The Hope Story Podcast

Rising Above - Part 1 Oct 21, 2025

In this powerful episode of the HopeStory Podcast, we sit down with a group of incredible women from our Rising Above collaboration book. Each writer opens up about what it really took to share their hard stories — the moments that tested their faith, the healing that came through writing, and the courage it took to put their words into the world. Together, we talk about battling imposter syndrome, overcoming comparison, and finding freedom in vulnerability. Whether you’re a writer, dreamer, or simply someone walking through a hard season, this conversation will remind you that your story matters — and that it’s possible to rise above.

Your Book is Your Mission Statement Dec 04, 2024

Podcast Notes: Your Book is Your Mission Statement

Host: Brian Dixon
Podcast Title: Hope Books Podcast

Key Takeaways:

Your Book is Your Mission Statement:
- Your book reflects your journey, your challenges, and your message to the world.
- It serves as a banner of freedom and hope, showing others that transformation is possible.
The Power of Your Story:
- Your life experiences, especially moments of being stuck, are your reader’s starting point.
- Writing about your past challenges provides hope and a path forward for those currently struggling.
Structure Your Book:
- Part 1: The Prison – Describe the low point in your life.
- Part 2: The Path – Share the actionable steps you took to overcome.
- Part 3: The Promise – Highlight the transformation and the life you now live.
Connection with Your Reader:
- Identify your reader’s pain point and meet them where they are.
- Use your story to walk alongside them, offering hope and practical steps.
Your Story as a Gift:
- Reframe past challenges as blessings.
- Sharing your story not only helps others but also redeems your experiences.

Action Steps:

Write It Down:
- Identify a story where you felt stuck and write it in detail.
Post It:
- Share your story on social media to start connecting with your audience.
Dream Big:
- Envision the book you want to write and take steps to make it a reality.

Encouragement:

Your story matters.
There are people waiting for your words of hope.
Hope Writers is here to guide and support you in crafting your message.

Quote to Remember:
“Your book is your banner of freedom. It’s your mission statement to say, ‘You can do this.’”

For more resources and support, visit Hope Books.

Savvy Marketing for Writers May 13, 2022

Share your writing to communicate your values and message to your reader.

Does the idea of promoting your work make you feel awkward? When you think about marketing, do you worry you’ll come across as too salesy? In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you determine how to market your work in ways that are authentic to your message and your personality. Special guest, marketing strategist Mike Kim breaks down social media marketing and shares the features of a well-designed personal brand.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

PR for Beginning Writers Apr 29, 2022

You don’t need to be a pro to get your words out into the world.

If you want to serve your readers, you need to tell them about your work — especially if you’ve just written a book! You’ve worked hard on the words you’ve written, and you want to share them with others. In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll shows you how you can promote your work and elevate your message in a way that feels genuine to who you are. Special guest, public relations strategist Robin Barrett also offers practical ideas for how to get your work in front of your audience.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

The Liberating Power of Storytelling Apr 15, 2022

You have stories inside of you, waiting to be told.

What do you do when your everyday life is mostly dusting and dishes, not writing? Where can you find compelling content in your day job at the office, in the classroom, or at home with your kids? Regardless of where you spend your 9-to-5, your writing life grows as you approach your days with curiosity and a commitment to tell the stories that surround you. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses how to create attainable writing goals and find meaningful stories in everyday moments. Special guest, author Shannan Martin talks about how curiosity and commitment can help you build a writing life that lasts.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Design a Writing Game Plan Apr 08, 2022

Go the distance with writing friends and a regular routine.

Cut through the noise and find a writing routine that works for you. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll guides you toward developing a writing game plan that will work in any season of life. Special guest, writing coach and podcaster Ann Kroeker talks about developing confidence, writing regularly, and finding helpful feedback. Learn how writing prompts can help you infuse your work with new ideas and direction.

Download free writing prompts for the month of April here!

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Let Your Art Imitate Life Apr 01, 2022

Discover how to find inspiration in your everyday life

You don’t need to head to a cabin in the woods to gain inspiration. You can find it on a starry night in your own backyard. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll shares three tips for finding poetry in the words you’ve already written. Special guest, poet and artist Morgan Harper Nichols inspires us to tap into ordinary moments and see the poetry within them.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Writing Children’s Books Mar 25, 2022

A good children’s book always shows instead of tells.

Children are some of the most enthusiastic readers of all! Kids love getting lost in imaginative stories and stepping into other worlds through eye-catching illustrations. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to explore the realm of children’s book publishing with special guest, illustrator Yuko Jones. Find out what it takes to write and illustrate a children’s book and how to get your message across without sounding preachy.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Build Curriculum that Teaches and Inspires Mar 18, 2022

Engaging curriculum connects readers with your message.

Do you want your writing to teach and inspire? Are you looking for ways to expand the content you currently offer readers? It might be time to consider building a curriculum for your audience.

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll shares three ways to maintain self-care as you engage in teaching others, and special guest, author and educator Dr. Lucretia Berry outlines how she develops a curriculum that inspires personal and cultural change.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

The Path to Publishing Mar 11, 2022

If you’re looking to traditionally publish, you’ll want to know what’s ahead.

Are you looking for a partner in your writing process? Do you have a book idea that’s ready for another set of eyes? If so, you might be ready to determine a path to publishing. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you determine where you need expertise and when to reach out to those whose experience will help you reach your goals. Special guest, literary agent Alex Field, talks through the publishing process step-by-step and offers practical advice on how to reach out to agents.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Redefining Progress Mar 04, 2022

Discover the secret to overcoming perfectionism.

We want to put our best words out into the world, but when we slow down to “get it just right,” we often grind to a halt. Progress becomes stagnation, and it’s hard to get moving again. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers a jolt of encouragement to help you make progress in your writing life through the everyday disciplines of habit-forming and planning. Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Joy McCullough, tells her story of slow progress and shares her secret to keeping worries about rejection at bay.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Clarifying Your Vision Feb 25, 2022

Develop an elevator pitch for your work and see your goals take shape.

Are you struggling to keep your new year’s resolutions? Is your enthusiasm for your next writing project starting to fade with the busyness of daily life? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you clarify your vision for your writing life and talks about practical ways to make your goals take shape. Special guest, author and podcaster Ryan Romeo, shares his tips for creating a one-page elevator pitch for your work and why the critics don’t get to have the last word.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Bake Passion Into Your Work Feb 18, 2022

Much like cooking, writing requires equal amounts of passion and discipline. There may be joy in cooking and writing, but we’ve all known — at one time or another — the drudgery of the tasks too. How do we maintain enthusiasm for our work in the midst of everyday tasks? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses the two essential ingredients to a writing life that lasts — passion and discipline. Special guest, author and food blogger Bri McKoy shares how passion drives her work and how her audience motivates her to keep going. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan

Collaborate To Write Your Book Feb 11, 2022

Write better when you link arms with others.

Do you wish the writing life wasn’t so lonely? It doesn’t have to be. Consider collaboration as the next step in your writing journey. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores how to collaborate with other writers and industry professionals to get your words out into the world. Learn what the design collaboration process looks like behind the scenes, and hear from veteran journalist and author Richard Lui on how he created his first book with 10 other people!

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Your Membership Questions Answered Jan 24, 2022

Have a question about hope*writers? We’ve got you covered.

Hope*writers is open to new members today through Friday, January 28th! In this bonus episode of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll answers your top questions about what life looks like in the hope*writers community, and lifetime hope*writers member Anna Grist shares how hope*writers has supported her creativity and work.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Develop Writing Habits Jan 07, 2022

The habits you form will keep readers captivated until the very last page. It’s a new year and a great time to set new intentions for your writing life.

In this bonus episode of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll invites you to consider how you can develop new habits — or revive old ones! — as the calendar page turns. Learn about four helpful habits for revising and editing your work, and hear from special guest Jonathan Rogers as he shares his best tips on grammar and fighting procrastination.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Go Further With a Coach Dec 24, 2021

Coaching can encourage you on your writing journey and help direct your next steps toward reaching your goals.

Whether you’re just starting on the writing journey or you’ve got a book proposal in hand, it may be time to consider how a coach can help you reach your goals. In this week’s episode, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to build your village of support and how to discern whether coaching may be right for you. Special guest Kate Riney, director of coaching at hope*writers, sheds light on what writing coaches have to offer.

If you're ready to develop your craft and grow your platform while enjoying your work for the long haul, a hope*writers Certified Coach can help. Find a coach today

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Get Ready for a Publisher Dec 17, 2021

You’ve got a message to share and a manuscript to prove it. What’s your next step?

As a writer, there may come a point in your journey when you look at your work and say, “I think I’ve got a book here.” What comes next? Whether you’re just starting a book outline or you’ve written a full manuscript, this episode will help you determine what you need to do if you want a publisher to consider your work. Host Clarissa Moll shares the four people you need in your corner, and special guest, literary agent Rachelle Gardner, explains what makes publishers pause when they see your proposal come across their desk.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Move from Book 1 to Book 2 Dec 10, 2021

When you’ve finished a writing project, what do you do next?

Writing a book is an ambitious goal, so what do you do when you achieve it? After the celebration, how do you chart a path forward in your writing life? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores what you need to build a writing life that lasts and how the publishing funnel can help you pace yourself as you move from one project to the next.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Protect Your Work Dec 03, 2021

Become a savvy writer by learning how to protect your work from legal issues. Do you know the difference between a copyright and a trademark? Are you familiar with the guidelines for quoting someone else’s work? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers you an introduction to the legal matters related to your writing life. Learn how to protect your work and ensure your writing has a lasting impact. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan

How To Market Your Work Nov 26, 2021

When done well, marketing is less about self-promotion and more about serving your reader.

Are you ready to market your work? Want to get the inside scoop on the strategies you need to get your words out into the world? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll gives you a sneak peek into the world of book marketing with special guest, marketing director Alicia Kasen. Learn what you need to get your words in front of readers and how to build a team that will cheer your writing on.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How to Publish a Book Nov 19, 2021

Discover eight steps to take your writing from an idea to a published book. Do you want to move your writing from drafts on your computer to a published book on the shelf? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll demystifies the path to publication with wisdom from editor Al Hsu and literary agent Alex Field. Learn the basics of book publishing right here, and start plotting your course toward holding your book in your hands. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan

How To Turn Your Journal into a Book Nov 12, 2021

Your next great book idea may be hidden inside the pages of your journals! As a writer, you’ve probably found journaling helpful at different points in your life. Perhaps you’re an avid chronicler of your thoughts and feelings. It may surprise you to learn you could find your next great book idea in the daily commitment you’ve already made by putting pen to page in your journal. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to consider how you might turn your journal into a book. Relying on wisdom from authors Seth Haines and Shawn Smucker, discover the feedback you’ll need to transform your journal entries from personal writing into a published work that serves your audience. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan

How To Write Memoir Nov 05, 2021

Your life provides ample content for creative storytelling. Learn key tips for shaping your stories into a memoir.

Whether you’ve lived an extraordinary life or you want to capture the beauty of everyday experiences, your life contains plenty of stories waiting to be told. Perhaps, memoir is the genre for you.

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores how to write memoir with special guest, author and podcaster Christie Purifoy. Drawing on Christie’s life experiences and helpful coaching tips from memoirist Marion Roach Smith, you’ll learn how to shape your writing to highlight your life’s story and offer your reader new insights into bigger truths.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Welcome to The Writerly Life Jun 24, 2021

It’s time to take the next step in your writing life! Join The Writerly Life each week for tips and tricks to help you hone your craft and reach your readers with your words of hope. Catch a glimpse of what’s in store with this sneak peek at an interview with special guest, Ruth Chou Simons!

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

50. What it’s like to write as a job with novelist Katherine Reay Feb 18, 2020

What’s it like to write when it’s your job?

What does the writing life look like when you become a working writer? What does a day or a week look like? How many hours?

And what about marketing and getting an agent?

How important are writing conferences?

How important is reading?

What changes when you get published?

In this episode, award-winning novelist Katherine Reay talks with hope*writers co-founder Emily P. Freeman about a favorite subject of writers - the craft of writing and the life of a working writer.

So what’s it like to be a writer when it’s your job?

Let’s listen and find out!

49. From hobby to working writer with Joshua Becker Jan 30, 2020

So how do you take your writing serious? How do you commit and show up?

One important way is to begin looking at yourself as a working writer. Even before you get paid.

So what focus and mindset does a working writer have that’s different from a hobby writer?

Author Joshua Becker was a pastor. That was his job. His writing was a hobby. He wrote for himself like most of us start out.

Then he shifted, he transitioned. On purpose.

We’re going to see the shift he made and how it changed everything.

And we’ll learn he faced imposter syndrome like we all do when we start getting serious, that little voice that says, “who are you to do this, some kind of expert?”

We’ll learn how he overcame that challenge and ended up with 3 published books and a blog with a million readers a month.

So what does moving from hobby writer to working writer look like?

Let’s listen and find out!

Now open - hope*writers membership Jan 13, 2020

You CAN make progress as a writer. You can find clarity. You can focus your message and find your reader. And you can make real writing friends who ‘get’ what you’re going through, because they are too.

To take a real step toward being a working writer go to hopewriters.com/join. But only through Friday. (Then we close to serve hope*writer members.)

48. Facebook for writers - How ads work, with Amanda Bond Jan 03, 2020

Spending money on facebook ads can be scary. You want it to work. You don’t want to waste your money.

Well how do you know if it’s working? How do you know which posts to spend money on? And why would a writer want to run facebook ads? What are they and how do they work? And that pixel thing? Can I do that myself?

Amanda Bond is an expert on facebook and buying ads and she answers all these questions in this episode. BTW, there are a few things to do BEFORE you buy facebook ads - that’s the previous episode, “Episode 47, Facebook for writers, before you run ads.”

Once you’re ready, how do you run Facebook ads and make them count and not waste money? Let’s listen!

47. Facebook for writers--before you run ads, with Amanda Bond Dec 09, 2019

So how should a writer use facebook? How do you know if you’re doing it right? How do you know what’s working? Do you boost posts? Buy ads? Is it worth it?

Whether you want to build a platform, promote your book, or just get your message to readers, there’s a certain order to doing things.

Amanda Bond is an expert on using facebook and buying ads. In this episode she’ll help you learn a few basic things a writer should do on facebook first, before you buy ads or boost posts.

Then the next episode will guide us in how facebook ads work so you get results and don’t waste your money.

So what does a writer do first on facebook? Before spending any money? Let’s listen!

46. Inside the Mind of a Children’s Author - with Matthew Paul Turner Oct 29, 2019

Writing for children is a different kind of writing. One of the beautiful things about it is when you successfully keep things simple, you can end up reaching far beyond children.

That’s how it’s worked for Matthew Paul Turner, a long time writer who tried writing for children as an experiment. He’s now written “When God Made Light,” “When God Made You,” and “When I Pray for You” which you can find at Target and Sam’s and Walmart and all over the place.

How is writing for children different? How do you think and see in a very simple - but sometimes profound - way? What goes on inside the mind of a children’s author?

Well, if you’re interested in writing for children, or think you might be someday, or if you just want to see how to tap into the parts inside you that can matter to others, this episode is for you.

45. Starting and Becoming a Writer with Christie Purifoy Oct 09, 2019

You like books and reading. You like to write. But you don’t feel like you’re one of “those” writer people.

It’s just something inside you - something a little restless - like there’s somewhere you want to get to, but you’re not sure where or how.

But you wonder about it - and you kinda like the idea of being a writer. And maybe you’ve even taken a bunch of steps.

But how do you end up there - how do you get there?

Well in this episode, we’ll hear author and podcaster Christie Purifoy’s story of how she moved from a “kinda writer” to “yes a writer” - and we’ll see what starting to be a writer can look like.

44. How to find an agent with Rachelle Gardner Oct 01, 2019

To get published by a publisher takes a team. One of those team members we need is a literary agent.

But how do you find an agent? Are there guides, books with names of agents? - yes! In this episode you’ll find out what they are and how to read them. You’ll get ideas for finding agents online and in person. And you’ll learn a couple of great backdoor ways to find an agent that you’d never think of on your own.

Plus, how do you know when you’re ready for an agent? And what will the agent be looking for from you? You’ll learn all those things, too.

Now If you’re wondering if you actually need an agent, well, that was part one of this conversation with agent Rachelle Gardner - #43 “Do I need an agent?”

Something helpful for knowing when you need an agent is to know where you are on the writing path - there’s an order for doing things when you want to be published. To find out which stage of the writer’s journey YOU’RE on, take the quick free quiz at https://www.hopewriters.com/quiz

43. Do you need an agent? With Rachelle Gardner Sep 23, 2019

To get published by a publisher, it takes a team. One of those team members we need is a literary agent.

Well, do you have to have an agent? What difference do they make? How do you know if you need one?

Even if you’re a published author - even if you’ve had an agent - you’re going to love this conversation with top agent Rachelle Gardner.

It’s so good - we had to split it into two episodes : ) This episode is “Do you need an agent?” and the next one is “How to find an agent.”

Something helpful for knowing when you need an agent is to know where you are on the writing path - there can be an order for doing things when you want to be published. To find out which stage of the writer’s journey YOU’RE on, take the quick free quiz at https://www.hopewriters.com/quiz

42. Podcast Advice with Kendra Adachi Sep 16, 2019

Whether you’re an experienced podcaster, or just starting out, or just thinking about it - this episode’s for you.

We’re going to talk about the most basic, most important part - the words, the content. Of course! We're writers, right?

And you’ll hear a content tip in the first 8 seconds of this episode : )

This episode gives you some basic but important advice, and probably a few things you hadn’t considered. How do you trust yourself? How do you know what kind of podcast to do? How do you know what to talk about and how to talk about it? That’s coming up.

Even though we’re writers - and love words - sometimes writers love saying the words. So lots of writers also podcast. Kendra Adachi is one of those writers. She writes “The Lazy Genius Collective” blog, which will turn into a book sometime in 2020. And she hosts “The Lazy Genius Podcast.”

You’ll love Kendra!

And, to find out which stage of the writer’s journey YOU’RE on, take the quick free quiz at https://www.hopewriters.com/quiz

41. What Makes You a Writer? with Jeff Goins Sep 09, 2019

It’s kinda funny when we’re afraid to call ourselves a writer - as if we’re scared of ourselves and our full potential.

Do you find it easy to not say you’re a writer - for example when you don’t have many readers? And when you don’t call yourself a writer, isn’t it easy to just not write?

Writer Jeff Goins says whatever we think about we become. Can you relate? Do you own being a writer? Do you struggle believing who you’re supposed to be?

Jeff said that for a long time he called himself a wannabe writer and so he wrote like a wannabe. Then he realized he needed to “own” being a writer and call himself one and act like it, and it changed everything.

But it was a struggle - and for us too, it can be a struggle to own what we really want. Can you relate? Well, let’s work on that together.

40. Writing for the Long Haul with Annie Downs Sep 02, 2019

Annie Downs shares how to be a writer for the long haul, and how failure has helped her be successful.

She’s definitely in it for the long haul. She’s written multiple books in the last 10-12 years - one of them has sold 100,000 copies - just at Target. Yeah, not counting Amazon.

She’s also a national speaker and host of the “That Sounds Fun” podcast.

And, you know how when you face the challenge of overcoming discouragement and failure, and want to learn from it and still make progress? Well, don’t miss the last 6 minutes and Annie’s story of the Flatiron building.

39. Writing Memoir with Marion Roach Smith Aug 26, 2019

How do you write for readers who don’t know you or care about your story? What’s in it for them?

Marion Roach Smith has written and taught about memoir for over 20 years. She says, “Memoir is not about you and it’s not a diary.” Well, if memoir isn’t about you, then what is it?

Even if you don’t write memoir - your writing probably includes you, and your experiences, and things you’ve learned and how you’ve changed.

If you DO write memoir, your writing includes a LOT of you.

So, how DO you include your own story and experiences in anything your write? And how do you ever write anything about yourself, if it’s not about you?

By the time this episode is over, you’ll know.

03-07 How To Capture and Organize All Your Awesome Writing Ideas Oct 13, 2017

It’s easy to have a million ideas. But what do you do with them? Where do you keep them? How do you organize them? How do you know if your ideas add up to anything valuable? How do you know if it’s a book or - whatever? It’s important to have a system for keeping track of your ideas that works for you as part of your writing lifestyle. To help you come up with your own, this episode will show you three very different systems and how they were used to write real books.

03-06 Plan Your Perfect Writing Day Sep 14, 2017

How do you write consistently in the middle of the unpredictability and responsibilities of your everyday life? Managing yourself - knowing how to use your time as a writer, and running your own writing days - is a foundational skill needed to be a writer. NOW is the time to develop that skill. You can decide what a perfect writing day is for you right now, and it can change over time, but whatever it is, you’ll probably have to plan it and prepare for it to happen. This episode will help you do that.

03-05 Ian Cron - Enneagram for Writers Sep 08, 2017

Let’s get to know our writing strengths! “The Road Back to You” author Ian Cron helps us see how the Enneagram personality assessment can help us better take advantage of our strengths, help us understand our built-in weaknesses, and even help us pick an editor. We’ll see how knowing our personality type and being self aware can be invaluable as a writer. You’ll definitely see yourself - and others you know - and you may end up deciding to cut both of you some slack! :)

03-04 Book Launch Secrets Google Won't Tell You Jun 10, 2017

If writing a book is important to you, sooner or later you’ll find yourself confronting a book launch. You need more than tips you find on google - you need to know how you can launch a book yet remain a human being whose family still knows you and loves you.

Here are our stories of what we didn’t realize for some of our launches, and how we now see that it didn’t have to be so awful.

You’ll hear the inside reality of how a book launch feels and how to take the pressure off. Tips and ideas on how to enjoy your launch and feel happy and satisfied. When to start thinking and planning your launch. And how to launch in a way you’re happy with, that serves your reader, and maximizes sales.

03-03 How to Know When to Change Course May 04, 2017

So you’ve been writing for awhile but you feel like you’re not really growing an audience, like nobody really cares. Should you change what you write about? And what would you change to? How can you get to where you write about something you’re deeply interested in AND that deeply resonates with your reader? Changing and pivoting is human. Learning what works is part of the natural process. So let’s learn to pivot together.

03-02 How to Find the Perfect Writing Mentor Apr 02, 2017

Thinking you need a writing mentor is way easier than actually finding one. And there are questions you may not have considered: Are you even ready to be mentored? Are you already being mentored without realizing it? What if you could make the progress you want, learn what you need to learn, and get the perspective and insight of a person you respect - without ever meeting them? Is that mentoring? In this episode we’ll help you really think through finding the perfect mentor for you. BUT, it might not be what you expect, and when we’re done, you might forever change how you think about mentoring.

03-01 The Million Dollar Email Question Mar 15, 2017

You’d never guess it’s controversial but it is. Once a month in the Hope*Writers Facebook group a friendly debate pops up about the best way to let readers know you’ve written a new blog post. What do you do when the guru’s say one thing and your gut says another? What is a guru anyway? Plus, before you decide how to use email, there’s a bigger question to answer. Let’s talk about that question, and about what’s best for you and your readers.

02-09 Logan Wolfram - Don't Let Your Voice Get Lost Dec 30, 2016

What’s it like to be busy and successful at doing good things that are some people’s dreams, but that come with an unknown cost? Logan was chief steward and curator of the Allume conference for four years. Then she stopped, and the conference ended. Why? Plus, the behind the scenes reality of an event where the one running the event doesn’t always get paid. Also - valuable insight on working with a publisher; find out why a two-book deal might not be a great idea; and sometimes a friend says something so meaningful that it makes you cry - don’t miss the last ten minutes and why Logan is still crying.

02-08 Ann Voskamp - Inside the Writer's Heart Dec 06, 2016

Ann Voskamp shares: what practical writing time looks like for her; how she makes writing a low pressure spiritual discipline; writers she loves and how they influence her writing; the disadvantages and overwhelming challenge of a successful first book; why book signings and meeting her readers are so important to her; why she doesn’t read reviews of her work; what she did the day 1000 Gifts released and how it was so different from the day the Broken Way released; and how to gather a safe community of people to help your writing life.

02-07 Q&A's Live from the H*W Workshop Nov 24, 2016

How to get more readers. How to start an online writing encouragement group. How blogging and book writing go together. Ideas for helpful books and courses. And more!

02-06 What's On Your DON'T List? Oct 28, 2016

Most people have a to do list. A DON’T list can be just as important. Writing is a deep work; your energy and time for writing is worth protecting. We’ll share the things we’ve chosen - on purpose - to NOT do to help you with your own DON’T do list, because you can’t do everything. It’s kinda personal, kinda crazy, maybe a little awkward, and you might be surprised at some of the things we don’t do.

02-05 How To Make Money Writing Oct 20, 2016

How is a part-time - or even full-time - income from your writing possible? You have more options than you realize. Here’s what’s worked for us, how we started, what we changed, and why. It’s an adventure - put your toe in and see what works for you! Just start small and get going - you might even discover a dormant longing that ends up paying you. And don’t miss the last five minutes, “Your Success Path: Choose Your Own Adventure.”

02-04 What's Your One Most Important Thing? Oct 13, 2016

When your writing life feels complicated, having One Most Important Thing to focus on can be sanity saving. What’s most important? Is it writing skill? A certain social media? Your platform? Your niche? It’s different for everyone, and in this episode we’ll each share OUR one most important thing, to help you think about yours.

02-03 You Might Be a HopeWriter If Oct 06, 2016

Your hopewriter calling is not just writing - it’s a calling to spread hope, to connect, and to be relentlessly helpful, without sacrificing your life and family. But, the writing life can have so many pieces, industry standards, and things it seems like you’re supposed to do. How do you know what’s best for YOUR calling? This is the Hopewriter Way - a perspective, a camera angle, a value system that focuses only on what YOU should do, think, and feel.

02-02 How to Never Self-Promote Again Sep 29, 2016

Here’s the end of that icky self-promotion feeling, the end of thinking that God should maybe market your writing without you. We long to get our message out, but we’re uncomfortable with what we think it requires. So how do faith and marketing work together? This could change how you think about promoting and marketing. And if you’re super-sensitive to being accused of self-promotion, don’t miss the last two minutes and Brian’s reaction to being told worse things than you’ll ever hear.

02-01 How to Find Time to Write Sep 21, 2016

Thirty minutes to end that ‘I don’t have time to write’ feeling. You’ll change how you think about time, and get practical tips for gaining time to write. You’ll hear how to plan your writing time with your family, see that there are two different kinds of time, learn why you shouldn’t tell people your big writing plans, and discover why ‘following the love’ might be the secret to finding time to write.

HW 01-09 How Summer Changes the Writing Life Jun 09, 2016

AKA: How to take a break. How to make the most of your summer, or of any time you’re able to take a break. Crazy as it seems, it can take courage, planning, and effort to rest - but it’s worth it. Just planning a break and knowing you have one coming can be life giving, and here are some ideas to start. Emily and Myquillyn share what they’re doing to make the most of this summer. Over time, they’ve learned how important a break is, and they work hard to be able to take one. This is what they do

HW 01-08 Learn From Our Idiot Moves Jun 01, 2016

Real stories we’re embarrassed by today - that seemed like such good ideas at the time. BUT we can learn from it, and laugh at ourselves, and use it to motivate ourselves, right? Brian's story of how NOT to get an editor’s attention. Emily and how you can be clueless about marketing, and yet survive! Gary on how to never get any writing projects done - an idiot move he still struggles with that HAS A CURE that Brian will share. And the real story behind the Nester’s 31 Days blog events - spoiler - she ended up hating it, BUT she learned from it, and you can too.

HW 01-07 Overwhelmed? How to Save Your Writing Life May 25, 2016

Writing can take a lot out of you. How can you move forward and be creative when you feel like you’ve been doing things a certain way forever? How can you make the most of your writing energy? The answer: You need to find your own balance of system and soul. Emily talks with her friend and fellow Hope*Writer Kendra Adachi from the lazygeniuscollective.com. Emily shares how Kendra helped her with practical ideas to funnel her writing energy, and with ways to organize her writing with categories and rhythms to make the most of her time. Everybody has a writing system, whether your realize it or not. This episode will help you recognize and make the most of your system, and balance it with your soul.

HW 01-06 Steal Our Genius Moves May 17, 2016

Ideas we’ve tried for living and working that have turned into genius moves that help us as writers, and that that have made life easier, better, and more fulfilling. Steal ours or come up with your own! You never know when some idea you try might turn into a life-changing move.

HW 01-05 Should You Blog? May 11, 2016

Should you blog? Is blogging dead? Can blogging help your goals as a writer? If so, how? How has blogging changed? What’s the best way to use a blog? If Emily and Myquillyn started a blog today, what would they do? And you’ll hear - from an editor - how editors feel about putting your book ideas on your blog.

HW 01-04 Unlikely Writing Teachers May 04, 2016

Here’s what we can learn from unlikely writing teachers like Taylor Swift, Bob Marley, Stacy London from ‘What Not to Wear,’ Lorne Michaels from SNL, philosopher Marcus Aurelius, and more. Writing school is all around us if we just open our eyes and pay attention. AND - if you’ve ever thought writing a blog post that goes viral would be the ultimate success, don’t miss the last 8-10 minutes of this episode.

HW 01-03 Instagram for Writers Apr 28, 2016

For the hope writer, Instagram can be special - it’s another way to share your message and give hope. But we need to think of it purposefully if we want to have followers who engage with us and our message. How do you know what to post, what to say, what not to post and say, and why? There’s more to it than you think, and this episode will open your eyes to how Instagram can be an extension of your writing.

HW 01-02 BONUS Pt 2 What I Wish I'd Known Apr 22, 2016

Part 2 - Three first-time authors share what they wish they'd known before they wrote their first books - HopeWriters Deidra Riggs, Mary Carver, and Amber C Haines.

HW 01-01 What I Wish I'd Known Before I Wrote My First Book (Pt 1) Apr 19, 2016

Learn from our experience what we wish we’d know before we published our first books - the difference between blogging and book writing, how to have a professional attitude, overcoming endorsement fear, ideas for getting connected in the writing community before you write your book, and why the Skinny Abs Diet Workout Routine is not a good book idea.

Myquillyn's system for taking a break Dec 24, 2015

Myquillyn shares her system to make the most of downtime and seasons of breaks

Simply Tuesday Aug 18, 2015

Emily's new book! Why we love small, slow, and ordinary.

What only summer can teach me Jul 06, 2015

School's out and summer takes over - and we love what it's taching

Let's pull out our summer brain Jun 09, 2015

Let's slow down together, and give our soul a solstice.

The Day I Realized I Had a Job May 02, 2015

What IS a job, anyway? What do you do when your passion becomes a commitment, and the lines between home, family, and work are hard to see?

Yes, It's Worth Celebrating Apr 03, 2015

Let's celebrate the under-appreciated, under-used art of celebrating. And let's get distracted by StitchFix, Graceland, and conversations with your furniture.

Treat Yo Self! Mar 02, 2015

Let's celebrate the small useless things that give our lives joy and make us feel more human for the benefit of ourselves and others! The sisters chat with friends Kendra and Caroline at the end of a Girlfriend Weekend.

The Q&A Show! Feb 03, 2015

We answer your questions about successful transitions, meal memories, hanging pictures, and more

The New Year Your Way Jan 01, 2015

You don't have to start a new year with resolutions and goals. In this episode, we each share our un-goals and un-resolutions as our personal examples of how to plan your new year your way.

God rest ye merry Annie Downs Dec 03, 2014

Author and loud laugher Annie Downs chats with us about merriment, and about the journey of embracing how God wired you as a gift to others.

When it doesn't look like plenty Nov 02, 2014

Fear in all its glory Oct 02, 2014

We figured out it's a lot easier to know what we're afraid of than why

Change, transition, netflix, egg mcmuffins Sep 01, 2014

Big changes are challenging to hope. But we tried.

Fall into a Writing Routine Sep 16, 2021

The change of seasons can mean new shifts to our writing routines. Whether you’ve got more time to write this fall or less, you may need to adjust your life to make space for writing. The arrival of fall can bring renewed creativity and focus!

In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll shares how small tweaks to your writing routine can offer up big payoff as you step into autumn. Listen for three ways you can adapt to the change of any season, and find out how to make the most of your time as you craft your hope-filled words. Special guest Sally Clarkson gets to the heart of what writers need in seasons of change and overwhelm and shares her heart how you can thrive in your writing life.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Who Is In My Corner? Aug 19, 2021

Are you tired of going it alone in your writing life? Do you want to link arms with other writers, but you’re not sure how? Have you struggled with the impulse to compete with others who do similar work? It’s time to think about how collaboration could work for you!

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll looks at what it means to release competitive instincts and embrace collaboration in our writing lives. She shares three ways you can build your team and champion others’ success. Special guest Dorina Gilmore-Young shares how collaboration has caused her writing to flourish and where she’s found support, encouragement and inspiration to create a writing life that lasts.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

What Do I Do with the Critics? Aug 12, 2021

Do you feel like your family and friends just don’t get it? Do you want to write but the ogre in your head tells you you’re unqualified or imperfect or unready? How can you build a writing life that lasts when your inner critic seems to be the loudest voice in the room?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores where our inner critic finds its voice and how to bring balance to our fears and insecurities about our writing lives. She shares four tips to gently redirect the critics and let courage speak. Special guest Tara-Nicholle Kirke talks about the role of the inner critic and how to gain confidence that your words matter.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Is Book Writing the Only Way? Aug 05, 2021

Have you ever felt like you need to have a book contract or a literary agent to call yourself a real writer?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll digs into how we shape our identities as writers, how we make progress toward our goals, and when to decide it’s time to send our words out into the world. Learn three tips to help you discern the best outlet for your writing, and listen in as special guest author and podcaster Charity Singleton Craig blows up conventional wisdom about what makes a writer and casts a new, expansive vision for where your words can find their home in the world.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Do I Find Balance? Jul 29, 2021

As your writing life grows, it can be hard to find balance. Projects and deadlines loom, and activities like marketing and social media can take up big chunks of your time. The more you write, the more overwhelming the writing life can feel. But does it have to be that way? Is it just a casualty of the work?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers a hearty “no” and offers three ways to create space for the person inside the writing life. If you’ve struggled with finding balance, this episode will help you recenter and refocus on what’s most important. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find some great habits to develop from the get-go. Special guest author and podcaster Greg McKeown helps us dial in on what’s essential and how to allow what’s most important to focus our priorities in life and work.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Do I Get People to Read My Stuff? Jul 22, 2021

When you sit down to write, do you envision your reader? If you close your eyes, can you see their face or know their concerns? If so, you’re off to a great start when it comes to getting other people to read your words! The writer’s work is to connect the words you have to share with the reader you have to serve, and there’s not just one way to do it.

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to shape your words to reach your reader, how to welcome them into your story, how to help them feel heard and known. She shares a three-step process to help you roll out the welcome mat and make your reader feel at home. Special guest author and peacemaker Osheta Moore discusses how authenticity builds community and how community keeps our writing life fresh and relevant.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Is Blogging Dead? Jul 15, 2021

If you’re looking to showcase your writing, there’s no better place to start than a blog. But have you heard that blogging is dead? Are you worried that nobody reads longer-form writing on the Internet anymore? If you want to reach your reader, try new ideas, and make your own space for your writing, you might want to consider creating a blog.

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll asks the question, “Is blogging dead?” and explores how good writing never goes out of style. Like that little black dress in your closet, a good piece of writing can go anywhere and has many different uses. Special guest author and blogger Crystal Paine shares how she uses her blog to engage readers and grow her message, and Clarissa shares four reasons to start blogging today.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Can I Fit Writing In? Jul 08, 2021

A million different commitments vie for your time each day, but you want to commit to your writing. How do you do it? How can you fit writing in when life feels chaotic and time seems limited?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll breaks down the myth of the writer with endless inspiration and hours of time. She offers four helpful habits to create space for your writing routine, and special guest master scheduler and author Emily Ley invites you to think differently about the hours you do have and how you want to use them. You don’t need to let life’s busyness crowd out your writing work. Your words matter, and you can write them without losing heart.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Do I Overcome Writer’s Block? Jul 01, 2021

You’ve carved out the time to write, but you sit with a blank page staring up at you. You want to complete a project, but it feels like your words have taken a vacation. How frustrating! How can you figure out how to start again when your writing feels like it’s dried up?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses writer’s block -- why it plagues us, where to start when you feel uninspired, and why knowing the hero of your story will bust the block and open up your creativity again. Learn three ways to stimulate your writing life and hear from special guest author and podcaster Carlos Whittaker share his own daily writing routine.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How To Start a Podcast Oct 29, 2021

Are you a writer who wants to learn to podcast but you don’t know where to start?

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to expand the reach of your message by considering starting a podcast. Special guest, podcast producer and coach, Alana Dawson shares her six-step process for turning a blog post into an episode, and Clarissa talks about the three things you’ll want to consider before you hit the record button. Listen for practical, actionable tips you can use right away.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Do I Tell My Story? Jun 24, 2021

You’ve been journaling or blogging, and you know your reader. It’s time to take the next step to shape your words for a world that needs them. In this episode, of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to integrate writing into your daily life. She shares four ways to include writing in your normal rhythm, as well as a fun writing prompt that can help you think outside the box. Special guest author and activist Terence Lester tells his story of starting small and letting stories emerge from his everyday life.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

How Do I Become a Speaker? Oct 22, 2021

Have people in your life told you they’d love to hear you speak? Do you write and discover you have an inkling to say those words out loud? Maybe it’s time to add speaking to your writing life.

In this episode, host Clarissa Moll delivers practical advice on how to integrate speaking with your writing. Special guest, author and speaker, Chrystal Evans Hurst offers her solid-gold method for developing a talk and gives expert advice on how to determine whether a speaking event is right for you. If you’ve wanted to expand your skill set to include being a speaker, this is the episode for you!

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan

Am I Actually a Writer? Jun 24, 2021

Are you ready to get your words out of your head and onto the page? Do you want to start a blog, publish your first piece, or publish your first piece? In this episode host Clarissa Moll shares how to know you’re really a writer and offers five practical tips to finding your writing voice. Special guest author Annie F. Downs discusses how to know your lane and cheer on other writers as you work to become “uniquely you” in your writing.

The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.

Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson

Music by Karla Colahan