Tag: Writers Chat Recap

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Come Write with Us: Having Fun with Flash Fiction with Sophia Hansen

Novelist and flash fiction editor Sophia Hansen shares tips on writing short stories—less than 1000 words—in this fun and creative “Come Write with Us” episode. From there, she leads us in developing a story idea based on a character bio and three prompts provided by Story Dice (a free app). These basic ideas are fleshed out with an imaginative brainstorming session by participants who write in a variety of genres. Whether you write short stories or mega-novels, this episode is like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day–fun and refreshing.

Watch the November 5th replay.

Sophia Hansen is an organic author, using no artificial ingredients in her stories—unless absolutely convenient. She writes and edits flash fiction for Havok Publishing and her debut novel, Water’s Break, released in January, 2024 to critical acclaim. Sophia, who resides in the South with her husband of thirty-six years, can be bribed with good coffee, crispy bacon, and dark chocolate.

The Way We Share Truth Matters with Annette Marie Griffin

In a world where truth is becoming more and more relative, people still search for real answers to life’s deepest questions. But instead of looking to the Church or the Bible for spiritual guidance, the go-to source for enlightenment is now Google. In this episode of Writers Chat, award-winning author, Annette Marie Griffin, covers how Christian writers can impact the world by using Google analytics and best SEO practices to ensure their online content reaches those searching for truth.

Watch the November 12th replay.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has written hundreds of top-ranking articles for Salem Media Group, she’s a columnist and acquisitions editor for StarLight Magazine for kids, and she teaches workshops and training classes at local and national writing conferences. When Annette isn’t writing, speaking, or teaching, she loves making memories with her brilliant husband, 3 adult children, 2 teens, and 3 adorable grands!

Thanksgiving Roundtable: Sharing Blessings

The Writers Chat community counts our blessings while playing “Thanksgiving Roulette.” Our illustrious host, Johnnie Alexander, drew questions from her writing box and posed that question to someone in our audience. We had questions like: what is your favorite Scripture for writing? What mentor has blessed you? Where is your favorite writing place? What lessons did you learn the hard way? Where would your dream writing retreat be? And so much more. Be sure to check out this episode if you need encouragement, laughter, or simply want to see a delightful show.

Watch the November 19th replay.

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Book Chat: Unleashing the Writer Within

In this round table discussion, we share our favorite highlights from NYT bestselling author Cecil (Cec) Murphey’s book, Unleash the Writer Within. Cec says, “The best kind of writing occurs when it comes from the heart. It’s called being authentic or transparent. Too many writers have an insatiable need to be accepted, liked, or admired, and those needs become more important than being true to their convictions. Be you when you write.” Find out if this book will be your next most-used and marked-up writing companion.

Watch the October 15th replay.

Under- and Overwriting

Author and editing coach Jeanne Marie Leach joins us to share tips on writing fiction–how to avoid the dual mistakes of underwriting and overwriting in your manuscript. In this episode of Writers Chat, she shares some of the more obscure yet impactful aspects of under- and overwriting in order to help you improve your craft.

Watch the October 29th replay.

Jeanne Marie Leach is an author, fiction editor, writing coach, and conference speaker. She loves reading, hiking, four-wheeling, cooking, and scrapbooking. She’s been married to her husband for forty-seven years, and they have a one-hundred-pound Alaskan Malamute, Kona, who loves the snow as much as she does. For a list of books and editing services, visit her website at www.novelimprovement.com

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October,Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Panning for Sentence Gold with Ann Neumann

When we self-edit, we become like miners panning for gold, sifting through the sediment of first and second drafts in search of glittering flakes. And like miners, we can put our sediment–our sentences–through classifying screens of varying mesh size to reveal superfine prose. Grammar expert Ann Neumann (writing as Cate Touryan) guides us through the “grammar as gold” screening process in this episode of Writers Chat.

Watch the October 1st replay.

Ann Neumann: As a university instructor and editor, Ann has taught writing to homeschoolers other projects, she taught and redesigned the foundational grammar course for UC Berkeley’s editing certificate program. As an author, she writes fiction and creative nonfiction under her pen name, Cate Touryan. Her debut YA novel is slated for release in May 2025. She lives on California’s foggy but beautiful central coast with her husband, her Yorkie, and a rafter of turkeys—as in both a whole bunch of them and in the rafters.

Writer’s Journey: Unexpected Turns with Kathy Brasby

Kathy joins us to share the twists and unexpected turns of her writing journey. She shared how God used past situations, good and bad, for her good years later. She explains how creating a spiritual timeline (an exercise based on Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”) can connect us to our writing. Our journeys, she says, can resemble “flinging paint colors” onto a canvas, then stepping back to see the pattern. In closing, Kathy reminds us that God communicates with our imaginations ~ He whispers into our imaginations.

Watch the October 8th Replay.

Kathy Brasby is a former journalist who focuses on storytelling in both fiction and non-fiction pieces. Her award-winning writing includes five published books. She has created and taught Bible studies for over thirty years. She holds a BA in English and an MA in Theological Studies. Her website is KathyBrasby.net

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing Winning Articles Every Time—The Pyramid Method with Cheri Cowell

In this episode of Writers Chat, founder and owner of EABooks Publishing, Cheri Cowell, shares the secret to writing articles that get published in this workshop. She unveils the aspects of articles you may have noticed but never “seen” before.

Watch the September 17th replay.

Cheri Cowell is the Founder and owner of EABooks Publishing, the author of four traditionally published books and over 700 articles. In her local critique group, Cheri became known as the article queen. And on a personal note, Cheri and her husband, Randy, own luxury rental treehouses in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Come Write with Us—Vivid Settings

This episode of Come Write with Us focuses on the creation of vivid settings. Co-host and author Brandy Brow leads our participants in a series of exercises drawn from the popular book, Word Painting, by Rebecca McClanahan. Learn how to create vivid settings, in either fiction or nonfiction, that evoke feeling and a sense of place for your readers.

Watch the September 24th replay

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writer Procrastination with Brandy Brow

Co-host and author Brandy Brow leads the Writers Chat community in a discussion on procrastinating, which she defines as “intentional avoidance.” We talk about the reasons we as writers procrastinate even when a deadline is looming and share tips on ways to prevent procrastination from becoming a problem. In a bit of a “plot twist,” however, we also talk about the positive results that can come from recognizing and even accepting our procrastination tendencies.

Watch the September 10th replay.

Brandy Brow, Writers Chat co-host who freelance edits and writes flash fiction and short stories for the general market, plus articles and devotions. Her fiction explores the highs and lows of human nature and ranges from normal to strange. She loves to help writers improve their craft.

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the cohosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

How Bookstagram Helps Authors with Jill Lancour

Because writers and readers share a collaborative relationship, Bookstagrammer Jillian Lancour shares tips on how Christian writers can build an Instagram community.

Watch the August 20th replay

Jillian Lancour is an avid reader of inspirational historical fiction, a homeschool mom, and a fan of all things vintage. Check out her Instagram account at She Reads Christian Fiction.

Leveraging Manuscript Wish Lists for Queries and Publishing Trends with Bethany Jett

Literary agent and marketing strategist Bethany Jett shares tips on how to strategically use literary agents’ manuscript wish lists (#MSWL) to tailor our queries and maximize our chances of success. This workshop guides writers in interpreting what agents are looking for, aligning their manuscripts with current demands, and spotting key trends in the publishing industry. For the second half of the episode, we had an open forum where our community members asked Bethany questions about writing, platform, and specific genre expectations.

Watch the July 27th replay

Bethany Jett is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors. Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen/tween sons and their Pomeranian, Sadie.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints presented by the co-hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Writers Chat or Serious Writer, Inc..

AI: What’s the Use? With Brandy Brow

AI. The word elicits strong reactions. Visions of ChatGPT, Midjourney or DALL-E, evoke fears of abuse with creative works used to feed their machines. In this episode of Writers Chat, co-host Brandy Brow will lead a healthy discussion about generative and corrective AI, what they do and what possibilities they pose for the future.

Watch the July 30th replay.

Brandy Brow, Writers Chat co-host who freelance edits and writes flash fiction and short stories for the general market, plus articles and devotions. Her fiction explores the highs and lows of human nature and ranges from normal to strange. She loves to help writers improve their craft.

The Strategic Author

Jonathan Shuerger, CEO of The Strategic Author, indie author, and a Marine veteran, knows that most writers love to write and hate to market. As he says, writers want to “write words, not keywords.” In this episode, Jonathan talks about how his experience with NSA targeting and analysis in the Marine Corps against ISIS targets informs his marketing strategies and how his approach benefits authors struggling to be seen in a saturated digital market.

Watch the August 6th replay.

https://youtu.be/qg-xZwSPqak?si=3eppgeiEOG7Ywt9x

Jonathan Shuerger is the author of the Shades of Black series, The Exorcism of Frosty the Snowman, and the upcoming MilSF novel Semper Die. He is the CEO of The Strategic Author, a service that conducts strategic level analysis that helps authors succeed in their business. He also runs a podcast of stories for his kids, Stories With A Marine Corps Dad, and a podcast for book marketers called The Strategic Author. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran, 3rd-degree black sash in Temple Chinese Boxing, dad of (currently) 4 little girls, and husband to a very loving, very patient wife.

Is Podcasting God’s Next Best Step for You? with Linda Goldfarb

Audio is the future of every writer, and knowing our options clarifies our next step. Yet, not every opportunity to share our gifts and talents is God’s open door. In this episode of Writers Chat, international speaker, award-winning author, and podcaster, Linda Goldfarb, shares insight into the world of podcasting to help you discern what element of podcasting is God’s next best step for you. It’s all about God’s will, God’s way, and God’s timing.

Watch the August 13th replay.

Linda Goldfarb is an international speaker, award-winning author, and podcaster. As a board-certified Christian life coach, Linda helps women move from being stuck or splattered to discovering God’s next best step in their personal and professional lives. Linda is recognized for having a voice that makes you feel welcome, safe, and seen. When she shares her energy, experiences, and expertise during interviews and from the stage, screen, or in her writing, you lean in—not wanting to miss a single word. Linda says, “My life is far from perfect, and that’s where Yeshua met me, loved me, and saved me. For Him, I’m eternally grateful.”

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for July Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

How to be a Writer Editors, Agents, and Publishers Love with Literary Agent Chip McGregor

We want editors, agents, and publishers to love our writing. So we submit our “book from God” to everyone. We polish our manuscripts and practice our pitch for that important face-to-face meeting. Some of us have navigated the submission maze and found our publishing home. Yay! What could go wrong? Plenty if you forget to consider your conduct. Literary agent Chip MacGregor draws on his decades of experience in the publishing industry to share his insights on how to be (and not be) the kind of writer editors, agents, and publishers love.

Watch the July 16th replay

Chip MacGregor is the president of MacGregor and Luedeke (LEE-duh-key) and former publisher with the Time-Warner Book Group and Hachette. He’s handled more than a thousand book contracts and represented titles on nearly every bestseller list, hitting #1 with the New York Times and USA Today. When he was in first grade, he hurried home one day and told his Scottish immigrant mother, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a book guy!” After four decades in the business, he has managed to do exactly that

MidYear Look-Back: A Roundtable Discussion with Writers Chat Community

In this open mic episode, the Writers Chat community engages in a round table discussion reviewing episodes from the first half of 2024. This discussion included some fan favorites via categories like fiction, nonfiction, and marketing, just to name a few. We hope you enjoy and are encouraged by the episodes that encouraged us.

Watch the July 23rd replay

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap FOr July Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Prepping for a Kickstarter

Award-winning YA author CJ Milacci, who is currently launching her third Kickstarter campaign, joins us to share her expertise on preparing for a successful experience. CJ discusses what Kickstarter is, how it works, the pros and cons, and how she personally used the platform to pre-launch her books. She also shares her dashboard to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into her newest campaign.

Watch the July 2nd replay.

CJ Milacci, award-winning author, writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As the podcast host for Read Clean YA with CJ, she loves talking about books and the deeper themes woven into the pages of each novel. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.

Writers Journey: Abundandtly More

Award-Winning Author Tessa Afshar shares four keys to writing an impactful Bible study in this Writers Chat episode that’s filled with biblical wisdom and encouragement.

Watch the July 9th replay

Tessa Afshar’s best-selling books have been translated into 12 languages. Her Bible study, The Way Home, received The ECPA Christian Book Award. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa converted to Christianity in her twenties. She is also winner of the Christy Award for her biblical fiction. Learn more about Tessa’s books at https://tessaafshar.com.

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Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for June Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Come Write with Us: Living Legacies with Brandy Brow

Would you like to write a creative “memoir” for your loved ones? Or perhaps be inspired to write a character bio without filling out a questionnaire? In this episode, author Brandy Brow leads us in writing our “where I am from” stories, a creative and inspirational exercise based on author Ben Cooper’s sharing of his living journey poem in a previous episode of Writers Chat. Grab paper and pen, get comfy, and follow along as Brandy provides writing prompts. You’ll also enjoy hearing what participants wrote for their own living legacies Find Ben’s episode, Writer’s Journey: Abundantly More with Ben Cooper.

Watch the June 18th replay

Brandy Brow is a writer, editor, vocalist, and artist who took ten years away from writing to care for her special needs child and sick parent. During that time, she trained in fiction editing, ran Christian Writers’ Group International, and became a worship leader for her church and national anthem singer for a NASCAR short track. Back at writing, she is focused on flash fiction with a side of children’s stories. Magical realism and science fantasy are some of her favorite genres. Brandy lives in Vermont with her husband and most of her seven children where she eats way too much maple syrup and makes too many planners.

Writing Personal Tragedies with Grace with DiAnn Mills

Surviving life’s challenges that threaten our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing with determination to help others takes courage. To write about the experience forces the writer to explore painful emotions and relive the tragedy repeatedly. The tragedy could be a death, divorce, betrayal, PTSD, abandonment, or a cauldron of more than one event. We write about what happened to help others survive the same or similar ordeal. DiAnn shares how to create a manuscript in any genre that honors the tragedy and focuses on the needs of the reader—with grace.

Watch the June 25th replay.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, won two Christy Awards, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Selah awards. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country. Connect here: diannmills.com

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For June Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Prosody: The Music of Language

Children’s author Jean Matthew Hall shares practical tips for elevating our prose whether we’re writing for children or adults. She begins by defining “prosody” as “the blending of linguistic and literacy elements to create the mood, voice, and tone of a literary work.” She defines several of these elements and how our word choices are similar to puzzle pieces that can be rearranged until the perfect picture is revealed.

Watch the May 28th replay.

Since 2001, Jean Matthew Hall has been a schoolteacher and administrator, a Sunday school teacher for children and women, the Director of Write2Ignite, a writing coach for homeschooled students, and the owner and Editor of StarLight Magazine. She has one published picture book God’s Blessings of Fall.

Writers Journey: Abundandtly More

Author Ben Cooper shares his experiences as a writer who expected to be “One and Done”…but wasn’t! During his second cancer diagnosis, Ben traded “worry with writing.” In addition to sharing his story, Ben presents “Where I Am From,” a poetic slideshow that he considers a living document. This inspirational presentation is thought-provoking and motivating.

Watch the June 4th replay

Ben Cooper is a Christian, husband, father of five adult children, beekeeper, speaker, and author. He retired early to market his first book, so he thought. He is expecting to hit eleven books in six years by the end of the year, including a bi-monthly column for an author’s magazine.

Why Authors Need the Key Elements of a Synopsis

Writing a synopsis may be a writer’s toughest writing job! Author, podcaster, and educator Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hays shares key elements needed both for a fiction synopsis and a nonfiction summary. Keep in mind that the synopsis/summary is a promise and that the completed book is the promise kept!

Watch the June 11th replay

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is an editor, author, speaker, and educational consultant who hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She’s authored a Christian Bible study and is working on the sequel to her first general market thriller, A Fifth of the Story, which debuted in February 2024.

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Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for March Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Come Write with Us: Writing Fight Scenes with Crystal Caudill

Award-winning author Crystal Caudill joins us again so we can practice what we learned in her previous episode about writing both physical and verbal fight scenes (Picking the Write Fight; 1/16/24). After a brief recap of the earlier episode that focused on the purpose of a fight scene, Crystal led a brief brainstorming session. Then she asked specific questions that guided us in writing our own fight scenes. Every story needs tension to engage readers. Watch the replay to learn more from this week’s episode.

Watch the March 19th Replay

Crystal Caudill is the award-winning author of “dangerously good historical romance. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver. When not writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Fiction Series Collaboration with Naomi Musch and Amy Walsh

Naomi and Amy have participated in several collaborative fiction projects. Today they share advice on creating a marketable project that novelists will love to write and fans will love to read. They cover such topics as the difference between a series and an anthology, finding a common element for the stories in the collection, financial commitment and so much more. This episode is a great starting place for anyone who is interested in creating or participating in a series or an anthology.

Watch the March 26th replay

Naomi Musch writes to bring hope that will change the story—maybe even her own. Some of her novels have been finalists in the Carol Awards; the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Awards; the Selah Awards; and have been twice nominated for Book of the Year. Naomi’s perfect day is spent writing, roaming the farm, and loving on her passel of grandchildren.

Amy Walsh writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction. She is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three creative children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling–including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ-follower.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for March Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Content Writing with Holand Webb

Holland Webb, a full-time content writer, shares tips for writers wanting to start their own content-writing business. After sharing a little about his own background and personal experiences, Holland focuses on content basics including tips for finding keywords for your clients’ posts; various types of content ranging from product descriptions and social media posts to white papers, ebooks, and ghostwriting; and writing content for LinkedIn. If you’re interested in writing content for businesses and/or individuals, either full-time or part-time, then this episode is for you!

Watch the March 5th Replay

Holland Webb is an inspiring content writer who understands the elements of storytelling and how to put them to work for business. In addition to writing material for U.S. News & World Report and Focus on the Family, he has written website content for a major chain of hotels with locations in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Holland’s other clients have included International Ministries, BestColleges.Com, MailChimp, Wiley, and Architectural Digest.

Writing Articles that Give Hope to the Questions World with Annette Marie Griffin

In a world where attention spans dictate content, truth is considered relative, and clicks prove more valuable than gold—people still crave a cure for emptiness. In this episode of Writers Chat, Annette Marie Griffin covers the felt needs of today’s seekers. She discusses where they look for answers to life’s deepest questions and dives deep into the spiritual calling that drives today’s Christian writers to the foot of the cross to obtain relevant content.

Watch the March 12th replay

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and multi-generational speaker who has taught and written for adults and children for over 30 years. She began by writing story-driven curricula for youth groups and parenting classes while serving as Ministry Director at Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas. Since then, she’s written hundreds of high-ranking articles for Salem Media Group, she’s a columnist and acquisitions editor for StarLight Magazine for kids, and she teaches workshops and training classes at local and national writing conferences. When Annette isn’t writing, speaking, or teaching, she loves making memories with her brilliant husband, 3 adult children, 2 teens, and 3 adorable grands!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for February, Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

In the Midst of the Journey with Jo Massero

Jo shares her writer’s journey with her life experiences and the different seasons in which she and her husband have served God’s purposes for their lives. Her deeply personal and vulnerable testimony encourages us to “remove our masks” so that our own weaknesses can be turned into strengths for God’s glory.

Watch the February 20th Replay

As the founder of Jo Massaro Ministries, a Christian organization that aims to empower people through her speaking and writing, Jo has interviewed many authors. These interviews can be viewed on her website and YouTube channel. She is also the founder of In Their Hands, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s literacy. She will be cohosting a podcast called In the Midst of the Journey debuting in the fall of 2024. Jo is the proud mama to a new rescue dog, Bella. Her websites are: JoMassaroministries.com and InTheirHands    

Mastering the Art of Querying with Bethany Jett

Literary agent and author Bethany joins us today to share tips on querying an agent or a publisher. Writing an effective query is an important skill. Topics in today’s chat include: the difference between queries and pitches; discussing the six elements of an effective query; the popular hashtags used by agents/editors on X/Twitter, and so much more. Be sure to catch the replay for more information.

Watch the February 27th replay

Bethany Jett is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors. Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen/tween sons and their Pomeranian Sadie.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For February, Part One

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Let Me Entertain You with Larry J Leech II

While we long to use our words and stories to help the reader deepen or develop their relationship with God, readers like to be entertained. They want something that will make them chuckle, or smile, or experience a full-on belly laugh. But using humor can be risky. The wrong joke at the wrong time or a misinterpreted comment can frustrate, or even disgust, a reader. You certainly don’t want either of those to happen.

Watch the January 30th Replay

Larry J. Leech II, editor-in-chief and acquisitions editor at Bold Vision Books, shares five tricks for adding humor to your writing. Larry has spent more than 40 years working with words. After a 23-year journalism career, Larry moved into freelance writing and editing in 20004. He has ghostwritten 30 books and edited more than 400 manuscripts. His freelance clients have won more than 70 awards in the last eight years.

Novel Marketing Conference Recap with Johnnie Alexander and M.N. Stroh

Writers Chat cohosts Johnnie and Melissa (M.N.) are joined by surprise guest Kathy Brasby to talk about their experiences at the recent Novel Marketing Conference, hosted by podcaster extraordinaire Thomas Umstattd Jr., in Austin, Texas. This first annual conference focused on marketing for both fiction and nonfiction authors. One of the key benefits to was the opportunity to network with a terrific group of talented authors and industry professionals.

Watch the February 6th replay

Putting Romance in Every Genre with Daniel Kaplan

In this episode of Writers Chat, AutoCrit coach and workshop creator, Daniel Kaplan, leads the discussion of exploring the delicate art of blending heartfelt romance with complex storylines. How do you ensure that your love interest is more than a mere object of affection and avoid the pitfalls of contrived relationships that can derail your story? Daniel discusses strategies to sidestep these common errors, creating romance that amplifies your narrative’s impact, enriches character development, and captivates your audience from start to finish.

Watch the February 13th replay

Creator of 24 writing workshops and multiple courses for AutoCrit, Daniel Kaplan is passionate about dynamic education presentations and coaching authors. With over a decade of experience, his mission is to demystify intricate artistic concepts and make them accessible to everyone.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for January 2024

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Picking the Write Fight

Novelist Crystal Caudill provides amazing insight into writing effective fight scenes for both physical and verbal fights. Learn the reasons why readers often skim through fight scenes, the purpose of a fight scene, and the nitty gritty techniques for writing physical fights. Crystal also shares how to write verbal confrontations that will keep your reader engaged while moving the story forward. For examples and additional resources, be sure to watch this week’s replay.

Watch the January 16th replay

Crystal Caudill is the award-winning author of “dangerously good historical romance. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver. When not writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

A Novel Approach to Setting Goals / Reaching Achievements (For the Goal-Averse)

Goals. Does just hearing this word set your teeth on edge and induce a cold sweat? Perhaps it hits an autoplay in your brain that recounts all the reasons everyone says you need to set goals to achieve anything, or else, doom. Maybe you’ve set goals before and failed—over and over. Not fun, eh? Writers Chat Co-host Brandy Brow agrees. She’ll tackle reasons the big G causes so many people grief and unveil a more peaceful way to gain achievements.

Watch the January 23rd replay

https://youtu.be/SRE_8x9YS84?si=XOxnhZJ_c-cRH095

Brandy Brow freelance edits and writes short stories for the general market. Her fiction explores the highs and lows of human nature and ranges from normal to strange, with a bit of creepy. An administrator by nature, she loves office supplies, and nonfiction appears like magic.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for December

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Learning With Mentor Texts

Co-hosts Melissa Stroh, Brandy Brow, and Johnnie Alexander present examples of fictional works that can be used as “mentor texts,” published fiction that demonstrates specific techniques and skill. Melissa read the opening paragraphs from Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead, to show how to establish sense of place, introduce the protagonist, and set a tone for the story. Brandy read excerpts from Lowcountry Bribe by C. Hope Clark, which effectively uses description to establish characters and the setting. Johnnie read the prologue to All Things Matter by Susie Finkbeiner, and the opening paragraphs from her own short story, A Souvenir In My Pocket, to show the difference in tone of two works written in the first person. As writers, we know how important it is to read in our genres. By purposefully studying the stories our readers love, we can improve our own skills.

Watch the December 5th Replay

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

Best wishes for 2024 from Writers Chat.

Regularly scheduled episodes return on January 9th.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Publisher’s Journey

Victoria Duerstock, founder of End Game Press, joins us to talk about her journey from a writer of devotionals centered around home and heart, to her current role as owner of a publishing company, with multiple imprints. We talk about the value of networking, the importance of knowing our uniqueness, and the value of saying “yes” plus much more!

Watch the November 14th

Victoria Duerstock, an award-winning author and multi-passionate creator, is the founder of End Game Press, launched in 2021. She has actively engaged in writing and publishing books, developing online courses and coaching programs, and speaking at various events and conferences. Unafraid of embracing new challenges, Victoria enjoys expanding her publishing knowledge while also pursuing her personal mission to create beauty, cultivate community, and live a life of impact.

Favorite Christmas Reads

In this open mic episode, the Writers Chat community gathers to share their favorite Christmas books, movies, and more. We all added to our TBR (to be read) and GW (gotta watch) lists! Enjoy the camaraderie and sharing. There was some A Christmas Carol trivia as well as practical suggestions for a memorable holiday season!!

Watch the November 28th replay

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Third Path with Eva Marie Everson

In this episode, Eva Marie shares her love for prayer labyrinths and a journey to better understanding of this ancient practice. Research and journaling ultimately led her to write The Third Path: Finding Intimacy with God on the Path of Questioning. Then Eva Marie leads us in an exercise to answer Jesus’ questions, “What do you want?” and “What do you want Me to do for you?” If you desire a way of knowing God and ourselves at a deeper level, be sure to catch this week’s replay.

Watch the October 31st Replay.

Eva Marie Everson is the CEO of Word Weavers International. She is a bestselling, multiple award-winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. In 2022, she was awarded the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, her work Our God is Bigger Than That won the ECPA Gold Medallion (children’s) and her work The Third Path won the AWSA Book of the Year. She and her husband live in Central Florida. They are parents and grandparents . . . and they are owned by a cat named Vanessa.

Whydunit: The 4 Motives to Mysteries with Jane Kalmes

Jane, a mystery author and “Fiction Technician” joins us to talk about the four primal motives behind cozy mysteries. She also walks us through three easy steps to quickly plot a mystery. Then shares a terrific definition for “plot twist,” and discusses other hallmarks of a cozy mystery, including guidelines for developing a series’ sleuth. This episode is for any writer intrigued by the mystery genre.

Watch the November 7th replay.

Jane Kalmes is the author of the Kitty Callahan Mysteries, set in Jazz Age Chicago. She’s also the voice behind YouTube’s largest repository of mystery writing know-how. On her eponymous channel, she breaks down plot twists, motives, mystery structure, and more.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Come Write with Us: Music Session

Back by popular demand, here’s our second Come Write with Us: Music Session. In this show, Brandy Brow sets up several timed creative writing sessions set to themed instrumental music. Put on your creative writing hat, grab a notepad or your favorite writing device, and prepare for the inspiration to let your imagination soar! All music contained in this writing session is used with permission from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com Background Music

Watch the October 24th Replay.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For October Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writers Chat Recap for October Part 1

From Author to Agent: The Inside Scoop on the Publishing Industry

Bethany Jett shares her journey from reluctant writers conference attendee to literary agent. She gives advice on querying, marketing, and other aspects of the publishing industry plus insightful nuggets of wisdom.

Watch the October 3rd Replay.

Bethany Jett is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors. Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen/tween sons and their Pomeranian Sadie

Crafting Thrillers and the Magic of Mentorship

Author Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes presents a two-in-one program on writing thrillers and the the value of mentorship. She shares effective ways to craft a thriller story that has a fast pace and a plot that keeps readers guessing. Katherine also explains the benefits of mentorship. For more on this jam-packed episode be sure to catch this week’s replay.

Watch the October 10th replay.

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is an editor, author, speaker, and educational consultant. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She’s authored a Christian Bible study and is working on the sequel to her first general market thriller, A Fifth of the Story, debuting on 2/27/2024.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for September Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Hosting a Home-Based Writing Retreat

If you’ve ever considered hosting your own writing retreat, then this video is a must-watch! Chaplain Heidi White shares tips and tricks for organizing the Where, What, When, How, and How Much of your retreat. She provides several possibilities for where to hold your retreat. Heidi also shares other ideas from preparing your itinerary to getting the word out, and much more. 

Watch the September 19th Replay

Chaplain Heidi White is ordained through the International Fellowship of Chaplains and the Founder of Synergy Bible Fellowship. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from UNC Charlotte. She has authored and produced several Christian plays, and is an executive producer with her husband, of the international Christian show “LiveInThePresence.com.”

Favorite Places to Write

In this panel discussion on Writers Chat, the team shares how their writing spaces have changed over time, what makes for an ideal writing environment, and what handy tools they’ve discovered along the way to facilitate their writing space. Discover inspiration and ideas to help you create your ideal writing environment.

Watch the September 26th Replay.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap For September Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Be Your Own Publicist with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

In her dynamic presentation, Saundra covers several topics including: knowing the “core” of what you write about. “What is the imprint on your heart from heaven?” She shares where to pitch and how to find their contact info, what to include in your online media kit, and so much more. This is an episode you will want to watch again.

Watch the September 5th Replay

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an award-winning author and speaker. She spent over 20 years in clinical practice as an internal medicine physician before transitioning into a career that allows her to indulge in her love of books. Saundra has spoken at numerous Christian writer’s conferences teaching authors how to effectively launch their books, improve their author platform, and secure their own media placements.

The Benefits of Having a Writing Coach with Lori Roeleveld

Lori shares how partnering with a proven professional can help optimize your potential. She explains the role of a writing coach as well as what not to expect. In addition, Lori shares how to find a coach who is a good fit and what a writer can expect from a typical coaching session. If you’re thinking about hiring a coach, be sure to check out this week’s replay for more information.

Watch the September 12th Replay

Lori Stanley Roeleveld, award-winning author, professional writer’s coach, freelancer, editor, speaker, and disturber of hobbits, who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored six books and contributed to ten+ more. Lori has coached over 100 Christian writers toward their dreams. She speaks her mind at www.loriroeleveld.com and manages her coaching business at www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August, Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Importance of a Writer’s Pitch with Edwina Perkins

In this episode of Writers Chat, Edwina addresses the daunting task of crafting a writer’s pitch. She breaks down this important task into simple, actionable steps and shares how creating a memorable pitch can help a book go a long way in a crowded marketplace. To hear more on this topic, check out the replay.

Watch the August 15th Replay

Edwina Perkins is the co-director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is the acquisitions editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and sensitivity reader, she has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for diversity in the publishing industry.

Marketing for Gummies with Becky Antkowiak

You may not know the name, Hans Riegel, but you’ve likely enjoyed his creation: gummy bears. In a time when other companies tanked, the Haribo company’s gummy bears bounced (here and there and everywhere) to fame as a household name. In this episode, Becky uses gummy principles to make marketing stick and find creative ways to leave our world a little sweeter through writing.

Watch the August 22nd Replay

Becky Antkowiak (ant-KO-vee-ack) is a writer, speaker, editor, Compassion International advocate, enthusiastic Grammar Floozy, and the Chief Encouragement Officer of 540 Writers Community. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes strangers are friends she hasn’t met. Fair warning: make eye contact only if you want a friend for life.

The Power of an Accountability Group with Kim Miller and Jennifer Jennings

Writers often work in isolation, yet creativity thrives within an encouraging community. Kim and Jenifer join us to share what they’ve discovered about building a welcoming community as well as accountability tools they’ve created to help each writer on her journey. Also, they will talk about how you can join Write at Home’s eight-week session that starts September 11.

Watch the August 29th Replay

Kim Miller is a writer, wife, mother, Granna, and follower of Jesus. She graduated with a degree in journalism in 1991. Kim’s award-winning writing ranges from articles to essays. Since retiring as a homeschool mom, she’s been studying fiction writing. Kim is currently editing her historical novel and writing a contemporary one.

Jenifer Jennings writes novels that immerse readers in ancient worlds filled with Biblical characters and faith-building stories. Jenifer has a degree in women’s ministry and graduated with a master’s in Biblical languages. When not writing, Jenifer can be found on a date with her hardworking husband or mothering their two children.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for August, Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Power of Story with Britt Mooney

On this episode of Writers Chat, Britt reminds us that God is a storyteller, we were created for story, and truth is found in stories. Our stories should encourage readers to ask questions and make the truth their own. Britt shares nine reasons that answer the question: Why Stories? For answers to this question watch Britt’s thought-provoking presentation

Watch the August 1st Replay

Britt Mooney believes great stories change the world, so he endeavors to live and tell great stories. A fiction and nonfiction author, he has a passion to teach churches, nonprofits, and business leaders how to leverage their stories to engage and inspire others. He lives on adventure in Suwanee, GA with his amazing wife, three teens, and a dog.

Working with the Best Publicist for Your Book: You! with Maggie Wallem Rowe

Maggie encourages authors to be their own best publicist by emphasizing a godly mindset: we are promoting the message, not the messenger. After making the distinction between publicity and marketing, Maggie shares valuable tips on how we can spread the news about our books and their messages via our website, press releases, media interviews, and more.

Watch the August 8th Replay

Maggie Wallem Rowe is a national speaker, dramatist, and writer from western North Carolina. A former Senior Publicist for Tyndale House and university communications instructor, Maggie holds a master’s degree in biblical studies and is the author of two books: This Life We Share and Life is Sweet, Y’all. Visit her at MaggieRowe.com.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133