Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media

Think you need a big email list before you can host your own virtual event? Think again! What if hosting an event is actually how you grow your list? And what if you could do it without a huge budget, fancy technology, or an established audience? By collaborating with other writers and experts, you can introduce your work to new readers, build meaningful relationships, and grow your email list—all while creating something genuinely valuable for the people you want to serve. This is episode ...

Recently, during a group coaching call, one of our students told us she’d love to find someone to collaborate with in her business. Then she asked us a question: “How did you two find each other?” Well, the short answer is: It took years. And the long answer? That’s what we’re sharing today. Because this is our 100th episode! So we’re taking you all the way back to the beginning—how we met, how our friendship grew, the moment we realized we should start a business together, and what we’...

Writing can be a lonely endeavor. For years, women gathered in Facebook groups and comment threads to encourage one another. But the algorithms, the arguments, and the feeling of performing for a crowd made it more and more difficult to stay. Jessica DeYoung wanted something different, so she created The Story Haven — a free, invite-only community where Scripture, prayer, and everyday stories of God's faithfulness come first. A private, Christ-centered community for women–where you could conn...

What would it feel like to stop chasing an audience and start trusting that faithful work in small places is enough? Our guest today, Rachel Allord, has lived that question for over twenty years — through freelance writing, missionary life in London, and eventually a book deal. Her story is a permission slip for every writer who's tired of performing, and a beautiful reminder of the difference between ambition and calling. This week, we're discussing what it looks like to write with a mission...

If you've ever felt guilty for not posting enough, or wondered whether you're falling behind because you're not showing up consistently online — this episode is for you. We talk a lot on this show about the freedom that's possible when you step off the social media treadmill, but sometimes what we really need is to hear from someone who's actually done it and come out the other side with more clarity, more confidence, and more momentum than before. And our guest today is exactly that person —...

If you've ever typed "Should writers be on YouTube?" into a search bar and walked away more confused than when you started — this episode is for you. We've never had much to say about YouTube, but today we're diving deep with someone who has done the work. Thomas Umstattd Jr. joins us for his third time on the show, and we're finally going to tackle the YouTube question — the time, the tech, the payoff, and whether it's actually right for you — or just one more shiny thing pulling you away fr...

Today we’re diving into your questions — specifically, how to make the most of the opportunities right in front of you, whether that’s growing your email list, connecting with readers in real life, or building meaningful relationships in the writing world. We're sharing real stories, and answering your biggest questions so you can stop spinning your wheels — and start making strategic, sustainable progress. Listen in! For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/90 Find our Recommend...

Leaving social media is a huge step that takes a lot of courage. And for many writers, that step can feel less like a strategy shift—and more like a threat to your calling, your identity, and your future as a writer. This week, we chat with author, podcast host and certified brain coach Ashriel Huber, where we unpack the very real anxiety behind that feeling, what’s happening in your brain when the panic sets in, and how to reset your thoughts and nervous system so you can move forward with c...

Today, we are thrilled to speak with best-selling, award-winning author, poet, educator, and founder of The KidLit Lab, Laura Wifler, where we dive into all things children’s books. Listen in as we discuss what it looks like to write for one audience while marketing to another, and whether or not it’s possible to market a children’s book without social media. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/86 Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated ...

It's our SEASON FINALE! What do you do when the rhythm that used to work… suddenly doesn’t anymore? When life shifts so drastically that your old schedule just won’t hold? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing how we’ve rebuilt our work rhythms from the ground up in two totally different seasons of life. Today we’re unpacking the real processes we use to shape our schedules, find our focus, and build rhythms that honor our calling. Listen in! For show notes, go to https://writingo...

If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no way I can land a book deal without a massive platform,” this episode is going to mess with that narrative in the very best way. Our guest, best-selling novelist Sarah Damoff, sold her debut novel, The Bright Years, to Simon & Schuster with no writing background, no industry connections, an Instagram following of about 300 friends and family, and a tiny email list. So if you’ve been quietly disqualifying yourself because of your numbers, today’s guest is...

Imagine building a successful, profitable business without posting a single reel, chasing trends, or spending hours trying to trick the algorithm. If this sounds impossible, think again. As an anger management coach and podcaster, Elizabeth Andreyevskiy walked away from social media entirely, and in doing so, built a flourishing coaching practice that not only serves Christian moms all over the world, but also contributes greatly to her household income. Her story is proof that with persevera...

If you’re stepping away from the noise of social platforms, knowing exactly who you’re writing for and what she needs becomes even more essential. Today, writer, podcaster, and writing coach Amy Simon shares how to identify your ideal reader, uncover the problems she’s trying to solve, and use that clarity to shape your message with purpose and confidence. Whether you’re writing a blog, a book, or a lead magnet, this conversation will help you connect more deeply with the people your words a...