Christian writers often struggle to understand where God’s sovereignty and our responsibility meet—especially when it comes to building a platform.

If God is in control, how much effort should we put in?Do we wait for Him to act, or move forward on our own?

In this episode, we explore why the answer is usually both/and. God is sovereign, and He also calls us to be faithful stewards of the work He’s given us.

Just as God usually works through ordinary means—like doctors for healing—He typically blesses writers through faithful effort: growing in the craft, learning how publishing works, and doing the work of building a platform. Calling doesn’t replace preparation.

We’re called to do what we can control and trust God with what we can’t. Our job is faithfulness. The fruit belongs to Him.

Resources:

Learn more about working with me as your writing coach.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Read the blog version of the podcast.

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

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 promoting your writing mean you’re really just promoting yourself? In this episode, we tackle those questions head-on and look at what Scripture says about pride, humility, and having an accurate view of ourselves as writers. You’ll learn how to distinguish true humility from false humility, how to examine your motives without becoming paralyzed, and how promoting your writing can be an act of faithful stewardship rather than self-exaltation.

Links and resources:

Learn more about working with me as your writing coach.

Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email to encourage you in your writing.

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Read the blog version of the podcast.

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

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 kick off a new season focused on building your platform without losing your soul. I lay the foundation by answering a fundamental question many writers wrestle with: Why can’t I just write?

You’ll learn why a platform isn’t about self-exaltation or chasing followers, but about creating a practical, faithful way for readers to actually find and benefit from your words.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* Why writing for readers means helping readers find you

* The critical difference between a platform and a pedestal

* How Christians often misunderstand platform-building—and why that matters

* Why a platform is about logistics, not ego

* What a writing platform actually is (and what it isn’t)

* Why your email list is the true hub of an effective platform

* Practical next steps if you’re starting from zero—or feeling overwhelmed

Key Takeaway:

Building a platform isn’t about putting yourself above others. It’s about stewarding your message well so the people who need your words can hear them.

Simple Next Steps:

If you’re ready to begin (or refine) your platform, consider starting here:

* Choose an email service provider (like Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit, FloDesk, or Substack)

* Decide how often you can realistically communicate with your readers

* Create a helpful lead magnet that serves your audience and invites them onto your email list

Need Personal Guidance?

If platform-building feels confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a coaching session with me to clarify your next steps and create a realistic, actionable plan that fits your life.

I also have a new 3-session coaching package called “The Path to Purposeful Writing” that is on sale until January 15, 2026. It includes guidance, accountability, and writing evaluation.

Learn more at amylynnsimon.com/coaching

You can also find the podcast on YouTube @amysimonwriter

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

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

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:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Book sketch/Transformation Tale

Substack:

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

Disclaimer: 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.

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 Christ

Key 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/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

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 Townsend

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