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The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers
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The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers

Author: Build a Writing Life with Eternal Impact

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Are you a Christian writer who is trying to figure out your next steps in communicating the message God has given you? Or maybe you love to write, but you aren't sure what exactly is the message you have to offer others or who needs to hear what you have to say. In this podcast for Christian writers, you'll hear a mix of practical help and Biblical truth to help you build a writing life with eternal impact.

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This is the last episode of 2025! Listen in for a summary of what we talked about this fall with rhythms, routines, spiritual disciplines, and mindsets. I also look forward to January, when I’ll be talking about ways to build your online platform without losing your soul. If you have specific topics you’d like me to address, let me know!If you’re interested in my free reflection and planning pages for your writing, you can download them here. To read Jana Carlson’s article about keeping a Christmas journal, you can find that here.And if you’re looking for the Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover, you can download that here. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s! I see you in January!The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Do you ever feel like you’re behind—as a writer, as a Christian, or just in life? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Shouldn’t I be more spiritually mature by now?” or “Is it too late to write my book?” This mindset of being “behind” is one that many of us carry, but it’s built on ideas that don’t line up with truth.In this episode, I unpack three root issues behind the “I’m behind” soundtrack that plays in our heads—our identity, our value system, and our tendency to compare. You’ll be reminded that God doesn’t measure progress by speed or visible success but by faithfulness. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this journey for years, you are not behind—you are right where God has you. In This Episode:* How our mental image of “what a real writer (or Christian) looks like” feeds feelings of being behind* The difference between cultural timelines and God’s process of growth* Why God values faithfulness over speed or output* How comparison distorts our sense of progress—and how to realign with God’s truth* Encouragement for writers who feel “late to the game”If you’d like to dive deeper into the unbiblical mindsets that get in our way as writers, download the “Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover”. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Have you ever wanted to have a manifesto or a framework to write by? In this interview with Christian author and coach Stephanie Miller, we talk about her D.R.E.A.M. framework for making sure the right things stay front and center in our writing lives.Stephanie Miller, M.A., is a certified Spiritual Growth and Writing Coach, 2x international best-selling author, editor, and speaker passionate about helping faith-filled writers conquer fear, find their voice, and transform their writing. As founder of Butterfly Beginnings Coaching, she offers 1:1 coaching, editing, and workshops to help writers grow in clarity and confidence. Her book, The Butterfly Blueprint, reflects her belief that when we lean into God’s call, our words can change lives.Whether teaching, speaking, podcasting, or writing on Substack, her mission is the same: to help writers boldly pursue their God-given calling—one story at a time.Find Stephanie here:FacebookInstagramWebsiteBook sketch/Transformation TaleSubstack: The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Writing requires courage. Whether it’s sharing a personal story, starting a blog, or publishing a book, putting your words out into the world is a bold act of faith. In this episode, I explore how the call to write parallels our walk with Jesus—both requiring us to step out of our comfort zones, trust God, and “do it scared.”You’ll be encouraged to remember that God goes with you in every step of your writing journey—from tackling new technology to clicking “publish” on your latest post. When fear creeps in, courage grows as we lean into God’s presence and choose faith over comfort.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* Why writing is an act of courage and faith* How courage in writing parallels courage in walking with Jesus* What Scripture says about fear and God’s presence (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10)* How to “do it scared” instead of waiting for fear to disappear* Practical ways to grow in courage as a writer and follower of ChristKey Scriptures:* Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”* Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”* 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”Reflection Questions:* What writing step is God asking you to take, even if it feels scary?* How can you remind yourself that God is with you in the process?* Where might “doing it scared” apply not just to your writing, but to your walk with Him?Uncover the unbiblical mindsets that may be holding you back in both your writing and your relationship with God: www.amylynnsimon.com/makeoverThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
If you’ve ever made a detailed writing plan—only to find yourself doing laundry, answering texts, or getting lost on Amazon instead—you’re not alone. In this episode, I explore how self-control and discipline play a vital role in both our writing lives and our spiritual growth.Drawing from Scripture and Henry Cloud’s insights in How People Grow, I unpack why some of us struggle with follow-through, how self-discipline develops, and how accountability can help us cultivate consistency in our writing.You’ll be reminded that discipline isn’t just about willpower—it’s part of God’s sanctifying work in us as we write for His glory.* Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and a reflection of Christlike maturity.* Discipline grows as we abide in Christ and take practical steps to cooperate with Him.* Some of our struggles with discipline may come from not having learned follow-through early in life—but growth is still possible.* “Other-discipline” through accountability can help us build habits until self-discipline becomes internalized.* Writing within a supportive community can strengthen both consistency and encouragement.Reflection Questions:* In what ways do you struggle with self-control and discipline in your writing life?* Who could you ask to help you stay accountable to your writing goals this week?* How might God be using your writing to shape your character, not just your words?Resource Mentioned:* How People Grow by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Writing isn’t just about words on a page — it’s one of the ways God shapes our hearts. In this episode, I explore how the writing life can become a tool for spiritual growth, particularly in developing perseverance.Whether you’re growing a platform, finishing a manuscript, or facing rejection from an agent, perseverance is an essential part of both the writer’s journey and the Christian walk. I share personal confessions about my own struggle to stick with hard things, remind us of what Scripture says about endurance, and offer practical ways to strengthen your “grit muscles” — one small step at a time.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* Why writing can be a powerful means of growing in Christlike character* What the Bible teaches about perseverance and endurance* How to discern your role versus God’s role in developing spiritual fruit* Practical ways to practice perseverance in your writing life* When it might actually be time to let go and move on from a projectWhat small act of perseverance are you taking this week? If you’re a Substack subscriber, share your answer in the comments — let’s encourage each other as we grow in endurance and Christlikeness through our writing.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
“Community” isn’t typically something we think of as a spiritual discipline, but it’s essential to both our spiritual growth and our writing growth. In this interview with author and founder of Jesus Writing Month, Justice Tilsher, we talk about how community influenced his own writing and what he’s doing to provide community for other Christian writers. Justice Tilsher is a #1 bestselling author, homeschool graduate, and entrepreneur based in Orlando, Florida. He wrote his first book at 17, and now helps young Christian writers finish the dream book God placed in their hearts, with peace and freedom. Through his podcast, novels, and his organization Jesus Writing Month, he teaches writers how to craft flawed, relatable characters that tell God’s truth and leave a lasting impact.You can find him on his website, Instagram, and on the Jesus Writing Month website.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Perfectionism is one of the most common struggles Christian writers face. It often shows up in two ways: the belief that our writing must be perfect before we can publish it, and the belief that our lives must be perfect before we can minister to others.In this episode, I unpack both sides of perfectionism and show how these lies can keep us from stepping into the calling God has given us. You’ll discover:* Why “perfect writing” is an impossible, ever-moving target* The difference between doing your best for God’s glory and being paralyzed by unrealistic standards* How God uses imperfect people (and imperfect writing) to impact livesIf you’ve ever delayed publishing, doubted your ability to serve others, or felt unworthy because of your imperfections, this episode will encourage you to release those lies and trust God to use your words—even when they aren’t perfect.Resources & Links:* Listen to Episode 60: Interview with Cheryl Balcom on PerfectionismThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Do you ever wonder, “Who am I to write? What do I have to offer?” If so, you’re not alone. Nearly every writer—new or seasoned—faces imposter syndrome at some point. But as Christian writers, our struggle with doubt is often tied to something deeper: our understanding of our identity in Christ.In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we dig into the lie of imposter syndrome and uncover the whole truth that we find in Scripture. Yes, apart from Christ, we have nothing to offer. But in Christ, we are chosen, gifted, and empowered to bear fruit through our words.You’ll discover:* The “grain of truth” that makes imposter syndrome so believable.* How half-truths can twist our thinking into complete untruths.* The biblical foundation for finding confidence as a writer.* Practical steps to bring hidden lies to lightIf you’ve ever felt unworthy of the call to write, this episode will remind you that your words—rooted in Christ—are a gift of grace to others.To uncover other faulty mindsets you may be struggling with and replace them with truth from God’s Word, download The Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
What are the keys to creating a sustainable writing life? It will be a little different for each writer, but Jenny Marcelene shares some of the elements of her own diverse writing experience. In this episode, we talk about things such as finding variety in our writing, taking a Sabbath, and the importance of prayer and our time with God.Jenny Marcelene lived cross-culturally for six years. She loves exploring new cultures and encouraging families to treasure Jesus above all else. Her debut children's chapter book series will be released September 30, 2025. Once upon a time she worked as a Kids' Ministry Coordinator for her local church—which catapulted her into writing for young readers. When she’s not chipping away at a fiction book, she writes and edits non-fiction articles.You can pre-order her book, The Dreamer, here.You can also find her online at: www.jennymarcelene.com and on Instagram. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
“All or nothing” thinking sets a very high bar and then tells us that anything short of reaching that bar is meaningless. Go big or go home. This faulty mindset leaves us feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, and leads us to give up when we don’t need to.In this episode, I dive deeper into what is behind this thinking, how it affects our writing, and how we can escape it.If you struggle with other faulty mindsets, such as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or the idea that promoting our work is prideful, download my free resource, “The Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover”. You’ll learn what the kernel of truth is in each mindset, how we either exaggerate it or take it to an illogical conclusion, and Bible verses and journaling prompts to correct those mindsets. Download it at www.amylynnsimon.com/makeover.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
In this episode, I talk with author Elise Tegegne about how spiritual disciplines not only help us grow in our walk with Jesus, but they also benefit us as writers. Elise explains some of the disciplines she has found helpful and sometimes challenging. You’ll come away with practical ways to refresh your walk with God and your writing!Mama, editor, and writer Elise Tegegne has published articles at Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and (in)courage, among others. Her first book In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Calla Press, In addition to serving as the Director of Communications for missions organization Synergie Francophone, she also writes a monthly blog, which inspires readers to cultivate eyes for the divine in their own daily difficulties. After teaching at a mission school for four years in Ethiopia, she now lives stateside with her husband and energetic four-year-old. Read more of her words at elisetegegne.com or reach out on Instagram @elisetegegne.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Welcome to the fall 2025 season of the podcast! From now through Thanksgiving, we’ll be covering the topic of rhythms and routines surrounding our writing. In this episode, I share some personal life updates, and I also ask for your input.* In this world of AI, what types of writing help from an actual, knowledgeable human would you find helpful?* What types of formats do you like to get that help—online courses? Articles? Coaching sessions? A live group webinar?Drop your response in the comments or send me an email!Also, we look at how writing can be a spiritual discipline in itself. The things we learn through writing, if we don’t give up, are part of our broader sanctification journey as followers of Jesus. I’ve created a new resource called The Christian Writer’s Mindset Makeover to help you identify faulty mindsets surrounding your writing and replace them with truth from God’s Word. You can download that for free at www.amylynnsimon.com/makeover.As always, if you benefit from the podcast, please tell someone about it! The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week, you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails, and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
This is the last episode of the summer 2025 season, talking about how to refine our reader and message. In this brief episode, I give you a basic round-up of the episodes and topics from this season. I’ll be off for the month of August, but new episodes will launch starting September 2. If you’d like to dive deeper into uncovering your ideal reader and message, you can purchase my 30-page digital workbook, A Path to Purposeful Writing. Between now and September 2, you can use the code podcast20 to get 20% off. You can find the workbook here.The theme for September-November 2025 will be rhythms and routines. We’ll look at creating a sustainable writing routine, how spiritual disciplines play a role in our writing, and the overlap between writing and spiritual formation. My weekly Pen Points email will still go out during August. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so here. Happy listening, and I’ll see you again in September! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
In this episode, I talk with author Jac Filer about the writing of his newly-released memoir, The Widower and the Washer. Listen in as we talk about how this memoir came about and how Jac decided on the reader and central message for the book. We also talk about some of the challenges in writing a memoir, the importance of both a writing community and a spiritual community, and knowing when it’s OK to go against the grain of typical writing advice.Jac took up writing as a second career in 2020. He built his skills through freelance work, mostly writing devotionals and articles for Christian websites and media, using skills and knowledge he had gained from serving as a small group leader and lay preacher. Since then, he’s centered his writing on his own projects, which include an Advent devotional, a novel, and a newly-released memoir.Places to find Jac:* Website* Instagram* FacebookDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Join me as I chat with author Mary Grace Johnson about how she took a traumatic event from her childhood and turned it into a children’s book. She wasn’t originally planning on writing for kids, but over time, it became clear who she was writing for. Listen in to hear about that process.Her book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, comes out this fall. Mary Grace Johnson writes inspirational stories for those who have faced grief and loss at a young age, offering love, comfort, and hope. You can find her at https://marygracejohnsonauthor.com or on Instagram.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.comDisclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
This week, I deviated a bit from my theme of finding your reader and message to talk about a topic that affects us as writers in a broad way—the use of AI in our writing.In this episode, I explain my three questions that I ask myself when considering the use of AI in my writing:* Is my use of AI God-honoring?* Is my use of AI causing my God-given creativity or other skills to atrophy from lack of use?* Am I valuing expediency over the longer writing process in a way that short-changes the end result and my own participation in that process?I also break them down and share some of the ways that I have decided not to use AI, some of the ways I currently do, and where I feel the area is a little grey.I don’t claim to be an authority on this topic or have all the answers, but this episode gives you a peek into my own thought process as I consider different ways to use or not use this new technology.(PS - I did not use AI to write these show notes!)Resources mentioned:Episode 105Sign up for Pen Points, my weekly email for Christian writersThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Sometimes we feel the pressure to include every aspect of all the things we’re passionate about in the core message of our writing. It just doesn’t fit, nor does it need to!Covered in this episode:* It’s OK NOT to talk about certain topics* You may have more than one book in you* The importance of being intentional about what personal details we share or don’t share* What to do with smaller ideas that don’t fit into our main message* Why having an intentional personal brand isn’t inauthentic or fakeOther episodes referenced: Episode 40 - What is an author brand? with Cara RayEpisode 66 - Branding and Business Planning for Creatives with Karla ColahanThe Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
This week, I talk about the balance between settling on our reader and message and also remaining flexible and responsive to reader input and feedback. We’ll look at:* The importance of adjusting as you write rather than trying to have it all figured out ahead of time* Different ways of getting feedback from your readers* Examples of how a popular post doesn’t always equal a drastic change in your future writing focusResources:If you haven’t signed up yet, check out Pen Points - a weekly email of writing tips, resources, and prayer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we’re continuing our conversation about honing in on your reader and the message you offer them. Today, we’re diving into one key reason this clarity matters: language. When we know exactly who we’re talking to and what we’re helping them with, we can learn how they describe their problems—and use those words in our writing. This not only helps your reader feel seen and understood, but it also boosts discoverability through SEO.We’ll explore:* Why using your reader’s own words makes your writing more relatable and effective* How Jesus modeled this kind of audience awareness* Simple, practical ways to “listen” to your audience online and in real life* How to use tools like AI (including ChatGPT’s Deep Research function) to dig into how your ideal reader describes their struggles* Tips on incorporating this research into your writing to serve and connect more deeplyYou can sign up for the Pen Points weekly email here.The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
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