine, overcoming imposter syndrome, and settling into our preferred methods. All of these are wonderful goals and assist us in the ultimate goal of stewarding our words unto the Lord. But what if we get too comfortable? What happens when we settle in and STAY settled? In this session, Cara will answer these questions by exploring why we crave the comfort zone, the common challenges we face in stepping out of them, and why they hinder our growth. As we look at biblical examples of those who stepped out of "the zone" and into new growth, we will learn how to identify areas we, too, are called to step out.

Cara Blondo is a gifted writer and Bible teacher! You can follow her work and writing at www.theonethingdesired.com and find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_one_thing_desired/

Join Cara and all her friends by becoming a neighbor on the Writers' Bloc! You can learn more by joining us at www.mywriterbloc.com.

Being a writer today requires us to do much more than just write the words, and it's easy to lose track of which tasks are most important on that endless list. When everything feels urgent and overwhelming, progress can come to a crashing halt!

Join us for this fun conversation with Rachel, who will teach us how to get the swirling chaos out of our heads so we can walk away with a clearer picture of how to take our next best steps. You do not want to miss this conversation steeped in biblical principles about making grounded decisions with clarity and peace! 

Follow Rachel on her website: racheldbaker.com

or Instagram @rachel.d.baker

Do you want to be a part of an ongoing conversation about the art and heart of writing? Do you want to link arms with other writers going in the same forward direction as you are? Guess what? Now you can! Join the Writers' Bloc for FREE now through the end of August 2024. Don't miss out! Did we mention it's free? 

Join us in this fun episode, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Benjamin Vrbicek, author of Blogging for God's Glory in a Clickbait World. Benjamin is a teaching pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is the managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He has contributed to various platforms, including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and For The Church.

Benjamin shared insights into the dynamic nature of online writing, and how to persevere in the ever-changing digital landscape. He highlighted that while trends and platforms may shift, the commitment to producing meaningful, God-honoring content remains constant.

We also delved into the complexities of social media and platform building and how Christian writers can make glorifying God our main aim.

For more of Benjamin's work, visit his blog, Fan and Flame, where he shares reflections on the Bible, culture, and pastoral ministry. Additionally, explore Gospel-Centered Discipleship, an organization dedicated to cultivating writers and resources that make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus.

One way to blog for God's glory is to join a community of Christian writers who are also seeking to honor the Lord with their craft. You can join us in that effort on the Writers' Bloc. Join for free today!

Exposing the pain from our past to the light of Christ allows the strangled rose within to surface and bloom. Unfortunately, many writers who want to write about their trauma stop when the going gets rough because they don’t have the tools necessary to sustain them in the dark. When painful stories are shared correctly, they have the potential to bring not only healing to the writer but also understanding and hope to the reader. Women who feel called to write about their traumatic experiences will come away from this session equipped with the knowledge to prepare for and draw strength during a difficult writing journey. 

The work Michelle talks about in this interview is being adapted for film! So stay tuned to learn more.

To learn more about Michelle, visit her website: https://www.michellelayerrahal.com/

and follow her on social media https://www.instagram.com/michellelayerrahal/

Hey, you podcast listener! We know you enjoy listening to podcasts (that's why you're here!), but have you ever considered using a podcast for your own writing endeavors? How might a podcast help you get your message out to a larger audience? A podcast is a popular way to reach an audience, but do they hold value for writers? We think the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

In this episode, we'll examine why a writer might or might not consider starting a podcast and how it can effectively reach and grow your audience. We will also discuss some simple ways to get started if you decide it would be right for you.

Amy is the host of the popular The Purposeful Pen Podcast, a show that helps writers bless God and bless others with their words. You can learn more about Amy's work and follow her podcast here: https://www.amylynnsimon.com/purposeful-pen-podcast.

If meekness is “the easy, quiet submission to the will of God as he makes it known by his Word or His Providence,” then Christian writers are poised to grow in this vital but misunderstood Spirit fruit. Abigail Wallace, author of “Meek Not Weak: A 12-Week Guide to the Gentle Strength of Meekness,” will teach us how to use meekness in our writing life disciplines to grow us more into the image of Christ.

You can follow Abigail on her website at: https://www.abigailwallace.com/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/JoyfullyPressingOn

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/

Join Keri in this practical teaching time where she'll teach the elements of the standard writing process and how to apply them to your writing. Regardless of the kind of writing you do, you'll come away with a refresher course on how you can use these basics of writing to confidently establish your own writing process. Knowing these skills will help you effectively communicate the messages God has uniquely gifted you to share.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

As Christian writers, we're sensitive to the pitfalls of pride and self-promotion, yet we understand the value of building a platform. Jesus showed us how to faithfully glorify God and serve our audience without caving under pressure. Jana will walk us through Biblical examples and practical encouragement to equip us to maximize our gifts for the good of others and the glory of God.

Jana writes to encourage women in the Word and equip Christian writers to write for God's glory. You can follow her work at www.janacarlson.com.

Do you want to build your own writing platform? Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or a published author, there's more to learn and new friends to be made at the Writers' Bloc. Join us and become our new neighbor at www.mywritersbloc.com.

When you're writing about your life, sooner or later, you have to answer the question, "What does it all mean?" In this conversation, Mara shares a surprisingly simple exercise to help you identify the central themes that can provide purpose and direction for your written narratives. Listen in on how you can discover clarity in your story and how you can use that clarity to write an infinite number of powerful pieces. You won't want to miss it!

Mara helps writers craft stories that change the world.  You can work with Mara and follow her on her website, maraeller.com, or on Instagram @mara.eller

Do you want to be a part of an ongoing conversation about the art and heart of writing? Do you want to link arms with other writers going in the same forward direction as you are? Guess what? Now you can! Join the Writers' Bloc for FREE now through the end of August 2024. Don't miss out! Did we mention it's free? 

Join us for a special conversation with Will Anderson, a senior editor at Waterbrook Multnomah. As a publishing professional, Will understands what publishers seek in writers who want to get their books published. He sympathizes with the struggle to build a platform and offers great suggestions for writers who wish to develop their platforms without relying too heavily on social media. Join us for this insightful conversation about how to build your writing platform, test your book ideas, and grow in the craft of writing. You'll come away refreshed and encouraged!

You can follow Will on his podcast, The Writers Circle, or his website at www.willparkeranderson.com.

In June 2024, our 2:2 Launch Lab mentorship program celebrated its completion! After six months, our first cohort of mentees completed their course of study. In this episode, mentors Jana Carlson, Amy Simon, and Cara Ray and our mentees share their big wins and how the program transformed their writing journeys. Listen to this episode as we recap the Launch Lab and share what the mentors and mentees experienced and thought about the Launch Lab.

If you're interested in learning more about the Launch Lab and how you can grow (and launch) your own writing platform, join us by registering for our upcoming webinar here: https://mywritersbloc.com/launch-lab/

We hope to see you there! Now, onto the show...!

Often, writers are intimidated by the tech behind self-publishing. Be assured, dear writer, if you've written a book, you've done the hard part. Now, it's time for a little fun! Join Kelda as she shares some of her experiences publishing nine books on Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing platform.  

Listen to the conversation and come away feeling empowered to get your book uploaded on KDP!

Do you want to join a growing community of Christian writers growing in the art and heart of writing? Sign up to join our mailing list to enroll in our next free open enrollment at www.mywritersbloc.com

In June 2024, the Writers' Bloc hosted an in-person writing retreat in Showlow, Arizona. However, before the retreat, we were blessed to get to know our retreat speaker, Charisse Compton, and hear her heart for writers. Listen to this casual conversation with Charisse Compton and our members.

Charisse lives in Minneapolis, where she works for Bethlehem College and Seminary. She teaches freshman Grammar and Comp, directs the Seminary Wives program, and often writes on DesiringGod.org. Charisse's heart is to help writers realize their potential for kingdom impact and cooperation in the Great Commission. While some of our conversations included discussion about our retreat, the encouragement applies to all who desire to be useful for the Kingdom.

Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

In this episode, Cara Ray will discuss how we can position ourselves as experts in our writing fields. You may not feel like an expert, but in truth, you have knowledge and experience other people can and will benefit from when you share it.

We’ll also discuss how we can build our platforms by providing value to our readers with a free (but valuable) piece of content called a lead magnet. This does two things for us: It helps establish us as an "expert" with the problems we solve in the minds of our readers and helps us build an email list as well. Get ready to be challenged and grow in this practical session that will set you apart as the expert you are!

You can learn more about Cara's work as a writer, copywriter, and community builder on her three websites. 

www.cara-ray.com

www.avocadotoastmarketing.com

www.mywritersbloc.com

To access Cara's subsequent teaching and the teachings, resources, and community of our many other gifted writers, try the Writers' Bloc for FREE for one week. 

Now, pull up a chair and learn with us as we explore the art and heart of writing together!

Space Welch has been managing a small business since 2007, yet never considered herself a business owner. Her philosophies are unconventional. She sees Space Cadet Soaps as God's business rather than her own and her product as an opportunity to bless others rather than just to make money. She sees vending as a covert missionary operation and an opportunity to offer counseling to those in need rather than an opportunity to sell things. Her upside-down way of viewing her business has enabled her to view her writing the same way. By side-stepping the pressure to "sell" her words, she's been able to see them as a means of tending souls and also believes that if she simply walks in faithful obedience to make the art God created her to make, she can trust Him to do with it what He wills. Listen in on this fun conversation and consider how your writing and/or business can be unconventional for the sake of the kingdom.

Check out Space's business, Space Cadet Soaps: spacecadetsoaps.com 

You can follow Space and her writing at spacewelch.com

Did you know you can now join the Writers' Bloc for free? Enrollment is open now through the end of August 2024. Come be a part of this exciting and growing community and grow with us in the art and heart of writing! Join us today!

Whether Scripture, stories, or anything else, what we intake transforms us as writers, but it also transforms who we are as individuals. Sometimes, we are so desperate to create that we don't always allow ourselves to rest in a good book, to allow the Scripture we're reading to change us or to read for enjoyment. This teaching will encourage writers to first read well and intentionally as part of the creative process: (1) Read Scripture well, (2) Read stories well, (3) and allow what we read to transform us as writers.

Ashley's featured writer on Risen Motherhood, Gospel-Centered Discipleship, and Journeywomen Blog. You can follow her work at www.ashleyganthony.com

Join Ashley and her writing friends on the Writers' Bloc! Learn more about the art and heart of writing with us at www.mywritersbloc.com.

"Why would he do that?" "How could she say that?" "I just don't understand some people!" God created every human being, but we have different temperaments. An understanding of how people tick, especially if they are not like us, helps us to understand our neighbors so we can love them better. In addition, as writers, we need a deep understanding of people to write well. Fiction writers need to create believable characters, and nonfiction writers need to awaken an understanding of their topic or the subject of their biography in readers. Understanding the temperaments is an eye-opening (sometimes mind-blowing) way to achieve this. Come learn how to use knowledge of the temperaments to improve your relationships and enrich your writing!

Follow Rosemary on Substack at: https://rosemarymcguireberry.substack.com/ and Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/rosemary.writer/

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level with Pinterest? Join Paige C. Clark, a digital marketing pro, as she shows you how to unlock Pinterest’s potential for your brand. Join us for a fun conversation about how you can create eye-catching pins, optimize captions, and drive more traffic to your website. Whether you're just starting or want to up your Pinterest game, this conversation will help you walk away with simple, actionable steps to grow your brand. Let’s get pinning and watch your writing platform thrive!

You can follow Paige and her writing at https://paigecclark.com/

Paige's second teaching mentioned in this episode is available for paid members of the Writers' Bloc. If you want to join the Writers' Bloc and take advantage of our FREE membership option, you can do so here. 

We'll see you next time on the Bloc!

Do you ever wonder how to connect with your audience? Have you ever wished you knew how to dig into their felt needs and reach them with your words? Join us for this conversation with Lisa Schell who helps large and small businesses and entrepreneurs connect to their target audiences with conversational messaging that builds trust and rapport using the principle of empathy. We'll consider how Jesus modeled this and how you can understand your audience more deeply and uncover their needs beneath "the need." You can learn more about Lisa's work at LisaSchell.com.

Are you interested in learning more about the Writers' Bloc? We're an online community of Christian women writers seeking to grow in the art and heart of writing together. Learn more about how you can be involved at www.mywritersbloc.com.

As writers, we will eventually be asked to speak. Your message matters and your voice is needed. But how do we transition our written words into a live speaking experience that leaves our listeners encouraged and ourselves joyful? Join us in this conversation with Marissa Bondurant as we discuss practical steps we can take to craft our spoken message from what we have already written onto paper. This conversation will encourage you to boldly step into new ministry opportunities the Lord may call you to.

Are you a caregiver in need of encouragement? Marissa offers gospel hope to caregivers and is the author of Who Cares For You? A 4-Week Bible Study for Caregivers

Find encouragement in your caregiving by following Marissa on her website at https://marissabondurant.com/ or her Substack Gospel Hope for Caregivers

Are you interested in joining the Writers' Bloc? Our free community offers quarterly enrollment. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit www.mywritersbloc.com. 

Do you want to grow in the craft of writing? Learning how to become a freelancer will help you serve others and improve your craft at the same time. Kimberly Coyle has done a lot of work as a freelancer. She has worked as a copywriter for HopeWriters and teaches writing courses as an adjunct professor in New Jersey. She is passionate about helping writers improve their craft and share their message. Tune into this encouraging conversation and discover some ways freelancing might be the missing tool in your writing craft toolbelt.

You can follow Kimberly on her website at: https://www.kimberlyanncoyle.com/  or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyanncoyle/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

Amy Simon is known for the problems she solves. She loves helping writers identify their ideal readers and messages, and how you can uniquely write to their needs. This is a common hurdle writers face, especially when they are first starting out. Over the last couple of years, Amy's also fine-tuned her personal message, and you'll benefit from the lessons she's learned along the way as you determine your own.

You can follow Amy on her website at: https://www.amylynnsimon.com/ and on Substack at: https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/. She’s also on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/amysimonwriter 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

As writers, we focus on growth: personal growth, our readers’ growth, growth of platform, influence,  and more. What happens when growth slows - or even “worse” - appears to diminish? Do we spin our wheels harder and faster or recognize we may be in a pruning season? In this episode, Cara helps us consider what pruning may look like and how we can be honest about its difficulty. It's in these seasons of pruning that we gain the courage to continue by looking at Scriptural examples that remind us of His higher ways and better purposes for our lives and writing endeavors. 

You can follow Cara on her website at: theonethingdesired.com

or on Instagram at @the_one_thing_desired 

Do you want to be a part of an ongoing conversation about the art and heart of writing? Do you want to link arms with other writers going in the same forward direction as you are? Guess what? Now you can! Join the Writers' Bloc for FREE now through the end of August 2024. Don't miss out! Did we mention it's free? 

So often we have unrealistic expectations for what our writing life will be, when it really boils down to being faithful in the small things. After blogging consistently for over 5 years, Amber has learned that in order to influence others, she has to faithfully steward the small things well. Regardless of your numbers, writing is a ministry that will nourish your own heart as you minister to others.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

Do you consider the act of writing as worship?

You don't have to raise your arms or voice to worship the Lord. Writing is a spiritual offering; we can give to the Lord and ask him to receive it as worship and bless his people. Keri Willis understands this concept well. As a teacher, she knows that when she's excited and engaged in a lesson, her students are too. This kind of engagement yields far more results than a simple lecture or worksheet. The same is true for our writing. Whether fiction, non-fiction, devotionals, Bible study, or memoir, our attitudes as we write, the word pictures we present, and our correct representation of Scripture can serve our readers, moving them from spectator to participant. Keri Lynn Willis joins us for this conversation about how we can serve our readers and honor the Lord by using writing as worship.

Keri Willis writes to encourage thirsty souls to drink deeply from the fountain of living water. You can follow her work at www.kerilynnwillis.com

The Writers' Bloc is a podcast and an online community for Christian writers who desire to grow in the art and heart of writing. Love God, love words, and love readers with us. Join the waiting list for our next open and free enrollment. www.mywritersbloc.com

As the Executive Director of Calla Press Publishing, Madison Aichele has learned what publishers are looking for and what many writers miss when they submit their queries. As a champion of writers and someone who's amazed that God allows us to co-create with him, Madison loves encouraging writers to use their God-given gifts for the kingdom. Get ready to learn about the publishing process and how you can pursue your creative dreams for God's glory.

You can follow Madison on her website at: https://www.madisonaichele.com/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/madisonaichele. You can also learn more about Calla Press and the beautiful materials they publish at: https://www.callapresspublishing.com/

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

If you've ever wondered about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), this conversation is for you! SEO is a great way for you, as a writer, to serve your audience in a natural, manageable, and effective way with a step-by-step, detailed, real-time walkthrough using easy SEO strategies to write a blog post. Listen in as we talk to Jana Carlson about how SEO is an undervalued but highly profitable tool writers can use to get their words and messages out to the world.

You can follow Jana's work on her website at www.janacarlson.com.

To access her in-depth teaching and so much more, join us in the Bloc. www.mywritersbloc.com.

Trends are always changing, and it's no different in the writing world. Right now, Substack is the place to be as a creative writer. But this trend is different from the dancing and pointing trends of IG Reels—this trend is actually for writers and can provide them with a better way to connect with their audiences without needing to jump through hoops, as social media forces us to do. Lara will show us how to harness Substack to grow our readership in a way that doesn't feel tacky or icky.

Are you interested in joining this dynamic online writing community? Click here to join our free community today.

We know that as Christian writers, we want to bring glory to God with our words. But sometimes the worldly definition of success creeps into our thinking and expectations. Cara will explain how we can use our God-given gifts, to grant grace to others and give glory to God. As we do, we'll be challenged to redefine success through the biblical lens of service, stewardship, and overcome our common enemy of imposter syndrome. You'll be encouraged in this session with a clearer understanding of just how much your creativity matters for the Kingdom.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

Has your creative juice lost its fizz? Have you just completed a massive project and feel fizzled out and dry? April Dawn White discusses how she learned to renew and rejuvenate her creative juices, especially after completing her book Destination Hope, and how you can too!

To learn more about April and her book, visit https://www.aprildawnwhite.com/book

To enjoy the second part of April's teaching and access the growing teaching archives on the Writers' Bloc, visit www.mywritersbloc.com!

Have you ever wanted to get published in a magazine, newspaper, or website? If so, Ericka Anderson will show us that it’s easier to pitch and publish your work than you may realize. In this session, Ericka will show us the strategy behind getting our work published in a way that is fulfilling and helpful to our overall writing goals.

Ericka is the author of Reason to Return Why Women Need the Church and the Church Needs Women. You can follow her on her website at erickaanderson.com or on Instagram at https://erickaandersen.com/.

Join Ericka and all her neighbors on the Bloc at www.mywritersbloc.com. 

How do you respond when a project doesn’t go as planned, a rejection email lands in your inbox (yet again), or you pour your heart and soul into a blog post or social media caption, and all you get in return is crickets?

 Frustration and disappointment are par for the course, not just for Christians, but for everyone interested in making an impact in the creative world. However, even though disappointments are to be expected, they can feel magnified when we experience them in the arena of our craft, dreams, and passions.

 In this week’s episode, we will consider another way to respond to the next inevitable disappointment we’ll experience. Rather than grow in frustration, we can grow in faith when we look at our disappointments through the lens of God’s Word and his ways.

 If your heart could use tender encouragement this season, this episode is for you. God knows your heart, and he holds it in his hands. He will meet you in your disappointment and show you His divine purpose.

You can follow Cara on her website at: https://theonethingdesired.com/author/carablondo/ or find her on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/theonethingdesired/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

This week, Cara Blondo will help us consider the idea taken from Mark 14:8 of the woman who "did what she could." As Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume, many disciples and Judas criticized her gift. Jesus, on the other hand, praised her beautiful sacrifice, and we honor her today. As we shift our perspective from the frustration of what we can't do because of lack of time, ability, etc., we also learn ways to see what we can do and how to serve. No ordinary offering is too small to make an eternal impact. How are you stewarding your gifts for the kingdom---despite your limitations? We all have them! Join us for this discussion and be encouraged in your kingdom work.

Cara Blondo is a gifted writer and Bible teacher! You can follow her work and writing at www.theonethingdesired.com and find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_one_thing_desired/

Join Cara and all her friends by becoming a neighbor on the Writers' Bloc! You can learn more and join us at www.mywriterbloc.com.

So you want to write? Great! But do you know who you're talking to? Amy will help us uncover our unique message, and pinpoint our ideal readers. Even if you've been writing for a while, you don't want to miss this session where you'll be encouraged to consider again, what makes your life experiences and strengths, just the right combo for your ideal reader.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

How do we handle Scripture with care as we create content? As writers, we must be confident in our accurate use of Scripture. Join us in a conversation with Angie Bauhman, a Bible study teacher and leader of Stead On University, as she shares her step-by-step Bible study method to help you understand and apply Scripture to your life. She will also share how the overflow of your connection with God's Word shines through your writing projects. This is an important topic for Christians (writers and not) to handle the Word of Truth rightly! You won't want to miss it.

You can learn more about Angie and her work at https://livesteadyon.com/

If you want to learn from Angie's additional teaching and many other resources for Christian writers, join us on the Writers' Bloc. You can join for free here.

In our first episode, we talk to Jana Carlson, who walks us through the call and responsibility of the Christian writer. We look at the power of words according to God's Word and then explore what this means for us as writers and Christian communicators. Come away from this practical and applicable teaching equipped and encouraged to glorify God not only with your words but with your whole life.

Writing from the overflow of the heart means the words we offer others have originated in the reservoir of our own soul, from our communion with God, not from our effort to produce.  Space will share how fellowship with Christ is the fountainhead from which we quench our own thirst, and invite others to quench theirs.  We, as writers, are to be conduits of His grace, wisdom, hope, joy, etc., yet we cannot channel to others what we haven't first received.  Come ready to be encouraged to become filled to overflowing. 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc, and get access to all of our teachings: visit www.mywritersbloc.com

God has blessed us with powerful words. Some come in the form of teaching and sharing our experiences. Some weave into stories that engage and entertain our readers. Kelda will encourage us writers to write our God-given words by answering five important questions. What has the Lord placed on my heart to write? How best are these words shared? What skills, knowledge, and expertise do I already possess? What research or skills do I need to hone? Do other opportunities align with or distract from my calling to write?

Kelda has written several books, and she's also a writing and life coach and homeschool consultant. You can learn more about her work at www.KeldaLaingPoynot.com

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc, become a member, and access Kelda's teachings and many more, visit www.mywritersbloc.com

When writing our hard stories it is often difficult to navigate the boundaries of what we should share, and what should remain private. Marissa, who's traveled through her own seasons of hardship, offers a Gospel lens for how to view your hardships and a framework to help you discern when and what to share with others. Come ready to be encouraged that nothing is wasted in the Kingdom of God, not even your hard stories.

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

As a writing coach and developmental Editor, Stephanie Miller knows what makes good writing stand out. Join us for this craft-oriented conversation as Stephanie guides us through our writing "closets" and shows us how to dress up our stories to serve our audiences. Just like the right accessory completes an outfit, asking yourself the right questions as you write will make your story and written word sparkle and shine.

You can follow Stephanie on her website at: https://www.butterfly-beginnings.com/ or find her on social media at https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemillercoach/ 

To learn more about the Writers' Bloc and sign up for our waiting list to join our FREE community, please visit: https://mywritersbloc.com/ 

Would you help us grow our audience and reach more people with the art and heart of writing by writing a 5-star review? We would be so grateful!  

Do you want to get better at reading and understanding poetry? Does poetry sometimes intimidate you? Who better to help us appreciate poetry than Ashley Anthony? She's a seminary student at Westminster Theological Seminary and teaches English at a university in Missouri. She loves words, stories, and poetry and shares her love with us in this fun conversation about how to read both Christian and Scriptural.  

You can follow Ashley's writing at ashleyganthony.com

Through August 2024, we're offering free membership to the Writers' Bloc. Join us as we grow in the art and heart of writing together! Join for free today!

Amy Bonebright has a unique perspective on journalism and writing in today's world. As a journalism professor at Liberty University, she's seen how the profession is changing and how writers must adapt and understand what it requires today. Join Writers' Bloc teacher and member Keri Willis and Amy as they discuss writing, journalism, and truth-telling in today's world.

Do you want to learn more about the Writers' Bloc and stay in the loop for our next open enrollment in the Writers' Bloc? Learn more and join the waiting list at www.mywritersbloc.com

As writers, we need to be clear on our "why," and a personal mission statement helps us do that. When our hearts are aligned with God's we can move forward with clearer direction and focus in our writing and our lives. Melissa will teach us how to write our own mission statements and align our priorities and goals with that vision. An immensely practical and biblically-centered teaching, you won't want to miss!

Melissa is a speaker, writer, and coach. You can follow her work at www.framedinjoy.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/framedinjoy/ 

Join our mailing list and get our free Seasons of Creativity Workbook as our gift to you. www.mywritersbloc.com

We writers use words to paint illustrations, share encouragement, and impart wisdom. The process of pouring out as a writer can be tedious and draining. Therefore, writers must be able to lean into the Author of Life and be filled themselves. Having come to the Lord from atheism, Mariel knows firsthand the power of the Word of God and how to lean into it for herself. Through her TEND method of Bible study, she will enable other writers to tend their own souls with the powerful Word of God, too. This teaching will walk the writer through a passage of Scripture while guiding them through the TEND method. You will walk away refreshed from time in the Word and empowered to continue spending time with the Lord for yourself to write for God’s glory.

Mariel writes to help women TEND their souls in the Word of God. You can follow her work at www.marieldavenport.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/marieldavenport/

Join Mariel and her other writing neighbors on the Bloc! As Mr. Rogers once said, 'Won't you be our neighbor?' You can be when you join at www.mywritersbloc.com.