This week, I deviated a bit from my theme of finding your reader and message to talk about a topic that affects us as writers in a broad way—the use of AI in our writing. In this episode, I explain my three questions that I ask myself when considering the use of AI in my writing: * Is my use of AI God-honoring? * Is my use of AI causing my God-given creativity or other skills to atrophy from lack of use? * Am I valuing expediency over the longer writing process in a way that short-changes the en...
Jul 08, 2025•11 min
Sometimes we feel the pressure to include every aspect of all the things we’re passionate about in the core message of our writing. It just doesn’t fit, nor does it need to! Covered in this episode: * It’s OK NOT to talk about certain topics * You may have more than one book in you * The importance of being intentional about what personal details we share or don’t share * What to do with smaller ideas that don’t fit into our main message * Why having an intentional personal brand isn’t inauthent...
Jul 01, 2025•7 min
This week, I talk about the balance between settling on our reader and message and also remaining flexible and responsive to reader input and feedback. We’ll look at: * The importance of adjusting as you write rather than trying to have it all figured out ahead of time * Different ways of getting feedback from your readers * Examples of how a popular post doesn’t always equal a drastic change in your future writing focus Resources: If you haven’t signed up yet, check out Pen Points - a weekly em...
Jun 24, 2025•8 min
In this episode of The Purposeful Pen , we’re continuing our conversation about honing in on your reader and the message you offer them. Today, we’re diving into one key reason this clarity matters: language. When we know exactly who we’re talking to and what we’re helping them with, we can learn how they describe their problems—and use those words in our writing. This not only helps your reader feel seen and understood, but it also boosts discoverability through SEO. We’ll explore: * Why using ...
Jun 17, 2025•7 min
We’ve spent time exploring our ideal readers, but today we turn our attention to the message we’re called to share. Your message is deeply tied to your personal life experiences and the biblical truths you’ve learned through them. Whether you're writing from grief, growth, or transformation, this episode will help you connect your story to the people who need it most. Plus, I’ll walk you through practical steps to put your message and audience together in a way that brings focus and clarity to y...
Jun 10, 2025•7 min
In this episode, we’re going deeper into understanding our audience by looking at the three most common mistakes writers make when defining who they're writing for—and how to fix them. Whether you're writing for fun or aiming to publish, getting clarity on your audience is key to writing content that resonates and serves well. What You'll Learn: * Why being too vague about your audience actually limits your impact * How narrowing your audience can actually deepen your message and reach * How to ...
Jun 03, 2025•7 min
Are you clear on who you're writing for? In this episode of The Purposeful Pen , we're diving into the essential process of identifying your reader. Discovering your audience isn't just about demographics—it's about finding the overlap between your unique story and the people who most need your message. We’ll talk about: * How your personal story can guide you toward your ideal reader * Practical places to observe and engage with your potential audience * Questions to help you picture your reade...
May 27, 2025•4 min
Welcome to a new season of The Purposeful Pen! With the school year winding down, I’m excited to launch a fresh, focused season on the podcast. From May through July, we’re diving deep into a critical aspect of your writing journey—identifying your ideal reader and clarifying your God-given message. In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes “state of the podcast” update, explain how future seasons will be structured, and then walk through why getting narrow and specific about your audience is...
May 20, 2025•7 min
So you want to write a book. In this episode of The Purposeful Pen , we’re digging into a common myth many Christian writers believe: that all you have to do is write. You'll learn why a business mindset is essential if you want to reach more than just your close circle, and what practical steps you can take today to start moving forward. From understanding your reader to positioning your book in the market and building a platform, this episode will help you embrace the mindset shift needed to s...
May 13, 2025•7 min
Are you ready to build a writing life that will last? In this episode, I discuss different mindsets that can help us approach writing with the “long game” in mind. Things like… * Growing in writing communities in a way that is deep, rather than wide * Seeing all writing opportunities as vehicles for growth and improvement * Creating a writing rhythm that is sustainable and flexible through different seasons I also mentioned the launch of my new weekly email for Christian writers, “Pen Points” . ...
May 06, 2025•7 min
In this part 2 of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, we talk about the spiritual side of publishing. * Three common spiritual temptations that Christian writers face * How we can approach common issues like impostor syndrome and the fear of putting our work out into the world. * The ways in which AI can never beat humans at writing * How being called to write doesn’t mean it will be easy Will Parker Anderson is a senior editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random Hou...
Apr 29, 2025•18 min
Do you want to write and publish a book but you’d like to hear from an editor what’s involved? Listen in to the first half of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah. In this episode we talk about: * Common mistakes writers make in their book proposals * Why short cuts to publishing don’t exist * The role of social media in getting a traditional book deal * The difference between concept-driven books and platform-driven books * The importance of writi...
Apr 22, 2025•35 min
Have you found yourself in that in-between time when one life event or season has ended but the next hasn’t yet begun? We all have those times in life, and during them, it can be really hard to write! Those periods have a name - liminal time. In this interview with author Katie Sampias, we talk about why those times are difficult and how we can still make progress in our writing when we’re there. Katie Sampias lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. From a very young a...
Apr 08, 2025•22 min
How do you pray for your writing? Or for the rest of life, for that matter? In this episode, guest Jenn Soehnlin talks about how praying Scripture has greatly impacted her walk with Jesus and her writing. Jenn Soehnlin is a mother to two boys who are precious blessings and who both have special needs. She enjoys writing about faith, praying Scripture, and special needs parenting at www.embracing.life . Jenn is the author of Embracing This Special Life and On the Same Page with God . She loves sp...
Apr 01, 2025•18 min
Do you dream of writing and publishing a book, but you wonder if it’s too late in life to do it? Or maybe you’ve considered writing children’s picture books and aren’t sure what that looks like. If so, listen to my conversation with Gina Gallagher, author of “Reading with Remmy” , the story of an unlikely friendship between a little girl named Finley, and a Golden Doodle named Remmy. Remmy finds it difficult to obey, and Finley finds it difficult to read the books she so desperately wants to lea...
Mar 25, 2025•24 min
Have you wondered what it really means to be “called” as a writer? If you’re confident that God has called you, then is it normal for the journey to feel difficult? Listen in on my conversation with international author Hadassah Treu as we talk about that topic and others. Hadassah Treu is an award-winning international writer, speaker, poet, and author of " Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings. " As a contributing author to faith-based platforms like Proverbs 31...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min
Are you trying to fit writing in among the cracks of a busy life as a mom, wife, and follower of Jesus? In this episode, I talk with Grace Thomas about balancing all those roles and still finding time to write. Grace Thomas is a Christ-follower, wife, and mother. When she’s not playing with her children, she serves at her church and enjoys living in sunny California. You can connect with her on her blog , Instagram , or email . If you’d like more info about writing articles, you can find that he...
Mar 11, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 91
Do you want to write, but your brain is lost in the fog of overwhelm and information overload? Are you not sure where to start or what to do next? We’ve all been there, and we all still go there in different seasons of life. In this episode, I offer 5 steps to finding clarity in our writing lives and in the rest of life. I reference Kendra Adachi and her book The Plan in this episode. Book a free 30-minute coaching discovery call to see if coaching is right for you. The Purposeful Pen is a weekl...
Mar 04, 2025•7 min
Have you ever considered writing children’s chapter books? Or maybe you wonder if there’s a place in your life and writing for childlike faith. Listen in on this fun conversation with children’s book author Melody Trowell. (We had some tech issues, so thank you for your patience with the audio quality!) You can Melody and her book, “The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground” at www.melodytrowell.com She also hangs out on Instagram. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designe...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min
Networking with other writers is a great way to grow your writing platform and build up the Body of Christ. If that term sounds icky and sales-y, don’t cringe—listen to the episode! I talk about ways to network such as… * encouraging other writers * collaborating with other writers * saying yes to even small or uncomfortable opportunities You never know how God is going to use an encouraging email, a new relationship, or a simple yes to help someone out. In this episode, I reference episode 11 o...
Feb 18, 2025•10 min
Being a guest on a podcast can be a great way to share your message with a broader audience. If you’ve ever considered it but aren’t sure how to get yourself booked as a guest, this episode is for you! You’ll learn: * What type of podcast is a good fit for you * How to prepare yourself to pitch to that show * What to include in your pitch * What to expect if the answer is “yes” If you have something to offer my listeners and would like to pitch to The Purposeful Pen, you can do that here. If you...
Feb 11, 2025•7 min
What are some of the lies you believe as a Christian writer? How about things like: * I have nothing to offer * God can’t use me * No one will read what I write * It’s all been written before by someone better In this episode, we tackle those lies head-on. The most effective lies have an element of truth. If we try to ignore or minimize that truth, then the lie will still hold its power. But when we acknowledge what is true and then counter the rest of the lie with God’s Word, then we are free t...
Feb 04, 2025•6 min
Setting aside time to write can be tricky amid our busy lives. We can also struggle with feeling like we’re deserting those we love by asking for time away to invest in our writing. How do we love our people and honor our life priorities while still pursuing writing? Listen in for some ideas. If you’d like some help finding time to write, I offer 30-minute micro-coaching sessions where we look at your current season of life and responsibilities and find space in your schedule to invest in your w...
Jan 28, 2025•8 min
God is sovereign over everything and everyone, so is it pointless to make plans? Should we wait to write or move forward until we have specific, undeniable instructions from God? In this episode, I look at some biblical examples of making plans but being flexible enough to change those plans as God leads. Then, we apply those principles to our writing lives. Do you want to get started writing for God and others but you aren’t sure where to start? Go to amylynnsimon.com/start to sign up for a fre...
Jan 21, 2025•8 min
So many times, the person we’re writing for is a past version of ourselves. We’ve been through some things and we want to help others who are going through similar situations. But sometimes, the topics we write about involve how others have hurt us, either intentionally or unintentionally. As Christian writers, how do we handle those topics with grace, truth, and forgiveness in a way that will help our reader but not encourage anger and bitterness? In my conversation with author Kori Morgan, we ...
Jan 14, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 83
Welcome to 2025 and Season 3 of the Purposeful Pen Podcast! Is 2025 the year that you do something more with your love of writing, but you don’t know where to start? There are so many options and questions that it can feel overwhelming. If that’s you, listen in! In this episode, I’ll give you the starting point that will enable you to serve God and others through your writing. I’ll also show you how to quiet those murmuring voices of discouragement and start writing. In the episode, I also talk ...
Jan 07, 2025•9 min
What does it look like for a writer to take a Sabbath rest? Part of the answer is probably what you would expect, but the other part may surprise you. Listen in to find out! This is my last episode for 2024. I’ll see you in January for season 3! If you’re considering the 2:2 Launch Lab 6-month mentorship, remember that doors close for the 2025 cohort on November 25! The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each we...
Nov 19, 2024•6 min
Writing is a solitary endeavor and can feel lonely and discouraging at times. God has wired us for relationship and community—we need each other! In this episode, I talk about 3 benefits to writing friends, both online and in-person. I also give you some suggestions on where to find a writing community if you aren’t involved in one. Links from the episode: Episode 11 about collaborations. Voxer voice messaging app Writers’ Bloc Community The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian write...
Nov 12, 2024•7 min
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the months of November and December can be the busiest time of the year. Some writers take those months off of writing to spend time with their families. A great option and nothing to be ashamed of! But what might it look like to dig into your writing, or at least one aspect of it, during those months through a fun writing challenge? In this episode, I talk about different ways that writing challenges of all sorts can help keep us motivated and making progr...
Nov 05, 2024•9 min
Have you been told that you need to “build a platform”, but it feels like self-promotion when you’d rather just write? This week, I talk with both Jana Carlson and Cara Ray about some of the myths and misconceptions about writing platforms. We also share our own experiences in discovering platform-building methods that are life-giving rather than drudgery. If you’d like to learn more, join for the free webinar, “The 3-Step System to Launch Your Writing Platform” on November 7 at noon EST. Regist...
Oct 29, 2024•35 min
