Writers Circle

Latest Episodes:

J.R. Briggs: The art of asking better questions Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

What if the questions you ask readers have a greater impact than your statements? In this episode with my leadership coach, J.R. Briggs, we unpack the power of asking better questions. Asking questions is more than curiosity; it's an act of love.

Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle.

Will's platform workshop

J.R.'s book: The Art of Asking Better Questions

Resources mentioned by Will: The Mom Test Write Useful Books Otter.ai

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Rich Villodas: Writing as spiritual formation Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you're writing for God but not with Him? In this episode, I sit down with author and pastor Rich Villodas to talk about how writing can become an act of worship—a way to slow down, listen, and experience God's presence in the creative process. We also discuss our upcoming Advent devotional and how writing can shape us into the image of Christ.

Email Will: hello@writerscircle.co

Rich's new book: Waiting for Jesus

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Dr. Michael Longinow: How to write a lead line Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

The first sentence is usually the hardest, but if you don't immediately pull readers in, they'll ditch you. Today I sit down with my former journalism professor, Dr. Michael Longinow, who unpacks the secrets of crafting a winning lead line.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Nathan Baugh: The 4 Tenets of Storytelling Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever worry your stories aren't landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It's like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view.

That's why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds of stories and distilled what makes them unforgettable into 4 key tenets every writer can use. If you want to transform your storytelling, this episode will show you how.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Stephanie Duncan Smith: When efficiency eats creativity Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

AI is everywhere—and for writers, it's confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it?

In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What's gained when AI speeds up the process? And what's lost when we outsource creativity to machines? Stephanie shares why inefficiency is actually vital to the writing life and how protecting your creative core is more urgent than ever. If you've felt overwhelmed or unsure about AI, this episode will help you think clearly.

Sign up for my workshop: https://writers-s-site-7336.thinkific.com/products/courses/copy-of-how-to-write-stuff-people-actually-read

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Stephanie Duncan Smith: Why most memoirs fail Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here's the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don't actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a way that makes room for readers. You'll come away with practical insights on how to transform a personal narrative into a universal one that truly resonates.

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Rachel Buller: The 4 C's of Communication Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through the noise and reach more readers.

Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Doug Wekenman: Say It So They'll Remember It Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, Doug Wekenman explains why it's worth taking the time to distill your ideas into their catchiest form, and how if you don't, your words will be forgotten. "Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it's even worth finishing? Hi! I'm Will Parker Anderson and I'm an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there's no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join my monthly workshops: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/subscribe

Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course

Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co

Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/

Instagram: @willparkeranderson"

How to write stuff people actually read Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Feeling like your words go unheard? You're not alone. That's why I'm hosting a live workshop—*How to Write a Substack Post People Actually Read*—on Thursday, August 28, 5–6pm PT. You'll learn a proven 5-part framework, see it in action, and get your questions answered. Access is just \$15/month as a Writers Circle member. Don't miss out—tap the link in the show notes and join us!

Subscribe to Writers Circle

What's Your Unfair Advantage? Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected