The Writers Bloc Podcast

Ep. 44: Leaving Social Media without Regret with Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller

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. 

 

 

 

 

Ep. 43: From Writer to Speaker: Transitioning our Words for Impactful Speaking Events with Marissa Bondurant

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. 

 

Ep. 42: Special Guest: A Conversation with Melanie Dobson

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. 

Ep. 41: How to Tell a Story: Building Blocks of Fiction with Rachel Allord

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.

Ep. 40: Special Guest Charisse Compton

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. 

 

Ep. 39: Defining the Relationship with Traditional Publishing with Ronne Rock

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. 

 

Ep. 38: Writing Bible Studies to Reach the Heart with Ann Flagg

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. 

 

 

Ep. 37: How to Reach Your Goals without Losing Your Mind with Rachel Baker

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?