The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Have you ever poured your heart into a book idea, only to wonder if anyone will actually want to read it? What if there was a way to know—before you write a single chapter—that your message will resonate with readers? In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory reveal the approach that separates successful authors from those whose books gather dust: writing your book before you write your book. For writers who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of investing months (or years) into a manuscript without knowing if it will connect, this conversation offers a liberating path forward. Instead of hiding your ideas until they're "perfect," Kathi and Cheri share eight practical ways to test, refine, and develop your message while simultaneously building the audience who's waiting for it. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why keeping your book idea "under wraps" until release is one of the biggest mistakes new authors make How podcasting activates different parts of your brain and surfaces ideas that would never emerge through writing alone The power of being a guest on other podcasts to flex your message for different audiences Why social media feedback—even when it takes your idea in unexpected directions—is invaluable for your writing process How to develop a signature framework that gives your ideas memorable shape The freedom that comes from calling your workshop a "pilot" or "beta" program Why you're not responsible for your readers' transformation—just for providing the tools The mindset shift from "what I want to say" to "what they desperately need to know" Key Takeaways for Writers Start serving now. Publishers, agents, and your future readers don't want you waiting for a book deal to share your message. The book becomes a synthesis of what you've already been teaching—not the starting point. Use different platforms to access different parts of your brain. Speaking and writing engage different cognitive processes. What emerges in conversation may never appear when you're sitting alone trying to craft perfect sentences. Fall in love with your people. The process of testing your message transforms you from someone who has something to say into someone who desperately wants to serve. That shift shows up in every word you write. Whether you're just beginning to dream about your first book or you're refining ideas for your next project, this episode offers a roadmap for developing content that truly connects—long before you type "Chapter One."

Have you ever tried to pitch a book and felt like you were throwing spaghetti at the wall? Or maybe you've described your audience as "everyone who needs hope" and wondered why agents and publishers weren't biting? Here's the truth that might sting a little: if your book is for everyone, it's really for no one. In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive deep into the concept of audience clarity—the foundational work that must happen before you ever pitch your book. They share practical questions and exercises that will help you stop spinning and start writing with laser focus. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why clarity about your audience matters more than a clever pitch The powerful advice that changed everything: "Write the book you needed five years ago" Three clarifying questions to define what your reader truly needs The "Three Real People" exercise that brings your audience to life How to craft your "I Help" statement to focus your message Why narrowing your audience actually increases your chances of getting published Key Takeaways Clarity comes before the pitch. If your pitch feels vague, it's not because you're a bad writer—it's because you're trying to write to everyone. The work of defining your specific audience is the foundation everything else builds upon. Your audience needs you to be specific. When you know exactly who you're writing to, what problem you're solving, and why you're the person to solve it, your message becomes infinitely more powerful. Real transformation comes from real connection. When you can point to actual people whose lives have changed because of your message, you have the proof that your book needs to exist. Your Homework Complete this statement: I help [blank] who are [blank] to [blank] so that they can [blank]. Your first attempt might not be perfect—and that's okay. The goal is to get specific enough that you could pick your reader out of a crowd.

Have you ever felt the tension between what you genuinely believe and what Christian publishing seems to expect? You're not alone. In a world where church culture and gospel truth don't always align, finding your authentic voice as a faith-driven writer can feel overwhelming. What You'll Discover in This Episode In this honest conversation, Kathi Lipp and twenty-time author Dr. Susy Flory explore what it really means to let your faith—not your religion or your tribe—inform your writing. Whether you're navigating the shifting landscape of Christian publishing or wrestling with how to stay true to your convictions while reaching a broader audience, this episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom. Key Takeaways for Your Writing Journey The publishing landscape has changed dramatically. With most Christian bookstores gone, writers now reach a universal audience that includes people from various faith traditions—or no faith at all. Knowing Jesus personally matters more than knowing the market. Your faith informs your writing when you're actively spending time with Jesus, not just repeating what you've heard in church circles. Clear, accessible language opens doors. Avoiding "churchy" jargon helps your message reach people who need it most, including those who've been hurt by the church. Bravery comes from conviction, not conformity. The most authentic writing flows from what you actually believe, not what you think your audience wants to hear. Welcoming posture transforms your writing. Like Jesus eating with sinners, your writing can create space for readers who are still searching, questioning, or healing. If you've been wrestling with how to honor your faith while navigating the pressures of publishing, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to choose between authenticity and reaching readers. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is write from your genuine convictions—and trust that the right readers will find you.

Do you ever sit down to write only to realize you've forgotten that brilliant idea you had in the shower? Or maybe you've captured dozens of notes at conferences that are now buried under layers of paper on your desk, slowly dying from neglect?If you've ever felt like you struggle more with starting than with actual writing, this episode is for you.Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp dive into the unsexy but life-changing truth about writing productivity: boring systems are what actually get the work done. Not inspiration. Not waiting for the perfect moment. Just simple, repeatable systems that remove the decision fatigue that keeps so many talented writers stuck.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeWhy writers don't quit because they lack talent—they quit because decision fatigue is brutalThe difference between having a writing problem and having an "idea leak"Simple capture systems you can set up in 10 minutes (from one-note apps to shower crayons!)Why the weekly review is the bridge between "someday" and "scheduled"Three powerful questions to ask during your weekly reviewHow to make your next step so small it feels almost insultingNon-icky ways to use AI for brainstorming without letting it write for youThe power of accountability partnerships for processing ideasThe System in One SentenceCapture daily. Review weekly. Next tiny step today.That's it. That's the whole system. And it works because it removes the mental load of constantly deciding when, what, and how to write.Your Homework (Do This Now!)Take 10 minutes right now to:Set up your capture system (a notes app, a notepad, whatever works for you)Put it on your home screen for one-tap accessSchedule your 15-minute weekly review on your calendarThen head over to the Writing at the Red House Facebook group and tell us what capture system you chose and what day you picked for your review. We'll cheer you on!Key TakeawaysBoring means you don't have to decide—like brushing your teeth, your body already knows what to doYour brain relaxes when it knows the scheduleCapture without review is just hope that dies on your deskMost writers don't avoid writing—they avoid startingMake your goals so small they feel insulting: open the doc, paste the outline, write a terrible first paragraph

Ever find yourself scrolling through 11,000 photos on your phone, desperately searching for that one picture that actually looks like you? You're not alone. For authors and creators trying to build a consistent presence online, the photo hunt can feel like a second job.In this episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with branding expert Tenneil Register to introduce a game-changing concept: the branding bank. This isn't about hiring expensive photographers or chasing the latest Instagram aesthetic—it's about building an organized, authentic collection of visual assets that make showing up online faster and more confident.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeWhy branding is so much more than logos and colors—and what it actually means for your author platformThe concept of a "branding bank" and how it saves time while building reader trustHow to identify your unique anchor props that set you apart from every other writer with a laptop photoThe 25 photos in 20 minutes challenge that jumpstarts your visual libraryWhy chasing trends actually hurts your brand (and what to do instead)Simple ways to capture authentic moments that resonate with your audienceThe Power of ConsistencyTenneil shares a powerful story about customers approaching her booth at events and saying, "Of course I like it—it's R7. I should have known by looking." That instant recognition is the goal of strong branding. When readers encounter your content, they should feel that same sense of familiarity—like coming home.Getting Started TodayThe homework is simple: create a folder called "Branding Bank" and add 10 existing photos you don't hate. That's your down payment on a more consistent, confident online presence. No professional photoshoot required—just intention and a few minutes of your time.Key TakeawaysPick three brand words that describe how you want your brand to feel to othersChoose five anchor props that match your lifestyle and personalityTake 25 photos in 20 minutes to start building your libraryStop chasing trends—authenticity builds more trust than perfection

Do you ever stare at a blank screen, knowing you have something to say but feeling paralyzed by the pressure to be brilliant? What if you could create meaningful, compelling content in just five minutes—without spiraling into overthinking?In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and storytelling expert Tenneil Register unpack a simple four-part framework that will transform how you approach micro content. Whether you're crafting Instagram reels, blog introductions, newsletter copy, or social media posts, this formula gives you the container you need to share your message with clarity and confidence.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeThe Magnet: How to create an irresistible hook that stops the scroll—using contradiction, observation, tension, or a direct promiseThe Moment: Why a snapshot beats backstory every time, and how to capture your reader's attention in three to five sentencesThe Meaning: The bridge that connects your story to a deeper truth your audience needs to hearThe Move: Five types of content direction—reflective, practical, reframing, invitation, and permission—that transform passive readers into engaged followersWhy This Matters for Your Writing JourneyHere's the truth Kathi shares: You only get one or two big, dramatic stories every decade. The rest of your content—the posts, reels, and emails that build your platform—comes from small, honest moments you're already living. You don't need to be brilliant. You just need to be clear.Tenneil offers a powerful reminder: if you're living, breathing, and moving through life, you already have these moments. From shower curtain rings getting tangled to sitting at your kitchen table with a half-written outline, your ordinary life is full of extraordinary teaching opportunities.Key TakeawaysClarity trumps brilliance—your audience needs to understand you, not be impressed by youIf your hook could belong to anyone, it belongs to no one—make it uniquely yoursThe "move" is what transforms a nice story into content that changes livesYou don't need all four elements at once—capture the moment now, and let the meaning emergeYour big messages are built from small, honest moments

Do you find yourself overthinking every social media post, waiting for the perfect story, or saving your best moments for "someday"? You're not alone. Many writers and creators feel paralyzed when it comes to content creation, believing everything needs to be big and polished to matter. In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register introduce a game-changing framework called Micro Message Mapping—a simple four-word system that's already helping writers transform their social media engagement. One collective member went from 5 views to 200 on a single reel, and Tenneil Register herself saw 20,000 views and 400 comments using this approach. What You'll Learn in This Episode The four-word framework that simplifies content creation: Magnet, Moment, Meaning, Move Why most of your writing life doesn't need big stories—just clear moments with direction How to stop overwriting, overthinking, and waiting for perfection A real-life example of how a simple photo of picnic baskets generated massive engagement Why the "flim flam of life" is actually what connects you with your audience Where to Use Micro Stories This framework works perfectly for: Podcast intros Social media captions Email and newsletter openers Blog subheads Teaching illustrations About pages Your Challenge This Week Kathi Lipp challenges you to practice noticing tiny moments that almost become stories—the ones you usually dismiss. Grab a photo, capture the moment, and ask yourself: What is this moment about? Come back next week when Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register will help you map out your micro messages together. If content creation has felt heavy lately, it might be because the container is too big for the moment you're trying to carry. This episode will help you simplify, connect, and finally stop waiting for perfect.

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of writing a book, feeling like you should be further along? Like everyone else writes faster, thinks clearer, and somehow has it all figured out? You're not alone—and you're probably measuring the wrong things.In this episode, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp introduce a powerful framework from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy's book The Gap and the Gain and explore how it applies specifically to the writing journey. If you've ever felt stuck in the "messy middle" of your book, this conversation will help you understand why—and give you a new way to measure your progress.The Hidden Emotional Cost of Writing a BookWriting a book takes more than time and energy—it takes a chunk of your life. The thinking, clarifying, discarding, revising, editing, and waiting all carry an emotional weight that most writers don't talk about enough. And when you're in the thick of it, it's easy to feel perpetually behind.Understanding the Gap vs. the GainThe gap is the space between where you are and where you want to be—all those unchecked boxes, unwritten chapters, and comparisons to other writers. The gain is everything you've learned, clarified, and accomplished along the way. Most writers focus on the gap, but the gain is where the real progress lives.Why Writers Quit in the Messy MiddleMost writers don't quit at the beginning or the end—they quit in the middle, where the effort is high and the affirmation is low. This is where the gap mindset can sabotage you, leading to constant restructuring, over-editing, or starting over entirely. Recognizing this danger zone is the first step to pushing through.Key Takeaways for Your Writing JourneyBy the time you write your first word, you may already be 20-30% done—all that research, speaking, and thinking countsClarity is progress, even when you can't measure it on a spreadsheetDiscernment about what doesn't belong in your book is just as valuable as what doesNothing has to be wasted—content that doesn't fit your book can become social media posts, speeches, or future projectsAsk yourself weekly: What do I understand now that I didn't before?Four Questions to Track Your GainKathi Lipp shares four powerful questions to help you see your own progress:What do I understand now that I didn't understand before?Is there a part of my message that feels clearer?What false version of this have I released?How have I grown as a writer, not just someone producing words?If you're in the midst of writing a book and feeling stuck, this episode offers the perspective shift you need. Stop measuring yourself against the book you haven't finished—and start celebrating the writer you're becoming.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to go from self-published author to landing a traditional publishing contract? If you've been dreaming of seeing your book on shelves with a traditional publisher's backing, this episode pulls back the curtain on exactly what that journey looks like.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeSue Donaldson joins the podcast to share the real, unfiltered story of how she went from four self-published books to signing her first traditional publishing deal for her book Never Alone. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or you've been self-publishing for years, Sue's insights will help you understand what publishers are actually looking for.The Unexpected Advice That Changed EverythingSometimes the best feedback comes from unexpected places. Sue shares how her daughter's blunt critique—"Mom, is this a Bible study?"—became the turning point that shaped her entire book. Learn why being open to tough feedback (even from family members) can transform your manuscript.Book Proposal Strategies That Stand OutWith publishers receiving hundreds of proposals, how do you make yours memorable? Sue reveals two specific techniques she used that made her proposal easy to navigate and compelling to read—including a simple table of contents trick that most authors overlook.Building Platform When Speaking Gigs Are ScarceIf you've relied on speaking engagements to grow your audience and those opportunities have dried up, you're not alone. Sue shares practical alternatives, including how Instagram giveaways became an unexpected source of new followers during a speaking dry spell.The Hardest Part of Traditional PublishingGetting the contract is just the beginning. Sue gets honest about what surprised her most about working with a traditional publisher—and why letting go of control might be harder than you think.Key Takeaways for Your Publishing JourneyStart gathering endorsements early—Sue had 21 people willing to endorse her book before she even had a publisherMake your book proposal scannable with a clear table of contentsMatch your pain points with how you address them in parallel bullet pointsConsider your book as a ministry tool, not just a product to sellBe willing to self-publish if traditional doesn't work out—believe in your message either way

You've finally finished your book—congratulations! But here's the truth many authors discover too late: the finish line of writing is really just the starting line of getting your message into readers' hands and hearts. When Your Book Needs More Than Pages In this encouraging episode, Kathi sits down with Lori G Melton, author of Journey with a Giant and member of the Writing at the Red House Collective, to explore what happens after you type "The End." If you've ever wondered how to extend your book's reach without feeling overwhelmed by endless marketing tasks, this conversation is for you. Lori shares her journey of creating an entire ecosystem around her spiritual growth book—not because she had to do everything, but because she strategically chose what excited her most. From a 12-episode podcast series to a quiz built with ChatGPT, her story proves that thoughtful, passion-driven marketing can multiply your book's impact. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why treating your book as "the center of a larger experience" changes everything How to decide which companion resources to create without the pressure to do it all The power of starting with what excites you (like cleaning out one drawer instead of the whole closet) Practical tips for creating a discussion guide, podcast series, Bible study, and interactive quiz How to use a Facebook group to support readers who don't have an in-person community The surprising way ChatGPT can help you build tools for your readers Why your author website should be the central hub for all your resources Key Takeaways for Your Writing Journey Whether you're pre-publication and dreaming about launch day, or post-publication wondering what comes next, this episode offers a roadmap for building community around your message. Lori's approach reminds us that we don't have to do everything—we just need to start with what we're most passionate about and let the rest unfold. The goal isn't to exhaust yourself with marketing tactics. It's to create meaningful touchpoints that help readers engage deeply with your message and find the community they need to apply what they've learned.

You've finished your manuscript, and now you're facing one of the biggest decisions of your writing journey: Should you pursue traditional publishing or take the indie route? If you've ever felt paralyzed by this choice, you're not alone—and this episode is exactly what you need.Literary agent Sherri Wilson Johnson brings a unique perspective to this conversation. As both an agent at Gardner Literary and a self-published romance author, she's walked both paths and understands the real-world implications of each choice. In this candid conversation recorded during a Writing at the Red House Collective session, Sherry breaks down the essential questions you need to ask yourself before making this crucial decision.Key Questions to Guide Your Publishing DecisionBefore you can choose your path, Sherri encourages writers to honestly assess where they are:Are you a writer only, or are you willing to become a business person? Self-publishing requires entrepreneurial skills—or a team to provide them.Are you a solo creator or a collaborator? Traditional publishing means working with editors, marketers, and designers who will have opinions about your work.Do you want to pay people or have them pay you? With indie publishing, you invest upfront. With traditional, you receive an advance.How much of a hurry are you in? Traditional publishing timelines can stretch 18 months or longer from contract to bookshelf.Do you need full creative control? Traditional publishers have final say on covers, titles, and sometimes content.Do you need the validation of traditional publishing? Be honest about what success looks like for you.The Beautiful Truth: You Have OptionsOne of the most freeing takeaways from this episode is that you don't have to choose just one path forever. The hybrid author model—where writers publish both traditionally and independently—is increasingly common. Kathi herself has done this, traditionally publishing books like Clutter Free while self-publishing companion Bible studies.What About Your Platform?Sherri addresses a common misconception: "I don't have a platform, so I'll just self-publish." Her honest response? That's fine, but then you might not sell any copies. Self-publishing isn't the easy way out—it's simply a different path with its own challenges. The key is knowing your goals before you begin.Does Self-Publishing Hurt Your Traditional Chances?Good news for indie authors: self-publishing generally doesn't count against you with traditional publishers. In fact, Sherri notes that despite her published novels, she would be considered a "debut author" if she pursued traditional publishing. However, if you traditionally publish and have poor sales, that can affect future opportunities.Finding the Right SupportWhether you choose traditional or indie publishing, you'll need help. Sherri recommends vetted resources for editors through Gardner Literary's website and suggests 99 Designs for cover design. She also points listeners to the Christian Indie Authors Facebook group for community support.The bottom line? Your publishing path should align with your "why." As Sherri shares from her own experience, when her motivation shifted from ministry to money-making, she couldn't write at all. Regularly reassessing your goals and motivations will help you make decisions that serve both your message and your calling.

Are you stuck trying to figure out whether to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing? You're not alone. This decision can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling life responsibilities while pursuing your writing dreams.In this special replay from last year's Path to Publish conference, Kathi Lipp sits down with Sherri Johnson—a literary agent with the Gardner Agency who has also self-published 14 books and been traditionally published. Sherri offers a unique perspective that few in the industry can provide: she's literally done it all.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe key differences between traditional publishing and self-publishingWhat the "Big Five" publishers are and how smaller presses differWhy hybrid publishing might not be your best option (and what to watch out for)The advantages of traditional publishing: expertise, marketing support, and validationThe advantages of indie publishing: freedom, speed, and a bigger slice of the financial pieWhy you shouldn't view self-publishing as a "consolation prize"The Bottom LineAs Sherri reminds listeners, you get to decide. Whether you're drawn to the validation and support of traditional publishing or the freedom and speed of indie publishing, the choice is yours. The only thing you can't control is whether a publisher says yes—but that doesn't mean self-publishing is settling. It's simply a different path with its own unique rewards.About Our GuestSherri Johnson is a literary agent with the Gardner Agency, a self-published author of 14 books, and has also been traditionally published. Her diverse experience gives her unparalleled insight into all aspects of the publishing industry.This episode is Part 1 of Sherri's Path to Publish session. Stay tuned for Part 2, where she dives into practical questions to help you decide which path is right for you!

Have you ever felt like you need to start from scratch every time you begin a new writing project? What if the material you've already created—your blog posts, speaking notes, Instagram reels, and journal entries—is actually the foundation for your next book? In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Becky Keife, author of the brand new book A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, to discuss how writers can strategically repurpose their existing content without feeling like they're cutting corners. What You'll Discover in This Episode If you've been building your platform by writing articles, creating social media content, or speaking on your topic, you've been unknowingly stockpiling ingredients for your book. Becky shares how God showed her that the years of content she'd created around anxiety weren't just a safety net—they were her launch pad. Key Insights for Writers Your backlog is a gift, not a shortcut. Instead of viewing repurposed content as lazy writing, recognize it as stewarding what God has already given you. Social proof matters. That Instagram reel that performed well? That conference talk that resonated? Those are signals pointing you toward content that connects with your audience. Research your own words first. Before diving into other experts' books, mine your own articles, journals, speaking notes, and social media posts. Repetition serves your reader. The same story told multiple times can bring fresh insight, deeper connection, and spiritual transformation. Old stories gain new insights. Your perspective evolves, and the Holy Spirit makes new connections over time. Practical Steps to Mine Your Archive Becky offers actionable advice for gathering your existing content: compile everything in one place, block out time to review your own social media, reread old journals, and capture significant paragraphs that apply to your current project. Whether you use Scrivener, Word docs, or simple folders, having your research organized in one space helps your brain stay focused. A Word of Encouragement If you're feeling anxious about writing your book (even if it's not about anxiety!), this conversation will remind you that God has been preparing you all along. The content you've created, the stories you've told, and the insights you've gathered are not random—they're the ingredients for something beautiful.

This episode was original published December 20, 2021 (Episode 275).Have you ever wondered how to become a better writer? Today, Kathi Lipp and Kathleen Kerr, an editor and speaker, tackle this important question by breaking down a frequent lie that writers believe about being a writer and replacing it with applicable strategies for how to strengthen your writing knowledge and practice.In this episode, Kathi and Kathleen discuss:How to be a great student of writing.Their favorite fiction and nonfiction books.Why you need to learn the rules of writing before you break them.Listen in and learn how to improve your writing skills before the new year begins.

Every agent and publisher will tell you the same thing: your email subscribers are gold. But what if you're starting from absolute zero? What if not even your mom has signed up yet? In this practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp break down the essentials of building an email list that actually serves your readers—and your writing career. Whether you're trying to figure out which tool to use or wondering what kind of freebie to offer, this conversation will help you take your first confident steps. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why your email list is your "owned audience" while social media is just rented space The one sentence you need to complete before launching your newsletter Why chunky lead magnets are out and simple, authentic freebies are in How to choose the right email tool when you're just getting started Low-tech and high-tech ways to collect email addresses What belongs on your landing page to convert visitors into subscribers Why your first 100 subscribers are the hardest—and what to do about it Key Takeaways Your newsletter is a relationship, not a broadcast. Think of each subscriber as a one-on-one conversation rather than a crowd you're shouting at. People are thirsty for authentic connection. Match your lead magnet to your newsletter. Whatever you offer to get someone on your list should feel like a natural preview of what they'll receive each week. No bait and switch. Start simple. You don't need fancy tools to begin. A Google spreadsheet and a sign-up sheet at your next speaking event can get you started while you figure out what your newsletter is really for. Put your sign-up everywhere. Your website, social media, podcast—anywhere you already show up, make it obvious how people can join your list. If you've been putting off starting your email list because it feels too complicated or too techie, this episode will give you the permission and the practical steps to just begin.