The Writers Bloc Podcast

Ep 89 Mary DeMuth on the Agent–Author Relationship + Book Deal Tips

Welcome to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast! In this episode, Cara sits down with Mary DeMuth—a powerhouse in the Christian publishing world. Mary is a literary agent, a daily podcaster of Pray Every Day, a Scripture artist, a speaker, and the author of over 50 books.

🎙️ In this conversation, we talk about:

What makes a strong agent–author relationship

How to build a meaningful platform that truly connects with readers

Common publishing myths (and what agents are really looking for)

Why great writing and original ideas still matter most

Tips for craft, mentorship, and marketing that help authors stand out

Mary also shares personal insights from her decades-long career, from writing in journals as a young girl to mentoring writers around the world.

📚 Learn more about Mary: marydemuth.com

📖 Her latest book: The Freedom of Surrender (IVP)

🪴 Writers, be encouraged: God does impossible math with your loaves and fishes. Steward your words well, and trust Him with the reach.

Ep 88 Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, & Purpose_ Mindsets Every Writer Must Face with Amy Simon

Writing isn’t just about fighting distractions—it’s about facing the mindsets that keep us stuck. In this episode of the Writer’s Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray and Amy Simon (host of The Purposeful Pin Podcast and writer of the Pen Points newsletter) talk about building a sustainable writing routine rooted in discipline, grace, and truth.

We dig into:

Why writing is a spiritual discipline

How to spot (and replace) unhealthy mindsets like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and “all-or-nothing” thinking

Balancing God’s role and our role in the writing process

How to write faithfully, even when numbers or recognition don’t come

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or discouraged in your writing, this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and practical steps for moving forward.

👉 Don’t miss Amy’s premium teaching inside the Writer’s Bloc, where she’ll go even deeper into mindsets and strategies for writers. Join us at www.mywritersbloc.com.

You can follow Amy at @amylynnsimon.com and The Purposeful Pen Podcast.

Ep 87 Praying for Your Writing with Jenn Soehnlin

Can you really pray for your writing? In this episode of The Writer’s Bloc Podcast, I sit down with author Jenn Soehnlin to talk about the power of prayer in the writing life.

Jen shares her journey from resisting God’s call to write to discovering how praying Scripture transformed not just her motherhood and faith but also her words on the page. We explore:

How prayer shapes and sustains the writing process

The surprising lessons Jenn learned about praying Scripture

Practical ways writers can pray for their words, ministry, and readers

Why prayer changes us even before it changes our circumstances

Whether you’re wrestling with imposter syndrome, longing for direction in your calling, or simply wanting to align your words with God’s will, this conversation will encourage you to see writing as a ministry, rooted in prayer.

📖 Connect with Jen: embracing.life

📖 Download her 25 Scriptures to Pray for Your Writing: https://prayerempoweredwriter.substac... https://jennembracinglife.substack.com/ https://embracingthisspeciallife.subs...

Ep 86 Adorning Christ's Work Through Our Words with Cara Blondo

What does it mean to adorn Christ’s work with our words? In this heartfelt episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m joined once again by my dear friend Cara Blondo. Together, we explore the biblical call to adorn the gospel—not through outward beauty, but through the hidden beauty of the heart and the good works that flow from it.

We talk about:
💡 The meaning of the word adorn in Scripture and its connection to our writing lives
💡 How writers can point others to the beauty of Christ instead of themselves
💡 The difference between striving for a platform and offering our words as worship
💡 Why suffering and vulnerability can become a fragrance of Christ to others

This conversation will encourage you to see your words—whether written, spoken, or lived—as a way of magnifying the beauty of Jesus.

👉 Stick around until the end to hear how Cara will go even deeper with our Writers’ Bloc members in a special follow-up session.

You can follow Cara's work on her website: https://theonethingdesired.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram @theonethingdesired

Ep 85 Why Every Writer Needs to Know How to Write a Book Proposal with Lara d'Entremont

Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Join the Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Week Challenge here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...

Whether you dream of landing a traditional publishing deal or simply want to clarify the vision for your next book, a strong book proposal is your non-negotiable first step. Join us for this Gathering where we sit down with writer and editor Lara D’entremont to demystify the proposal process—what it is, why it matters, and how to approach it without overwhelm.

Lara shares insider tips from the publishing world, common mistakes to avoid, and the elements that make a proposal irresistible to agents and editors. You’ll learn how a proposal not only sells your book but also helps you refine your message, audience, and structure before you write a single chapter.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll figure out the proposal later,” this conversation will show you why later is now. You won't want to miss this discussion and our forthcoming challenge, "Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Weeks"

Here are the details Write Your Book Proposal in 6 Weeks

Dates: Sept 15-Oct 27
When: Weekly lessons and live meetings over Zoom (Mondays 11 CST)
Where: On the Writers' Bloc! When you join, you'll get access to an exclusive space with all our course materials and meeting links.
Why: Because your idea is worth pursuing!
Investment: Only $149 (Writers' Bloc premium members pay only $75--look for your sign-up link in the Writers' Bloc Premium Space: 'The Coffee Shoppe').

Join us here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...

Ep 84 The Art of the One-Sheet_ Creating a Compelling One-Sheet for Agents and Publishers with Rose Jordan

A one-sheet can open the door to publishing opportunities—but only if it’s done right. In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray interviews Rose Jordan about how to distill your book proposal into a clear, captivating one-page pitch.

Rose shares:

-What a one sheet is (and what it isn’t)
-The essential elements every author should include
-How to design for clarity and impact
-Tips for tailoring your one sheet to agents and publishers -Her own experience landing a request for a full proposal.
-Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this episode will help you create a one-sheet that stands out and sparks interest.

📌 Watch now and learn how to make your book irresistible—on a single page.

Join The Writers’ Bloc—our online community for Christian writers—where this complete one-sheet workshop is waiting for you inside.

As a member, you’ll enjoy:

📚 Full access to trainings like this one, plus our growing library of craft and publishing workshops
🤝 Connection with a supportive, faith-filled community of writers
🎯 Personalized feedback and encouragement to help you grow in your calling
💬 Live Q&A sessions with industry experts and authors
🛠 Resources to sharpen your skills and move your projects forward

Whether you’re polishing a proposal, launching your first book, or simply pursuing excellence in your writing, The Writers’ Bloc is your place to learn, connect, and thrive.

👉 Join us today and unlock the full training: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/3029

Ep 83 Trusting God in the Publishing Process with Mariel Davenport

In this episode of the Writers' Bloc Podcast, we chat with our friend Mariel Davenport to hear her story of coming to faith in Jesus and how the Lord led her from atheism to becoming a Bible study teacher and writer.

Mariel shares how the Lord "tended" her heart through the Word and has been faithfully teaching and guiding her ever since. As writers, who struggle with comparison, you'll appreciate this honest conversation about faithfulness, showing up, trusting God, and staying in our lane.

Whether you're wrestling with discouragement, feeling behind, or wondering if your writing is making a difference, this conversation will help you realign with what truly matters — trusting God in the process.

You can follow Mariel at MarielDavenport.com, podcast: Tending Your Soul Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/09qvVYf...

or join her pre-order sign up for: Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected https://a.co/d/bLfkUxf

To learn more about her TEND method, you can also visit Episode 24 with Mariel: HOw to Write for God's Glory by TENDing your Own Soul: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-b2ve8-1...

Ep 82 Turning Your Hard Story into a Bible Study with Teresa Whiting

Have you ever wondered if God could use your pain to point others to His promises? This episode is for every woman who has walked through a hard season and felt a nudge to turn her testimony into a Bible study that brings hope and healing.

Cara sits down with ministry leader and Bible study author Teresa Whiting, who shares her powerful journey from brokenness to boldness—and how the Lord led her to write studies rooted in Scripture and grace. With wisdom drawn from over 30 years of ministry, Teresa explains how to write from scars, not open wounds, and how to shape your personal story into a transformational tool that draws women into the Word.

Teresa’s approach is practical, Spirit-led, and deeply compassionate. She gives insight into:

Why she chose to write a Bible study instead of a memoir

How to keep the focus on God’s redemptive work—not just your personal narrative

What it takes to create a compelling, structured, and biblically rich study

How she moved forward in publishing—without relying on a large platform

Encouragement for women who feel called to teach the Word, even if they feel unqualified

If you’ve sensed the Lord prompting you to turn your hard story into something that strengthens others, this episode will inspire and equip you to take the next faithful step.

Tune in and be encouraged that your story, surrendered to God, can become a study that sets others free.

You can access the materials referenced in this episode here:

Link to download the Introduction and first chapter free: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w... and here: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w...