The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

Does promoting your writing make you prideful? Many Christian writers quietly believe it does, and that belief keeps good writing from reaching the people who need it. In this episode, we continue our look at faulty mindsets by defining what “promoting our work” actually means, comparing it to boasting, and asking whether we should simply pray and let God bring the readers. We also look at how clear titles and a focused message serve readers and help them find us.In this episode, we talk about* Defining our terms: promotion as placing our writing where readers can find it, not announcing how great our writing is* Why marketing is a way of serving our reader, not boasting* The “God should do the promotion” objection, and why He typically works through natural means* Lessons from raising ministry support with Cru, and how George Mueller’s situation differs from ours* The argument that Jesus never promoted His ministry, and how He still went where the people were* Why writing that solves a problem or meets a need is easier for readers to find and benefit from* Where personal stories and encouragement-focused writing fitKey takeawayGetting our writing into a place and format where our ideal reader can find it and benefit from it is another way we serve that reader, which is the reason we write for others in the first place.Reflect on this weekWhat is your next step toward writing for a specific reader and placing that writing where they can find it?Resources mentioned* “Simple SEO for Christian Writers” course by Jana Carlson* Podcast Episode 44, interview with Jana Carlson on SEOConnect* Subscribe to Pen Points, our weekly email newsletter* Download the Christian Writers’ Mindset Makeover* Learn more about coaching and resources: amylynnsimon.comThe 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! [email protected] 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

Ryan Pote was an injured Navy pilot trying to heal from trauma and rebuild his life. His counselor suggested that he journal, but doing so in the first person felt too vulnerable. Instead, he fictionalized his experiences as a way to process his trauma. In this interview, you’ll hear how God used his journaling to bring healing as well as lead him to a personal relationship with Jesus. Those journals also unearthed a love of writing fiction and paved the way for his current career writing thriller novels embedded with biblical truth.More about RyanRyan is a twelve-year veteran Navy helicopter pilot and mission commander who was part of a joint interagency special operations task force (JIATF). He did three deployments during Operation MARTILLO countering narcotics smuggling throughout Central and South America.Ryan then served as a search and rescue pilot for the US Navy Experimental Test Wing and NASA. After getting out of the Navy, he was a federal investigator for six years on prototype aircraft development programs. He currently works for the Navy’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Test and Evaluation Squadron as the safety department head.Before the Navy, he lived and worked in Hawaii as a PADI SCUBA Instructor and lab tech researching algal-biofuels for Shell Oil. Ryan’s been the director of an oil company, a bartender, and even a live musician. He attended college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and earned a master’s degree in US History and Teaching from Ashland University.Books:Blood and Treasure (Berkley 2025), The Ghost City (Berkley 2026), CLIVE CUSSLER The Serpent's Eye (Putnam April 2027). Various other projects in print and Hollywood protected by NDA.Find him at https://www.ryanpote.com and @ryanpotebooks (IG, FB, X, Goodreads, 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! [email protected]: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

This week we’re tackling a mindset that keeps so many writers stuck: the belief that we aren’t worth investing in. If you’ve ever hesitated to spend money on a writing course, a community membership, or a coach because you weren’t sure you were “serious enough” to justify it, this episode is for you.I share my own story of wrestling with this during Covid, when I felt God nudging me away from writing assorted magazine articles and toward building something of my own: a website, a focused message, an audience I could actually serve. I found an online writing community that felt like exactly what I needed, but it came with a monthly cost, and I froze. Was it worth it? Did I even believe my writing was worth it?Spoiler: investing in that community changed everything. And I think a lot of us need permission to ask the same question about our own writing.What We Cover* The empty-nest season many of my coaching clients are in, and why “what’s next” can feel disorienting after years of pouring into other people* The difference between spending money and investing wisely: courses you finish but never apply, memberships you never fully engage with* Practical ways to invest in your growth as a writer: a paid community like the Writers’ Bloc, a writer’s conference, or working with a coach* Why it’s worth journaling through where this mindset came from in the first place (a practice we talked about back in episode 150)* What it means to be a good steward of the gift of writing, not just a good steward of your moneyScripture We Return ToProverbs has plenty to say about the cost of gaining wisdom. But the passage I keep coming back to is the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Each servant was entrusted with something and asked to invest it, not bury it. If writing is a gift we’ve received, we’re called to invest in it so it can grow and become a blessing to others. Sometimes that means spending money. Sometimes it means spending time. Either way, it’s an act of stewardship, not indulgence.If this episode stirred something up for you, I’d love to help you take the next step. Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about where you’re stuck and what investing in your writing could look like for you.And if you’re not ready for a call yet, join us for Pen Points, our weekly email where we dig into mindset, craft, and calling together.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! [email protected] 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

This season, we’re digging into the faulty mindsets and spiritual struggles that surface when we write for others. Writing has a way of pushing our fears and insecurities into the light, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s one of the ways God grows us.In this episode, we talk about:* Why spiritual growth is really about renewing our minds (Romans 12:2)* How writing for publication exposes the lies we believe about ourselves and about God* A simple three-step process for working through any faulty mindset: reveal, investigate, replace* A preview of the mindsets we’ll tackle this season, including “Who am I to have anything of value to offer?” and “It’s prideful of me to promote my work”* Two upcoming interviews: Angie Baughman on rest and seeking God in our writing, and author Ryan Pote on his journey from atheist Navy helicopter pilot to Christian thriller novelistMentioned in this episode:Download the free Christian Writers’ Mindset Makeover at amylynnsimon.com/makeover. It walks through several of these mindsets, shows you the kernel of truth that keeps you hooked, and gives you Scripture to counter the lie.Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email that accompanies each episode, giving you a question to consider and some possible next steps.Note: The journaling practice I talk about is not meant to be a quick fix or a substitute for biblical counseling, especially if the “investigate” step involves past trauma. I am not a counselor. Serious issues of your past should be addressed with a godly professional. 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! [email protected] 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

Writing a book is a huge endeavor, as we’ve discussed this season. But what would it look like to write a book as a family? The Bryant family has done just that! This homeschooling family of 5 decided to turn a dream into reality and write and publish a children’s book together.In this interview with Bobby and his three kids, BJ, Ava, and Joseph, we talk about where their idea for the book came from and what the writing and publishing process looked like. You’ll hear about the lessons they learned and be encouraged by the close bond this family has together.You can find their book, “Trusting Timothy: a Story about Cheating” here. About the Bryant family:The Bryants are a Christian homeschooling family, who deeply believe in the power of God's Word and the importance of growing into the best version of yourself. Their debut children's book, "Trusting Timothy: A Story about Cheating", not only delivers a powerful message, but also serves as a testament to the creative freedom and flexibility that homeschooling provides. They are deeply driven by the desire to instill in today's youth principles of excellence and to remind them that with God, all things are possible.You can find them on their website and on Instagram.Additional resources mentioned in the episode:Stuck to SteadyPen PointsThe 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! [email protected] 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

Where do the ideas for picture books come from? For my guest, Molly Arbuthnott, they started from the imagined adventures of her family cat who was lost on a ferry trip.In this interview, I talk with Molly about how she started writing picture books, how she is trying to market them for adults as well as children, and some encouragement for those just starting out on the writing adventure.About MollyMolly Arbuthnott is a teacher, author, editor, and academic from Scotland. She is passionate about the promotion of children’s literature and has published eighteen award winning picture books. Molly, a former teacher, transitioned her career to children’s literature in 2019 completing a Master’s in Children’s Literature at Glasgow University. Molly crafts narratives based on people that have been important in her life and that are simultaneously honest and gentle, teaching children about empathy, teamwork and moral courage. Each book collaborates with a charity which is associated with the theme of the book in some way. Her writing has received acclaim during book tours worldwide and won national awards; they have been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize, won the Wishing Shelf Book awards and the Firebird Book Awards. She’s shared academic papers with IRSCL Congress. She has been published in the ‘Once Upon Another Time’ anthology by the Book Whisperers and she has received the Emily Dickinson Award. She has a contract with Celene Press in Greece and Select Books in USA. Beyond writing, Molly has also demonstrated her proficiency in production, having written a program and trailer for BBC Alba’s adaption of her book Oscar the Ferry Cat. She also successfully created a VR program for Glasgow University’s Hackathon and hosts the popular podcast, “My Favourite Books.” She has amassed a loyal fan base of over 115K followers. Her foray into the auditory realm is also noteworthy, with her stories now available on Audible. Her current endeavour is to animate Oscar the Ferry Cat, with the goal of enchanting children through her compelling storytelling.Molly’s website: https://mollyarbuthnott.com/Her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B077S1H5HNAmy’s Resources:Start here email coursePen PointsThe 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! [email protected]: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

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

Can you explain your book in one or two sentences? If not, that’s your next step, and this episode is for you.This week we’re diving into how to sharpen your book’s main idea and craft an elevator pitch that brings clarity to both you and your reader.What You’ll Learn:* Why a clear, concise book concept is essential before you start writing* What an elevator pitch is and why it matters for writers* Two practical ways to find clarity when you feel stuck: free-writing and working with a writing coachTry This: Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and free-write everything you want your book to include. When time’s up, look for recurring themes, common threads, and a central transformation. That’s where your book lives.Work With Me: If you’re still stuck, book a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your ideas and find your direction. 👉 amylynnsimon.comStay 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 writingSubscribe here: amylynnsimon.com/pen-pointsThe 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! [email protected] 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

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 GrowA 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! [email protected] 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

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 solveWe 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! [email protected] 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

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 appBut 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! [email protected] 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

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! [email protected] 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

YouTube is yet another way to grow your online writing platform. It gives your audience a chance to see you and get to know you better. You can also take advantage of opportunities for new people to find your content without getting lost in algorithms and scrolling.About Rose:Rose McCombs Jordan is a devotional-life mentor, podcast host, YouTube creator, and the founder of Beneath The Fig Tree, a ministry dedicated to helping women cultivate an authentic and meaningful devotional life. Through her podcast, YouTube channel, workshops, and creative resources, Rose equips women with practical tools to deepen their relationship with God in ways that feel personal, sustainable, and life-giving. As the host of the Beneath The Fig Tree podcast and creator of its companion YouTube channel, Rose has intentionally leveraged video content to expand her reach as an author and teacher, strengthen audience connection, and build a values-driven platform. She is passionate about helping writers think beyond traditional methods and use YouTube strategically to grow visibility, serve their audience, and create lasting impact. Links to Stay In Touch Website: www.BeneathTheFigTree.org YouTube/Podcast/Instagram: Beneath The Fig Tree Facebook Group: Beneath the Fig Tree: FIGS CommunityAmy’s Resources: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.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! [email protected] 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