How do you write honestly about pain, without despair, and with real gospel hope? In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Vaneetha Rendall Risner shares her journey from childhood polio and profound loss to a ministry of writing that comforts the suffering. We talk about lament, journaling, discernment about what (and when) to share, and how God often calls “reluctant writers” to faithful words.Key takeaways for writersLament is candid grief with trust—bring your full heart to God and let the turn to praise arise honestly.Write from processed pain: journal now; publish later.Measure faithfulness, not metrics. Obedience beats “virality.”Your plain, unadorned voice can be precisely the vessel God uses.Resources mentionedScripture: John 9; Romans 8:28; the Psalms of lamentOn lament: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark VroegopMentors referenced: John Piper; Joni Eareckson Tada; Ann Voskamp; Paul TrippWriting tool: Dragon NaturallySpeaking (voice-to-text)Connect with VaneethaWebsite: vaneetha.com (aka “Dance in the Rain”)Books: Watching for the Morning (devotional); Walking Through Fire (memoir); The Scars That Have Shaped Me; This Was Never the Plan (forthcoming, April 1)Stay connected with The Writers’ BlocSubscribe for more conversations that help you grow in the art and heart of writing.Share this episode with a friend who’s writing through hard places.Want community and craft support? Join us inside The Writers’ Bloc. If this episode encouraged you, drop a comment with a one-sentence lament or prayer let’s bear one another’s burdens and point each other back to Christ.

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray sits down with Lori Ann Wood, author of Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted. Lori Ann shares how an unexpected heart failure diagnosis became the catalyst for her writing journey, leading her to process suffering through journaling and eventually publish a traditionally published, award-winning book. She opens up about walking through seasons of deep uncertainty, how she wrote her story in small, faith-anchored pieces, and how God meets us on the detours we didn’t plan for. If you’ve ever wondered how to write from scars instead of wounds—or how to trust God when your life takes an unplanned turn—this conversation is for you. 📖 Connect with Lori Ann Wood: Website & book trailer → https://loriannwood.com/books Instagram & Facebook → @LoriAnnWood ✍️ The Writers’ Bloc Podcast is a place for Christian writers to grow in craft, faith, and community.

Welcome to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast! In this episode, Cara sits down with Mary DeMuth—a powerhouse in the Christian publishing world. Mary is a literary agent, a daily podcaster of Pray Every Day, a Scripture artist, a speaker, and the author of over 50 books. 🎙️ In this conversation, we talk about: What makes a strong agent–author relationshipHow to build a meaningful platform that truly connects with readers Common publishing myths (and what agents are really looking for) Why great writing and original ideas still matter most Tips for craft, mentorship, and marketing that help authors stand out Mary also shares personal insights from her decades-long career, from writing in journals as a young girl to mentoring writers around the world. 📚 Learn more about Mary: marydemuth.com 📖 Her latest book: The Freedom of Surrender (IVP) 🪴 Writers, be encouraged: God does impossible math with your loaves and fishes. Steward your words well, and trust Him with the reach.

Writing isn’t just about fighting distractions—it’s about facing the mindsets that keep us stuck. In this episode of the Writer’s Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray and Amy Simon (host of The Purposeful Pin Podcast and writer of the Pen Points newsletter) talk about building a sustainable writing routine rooted in discipline, grace, and truth. We dig into: Why writing is a spiritual discipline How to spot (and replace) unhealthy mindsets like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and “all-or-nothing” thinkingBalancing God’s role and our role in the writing processHow to write faithfully, even when numbers or recognition don’t comeIf you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or discouraged in your writing, this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and practical steps for moving forward.👉 Don’t miss Amy’s premium teaching inside the Writer’s Bloc, where she’ll go even deeper into mindsets and strategies for writers. Join us at www.mywritersbloc.com.You can follow Amy at @amylynnsimon.com and The Purposeful Pen Podcast.

Can you really pray for your writing? In this episode of The Writer’s Bloc Podcast, I sit down with author Jenn Soehnlin to talk about the power of prayer in the writing life. Jen shares her journey from resisting God’s call to write to discovering how praying Scripture transformed not just her motherhood and faith but also her words on the page. We explore: How prayer shapes and sustains the writing process The surprising lessons Jenn learned about praying Scripture Practical ways writers can pray for their words, ministry, and readers Why prayer changes us even before it changes our circumstances Whether you’re wrestling with imposter syndrome, longing for direction in your calling, or simply wanting to align your words with God’s will, this conversation will encourage you to see writing as a ministry, rooted in prayer. 📖 Connect with Jen: embracing.life 📖 Download her 25 Scriptures to Pray for Your Writing: https://prayerempoweredwriter.substac... https://jennembracinglife.substack.com/ https://embracingthisspeciallife.subs...

What does it mean to adorn Christ’s work with our words? In this heartfelt episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m joined once again by my dear friend Cara Blondo. Together, we explore the biblical call to adorn the gospel—not through outward beauty, but through the hidden beauty of the heart and the good works that flow from it. We talk about: 💡 The meaning of the word adorn in Scripture and its connection to our writing lives 💡 How writers can point others to the beauty of Christ instead of themselves 💡 The difference between striving for a platform and offering our words as worship 💡 Why suffering and vulnerability can become a fragrance of Christ to others This conversation will encourage you to see your words—whether written, spoken, or lived—as a way of magnifying the beauty of Jesus. 👉 Stick around until the end to hear how Cara will go even deeper with our Writers’ Bloc members in a special follow-up session. You can follow Cara's work on her website: https://theonethingdesired.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram @theonethingdesired

Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeJoin the Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Week Challenge here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...Whether you dream of landing a traditional publishing deal or simply want to clarify the vision for your next book, a strong book proposal is your non-negotiable first step. Join us for this Gathering where we sit down with writer and editor Lara D’entremont to demystify the proposal process—what it is, why it matters, and how to approach it without overwhelm. Lara shares insider tips from the publishing world, common mistakes to avoid, and the elements that make a proposal irresistible to agents and editors. You’ll learn how a proposal not only sells your book but also helps you refine your message, audience, and structure before you write a single chapter. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll figure out the proposal later,” this conversation will show you why later is now. You won't want to miss this discussion and our forthcoming challenge, "Write Your Book Proposal in 6-Weeks" Here are the details Write Your Book Proposal in 6 Weeks Dates: Sept 15-Oct 27 When: Weekly lessons and live meetings over Zoom (Mondays 11 CST) Where: On the Writers' Bloc! When you join, you'll get access to an exclusive space with all our course materials and meeting links. Why: Because your idea is worth pursuing! Investment: Only $149 (Writers' Bloc premium members pay only $75--look for your sign-up link in the Writers' Bloc Premium Space: 'The Coffee Shoppe'). Join us here: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1878...

A one-sheet can open the door to publishing opportunities—but only if it’s done right. In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, Cara Ray interviews Rose Jordan about how to distill your book proposal into a clear, captivating one-page pitch. Rose shares: -What a one sheet is (and what it isn’t)-The essential elements every author should include -How to design for clarity and impact -Tips for tailoring your one sheet to agents and publishers -Her own experience landing a request for a full proposal. -Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, this episode will help you create a one-sheet that stands out and sparks interest. 📌 Watch now and learn how to make your book irresistible—on a single page. Join The Writers’ Bloc—our online community for Christian writers—where this complete one-sheet workshop is waiting for you inside. As a member, you’ll enjoy: 📚 Full access to trainings like this one, plus our growing library of craft and publishing workshops 🤝 Connection with a supportive, faith-filled community of writers 🎯 Personalized feedback and encouragement to help you grow in your calling 💬 Live Q&A sessions with industry experts and authors 🛠 Resources to sharpen your skills and move your projects forward Whether you’re polishing a proposal, launching your first book, or simply pursuing excellence in your writing, The Writers’ Bloc is your place to learn, connect, and thrive. 👉 Join us today and unlock the full training: https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/3029

In this episode of the Writers' Bloc Podcast, we chat with our friend Mariel Davenport to hear her story of coming to faith in Jesus and how the Lord led her from atheism to becoming a Bible study teacher and writer. Mariel shares how the Lord "tended" her heart through the Word and has been faithfully teaching and guiding her ever since. As writers, who struggle with comparison, you'll appreciate this honest conversation about faithfulness, showing up, trusting God, and staying in our lane. Whether you're wrestling with discouragement, feeling behind, or wondering if your writing is making a difference, this conversation will help you realign with what truly matters — trusting God in the process. You can follow Mariel at MarielDavenport.com, podcast: Tending Your Soul Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/show/09qvVYf... or join her pre-order sign up for: Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected https://a.co/d/bLfkUxf To learn more about her TEND method, you can also visit Episode 24 with Mariel: HOw to Write for God's Glory by TENDing your Own Soul: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-b2ve8-1...

Have you ever wondered if God could use your pain to point others to His promises? This episode is for every woman who has walked through a hard season and felt a nudge to turn her testimony into a Bible study that brings hope and healing. Cara sits down with ministry leader and Bible study author Teresa Whiting, who shares her powerful journey from brokenness to boldness—and how the Lord led her to write studies rooted in Scripture and grace. With wisdom drawn from over 30 years of ministry, Teresa explains how to write from scars, not open wounds, and how to shape your personal story into a transformational tool that draws women into the Word.Teresa’s approach is practical, Spirit-led, and deeply compassionate. She gives insight into: Why she chose to write a Bible study instead of a memoir How to keep the focus on God’s redemptive work—not just your personal narrative What it takes to create a compelling, structured, and biblically rich study How she moved forward in publishing—without relying on a large platform Encouragement for women who feel called to teach the Word, even if they feel unqualified If you’ve sensed the Lord prompting you to turn your hard story into something that strengthens others, this episode will inspire and equip you to take the next faithful step.Tune in and be encouraged that your story, surrendered to God, can become a study that sets others free. You can access the materials referenced in this episode here: Link to download the Introduction and first chapter free: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w... and here: https://teresawhiting.myflodesk.com/w...

For over two decades, Tim Challies has been a consistent voice in the Christian blogging world, encouraging believers with clarity, conviction, and biblical truth. As a pastor, author, and one of the internet’s most prolific Christian writers, Tim has modeled what it means to steward the written word with faithfulness and purpose. In this special interview, we talked with Tim about his long-standing commitment to the craft of writing. How does he stay inspired? What habits sustain his daily discipline? And what encouragement does he have for writers who want to press on when motivation wanes? Whether you're just starting or have been writing for years, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to pursue the work God has set before you—faithfully, diligently, and for His glory. Join us for this behind-the-scenes conversation on longevity, calling, and the joy of steady obedience in the writing life. You don't want to miss it! If you want to join a writing community and grow in the art and heart of writing, the Writers' Bloc is the place to be. Join our free community today. https://writers-bloc.mn.co/plans/1435... Tim shares some of his systems for staying inspired and organized, and we reference this post in this interview: https://www.challies.com/resources/th...

In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc, we sit down with Ashe of America, a journalist and conservative pundit known for her sharp insights and fearless commentary. As a writer for Badlands Media, Ashe analyzes the day's news stories, breaking down current events with a critical eye and a deep understanding of cultural and political trends. We’ll explore her journey into journalism, her approach to news analysis in an era of media polarization, and what it means to be a conservative voice in today’s landscape. Ashe will share the challenges of staying true to her convictions in the public square, the role of faith in her work, and how she navigates the ever-changing world of media.Whether you're a writer, journalist, or someone who values independent thought, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Ashe’s work and perspective. You won't want to miss! Ashe Epp is a writer, podcaster, federal pro se victor, and election integrity activist in Colorado. You can find her on Badlands Media six days a week and find all her work at http://linktree.com/asheinamerica

Kori Frazier Morgan is an author, disciple, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of West Virginia University's Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program, she is the author of two books, The Goodbye-Love Generation: A Novel in Stories, and Why I Dyed My Hair Purple and Other Unorthodox Stories. She is the founder and Chief Literary Strategist of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services company that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers.

Are you wondering how to better manage yourself and your life as a writer? We all have strengths and weaknesses, and when we're a one-woman show, we have to wear all the hats.  Carla will help us understand what it means to lead ourselves well and how to find those who can help us fill in the gaps of our weaknesses. Carla H. Hayden is passionate about raising up the next generation of women leaders for the Kingdom of God…one conversation at a time. As a Maturity Mentor, Carla uses group mentoring and 1:1 clarity sessions - affectionately referred to as “Mentoring with Mama” and “Coffee with Carla” - to lead, guide, and mentor younger women - whether young in age or young in stage - in their personal, professional, and spiritual development.  As a Marketplace Shepherd, Carla uses her gifts of connection, communication, and coaching to help individuals, teams, and companies eliminate inefficiencies, establish order out of chaos, and enhance a culture of clarity and accountability.  Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Carla and her family have called Indianapolis, IN, home for the last 25+ years. She thrives on meaningful conversations over coffee or cocktails, enjoys photo-journaling snippets of her story, and loves traveling—whether exploring local gems or venturing abroad.   Carla contributes her Working Geniuses of Discernment and Tenacity to every project she puts her hands to, and unashamedly declares that Gifts and Words of Affirmation are at the top of her Love Languages list.  You can connect with her on Instagram (@coffee_with_carla), LinkedIn (@Carla H. Hayden), or visit her website at coffeewithcarla.com.

Becky Kopitzke is a multi-published author and founder of The Inspired Business, a coaching hub dedicated to helping content creators and coaches monetize their passion work in order to keep it sustainable. A veteran blogger, freelance writer, speaker, and writing coach, Becky’s sweet spot is in digital product sales funnels, an ideal method for getting paid to grow your audience.  Becky and her husband Chad are building the life they love from home offices in northeast Wisconsin, where they share precious space with their two teen daughters, tables stacked with homework, and two devoted office dogs. Becky is a big fan of matcha lattes, family game nights, historical fiction, and pretty much anything chocolate.  Find Becky online at theinspiredbusiness.co and beckykopitzke.com. 

Join us for this conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee—a writer, former news journalist, and farmer’s wife from Iowa. She’s an acquisitions editor for Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and the author of several books, including Growing Slow and her newest release, Stuff I’d Only Tell God. Jennifer writes with honesty, hope, and trust in God’s timing. Whether she’s talking about slowing down, telling the truth, or growing in grace, she invites us to live rooted and authentically. Learn about the connection between seasons and your writing and creative life, how guided journaling can help you heal and find your creative angle, and the spiritual lessons we can learn from corn. Yes, you read that correctly. Corn. 🌽 You won't want to miss it!

Because Instagram is visual, with over 500 million daily users, writers will find it can be a strong tool to help them find their voice, develop their personal brand, and build their following. Like any tool, however, results depend on how often and how well it's handled. Michelle will help you identify your God-given message, teach you how to engage with Instagram users, and show you how to use the data to create community. 

Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. Named as one of the White House’s “Women Working to Do Good,” Hannah has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, Glamour, USATODAY.com, the Chicago Tribune, and more. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Lane, and daughter, Novalee. Find Hannah at hannahbrencher.com. Her newest book, “The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World,” was released on September 17. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and audio formats wherever books are sold.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your words in front of the right readers, today’s episode is for you. SEO—Search Engine Optimization—might sound technical or even intimidating, but it’s actually a powerful way to steward our writing well. When used wisely, SEO isn’t about chasing algorithms—it’s about making sure the messages God has placed on our hearts reach the people who need them most. Join us for this conversation with Jana Carlson, a professional SEO content writer who views SEO as a blessing for Christian writers. We’ll be talking about: How SEO fits into a biblical perspective of stewardship. Simple, actionable SEO strategies for writers. The impact of AI on SEO and what Christian writers should know. Whether you’re just starting to build an online presence or looking to refine your approach, this conversation will equip you to write faithfully and reach more readers—without compromising your message. Jana has created "Simple SEO for Christian Writers" a beginner's course for learning SEO. With your purchase, you'll also receive a free membership to the Writers' Bloc.  Sign up today! 

If you’re like many writers, self-editing might feel like the hardest part of the process. Maybe you love drafting but dread revising. Maybe grammar and punctuation rules feel overwhelming, and you're unsure where to start. The good news? Editing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Join us for this fun conversation with author Deborah Pettit, a grammar, punctuation, and self-editing expert. She’s here to help us polish our prose so we can present our best work to the world. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why self-editing is crucial for every writer. Simple tricks for remembering grammar and punctuation rules. How to approach editing without feeling overwhelmed. Deborah’s practical advice will help you edit like a pro—without the frustration. Whether you’re prepping a manuscript for publication or want to clean up your blog posts, this conversation will equip you with tools to elevate your writing. Follow Deborah Pettit at deborahpettit.com, and don’t forget to check out The Writers' Bloc for more resources, encouragement, and writing community. Create a FREE account today!