The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian Writers
Episodes
Episode 136: 5 Questions to Help Writers Choose the Right Platform Strategy
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After exploring multiple ways to grow your platform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. In this episode, we’re simplifying the proc...
Episode 135: Building Your Platform as a First-Time Author with Cara Ray
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I talk with Cara Ray, who has recently published her first book, “The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Pl...
Episode 134: When Platform Numbers Mess With Your Heart: 3 Truths Christian Writers Need to Remember
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Platform growth can easily become all about numbers, such as followers, subscribers, downloads. But as Christian writers, our worth isn’t measured b...
Episode 133: Collaborations & Giveaways: Simple Ways to Grow Your Audience
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re talking about two practical strategies to grow your audience: collaborations and giveaways.CollaborationsThere are several wa...
Episode 132: Growing Your Platform Through YouTube with Rose Jordan
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
YouTube is yet another way to grow your online writing platform. It gives your audience a chance to see you and get to know you better. You can also t...
Episode 131: Borrowing an Audience to Grow Your Platform
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for ways to grow your platform without adding another major project to your plate? This week, we’re talking about two strategic options: bec...
Episode 130: Why Writers Should Consider Podcasting to Grow Their Audience
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcasting can be a powerful way to grow your audience—without travel, booking agents, or a big production budget. In this episode, we explore podca...
Episode 129: Using Public Speaking to Grow Your Platform as a Christian Writer
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to grow your platform—whether or not you use social media. When you speak, your audience doesn’t...
Episode 128: Platform-Building Without Social Media with Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Building a writing platform does not have to include social media. There - you can breathe a huge sigh of relief! This week, I had a fun conversation ...
Episode 127: God's Role vs Our Role in Building a Platform
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Christian writers often struggle to understand where God’s sovereignty and our responsibility meet—especially when it comes to building a platform...
Episode 126: Is Building a Writing Platform Prideful? A Biblical Perspective for Christian Writers
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest concerns Christian writers have about building a writing platform is pride. Is it prideful to attach your name to your work? Does p...
Episode 125: Platform, Not a Pedestal: Why Writers Need to Be Found
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean to “build a platform” as a Christian writer—and why does the idea make so many of us uncomfortable?In this episode, I k...
Episode 124: Wrapping Up the Season
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 mindset...
Episode 123: You’re Not Behind: Letting Go of the ‘Shoulds’ in Writing and Faith
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 mor...
Episode 122: Creating Your Writing Framework with Author and Coach Stephanie Miller
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 121: Do it Scared: Writing with Courage and Faith
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
Episode 120: Growing in Discipline as a Writer
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 119: Perseverance in the Writing Life
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 becom...
Writing in Community with Justice Tilsher
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Community” isn’t typically something we think of as a spiritual discipline, but it’s essential to both our spiritual growth and our writing g...
Episode 117: Breaking Free From Writing Perfectionism
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
Episode 116: The Truth About Imposter Syndrome for Christian Writers
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 imposte...
Episode 115: Creating a Sustainable Writing Life with Jenny Marcelene
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 elemen...
Episode 114: Faithful, Not Famous: Escaping the All-or-Nothing Trap
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“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 ...
Episode 113: Spiritual Disciplines for Writers with Elise Tegegne
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 112: Writing as a Spiritual Discipline
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Episode 111: Season Wrap Up
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 roun...
Episode 110: Finding Your Reader for Your Memoir with Jac Filer
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Episode 109: Deciding on Your Reader with Mary Grace Johnson
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Episode 108: AI Considerations for Christian Writers
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 107: Your Message isn't Everything You Know or Everything You Are
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Episode 106: Refining Your Message as You Write
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 105: Use Your Readers' Words
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Episode 104: Clarify Your Core Message
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve spent time exploring our ideal readers, but today we turn our attention to the message we’re called to share. Your message is deeply tied to...
Episode 103: Three Common Mistakes Writers Make About Their Audience
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going deeper into understanding our audience by looking at the three most common mistakes writers make when defining who they...
Episode 102: Discovering Who You Are Serving
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you clear on who you're writing for?In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we're diving into the essential process of identifying your reader. Dis...
Episode 101: Why Narrowing Your Audience Brings Clarity to Your Christian Writing
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a new season of The Purposeful Pen! With the school year winding down, I’m excited to launch a fresh, focused season on the podcast. From...
Episode 100: Myth-Busting for Christian Writers: Why Writing Alone Isn’t Enough
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So you want to write a book. In this episode of The Purposeful Pen, we’re digging into a common myth many Christian writers believe: that all you ha...
Episode 99: The Long Game of Writing
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to build a writing life that will last?In this episode, I discuss different mindsets that can help us approach writing with the “long ...
Episode 98: Spiritual Struggles for Christian Writers with Editor Will Parker Anderson (Part 2)
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this part 2 of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, we talk about the spiritual side of publishing. * Three common spiritual temptations that...
Episode 97: Publishing Advice from Editor Will Parker Anderson (Part 1)
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to write and publish a book but you’d like to hear from an editor what’s involved? Listen in to the first half of my conversation with...
Episode 95: Writing in Liminal Time with Katie Sampias
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you found yourself in that in-between time when one life event or season has ended but the next hasn’t yet begun? We all have those times in li...
Episode 94: Pray Scripture Over Your Writing with Jenn Soehnlin
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you pray for your writing? Or for the rest of life, for that matter? In this episode, guest Jenn Soehnlin talks about how praying Scripture has...
Episode 93: Is It Too Late to Pursue Publishing? with Gina Gallagher
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you dream of writing and publishing a book, but you wonder if it’s too late in life to do it? Or maybe you’ve considered writing children’s p...
Episode 92: The Writing Journey with Author Hadassah Treu
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you wondered what it really means to be “called” as a writer? If you’re confident that God has called you, then is it normal for the journe...
Episode 91: Writing With Littles, with Grace Thomas
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you trying to fit writing in among the cracks of a busy life as a mom, wife, and follower of Jesus? In this episode, I talk with Grace Thomas abou...
Episode 90: Finding Clarity as a Christian Writer
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to write, but your brain is lost in the fog of overwhelm and information overload? Are you not sure where to start or what to do next? We’...
Episode 89: Writing Children's Books with Melody Trowell
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever considered writing children’s chapter books? Or maybe you wonder if there’s a place in your life and writing for childlike faith. Li...
Episode 88: Growing Your Writing Platform Through Networking
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Networking with other writers is a great way to grow your writing platform and build up the Body of Christ. If that term sounds icky and sales-y, don’...
Episode 87: How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being a guest on a podcast can be a great way to share your message with a broader audience. If you’ve ever considered it but aren’t sure how to g...
Episode 86: Lies Writers Believe
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are some of the lies you believe as a Christian writer? How about things like:* I have nothing to offer* God can’t use me* No one will read wha...
Episode 85: Setting Boundaries to Write Without Ditching Your People
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Setting aside time to write can be tricky amid our busy lives. We can also struggle with feeling like we’re deserting those we love by asking for ti...
Episode 84: Why Plan if God is in Control?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
God is sovereign over everything and everyone, so is it pointless to make plans? Should we wait to write or move forward until we have specific, unden...
Episode 83: Writing Sensitively About Painful Topics
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So many times, the person we’re writing for is a past version of ourselves. We’ve been through some things and we want to help others who are goin...
Episode 82: Where to Start as a Christian Writer
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2025 and Season 3 of the Purposeful Pen Podcast! Is 2025 the year that you do something more with your love of writing, but you don’t kno...
Episode 81: Sabbath Rest for Writers
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it look like for a writer to take a Sabbath rest? Part of the answer is probably what you would expect, but the other part may surprise you....
Episode 80: Benefits of Writing Friends (and where to find them!)
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Writing is a solitary endeavor and can feel lonely and discouraging at times. God has wired us for relationship and community—we need each other!In ...
Episode 79: Finding Motivation Through Writing Challenges
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the months of November and December can be the busiest time of the year. Some writers take those months off...
Episode 78: How to Build a God-Honoring Platform
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been told that you need to “build a platform”, but it feels like self-promotion when you’d rather just write? This week, I talk with bo...
Episode 77: What if I have too many ideas?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with having too many writing ideas? Too many topics you’d love to write about? Are you concerned that if you narrow your message too...
Episode 76: All About Book Proposals with Lara d'Entremont
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s a book proposal and why would I need one? If you’re writing a non-fiction book, a book proposal will sell your idea to an agent and then a ...
Episode 75: I Want to Write a Book - Now What?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to write a book but don’t know where to start? Opening a blank document and typing “Chapter 1” is NOT the first step of the process!...
Episode 74: A Writer's Rule of Life
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the trellis that your writing life grows on? What habits or practices help you eliminate distractions and provide an environment where your wr...
Episode 73: Overcoming Writing Resistance
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to write, but you struggle to actually do it? It can be hard to find time, but then when we do find time, we sometimes succumb to distract...
Episode 72: The Power of Unplugging as a Writer with Hannah Brencher
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does your relationship with your phone look like? It keeps us connected to those we love and can allow us to serve our readers with our writing. ...
Episode 71: Publishing Options and the Importance of Networking with Kathy Izard
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to sit down with an author several steps ahead of you down the writing journey and ask her all the questions? I think that’s wh...
Episode 70: Social Media - What I've Learned and Where I've Landed
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is your relationship with social media? Mine has swung on the pendulum from loving it and working hard to grow it to ignoring it as a waste of ti...
Episode 69: I Have an Email List - What Do I Do With It?
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 68, I talked about 11 ways to start and grow an email list and why writers need one. This week, I talk about different types of content you...
Episode 68: 11 Ways to Grow Your Email List
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been listening over the summer, you’ve heard several of my guests talk about the importance of email lists. OK, but how do we build and ...
Episode 67: Finding Writing Clarity with Carla H. Hayden
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Working as writers, we're usually our own boss, which can be great or not so great. We get to make all the decisions! But we have to make all the deci...
Episode 66: Branding and Business Planning for Creatives with Karla Colahan
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you enjoy the business planning side of writing? How about the idea of branding - creating a cohesive look and feel to the visual aspect of your wr...
Episode 65: Writing Through Chronic Illness with Glenna Marshall
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a writer who struggles with chronic illness and wonders how to find the time and energy to write?Or perhaps you wear many hats and aren’t su...
Episode 64: Growing Slow as a Writer with Jennifer Dukes Lee
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We live in such a busy, distracted, instant gratification culture - we want everything to happen that we think should happen, and we expect it to happ...
Episode 63: Improving the Craft of Writing with Benjamin Vrbicek
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We talk a lot here about building a writing platform, finding time to write, and organizing our ideas, but how do we actually improve in the craft of ...
Episode 62: Finding Contentment as a Writer with Rachel Allord
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does contentment look like as a writer? There’s nothing wrong with having goals and desires for our writing, but sometimes we have to hold them...
Episode 61: Writing Without Fear
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What role does fear play in your writing? Perhaps you struggle with some of the following:* fear of failure* fear of success* fear of vulnerability* f...
Episode 60: Overcoming Perfectionism Part 2 with Guest Cheryl Balcom
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We talked about perfectionism back in episode 58, but this week, we’re continuing the conversation. In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Balcom about...
Episode 59: Writing and Publishing Articles for Online Publications with Guest Kimberly Coyle
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you looking for ways to get your words out into the world but aren’t ready to write a book? Writing for online publications, both paid and unpai...
Episode 58: Overcoming Perfectionism as a Writer
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with perfectionism? Listen in for a fresh, Biblical perspective and some tips for moving past perfectionism to loving God and your rea...
Episode 57: Our Role vs. God's Role in Our Writing
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We want to write in a way that pleases God, but how do we do that? Do we wait for Him to tell us specifically what to write and where to put that writ...
Announcement! Taking a pause for May
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for a spring pause! In order to bring you more quality content, I won’t be posting any new episodes for the rest of May. In the meantime...
Episode 56: Biblical Encouragement for Writers
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need some encouragement on your writing journey? We all do. Listen in as I share some Bible verses that encourage me in my writing. I’m sure ...
Episode 55: Does Your Reader and Message Change Over Time
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does your reader and message change over time? Can it be too narrow and specific? That’s the question we dive into this week. I also talk about: * t...
Episode 54: Three Tips to Refresh Your Writerly Brain This Spring
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How are you feeling this spring? Tired? Scattered? Unfocused?Listen to this week’s episode for 3 tips to refresh your writing and find new focus and...
Episode 53: 10 Things I've Learned In Half a Century About Writing and Life
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I turn 50! In this episode, I share 10 things I’ve learned about life with God as they relate to writing. Some links mentioned in the epis...
Episode 52: Finding an Idea Capturing System
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have writing ideas that you either lose or forget? You need an idea capture and recovery system! In this episode, I talk about the need for suc...
Episode 51: 5 Ways to Get Unstuck in Your Writing
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What makes you feel stuck when it comes to writing? And what helps you get unstuck? In this episode, I talk about 5 ways to regain inspiration and mot...
Episode 50: Technology Overwhelm for Writers
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the technical aspects of writing, such as setting up a website and an email list? Listen in today for some tips ...
Episode 49: Nourishing Your Relationship with God
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Christian writers, whether we’re writing about explicitly Christian content or not, it’s important to nourish our relationship with God. What a...
Episode 48: Serving Your Reader Through Growing in Empathy
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to connect with your readers on a deeper level and serve them more effectively? In this episode, I talk about the importance of growing...
Episode 47: Writing and Publishing Bible Studies with Mariel Davenport
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about writing and publishing Bible studies but aren’t sure where to start? Listen this week to my conversation with Mariel Dav...
Episode 46: Setting Aside Time to Write
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle to set aside time to write? If so, you’re not alone! It doesn’t mean you’re a failure or aren’t supposed to be a writer. It ju...
Episode 45: Is Substack Right for You?
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you considered Substack as a writing platform? Do you want to get your writing out into the world but the thought of setting up your own website ...
Episode 44: How to be a Writer Without Social Media - Part 3: SEO
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is our last week talking about writing without being on social media. Today I talk with Jana Carlson about SEO - Search Engine Optimization. Jana...
Episode 43: How to be a Writer Without Social Media - Part 2: In person events
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is week 2 of talking about ways to be a writer and either not be on social media at all, or limit your use of it. I continue the conversa...
Episode 42: How to be a Writer Without Social Media - Part 1: Collaborations
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel as a writer that you MUST be active on social media, but you’d really rather not be? Are you hoping that there is another way to get you...
Episode 41: Author Website: Do I need one and what goes on it?
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I talk again with Cara Ray, writer and marketer, about author websites.* Do we need one?* If so, what goes on it?* What’s the difference ...
What is an author brand?
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“I’m a human, not a company. Why would I need a brand?” That’s the question I answer in this episode as I talk with Cara Ray who is a writer, ...
Looking Back at 2023 and Planning 2024
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2024! In this episode, we take a look back at our writing over the past year and look at making goals for the coming year. What can you cel...
Reflecting on 2023 and Planning 2024
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2024! In this episode, we take a look back at our writing over the past year and look at making goals for the coming year. What can you cel...
Self-publishing with Abigail Wallace
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you considered self-publishing but don’t know where to start? This week, I talk with Abigail Wallace about the process of self-publishing her b...