The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Do you have the time, but not the money, to invest in your writing career? Then it might be time to consider bartering. Join Kathi Lipp and her friend Cassie Rajewich as they discuss how bartering can benefit your writing career. Join Kathi and Cassie as they explain: • How they began bartering. • Cassie’s three tips for people who want to start bartering. • How Kathi Lipp’s internship program functions through bartering. Bartering can be hard, but it is also incredibly rewarding. So, listen in and learn from Kathi and Cassie about how you can use your resources wisely and begin investing in your writing career. Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Today, financial coach and Writing at the Red House leader, Cassie Rajewich, joins Kathi to fill us in on the upcoming One Day Challenge! On June 29 in the free Writing at the Red House Facebook group, you can expect to: • Learn how to track your income and expenses. • Understand the power of a simple system, not a complicated and painful one! • Be encouraged to make a starter budget in just 15 minutes. Plan to join Kathi and Cassie in the free Facebook group LIVE on June 29 at 10:30 AM Pacific, where you will get practical tips and inspiration to create your writer budget. Plus, you may win a fun prize! Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Are you a writer who’s trying to figure out how to earn an income? Join Kathi Lipp as she talks with her friend and published author, Rachel Lewis, about how writers can make money while doing the thing they love. In this episode, Kathi and Rachel discuss: Why it’s important for writers to have side gigs. How your writing skills can make you money. The difference between freelance and part-time work. Listen in and learn about all the amazing ways that you, as a writer, can serve others and earn an income at the same time. Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Do writers ever get to the point where they don’t have to worry about money? Probably not. Most of us must have a budget. Today Kathi talks with financial coach Cassie Rajewich about how to launch a writing career on a budget. Here are her three key points: Have a side hustle. Have a system. Have a team. Want to go more in depth on those three points? Check out the download here that Cassie wrote just for Writing at the Red House listeners! Finding the right budget is life-changing. So, Cassie will be back later in June to help us create our own budget. Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Do you have a concept or an idea for a book but no idea how to begin your outline? Kathi Lipp is back with her editor, Kathleen Kerr, to discuss the key elements of outlining and how to write your own. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How they outlined Kathi’s current book. • The steps you can take to outline a trade book. • What to do if you get stuck with your outline. Listen in and learn everything you need to know to build an outline, find your direction, and uncover your story. If this podcast serves you, would you do us a favor and submit a rating in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen? That helps other aspiring writers find us. Thanks! Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Grab your favorite blanket and a sweet treat and settle in with Kathi and her editor Kathleen Kerr as they talk all things outlining! Whether you have thousands of words written or are still in the brainstorming stage, an outline is just what you need to write faster and with more clarity. Not convinced yet? Listen in and learn: • How to make sense of all your key ideas. • The importance of setting “mile-markers” for the journey. • Figuring out “check-off-able” writing goals. Next week Kathi and Kathleen will return with even more nuts-and-bolts explanations of how to write the outline for your book. Be sure to sign up here to be notified when the next episode is available. If this podcast serves you, would you do us a favor and submit a rating in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen? That helps other aspiring writers find us. Thanks! Inside Scoop: Sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

While creatives used to try and get featured on blogs, the rise of podcasts has led creatives to begin pitching themselves as podcast guests. Since podcasts are still a new endeavor for so many people, Kathi Lipp is joined by her podcast producer, Tiffany Jo Baker, to unpack all the confusing details about how – and where – to pitch yourself as a podcast guest. Tune into this episode and learn: • Where to find podcasts that you might be a good fit for. • Things to keep in mind when pitching to podcasts. • How to keep everything organized when it comes to pitching. Listen in and learn what you need to know to begin pitching yourself to podcasts and reaching new audiences. Inside Scoop: Get Tiffany’s Podcast Pitch Checklist for free by entering the code “Free” at checkout, and go sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter at Writing at the Red House to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free.

Do you want to be a guest on a podcast, but you aren’t sure how to go about pitching yourself and your message? Kathi Lipp’s very own podcast producer, Tiffany Jo Baker, is joining the conversation today to help you prepare a solid podcast pitch you can use in the future. Listen in and learn: What are some of the no-no’s to avoid. What to include at the beginning, middle, and end. How to think through ways to serve the podcast audience. Most importantly, plan to join Kathi in her free Facebook group LIVE on May 18 at 10:30 AM Pacific. For this month’s challenge, Kathi and Tiffany will help you create a podcast pitch in just 15 minutes. During that LIVE, Kathi also promises to reveal the #1 thing that she notices in a podcast pitch! In the group you will also have access to a free download guiding you through the Podcast Pitch Sandwich Method which Tiffany recommends. If you aren’t already a member, click here to join the Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp Facebook group and keep an eye out for both the livestream and download on May 18. Inside Scoop: Go to Writing at the Red House and sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free!

Do you struggle to write settings for your stories? Are you worried about writing too many descriptions—or not enough? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by author Susy Flory to dive into this very topic. In this episode, Kathi and Susy discuss: • The importance of a setting. • Why it is hard to write a setting. • How to craft a good setting. Tune in and learn everything you need to know to take the next steps and craft a setting that brings your story to life. Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. Inside Scoop: Go to Writing at the Red House and sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free! About Sanctuary: For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside. He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him. Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”—reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls. But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Every person has an internal jumble of thoughts, feelings, dreams, and desires. It can be complicated! How do you, as a writer, put all of those inner feelings and experiences into words? In this podcast, best-selling author Susy Flory explains that your story is an act of translation. Together, Kathi and Susy help us think through how we can translate those deep life experiences into something that makes sense. Listen in and learn: • How to pay attention and create an experience for the reader. • Which books you should be reading in order to grow as an author. • Susy’s secret for doing what seems impossible. • What making cheese and making a story have in common! The ultimate job of a storyteller is to take an unfamiliar situation and help someone understand it in a deep way. Check out this final episode of the series and learn how to create your own thoroughly compelling book! Need to catch up on episodes 1-3? You can do that right here: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3. Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. Inside Scoop: Go to Writing at the Red House and sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free! About Sanctuary: For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside. He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him. Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”—reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls. But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Have you ever tried uncovering your story as you write? This is the topic of today’s episode, as Kathi Lipp and Susy Flory continue their conversation about how to write compelling stories. Listen in and learn: What garage sales taught Susy about writing stories. The importance of working hard to uncover your story. What surprises Susy uncovered while writing her stories. Stay tuned for the finale episode of this series next week, where Kathi and Susy will wrap up their conversation about how to write a compelling story. Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. Inside Scoop: Go to Writing at the Red House and sign up for the Writing Tip Newsletter to get Kathi’s 7 Day Platform Plan for free! About Sanctuary: For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside. He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him. Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”—reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls. But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Best-selling author Susy Flory has learned much about writing compelling stories over the past few years. This week she returns to the podcast, talking with host Kathi Lipp about how to use key moments to bring intangible themes to life. Listen in and learn techniques such as: • How to communicate big ideas without specifically naming them. • Bringing to life each character and the settings in which they interact. • The importance of suspense and surprise in a story arc. • Ideas for keeping track of all the particularities. If you missed last week’s episode, be sure to check that out here. Next week, Susy and Kathi will be back to talk about discovering the story. Don’t miss out! Sign up here to be notified when future episodes are released. About Sanctuary: For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside. He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him. Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”—reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls. But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Have you ever gotten stuck while trying to write the opening scene of your book? Join Kathi Lipp and bestselling author Susy Flory as they discuss how to approach the opening scene of a book. In this episode, you will learn: • How to help your reader get into the story. • How Susy decided to open her new book, Sanctuary. • How you can use your experiences to draw the reader into your book. Tune in next week to learn about the particulars and the ingredients you need for your story. About Sanctuary: For decades, his family rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside. He had no idea that one day, the donkeys would rescue him. Patrick Barrett grew up on the back of a donkey. In the small village of Liscarroll, the young boy helped his family run a sanctuary for abandoned and abused donkeys. Struggling in school, Patrick only felt truly accepted in the presence of these funny, fuzzy, touching animals. It was like magic, how he and the donkeys understood each other. He became a true “donkey whisperer”—reading their body language, communicating with them in ways they could understand, and teaching himself how to “speak” in their distinctive calls. But when Patrick was of age, he shipped out with the Irish Army and encountered unimaginable wartime horrors in Lebanon and Kosovo. In the aftermath, he returned home a broken man, sinking into the depths of PTSD and addictions. He believed nothing could save him. But he hadn’t counted on the donkeys. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man’s life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It’s an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

What is a funnel and when do you need one? Listen in as Kathi talks with her favorite guest, Roger Lipp, about taking your readers and listeners on a journey using these five steps: • Build awareness through consistent and quality content. • Connect with those who are newly acquainted with your ministry or business. • Offer more to your “tribe” of followers. • Give extras to your customers and acknowledge their feedback. • Encourage advocates to share their experience with others. Kathi and Roger share how to establish a strategy for transition between each step and challenge you to love people well, no matter where they are in the process. Listen in and be encouraged to connect with people, provide value, and figure out your next steps to support your audience! Looking for more helpful content to build your writing business or ministry? Come join us over at Kathi Lipp’s Writing at the Red House Facebook group!

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of writing down your business plan? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by the director of Writing at the Red House and the Collective, Cassie Rajewich, to discuss the March business plan challenge. In this episode, Kathi and Cassie discuss: • What Cassie is putting on her business plan. • Four steps for creating your business plan. • The importance of tweaking your business plan. Tune in and learn everything you need to know about the One Hour Business Plan Challenge. About the challenge: Create your business plan on March 30. Kathi Lipp, Cassie Rajewich, and Roger Lipp will be going live in the Writing at the Red House Facebook group to help walk you through how to take your business plan and get it from your brain to the page. So, if you’re in a writing career, ministry, or business, join Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp and keep an eye out for both the livestream and downloads on March 30.

Are you an author intimidated by the idea of creating a business plan? There are a lot of complicated options out there, but Kathi and Roger Lipp offer a simpler solution for authors! In this episode, they will help you think through: • Realistic plans and goals for your writing. • Budgeting and finances for your business. • How your platform makes you a better communicator. To get you started on creating your own business plan, download this simple guide that will help you think through your goals and plans. If you missed last week’s episode on why you need a business plan, be sure to check that out right here.

Have you wondered whether you should create a business plan? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by her husband, Roger Lipp, to discuss why some people don’t have a business plan and the biggest reasons why you need to have one. In this episode, Kathi and Roger explain: The biggest misconceptions about business plans. Why the biggest misconceptions are wrong. Six reasons to have a business plan. Listen in and learn everything you need to know about why having a business plan is so important. Tune in next week to find out how to create your simple business plan and what questions to ask yourself about it.

What kind of content will help your reader move from where they are to where they want to be? In this final episode in their Creative Content series, Kathi Lipp and digital marketing expert Erin MacPherson are here to help us make a plan to create content to excite, ascend, and advocate. This dynamic duo will walk us through the steps to brainstorm, narrow down, and implement content in four key categories: Increase awareness of your brand. Encourage engagement with your content. Grow the number of subscriptions to your email list. Nurture your audience and help each person ascend to the next level of involvement. The way you are going to reach people is through day-to-day interaction on social media and other online pathways. It is hard work, but it is worth it to change lives through great content and consistent connection. Listen in and let Kathi and Erin show you how!

Are you trying to create engaging content? Today, Kathi Lipp is back with Erin MacPherson, an author and marketing strategist, to discuss how to create content that grows your audience but also serves them. In this episode, Kathi and Erin talk about: • What content does well on which platforms. • Where Erin goes for content inspiration. • How to make content that engages your audience. Listen in and learn everything you need to know to create the content you’ve always wanted to share. Tune in next week to find out how to take all your ideas and put them into a content plan.

Are you creating a book or a program? Do you wonder how you can get someone to buy it? This week, Kathi talks with author and marketing strategist Erin MacPherson about how to define your goals and make a plan to get there. In this podcast you will learn the three key aspects of your marketing plan: • The Scoop: What do you want to accomplish? • The Target: Who is your audience and what do they need? • The Goal: How do you want people to respond to your content? Listen in and transform your wishes and wants into “I will” statements. Kathi and Erin share from experience how to create awareness of your product, engage with your audience, and really begin to nurture those you have been called to serve.

Do you love challenges? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by Cassie Rajewich, the director of Writing at the Red House, to talk about the upcoming February Challenge: The Tweak Your Post Challenge. Tune into this episode to learn: Everything you need to know about the February Challenge. What articles Kathi and Cassie are going to tweak. How to prepare for the challenge. Listen in and come join Kathi, Cassie, and the Writing at the Red House community as they tackle this new challenge. About the Tweak Your Post Challenge: This challenge is to tweak an article on February 16th. Erin MacPherson will be going live in the Writing at the Red House Facebook group at 10:30 am PST / 1:30 pm EST to talk about the secret things you can do to tweak a post. So, pick your article, mark your calendar for February 16th, and join Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp to get the download during the livestream. Links and Resources: Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp Cassie Rajewich Erin MacPherson Digital Marketer How to Get $1,000 Dollars in the Bank by Next Month How to Declutter Fast: The Three-Box, Two-Bag System

Once your book is out there, how do you keep it alive? In the fourth part of this series, co-authors Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory talk about how they are marketing their latest book and serving their audience at the same time. Listen in as they talk about some of their favorite things from this book launch, including: The SPACE acronym. Their pre-sale bonus offer. The new ideas that come even after the book is published. Their goal is to be strategic while having fun and serving their readers. You can join in on the fun in their upcoming book club for An Abundant Place, which will run from January 31 to March 11 in their new Facebook group – click here to join the club! If you need to catch up on this series, click here to listen to Part One, find Part Two here, or Part Three. About An Abundant Place: Are you overcommitted, overstressed, or just plain overwhelmed? These devotions will give you greater peace and perspective and a plan for managing your busy life. Have you reached the point where one more thing on your to-do list is one too many? Do you find yourself praying, “Lord, I don’t think I can handle any more stuff?” Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have been there. They want to encourage you, but even more importantly, they offer helpful solutions to make your everyday life easier. Get good advice on how to plan ahead, set boundaries with others and yourself, and be more intentional about self-care without the guilt. Let Kathi and Cheri help you find a place of more joy and abundance one devotion at a time. You can order the book on Amazon or from your preferred bookseller.

Do you ever hit a wall while writing a book? Today, Kathi Lipp is back with Cheri Gregory, author and communicator coach, to talk about how they struggled to write their newest book, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, and what helped them get through the tough moments. In this episode, Kathi and Cheri discuss: • Their process for writing and revising their book. • The importance of having a reader team and an editor. • What they do when a devotional goes off the rails. Tune in next week for the final episode of the series to find out what you should put in a devotional, how to market one, and much more. If you need to catch up on this series, click here to listen to Part One and Part Two. Sign up for our email list here in order to be notified when next week’s episode is available! About An Abundant Place: Are you overcommitted, overstressed, or just plain overwhelmed? These devotions will give you greater peace and perspective and a plan for managing your busy life. Have you reached the point where one more thing on your to-do list is one too many? Do you find yourself praying, “Lord, I don’t think I can handle any more stuff?” Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have been there. They want to encourage you, but even more importantly, they offer helpful solutions to make your everyday life easier. Get good advice on how to plan ahead, set boundaries with others and yourself, and be more intentional about self-care without the guilt. Let Kathi and Cheri help you find a place of more joy and abundance, one devotion at a time. You can order the book on Amazon or from your preferred bookseller.

Do you want to learn how to outline an article in 15 minutes? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by Cassie Rajewich, the director of Writing at the Red House, to discuss the first challenge in a new, monthly series: The 15 Minute Article Challenge. In this episode, Kathi shares: Everything you need to know about the January challenge. The three things that help her write an article. What resources are available to help you write your own article. Listen in and come join Kathi, Cassie, and the Writing at the Red House community as they tackle this new challenge! Click here to download a helpful template that will guide you in outlining an article. About the 15 Minute Article Challenge: This challenge is to outline four articles on January 26. Kelly Wilbanks will be going live in the Writing at the Red House Facebook group at 10:30 am PST / 1:30 pm EST to talk about how she starts an article in 15 minutes. So, come join the group, watch the livestream on January 26 (or later on replay). Then, set your timer for 15 minutes and start outlining your first article!

If someone is going to write a devotional, there is a bit of a formula. In part two of this series, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory let us in on the secrets of their design process for their newest book, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away. The helpful hints they share include: Finding the balance between Scripture, story, and application. • Ideas for finding your theme. • What extras to include in your book. • To help you find a template that works for your devotional writing. Kathi and Cheri are sharing their model! Click here to download the template. If you need to catch up on this series, click here to listen to Part One. And sign up for our email list here in order to be notified when next week’s episode is available! About An Abundant Place: Are you overcommitted, overstressed, or just plain overwhelmed? These devotions will give you greater peace and perspective, and a plan for managing your busy life. Have you reached the point where one more thing on your to-do list is one too many? Do you find yourself praying, “Lord, I don’t think I can handle any more stuff?” Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have been there. They want to encourage you, but even more importantly, they offer helpful solutions to make your everyday life easier. Get good advice on how to plan ahead, set boundaries with others and yourself, and be more intentional about self-care without the guilt. Let Kathi and Cheri help you find a place of more joy and abundance, one devotion at a time. You can order the book on Amazon or from your preferred bookseller.

Have you ever wondered how to create a strong system for writing a book? Today, Kathi Lipp is joined by Cheri Gregory, author and communicator coach, to talk about how to plan a book based on what they learned while planning their newest book, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away. In this episode, Kathi and Cheri discuss: Where they find ideas and inspiration. The importance of having someone to talk with about your project. How Facebook can actually be a first draft. Tune in next week to find out how to take the first steps and put your plan into action. About An Abundant Place: Are you overcommitted, overstressed, or just plain overwhelmed? These devotions will give you greater peace and perspective, and a plan for managing your busy life. Have you reached the point where one more thing on your to-do list is one too many? Do you find yourself praying, “Lord, I don’t think I can handle any more stuff?” Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have been there. They want to encourage you, but even more important, they offer helpful solutions to make your everyday life easier. Get good advice on how to plan ahead, set boundaries with others and yourself, and be more intentional about self-care without the guilt. Let Kathi and Cheri help you find a place of more joy and abundance, one devotion at a time. Special preorder offer: If you preorder your copy of An Abundant Place before January 4, 2022, you’ll get free extras, including a companion journal filled with great ideas for mini-retreats and Bible study basics, so you can begin your new devotional journey before the book arrives, and access to the exclusive Devos for Dropouts six-part podcast with Kathi and Cheri. As fellow devotional dropouts, Kathi and Cheri talk through how to find a devotional style that will work for you to help you go deeper in your relationship with God on a day-to-day basis. To get started, preorder the book online and then go to this page to fill out the form and claim your free bonuses.

The new year is coming. We all have goals, plans, and dreams. Some of us have lots of checklists too! To wrap up this month’s series on how to build your writing career, Kathi is joined today by Roger Lipp and Tonya Kubo as they talk about the ONE thing in 2022 that authors and speakers can do to serve their audience better. Tonya has a “people first” approach to serving online communities. She encourages us to push forward with relationships, especially with peers who can be “power partners” and help us serve our audience better. Roger wants us to have systems in place to help us get our work done. He is all about using helpful tools to take those big plans and turn them into doable tasks. Kathi and her team are so excited about the lives that have been changed (and the books that have been written!) this year in the Red House Writer’s Collective, and they are looking forward to an even more productive 2022. The Collective is where you can find daily accountability and community for serving your audience and building your business. Want to join Kathi, Roger, Tonya, and many other writers in The Collective? Enroll now to join the Collective here. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you join The Red House Writers Collective by January 6, 2022, you can get 50% off using the coupon code CHECKIN, and you will receive a full access pass to our one-day conference, “Your Path to Published,” on March 23, 2022. This one-day conference is normally $199, but you will be able to attend for free when you enroll in the Collective. All you have to do is go to our website, click on the enroll button, and use the coupon code before the offer expires!

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. Want to join Kathi, Kathleen, and many other writers in The Collective? Enroll now to join the Collective here. The Collective is a day-by-day roadmap that not only shows you exactly what to do to increase your writing but also build your writing business in a way that you’ve always known you could. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you join The Red House Writers Collective by January 6, 2022, you can get 50% off using the coupon code CHECKIN, and you will receive a full access pass to our one-day conference, “Your Path to Published,” on March 23, 2022. This one-day conference is normally $199, but you will be able to attend for free when you enroll in the Collective. All you have to do is go to our website, click on the enroll button, and use the coupon code before the offer expires!

Why is serving your audience so important? And how do you build community around your message? If you could use some coaching on how to build community with your audience (and future readers), then you are in for a treat! Today Kathi is talking with author, (in)courage Community Manager, and future Red House Writers Collective coach, Becky Keife, who believes that everyone can learn to build, create, and serve others well, no matter their personality or natural gifting. In this inspiring interview, you will learn the three pillars of building community: Be generous. Offer a safe place for people and serve with generosity. Be a connector. Know your audience, connect with them, and connect them to others. Be an encourager. A word from you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Becky’s goal as a coach is to see writers who are able to eagerly and confidently serve their community with passion, purpose, and a plan. If you need that, come and join us in the Red House Writers Collective! The Collective is a day-by-day roadmap that not only shows you exactly what to do to increase your writing but also build your writing business in a way that you’ve always known you could. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you join The Red House Writers Collective by January 6, 2022, you can get 50% off using the coupon code CHECKIN, and you will receive a full access pass to our one-day conference, “Your Path to Published,” on March 23, 2022. This one-day conference is normally $199, but you will be able to attend for free when you enroll in the Collective. All you have to do is go to our website, click on the enroll button, and use the coupon code before the offer expires!

Do you ever wonder what you should be doing to build your career as a writer? Today, Kathi is joined by her guest, Barb Roose, literary agent and author of eight books, to talk about how to take your dream and move it forward. Barb shares what she has learned over the years about the publishing industry and how to grow as a business person. In this episode, Barb Roose shares: What to do with a manuscript that isn’t in a strong sales category right now. Why we need to slow down and romanticize our ideas. The two things every author should know. So, listen in and get a taste of what to expect from these two when you join the Collective. Want to join Kathi, Barb, and many other writers in The Collective? Enroll now to join the Collective here. The Collective is a day-by-day roadmap that not only shows you exactly what to do to increase your writing but also build your writing business in a way that you’ve always known you could. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you join The Red House Writers Collective by January 6, 2022, you can get 50% off using the coupon code CHECKIN and you will receive a full access pass to our one day conference “Your Path to Published” on March 23, 2022. This one-day conference is normally $199, but you will be able to attend for free when you enroll in the Collective. All you have to do is go to our website, click on the enroll button, and use the coupon code before the offer expires!

Have you started a Facebook group and now you don’t know what to do next? If so, listen in as Kathi and Tonya discuss some of the main ways to effectively add value to your Facebook group. In Part Three of this series, Kathi and Tonya share: • How the value of a group relates to its purpose and promise. • What kinds of things have added value to their own groups. • Some words of advice about how much you should or shouldn’t do. Whether you’re brand new to creating a Facebook group or have had one for years, be sure to sign up here so you get notified when the next episode comes out. Next week Kathi and Tonya will be back for the final episode of the series to teach us how to show up for our Facebook groups.

How can you keep your Facebook group from becoming a spamfest—or worse, a cesspool of conflict? Kathi is back with Tonya Kubo, “the queen of life-changing Facebook groups,” to help you figure out the rules! Listen in and learn: The #1 rule to keep your group members safe from unwanted solicitation. How to protect your people without having “meanie pants” rules. Ideas for preventing problems before they start. Keep your group kind, courteous, and helpful by following these tips from the creators of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter Free Academy, also known as “the kindest corner of the internet.” If you missed last week’s episode on how to set up your Facebook group, you can catch up right here. And don’t forget to sign up here to be notified when Parts 3 and 4 of “How to Build a Life-Changing Facebook Group” roll out in the next couple of weeks. Next week Kathi and Tonya will return with Tonya’s favorite topic: how do you add value to your group?

Have you thought about starting a Facebook group to better serve your audience? If so, be sure to listen in as Kathi and Tonya Kubo talk about what they have learned from leading successful Facebook groups like Clutter Free Academy. In Part One of this series, the duo will share: What kind of group does well on Facebook. How to develop a solid group purpose and promise. The reason to think through what you will provide for free. If you haven’t started a group yet, or need to refocus the group you already have, then be sure to sign up here to be notified when the next episode comes out. Next week Kathi and Tonya will return and teach us how to keep our group safe by enforcing simple rules.

Are you a writer considering self-publishing? Are you an expert who wants to build your business by writing a book? Whether you have a large audience or are writing for people in your own community, Keri Wyatt Kent knows how to walk you from your dream to the finished product. Keri authored more than 10 books using a traditional publisher before making the switch to self-publishing. Now she works as a coach for authors who want to take the DIY approach. In this week’s episode, you can expect to learn: The difference between a vanity publisher and self-publishing and which you should choose. Reasons that self-publishing may be the right choice for you and your business or ministry. The roles of a publisher and what kind of helpers you will need on your team in order to be successful in creating your book. So, listen in and soak up the wisdom that Keri has for us today! Keri is also offering a free Advent devotional called The Gift of Christmas Present. Go to her website at www.keriwyattkent.com to learn more and access the devotional. Want to hear even more about self-publishing and all things writerly? Then join Kathi, Keri, and many other authors at the next West Coast Christian Writers Conference! Sign up for the WCCW newsletter here to get the latest info and links for the flash sale, which will run from November 29-December 3, 2021. The conference will be held February 17-19, 2022, in-person and online with keynote talks, workshops, pre-conference mentoring groups, small groups, and appointments with agents/editors. Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, CA, a spacious church in a suburb of the San Francisco Bay Area, will be hosting. Attendees will find easy access to public transportation and proximity to hotels and restaurants. Insider scoop: Since the beginning, this conference has always had a friendly, low-key feel together with high-level speakers and teachers. The conference organizers are friends, and when you attend, you become a friend, too. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you are listening to this podcast after the flash sale is over, you can still register and get the flash sale price by using the coupon code “REDHOUSE.” All you have to do is go to the WCCW website, click on the register button, and use this coupon code during registration to get the sale price even after the sale is over!

Are you a fiction writer struggling with the “messy middle” of your story? Do you want to develop depth in your characters, whether fiction or non-fiction? These are the topics that Kathi delves into today with her guest, Melanie Dobson, author of almost 30 books and workshop presenter at the upcoming West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Melanie will share some of the challenges she has faced as a writer and help us think through ways to weave together a compelling story. Listen in and learn: The importance of writing fiction that is believable. Why you need external and internal conflict in your story. Ideas for understanding your characters’ personalities more deeply. So, tune in and get a taste of what’s to come in Melanie’s workshop at the 2022 West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Want to join Kathi, Melanie, and many other authors at the next West Coast Christian Writers Conference? Sign up for the WCCW newsletter here to get the latest info and links for the flash sale, which will run from November 29-December 3, 2021. The conference will be held February 17-19, 2022, in-person and online with keynote talks, workshops, pre-conference mentoring groups, small groups, and appointments with agents/editors. Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, CA, a spacious church in a suburb of the San Francisco Bay Area, will be hosting. Attendees will find easy access to public transportation and proximity to hotels and restaurants. Insider’s scoop: Since the beginning, this conference has always had a friendly, low-key feel together with high-level speakers and teachers. The conference organizers are friends, and when you attend, you become a friend, too. Exclusive offer to Kathi’s audience: If you are listening to this podcast after the flash sale is over, you can still register and get the flash sale price by using the coupon code “REDHOUSE.” All you have to do is go to our website, click on the register button, and use this coupon code during registration to get the sale price even after the sale is over!

Maybe you’ve dreamed of getting a group of writerly friends together and spending a weekend away dedicated to your craft. Or perhaps you’re an experienced writer who would like to encourage other writers along the way. Several years ago, Kathi and Roger Lipp decided to host retreats for writers, and now they’re sharing their expertise with us! Listen in as the duo discuss common misconceptions about retreat planning and the six components that will make any writer’s retreat successful. Key takeaways include: The importance of creative learning breaks. The need to leave having accomplished something. Checkmarks! Showing vulnerability through a shared experience. Celebrating one another’s writing wins. Interested in learning more about attending a writer’s retreat at the Red House? Or would you like to be notified when the Red House Writer’s Collective opens for membership later this year? Send us a message here. We would love to see you “ring the bell” virtually or in person so we can cheer you on as a writer!

Are you trying to discover your place in the writing universe? Where will your passion intersect with your audience’s needs? How do you know if you are onto an idea that you should push forward with? These are the kind of questions that are discussed every week in the Red House Writer’s Collective, and this week Kathi and Roger Lipp are back with part two of their recent training session on discovering your niche as a writer. Listen in to learn how to: Test your direction in order to strengthen your ideas Overcome your fear of commitment with the 5 Second Rule Break your goals down into manageable steps There is a time to push forward, a time to build what you have, and a time to let go. Want to gain some more insight and input on how to balance these aspects of your business or ministry? Consider joining the Red House Writer’s Collective, which will be open for membership later this year. Send us a message to be notified when the Collective opens. Also, it’s not too late to join the Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp Facebook group as we continue to write for 30 days with a goal of producing 10,000 words. No mercy. Hang out with us during the month of October to receive daily reminders to get those words onto the page! You will come away with a boost to your writing career and new friends in a community of like-minded Christian writers. No sign up needed, simply go to the page here and tell them, “Kathi sent me!”

This week Kathi and Roger Lipp give us a peek into the training they provide for members of the Red House Writers Collective. How do you know if you are writing the right thing? Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and going nowhere? In the first part of this special series Kathi and Roger will help you discover your writing niche by thinking through four principles of seeking clarity: Listening for God’s calling Knowing the right way Taking time to process Seeking outside input Listen in and find out how rocking chairs and “hand slams” can move you from fear of missing out to boldly following the journey that you have been uniquely designed for. For even more encouragement and accountability, be sure to join the Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp Facebook group as we launch into thirty days of writing 10,000 words – no mercy. Hang out with us during the month of October to receive daily reminders to get those words onto the page! You will come away with a boost to your writing career, 10,000 words ready for editing magic, and new friends in a community of like-minded Christian writers. No sign up needed, simply go to the page here and tell them, “Kathi sent me!” Links and Resources: 30 Day 10K, Writing at the Red House with Kathi Lipp The Husband Project Kathleen Kerr, Harvest House Tiffany Jo Baker Susy Flory Cheri Gregory Tonya Kubo Kelly Wilbanks Deanna Day Young Barnes & Noble To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi and Roger Lipp are back for the fourth installment of this series with more practical tips for meeting with your board of directors. How do you go from big, audacious goals to actionable plans, and how can your board help you get there? These two have been there, done that, and they will help you think it through! In this info-filled conversation you will be challenged to: Make big goals and then break them down into smaller chunks Have fun and connect with your team, show appreciation, and honor everyone’s time Keep on top of action items and stay in touch after the meeting So listen in for more about stretchy goals, why whiteboards are awesome, and more! Be sure to download the free agenda Kathi has provided and be a step ahead of the game in planning your own board meeting. Want to catch up on the first three weeks of this series? You can do that right here: Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3. To help out the show, leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings really make a difference to help other creative communicators find our podcast! Links and Resources: Sample Agenda Sample Agenda – Editable 5-Hour Plan E-mail [email protected] Tiffany Jo Baker Kelly Wilbanks Angie Baughman To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

This week Kathi and Roger Lipp are continuing their conversation about establishing your own board of directors with helpful hints about preparing for your first board meeting. How do you balance being prepared and just getting it done? The duo recommends thinking through a few things before your first board meeting, such as: What do you want to discuss with this group of people? What are your near term objectives for your business or ministry? Where do you want to be in five years? If planning all of that sounds overwhelming, never fear. Kathi has provided a free sample agenda for you to download and use, so you won’t have to start with a blank sheet of paper! Catch up on Week 1 and Week 2, and subscribe to the podcast here so you don’t miss out on next week’s finale on creating goals for your business. Links and Resources: Sample Agenda Sample Agenda – Editable Tonya Kubo To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp is back with her favorite board member, Roger Lipp, to continue this month’s series about establishing your own board of directors. Perhaps you have decided that you do need a board of directors after all – now what? Kathi and Roger are speaking from experience and sharing the lessons they have learned about how to build a better board and keep your business and ministry moving forward. Listen in as the two discuss: How to be wise in adding board members and setting expectations from the beginning. The benefits an advisory board brings to provide clarity and purpose in your planning, as well as helping you see the bigger picture. The importance of accountability in both preparing for meetings and following up on the decisions made at board meetings. The right board will help you make plans for your business or ministry and weather the inevitable changes that will come. If you are an author or speaker, or have plans to be, then setting up a board of advisors is something you don’t want to skip! Tune in here if you missed out on episode 1, and make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you catch episodes 3 and 4 over the next 2 weeks. Links and Resources: Hewlett Packard Enterprises Tonya Kubo Susy Flory Cheri Gregory Debbie Alsdorf Ted Lasso “The Pivot” – Scene with Ross from Friends To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp is here with her original partner, Roger Lipp, to kick off this month’s new series about establishing your own board of directors. Have you ever thought maybe your business or ministry isn’t far enough along for a board of directors? Maybe you’re thinking, “I haven’t even published a book yet, how could a board of directors help me? Who would I even ask to be on my board?” Kathi and Roger are here to answer all those questions and more. Listen in as the pair explains the different roles board members fill as well as talk about how putting together your board early in your business or ministry can help you: See the bigger picture Offer expertise in areas you may not have knowledge about Offer fresh voices about the industry Whatever stage your business or ministry is in, whether or not you have published a book, a board of directors is essential. You won’t want to miss a single episode of this month’s series. Links and Resources: Kathi Lipp, LLC Red House Writers Collective To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

For this fifth week of August, we are bringing you a re-release of one of our best episodes! Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt get together to talk about practical tips for daily self-care for your creative self. Creative people have a unique set of circumstances for when, how, and where they work; and we need creative ways to recharge, rest, and take of our body and mind. Listen in as Michele and Kathi give six very specific, easy to do, daily tips that will fuel your creative soul including: Get plenty of sleep (spoiler – 6 hours isn’t enough) Eat a good diet (including water, water, water) Engage in brain-free activities If you’re feeling a little blah about your creative output, but a day at the spa isn’t in the cards or the fancy candles aren’t doing the trick; this episode might be just what you need to get your pep back. Links and Resources: Nourished by Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp and Shannon Popkin are back for episode 3 of this 4-part series about comparison. Have you ever felt discouraged because someone has already written about the subject you are writing about? Why keep going if what you’re writing has already been covered? Kathi and Shannon are back talking about the importance of getting out of isolation and connecting with other writers. Others may be writing about the same subject, but they don’t have your voice, your experiences, or your perspective. Other authors may be further ahead of you, or not quite as far, but connecting with them can be a huge source of encouragement for both of you. Listen in as Kathi and Shannon talk about the importance of Community Humility Vulnerability If you’ve missed any of this invaluable conversation, make sure you go back and listen to episode 1 and episode 2. Links and Resources: Click here for a free resource bundle and communications about comparison: Shannon Popkin Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World Comparison Girl Info Page Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) Influence Info Page Red House Writers Collective Jen Hatmaker Don Piper To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp is back with author Shannon Popkin for episode 2 of this 4-part series about comparison. Have you ever felt like you are too different to belong in a particular space? Maybe your audience isn’t as large as someone you follow on social media, or your platform isn’t as far-reaching. Kathi and Shannon talk this week about how the things that make us feel as though we don’t fit in can actually be our strengths. Instead of considering those parts of us that are different as making us “less than,” Shannon invites us to consider those differences as tools we are given to reach our intended audience. Sometimes identifying our differences can benefit our business or ministry. Listen in as the pair discusses what it means to Know what you bring Know what you don’t bring Know your capacity And if you missed episode 1, you’ll want to be sure to go back and catch up. Links and Resources: Click here for a free resource bundle and communications about comparison: Shannon Popkin Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World Comparison Girl Info Page Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) Influence Info Page Kate Motaung (co-author of Influence) Communicator Academy episode #116 Influence: Is it Possible to Build a Platform (Without it Being All About Me?) To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp is joined by author Shannon Popkin this month for a series about comparison. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of looking sideways and comparing our progress and success to the person next to us, but as Shannon describes it, comparison is a dangerous distraction from what God has called you to do. She and Kathi talk about the tendency to compare ourselves with people we follow on social media specifically. There will always be someone on your news feed that seems to have more exposure or success than you have, so it’s important that you have tools to help you avoid the temptation of comparing your life to theirs. Listen in as Kathi and Shannon explain their strategies including: Revisiting your goal Being vulnerable Serving somebody If you struggle to get past the hurdle of comparing yourself to others, you will not want to miss this rich series. Links and Resources: Shannon Popkin Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World Dannah Gresh Facebook To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp is back with husband, Roger Lipp, for the fourth and final episode in this series about Profit First. In this episode, the couple explains the roles of the people they rely on to help them with their finances. Creatives are typically not in a traditional situation where they receive a regular paycheck from the same place every week or month. Often your income might be from several places like speaking engagements or book sales, and it’s important to have people on your team who understand how to manage those different sources. A bookkeeper and a CPA will make sure things are handled that may not be in your wheelhouse including: Keeping up with business-related purchases Ensuring contractors are paid fairly and on time Taxes (all of them) If you’re ready to take your creative ministry from the hobby level to career, it’s imperative that you take your finances to the career level as well, and this series makes it not only doable, but easy. Be sure to revisit episodes 1, 2, and 3 if you missed one, or if you need a refresher, and comment when you’ve gotten your accounts set up. Links and Resources: Chris Morris, CPA Paypal Stripe Venmo Amazon Quickbooks Profit First Wells Fargo To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.

Kathi Lipp and business/life partner Roger Lipp return for part 3 of this series about Profit First, and how the system has brought peace to their financial lives. Last week, the couple described the framework of the Profit First financial system and explained what role each of the five accounts serve. Today, they are here to tell you how their own Profit First system is set up. Roger and Kathi reveal the specific percentages of their income that they distribute to the prescribed accounts (profit, operating expenses, taxes, and owner’s draw), and give some insight into what their goal percentages are, and how they plan to achieve them. They also talk about benefits of establishing a system right from the beginning of your career such as: Legitimizing what you’re doing Giving you records to look at and make decisions based on Establishing healthy financial habits Plus, the pair offers valuable advice about how to plan for unusual financial income sources like speaking deposits or book advances; or expenses like replacing a computer or attending a conference. If you’re tired of finances being a source of stress, you can’t afford to miss this series. Make sure you listen in to episode 1 for an overview of the Profit First system, and episode 2 to learn more about the framework. Links and Resources: Profit First Tonya Kubo Cheri Gregory To share your thoughts Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our list now and never miss an episode or blog.