Ever feel like social media is draining your soul? But you can’t let it go because you’re trying to build a platform to appease publishers? It’s a common conundrum.

A lot of writers invest hours posting on social, with limited results. It’s discouraging and draining. On the other hand, writers who ditch social feel left out一like they’ve committed career suicide.

Is there a way to build an author platform without being a victim to the merciless algorithm?

Today’s guests, Sandy Cooper and Mary Tiller, share their story about struggling to get noticed on social media. Ultimately, when they recognized it was distracting them from their calling一things like family, writing, and stewarding time well一they both did something very countercultural: They walked away from social media altogether.

Along the way, they discovered dozens of other writers experiencing the same disillusionment, who lacked an alternative approach to building a readership. So they pioneered a movement called Writing Off Social.

In this episode, Sandy and Mary share with Will Parker Anderson:

• Effective ways to build a platform without social media

• How to evaluate if social is helping or hindering your happiness

• Encouragement that your writing matters, even when publishers dismiss you

By the end of this episode, you will have a treasure trove of new ideas for building your platform. This is not a hit piece on social media一it’s a thoughtful conversation that will provoke honest self reflection, and nudge your mind, body, and soul toward health.

EPISODE LINKS

Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: willparker.me

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/

Mary and Sandy’s website: https://writingoffsocial.com/

Why is it so hard to make time to write? With good intentions, we set out to create a regular rhythm, only to get distracted or discouraged, and it fades away.

If you struggle to write regularly, it’s probably because you haven’t discovered the secret to forming a lasting habit. No shame一it’s easier said than done.

Today’s guest, Justin Whitmel Earley, is uniquely qualified to help us. Professionally, Justin is the author of three incredible books, which he managed to write while working as a full-time corporate lawyer. Personally, he’s a husband, popular speaker, and father to three boys. Needless to say, he’s overqualified to instruct us how to cultivate the writing life in the midst of life’s chaos.

Justin shares with Will Parker Anderson about the following:

• How to make time to write, even when it feels impossible

• 3 key strategies that will improve your craft

• Why risk is crucial to the writing life

By the end of this episode, you will have practical steps to help you write more regularly. Away with good intentions (and the guilt we feel when we flake on them).

Together, let’s learn to steward our craft in a way that’s life-giving, even when our schedules feel maxed out.

EPISODE LINKS

Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: willparker.me

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/

Justin’s Books:

The Common Rule

Habits of the Household

Made for People

Welcome to episode #1, with author and pastor, Rich Villodas, the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York.

This one’s fun because Will Parker Anderson is Rich’s editor at Waterbrook, so they invite you behind-the-scenes to reveal the unique relationship between writer and editor—the good, the awkward, and everything in between.

They discuss the vulnerability and productivity of the editing process, as they worked together on Rich's forthcoming book, The Narrow Path.

Other highlights include:

• What is it like to pour so much energy and effort into a manuscript, to then receive it back from an editor, all marked up?

• How do we prepare our hearts to receive feedback well?

• Why is feedback essential to growth?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have way less fear about showing your work to others. And a renewed commitment to grow in your craft through the input of others.

EPISODE LINKS

Subscribe to Will’s weekly newsletter: willparker.me

Please rate this podcast: Apple | Spotify

Will’s Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willparkeranderson/

Rich’s books:

The Narrow Path

Good and Beautiful and Kind

The Deeply Formed Life

The Writers Circle is a podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Anderson interviews authors and experts about the writing life.A podcast for nonfiction writers who want to sharpen their skills and publish their work for the glory of Jesus. Senior book editor Will Parker Andersons interviews authors and experts about the writing life.