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

Latest Episodes:

99 | How I Sold My First Book Without Social Media (and plans for my second) w/ Johanna Rojas Vann Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

When we launched Writing Off Social three years ago, we knew in our heart of hearts that it was possible to be a successful writer and author without social media . . . we just didn’t have the social proof to point to . . . yet. That’s why, over the last several seasons, it has been our joy to invite both fiction and nonfiction authors on to the show to share their publishing journeys with you. And today’s episode, we’re sharing yet another story of success. If you’re a writer on the cusp of leaving social media, but afraid that doing so means giving up your dreams of publishing, then lean in! Today we hear how multi-award-winning author Johanna Vann landed a book deal with a big 5 publisher and sold that book without social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/99

Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of businesses, creatives, and service providers trusted by our community. Every vendor featured here has been personally recommended by members who have actually worked with them and had a great experience.

98 | Building Genuine Community Beyond Social Media w/ The Story Haven and Jessica DeYoung Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

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 connect with other storytellers and creatives and build the kind of community you lose when you step away from social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/98

97 | What We've Learned After 3 Years of Helping Writers Grow Without Social Media (Season 7 Finale) Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

After nearly 100 podcast episodes, more than 50 guest interviews, and 3 years of coaching writers, we've learned a few things we definitely did NOT know at the beginning. Some of them surprised us. Some challenged our assumptions. And a few have completely changed the way we think about writing, marketing, and platform building. It's our Season 7 Finale and we're discussing the biggest lessons we've learned after 3 years of helping writers grow without social media. Listen in!

For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/97

We're taking a summer podcast break and will be back in the fall with a whole new season.

96 | How I Built My Readership Outside of Social Media w/Rachel Allord Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

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 missional mindset and let God grow the audience. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/96

95 | Summer Schedules, Planner Fails, and the Best Decision We Made This Year Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever color-coded a brand new planner only to abandon it eleven weeks later, set a boundary around your time and felt like you could finally breathe again, or found yourself trying to figure out how to fit writing time, summer with your kids, and cleaning your own house into the margins of your day — this episode is for you. This week we are pulling back the curtain on our current working rhythms: what's changed, what's working, and what we had to learn the hard way. Listen in. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/95

94 | How Writing Off Social Helped Me Identify My Pathways and Build Momentum Without Social Media w/Karla Monterrosa Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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 — though she'll be the first to tell you she knows the pressure, the comparison, and the exhaustion of trying to keep up with a game that never quite felt like hers to play. Rather than push through, she paused, got honest about what wasn't working, and built a 90-day plan that finally gave her real momentum toward the women she's called to serve. Listen in as author, podcaster, and WOS The Course Alum Karla Monterrosa shares her story and the practical steps that brought her clarity and growth — without social media running the show. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/94

93 | When to Push Through and When to Press Pause Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Lately, we have been having the same conversation over and over again with exhausted writers--women who love writing and feel a holy calling to their work… but who also love their families, their churches, their communities, and the real lives they’ve been called to steward. Women who are trying to create out of bodies, minds, and schedules that already feel stretched thin. Today we want to talk honestly about something many writers are quietly wrestling with: How do you know when to push through the resistance… and when it’s time to press pause? For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/93

92 | Using YouTube as an Alternative to Social Media w/Thomas Umstattd, Jr. May 26, 2026

Show notes

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 from the page. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/92

91 | What Acquisitions Editors Look for in Children’s Books (and Why It Matters for Every Christian Writer) w/Lauren Groves May 19, 2026

Show notes

Today, we're thrilled to speak with Lauren Groves, an acquisitions editor and children's author with B&H Publishing, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to communicate big ideas in clear, simple language—and what that skill can teach every writer, no matter their genre. Plus, Lauren pulls back the curtain on what makes an acquisitions editor stop scrolling a submission pile and say, I need to read more—and it has nothing to do with your follower count. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/91

90 | How to Maximize Every Opportunity as a Christian Writer (Without Social Media) May 12, 2026

Show notes

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

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