The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Welcome back to part two with Amy Carroll, on how to maximize your return on investment for speaking at events. Kathi, Michele and Amy shares some "deal-breakers" for accepting speaking opportunities and how to know when it is okay say no. When you are running on a deficit on your ROI, it depletes your ability to do ministry. As speakers, we may want to say yes to everything, but we can't let our desperation drown out the red flags. How do you as a speaker make the most out of events? In today’s episode, you will know: The importance of boundaries and having the hard conversations. Deal breakers for accepting events How to make the most of an event, including book tables How to grow your email list Find Kathi's source for bags here To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today's podcast sponsor, Leverage Conference 2019 Register now and use CALISTENER to save $150!

Welcome to a two part series with Amy Carroll on how to maximize your return on investment for events. Kathi shares how when your work is determined by a dollar, it changes everything. As christian communicators, we need to have a higher price on our communication, but it’s not always money. How do you go into an event knowing it is a good return on investment of time, energy, my travel, and more? Amy shares how to really evaluate your ROI for each event and three ways to get "paid" for an event. For example, a resource table can help cover expenses and give your audience something of value. Kathi says with speaking you can inspire people, but with a resource you can change a life. Finally, developing a partnership can also provide opportunities. Amy shares how boundaries established with your ROI can actually allow you to be generous with your partners. All these help determine what the things are that will help you say “yes” to cutting your fee if asked. Join us next week for more on how to maximize your return on investment with Amy Carroll! In today’s episode, you will know: How it is important to assess your investment What does it mean to be wise in your investment Having boundaries with ROI allows you to be generous To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today's podcast sponsor, Leverage Conference 2019 Register now and use CALISTENER to save $150!

Welcome back as Kathi and Michele continue the series on The Organized Communicator. Today they are talking about 5 important things to clarify as they discuss event communication. Learn how having these 5 questions as a goal has helped Kathi immensely in event communication. The conversations are easier in advance. Kathi and Michele share how when you have these conversations in advance, you will show up well prepared. Because as Kathi says, the only thing you can’t plan for is crazy. In today’s episode, you will know: It’s not just up to the event planner to communicate with you, but you with them too How there are spoken and unspoken goals for an event What are the five areas to clarify before you arrive at an event To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation. 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today’s podcast sponsor, Tonya Kubo’s Secret to Thriving Online Communities. and Leverage Conference 2019 Register now and use CALISTENER to save $150!

From spice racks to speaking engagements, Kathi and Michele dive into the importance of an organized communicator plan! Kathi has created a system that makes a huge difference in her life. Today she shares just the tip of the iceberg of her organized plans. Keep checking back for a regular series on the organized communicator. Organization is important from writing to events in a communicators world. Even Suzi Flory shares at The Red House on organizing your writing. An event packet is a binder (dossier) to take with you to an event for everything you might need. Kathi will cover all the parts of the binder that contains event schedules, each section, and the most effective way to utilize the information. In today’s episode, you will know: The importance of a communicator plan. What is an event packet binder? How the binder communicates how you value the people you are serving. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today’s podcast sponsor, Tonya Kubo’s Secret to Thriving Online Communities. and Leverage Conference 2019 Register now and use CALISTENER for $150 off!

Welcome to Kathi and Michele bonus Five Minute Freebie! Kathi and Michele each share one product that is like whip cream on your hot fudge sundae!. It’s their five minute wake-up kit! Coffee and peppermint oil! Kathi’s Favorite thing: Bialetti Moka Espresso pot Cafe Bustello Espresso Michele’s Favorite thing: Peppermint Oil – get in anywhere! Peppermint Beadlets *This is not a sponsorship of any of the products mentioned. Amazon affiliate links have been provided. In today’s episode, you will know: The thing that makes Kathi’s writing better The benefit to beadlets What Michele does before she speaks To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today’s podcast sponsor, Tonya Kubo’s Secret to Thriving Online Communities.

Are you ready for an agent? Welcome back for the final episode of How to Know You are Ready for an Agent. Live on location at the West Coast Writer’s Conference, Kathi and Michele are joined by Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency. Today Kathi and Michele dive into the final two ways to know if you are ready for an agent. Platform and critiques are the topics for today as we wrap up this series. Learn how an agent looks at platform. What does constructive criticism look like in the process of publishing for an author? Are you someone who engages? Your platform is more about your engagement than your numbers. Here is a recap of our eight ways on How to Know You Are Ready for an Agent: Finish your manuscript (fiction) or proposal with first 3 chapters (non-fiction) Know what genre/category Already done a title / topic search on Amazon Be able to tell about your book in 2-3 sentences. The idea or thought should not have been published previously Study the craft of writing You have received constructive criticism on your work Need for a platform Finally, pick up your copy of Janet and Wendy’s book today! The Inside Scoop by Janet & Wendy In today’s episode, you will know: The importance of finding that trusted person to read your writing How to critique while not losing the writer’s voice. The definition of the word “platform” To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today’s podcast sponsor, Tonya Kubo’s Secret to Thriving Online Communities.

Welcome back for part 2 of How to Know You are Ready for an Agent. Live on location at the West Coast Writer's Conference, Kathi and Michele are joined by Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency. Sparks are flying, the doors are locked! Jump back in for the next 3 ways to know if you are ready for an agent. This epidsode is full of resources and ideas of where to really dive into the craft of writing. You can find Janet and Wendy's resource page here. It is a great place to start! In addition to listening to writing podcasts, reading is an important part for writers. Here are a list of those resources suggested in today's episode: On Writing By Stephen King Art of Memoir by Mary Karr Woe is I by Patricia T. O'Conner Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss The Inside Scoop by Janet & Wendy In today’s episode, you will know: If your not sold on your book - you can’t sell anyone else on your book How an author underestimates the power of their own ability to sell a book The importance of studying writing resources in your publishing journey. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today's podcast sponsors, MOPS Speaker Network and Lead Bold Conference. Click their logo to find out more about how they can help you do what you are called to do.

Welcome! Live on location at the West Coast Writer's Conference, Kathi and Michele are joined by Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency. Are you a writer wanting to dip your toes into the world of publishing? Just starting or writers ready to go - this is the podcast for you today! In part 1, Kathi and Michele dig deep into the topic of how do you know you are ready for an agent? Eight ways you know you are ready for an agent include the hard questions to ask to determine if you are ready. For today, we will unpack the first three ways. Join us over this three part podcast because you do not want to miss any of these great tips from Janet and Wendy. Today you will hear Kathi's recommendation to go to conferences, listen to this podcast, and read The Inside Scoop in order to prepare you for these eight steps. In today’s episode, you will know: How a proposal is a business plan for your book. What are BISAC codes? What is cayenne pepper? To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today's podcast sponsors, MOPS Speaker Network and Lead Bold Conference. Click their logo to find out more about how they can help you do what you are called to do.

Welcome back for Part 2 of DIY Publishing Kathi and Michele continue the conversation with author and speaker, Sarah Beckman. Sarah shares her experience on costs associated with the hybrid publishing model. What to consider, the realities, and areas to consider in order to be prepared for the proper launch of a book in the DIY market are discussed today with Kathi, Michele, and Sarah. “It’s about knowing what you can and can’t do”, according to Sarah. Making a plan is an important part of the process. Sarah inspires us with a realistic talk to equip writers to know your plan, finances, and goals to better succeed in the publishing process. In today’s episode, you will know: Ballpark ideas on cost for hybrid publishing. The importance of a financial plan. What are the different areas that cost in the process. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today’s podcast sponsors, MOPS Speaker Network and Lead Bold Conference. Click their logo to find out more about how they can help you do what you are called to do. Purchase a copy of Sarah’s new book, Hope in the Hard Places.

Today Kathi and Michele discuss the world of DIY publishing. Kathi and Michele are joined today by Michele's friend, author Sarah Beckman. Sarah will share how she went from having a dream to making it move forward. Every step is so important. From writing schedule, combatting frustrations, and staying in your own lane, Sarah shares her journey to publishing. Hear about the challenges in publishing from Sarah's experience. The challenge is believing what everyone says, according to Sarah. It is hard to believe, but a key part to any journey. Tune in next week for Part 2 with Sarah Beckman! In today’s episode, you will know: The importance of following your own plan not someone else's. Knowing your objective is key to your publishing journey. The difference between hybrid, traditional, and self publishing. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. A big Communicator Academy thank you to today's podcast sponsors, MOPS Speaker Network and Lead Bold Conference. Click their logo to find out more about how they can help you do what you are called to do. Check out Sarah's new book, Hope in the Hard Places.

Communicator Academy podcast is partnering with two sponsors today who help encourage and equip women in leadership! MOPS is committed to provide opportunities for women to learn, lead and do things that push women out of their comfort zones in all the best ways. No matter what level of your speaking journey, join MOPS in their inaugural year with their Speaker Network. Apply here and lend your voice today! Lead Bold conference in Livermore, CA Sept 6-7 is for all women in leadership no matter what your ministry. Leadership in ministry is better when we do it together! Thanks Lead Bold Conference for partnering with Communicator Academy. We love to see women lead bold! Kathi is joined by the amazing emcee, pastor, writer, Andrea Coli. Andrea and Kathi discuss women in leadership. Andrea shares how an intentional invitation to have a “seat at the table” is an important role men can play to open more doors to women in leadership. Kathi shares the key to mentoring other women in leadership is to learn how to do it, do it, then teach someone how to do it. The Lead Bold Conference will be a two-day conference specifically designed for women in leadership. Keynote speakers, workshops, and intentional networking time will provide a productive time for advancing your leadership. Keynote speakers include Tara Beth Leach and Nancy Ortberg! With this lineup you will go away refreshed, encouraged, and smarter. Andrea’s desire with this conference is to make space for women to connect with women in similar roles. As Kathi says, a win for one of us is a win for all of us. Find more information for the Lead Bold Conference here. In today’s episode, you will know: Why we need to be inviting the younger generation to the table What can men and women do to use your voice in leadership How the trifecta can help foster relationships To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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.

Communicator Academy podcast is partnering with two sponsors today! MOPS is committed to provide opportunities for women to learn, lead and do things that push women out of their comfort zones in all the best ways. No matter what level of your speaking journey, join MOPS in their inaugural year with their Speaker Network. Apply here and lend your voice today! Lead Bold conference in Livermore, CA Sept 6-7 is for all women in leadership no matter what your ministry. Leadership in ministry is better when we do it together! Thanks Lead Bold Conference for partnering with Communicator Academy. We love to see women lead bold! In our podcast today, Kathi and Michele talk today about devotional writing. Michele shares the steps on how to write a devotional. Steps to write a devotional: 1. A specific Bible verse that serves as the THEME 2. An opening anecdote or personal story 3. Transition to the Bible reference 4. Personal application 5. OPTIONAL: Brief tie-back to original story In today’s episode, you will know: How a devotional is a bite size piece to help people with their day. You are never the hero of the story in a devotional. Learning to ask the questions before you spend all the time on the article. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. Don’t miss out on Leverage Conference! Find more information here.

Welcome back to part 2! Kathi and Michele continue to share eight strategies to overcome writer’s block. Last week, they talked about how play, free writing, and movement help to break up the block. From James Taylor to lighting candles, Kathy and Michele share their daily writing routines that can help set you up for less blocks and more productive writing times. Don’t forget to download the list and keep it in your writing space to help you set up your routine for success! In today’s episode, you will know: Sometimes your brain needs to be triggered to help move into the writing place. How the right music can help you overcome a block. The importance of creating a writing routine. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. Free Download : Eight Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block

Find yourself stuck in your writing? In Part 1, Kathi and Michele share the first three strategies to overcome writer’s block. The mental game of writer’s block can be overcome. Michele helps us push through to make sure our legitimate reasons for not writing do not become consistent excuses not to write. If you are waiting to “feel it” it will not happen. Kathi and Michele will discuss eight strategies over two episodes. Tune in for the first few tips today! Michele shares the tips from Jeff Goines. Read more tips from his blog here. In today’s episode, you will know: What are the different types of writer’s block? Sometimes you need to write the junk to get to the good stuff. How writer’s block is a mental game. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twiter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when we talk about the next five strategies. You won’t want to miss it!

Kathi is joined by best-selling author, Robin Gunn at the West Coast Christian Writer’s conference. Robin shares how to create a memorable character. Fiction can help you even in your non-fiction writing. As you will learn from Robin, you need friction for fiction. What can non-fiction writers learn from fiction writing? Tune in as Kathi and Robin share tips to improve your fiction and non-fiction writing. Check out Newport Beach video from Robin Gunn here! In today’s episode, you will know: Three steps to create a memorable character. How reading fiction can help non-fiction writers. What it means to have a “location” as a character. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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. To find out more about our upcoming Writing at the Red House Retreats available click here.

Kathi and Michele discuss how to determine what to charge for a speaking engagement. Ultimately only you can determine what you need to charge. There are some speaking engagements that won’t pay you very much that you will do and some that promise to pay a lot but aren't the right opportunity. As a result of these 8 important questions, Kathi and Michele will help you decide what to charge. The 8 QUESTIONS to ask yourself: 1. What are my expenses? 2. How much prep is required? 3. What travel time/costs will be involved? 4. What family/personal life “cost” is involved? 5. Is there an opportunity for video/audio recordings and/or photo opportunity? 6. Is there any networking or relationship building potential? 7. Will there be product sales? How much income can I count on? 8. What does my heart say? In today’s episode, you will know: What expenses to consider when traveling. There is so much more to consider than the bottom line. Sometimes when we are radically obedient in the moment, it’s amazing how something else sometimes opens up. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation 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.

Welcome back to the podcast on podcasts! Let's talk tech. Kathi and Michele talk all things tech in part 2 of this podcast on podcasts. The top three questions are answered in this episode. You will also hear Roger Lipp's Cheap/Almost Free Tech List for getting started properly. For all the information on how to get your podcast started, 7 Days to a Published Podcast is available for purchase here . In today’s episode, you will know: How to define what your podcast should be about The time and effort needed to publish a podcast What it looks like to build an audience The specific tech gear to get you started To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation. 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. Basic Episode Prep Card: Recording Date: Air Date: OPENING QUESTION: QUESTIONS: 1. 2. 3. TAKEAWAY: CLOSE:

Have you been wondering if you should start a podcast? Kathi and Michele discuss the why’s and the how’s to start a podcast. Today, in part one, they will discuss the why’s. There are right and wrong reasons. The most important reason not to start a podcast - doing it only to build a platform. Discover the five solid reasons to get you started! In today’s episode, you will know: What is the most important driver to staring your own podcast The importance of a podcast for a speaker How a podcast can deepen your relationship with your audience What a podcast teach you about your writing and speaking To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Join our Facebook Group for continued conversation. 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. Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when Kathi and Michele dive further into how to start a podcast. You won’t want to miss it! 7 Days to a Published Podcast is available for purchase here .

Kathi and Michele are back together at The Red House with social media expert, Tonya Kubo. This week Michele and Tonya discuss seven points on how to create a successful Facebook Live. Facebook live is the video mechanism to connect with your fans and followers. Are you a reluctant video person like Michele? Michele understands how the vulnerability of the medium creates very powerful connection with the people you are trying to serve. In today’s episode, you will know: How Facebook Live is a more forgiving medium since it is live. The benefit of video to connect with your audience What are the seven steps to create an effective Facebook Live? The best tool for creating an effective title 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. Download 7 Steps To A Successful Facebook Live

Welcome back to Part 2 of The One Strategy That Will Completely Tame Your To Do List. Kathi and Michele share more reasons why using your calendar as your to do list will change your life. Find out more ways how your calendar will keep your head above water, while your to do list will drown you. In today’s episode, you will know: How saying yes is like a bad drug How your calendar helps you see reality The calendar gives you the opportunity to renegotiate What relationships can dictate the type of ask 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. Free Download TamingYourToDoList

Do you use a calendar and a to do list? Does your to do list take up two pages like Michele? The chronic feeling of failure and physical exhaustion when there is not enough time to complete your list can be overwhelming. Kathi and Michele share The One Strategy that will completely change how you organize your time. Are you like Kathi and Michele, who left to their own devices will say yes to all the things? Learn today the first of many reasons why this strategy will make a difference in your relationships and self-care. In today’s episode, you will know: How a to do list is infinite, a calendar is finite. How a calendar has natural barriers and push back What “scope-creep” means 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. Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when we talk about more reasons why this strategy will completely change your to do list. You won’t want to miss it!

Kathi is joined by Roy Goble, author of Salvaged: Leadership Lessons Pulled from the Junkyard. Roy’s dad was an unlikely leader raised in the dust bowl era turned successful businessman. Raised in his dad’s wrecking (junk) yards, Roy shares how hard work has translated to leadership skills anyone can put into practice in your everyday life. Join Kathi and Roy as they share what it looks like to be a good leader and to raise leaders in your sphere. GIVEAWAY: Share in the comments why you would like to be our winner today for our book giveaway! In today’s episode, you will know: Leaders get grease under their fingernails How leaders bring others up to succeed Most effective leadership is pointing people towards Christ Leadership begins at the grassroots 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. Pick up your copy of Junkyard Wisdom and Salvaged today!

Kathi is joined today by Lyneta Smith. Her new book, Curtain Call, is a memoir that will take the reader through the journey of how she learned to trust God with her story. Kathi and Lyneta dive further into how to write a memoir in order to serve your audience. . In today’s episode, you will know: How memoir is like a platypus. How to know when you are ready to write a memoir. What it looks like to frame a memoir. How to protect your family and friends when telling the hard story. 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 more information on Lyneta Smith's tips on writing memoir, subscribe to Communicator Academy today. Purchase your copy of Curtain Call here.

Kathi and Michele are together at The Red House with Susy Flory. In this second part, Kathi, Michele, and Susy continue the discussion about six more memoirs that have impacted their writings. Explore how heroes and villains, mentors, and stunt memoirs can influence your experience as a writer. In today’s episode, you will know: The power of letting the readers see what you admire about the instigators of the story. How honesty about your own flaws and what it looks like in everyday life is important in telling the hard truth in your writing. How the animal memoir is not just about the animal. 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. Free Download Memoirs for Writers

Kathi and Michele are together at The Red House with Susy Flory. Today in the first of two parts they share one memoir that has impacted their writing. Kathi, Michele and Susy discuss Educatedby Tara Westover, Lit by Mary Karr, and Wesley the Owl by Stacey O’Brien. In today’s episode, you will know: How the hard story can impact you as a reader when the message is credible Why the opening scene is critical to tell the reader loads of information without writing loads of information The importance of creating a scene for the reader to step into 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. Recommended Books/Memoirs: Educated by Tara Westover Lit by Mary Karr Wesley the Owl by Stacey O’Brien The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when we talk more on using memoir techniques in your writing. You won’t want to miss it!

Welcome back! Kathi and Michele share the next three steps on how to meet a deadline that seems impossible. Kathi shares about how setting up collaboration with a few to help you with both the creative and practical side of life when you have a difficult deadline. Have a deadline to meet? Want help with the practical side of getting it done? Join Kathi and Michele as they help you to align the practical side of your life in the process. Save up those coffee cards for “such a time as this”! In today’s episode, you will know: How to utilize practical help in the short term to meet that deadline. The importance of accountability with a few people you really trust. Last but not least, when to consider if it is necessary to renegotiate. 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 Michele share 6 ways to meet a deadline. Home remodel, DIY, and other commitments can make a deadline seem “extra” impossible. Today you will learn how to work to make any deadline possible. Kathi and Michele share their crazy home remodel antics while keeping book deadlines. Check out Michele’s “mobile” office shown below. In today’s episode, you will know: How short sprints of work are beneficial to your strategy. The importance of small rewards. How to consider creative help in completing your project. How tools like Voxer can help you in brainstorming. Michele shares with us about her mobile office in the middle of a deadline! Here what it looked like in reality: 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. Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when we talk about the next three ways to make a deadline. You won’t want to miss it!

Welcome back! Thank you for joining us in part 2 of “Finding Your Niche” with Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt. Last week you learned why it’s important to find your niche and today you’ll learn how to find it. Kathi shares two very specific questions to help you with this. Even if you don’t know what your passion is and as Michele says, “When you can’t see the forest through the trees,” Kathi encourages you how to find out what your niche is in a very simplified way. If you’ve been wondering what your message is and how to pinpoint it and cultivate it, today’s episode is just for you. In today’s episode, you will know: What the 2 questions are that Kathi asks when it comes to finding your niche. Why asking yourself what your passionate about can help you find your specialty. What an example of expertise looks like when it comes to finding a niche. What it means when people keep asking you the same question. As promised, here is Kathi’s helpful sentence when narrowing down and clarifying your niche. Fill in the blanks with your own answers to help you find yours. “I can offer ______ to ______ who are ______ about ______because _______.” 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 Michele talk about something that is so important to all of us; finding your niche. It’s hard to narrow down our message from just wanting to help “everyone” to something very specific that we want to speak into the lives of others. Kathi says there is something about each of us that makes us memorable and we don’t want to spend the rest of our lives with a message inside of us that needs to be shared. In today’s episode, you will know: Why it’s important to find your niche. Why finding your niche helps make you memorable. Why finding your niche actually makes you an expert. Why finding your niche helps you get a book contract. 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. Join us for next week’s episode (Part 2) when we talk about how to find your niche. You won’t want to miss it!

Kathi and Michele sit down in today’s podcast to talk about Part 2 of their strategies for the New Year. They talk about the fun things that come with launching new things and the reality of needing to let go of other things. In today’s episode, you will know: How to talk to yourself about whether or not your project is “worth it.” Why money is not always the answer when deciding whether or not you should be continuing a project. The 3 questions to ask yourself going in to the New Year. What it means to be in your “lane.” 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 Michele sit down in today’s podcast to talk about strategies for the New Year. It can be really hard to decide what things we need to keep in and those we need to cut out when it comes to being intentional about our schedules, so that is why Kathi and Michele share what they have learned throughout the years about what 3 questions to ask as a communicator before the New Year starts. In today’s episode, you will know: How to make hard decisions for 2019 and beyond. Why you don’t need to “reinvent the wheel” every single time. Why it’s important to have seasons of rest in your life. What “Goal Fatigue” is. 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 Michele sit down in today’s podcast to talk about the last 4 steps in writing your hard story. If you tuned in to last week’s episode, you heard them talk about the first 3. Michele talks about part of her experience in writing her latest book and the different ways she implemented self-care in her day-to-day life. In today’s episode, you will know: Why you need to invite outside people in to read your story. Why Kathi uses a ‘Feedback Team.’ Why it’s important to know what your audience needs. How to take the pain parts of your story and share those with your readers to help them with their pain parts. Use this code: EARLYBIRD (through Dec 31, 2018) for Michele and Kathi’s Writing Retreat / www.writingattheredhouse.com 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 Michele sit down in today’s podcast to talk about writing your hard story. Michele is actually holding a retreat this January at the Red House and this is the place to be if you want to learn how to write your hard story. Michele talks about why it’s so important to sit down and write for yourself first before you write for anyone else. You will not want to miss today’s podcast if you feel like you have always had a story to share with others. In today’s episode, you will know: Why it’s important to heal yourself before trying to publish your book. Why you need to write for yourself first. Why it’s important to sit with your story first. Why your writing is different when you write for yourself first, and write for others second. Here is the book Kathi mentioned in her podcast. Use this code: EARLYBIRD (through dec 31, 2018) for Michele and Kathi’s Writing Retreat / www.writingattheredhouse.com 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.

Join Kathi and Michele as they sit down for today’s podcast to talk about the 3 relationships we need as communicators. Michele goes in to detail about what these relationships are, who the ideal partner is for this type of relationship, and why we need them. Michele says, “I’ll never be too old to receive coaching,” and her talk with Kathi today illuminates the necessity for these specific relationships that cultivate who we are as communicators. She talks about why it’s important to go out there and find these people who will help invest in you so that you can invest in yourself. In today’s episode, you will know: What the 3 relationships are that we need as communicators. Why we need these relationships. Why your personal and professional lives intertwine and that’s okay. What a “Coaching Relationship” is and why you need one. 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. A big thanks to our sponsor, A Fashioned Life with Kim Nowlin. Find out more at www.kim-nowlin.com.

Kathi sits down with author Valerie Burton, who is known for helping people get unstuck in every area of their lives. They originally met for an interview on the Clutter Free Academy podcast but Kathi loved the interview so much that she wanted to bring it to you guys over here at Communicator Academy. They get together to talk about Valerie’s new book, “The Successful Woman Planner.” Valerie says, “It’s important to reconnect with what matters most.” The planner is a way to stay on top of that. In today’s episode, you will know: Why it’s important to do something with your message once you’ve realized what it is. Why you don’t need to “reinvent the wheel” every single time. Why it’s important to have seasons of rest in your life. What “Goal Fatigue” is. 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. A big thanks to our sponsor, A Fashioned Life with Kim Nowlin. Find out more at www.kim-nowlin.com. *Since this episode was originally intended for Clutter Free Academy, be on the lookout for an awesome giveaway opportunity when this airs on January 8th on Kathi’s Clutter Free Academy Podcast! Valerie Burton is the author of eleven books on personal development, founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute and an international speaker on resilience and happiness. She has spent more than 15 years studying the research of resilience, positive emotion and courage – and implementing it in her own life and with hundreds of clients from a dozen countries and nearly every state in the US. Valerie’s books include Successful Women Think Differently, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Brave Enough to Succeed, and Happy Women Live Better.

Join Kathi and author Shannon Popkin, as they sit down to talk about Shannon’s first book, “Control Girl” Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible,” as well as her new book, “Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me).” In today’s episode, you will know how to: Keep the mindset that you need to serve your people. Why NOT to be fuzzy about your mission. Influence a group of people as a christian writer. Overcome your fears about stepping out and building your own platform. Now through January, get Influence for 9.99! Use the code: KATHI. 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.

From an idea, to paper to published. Of course there are a few more steps to writing a book then that and the most experienced writers discover their own process as time goes on. But for the rest of us, Kathi interviewed world renowned writer Robin Jones Gunn (yes, that Robin Gunn!) about her process. She talks about her love for lined binders, prayer and people in her sphere of influence that help her get her ideas from said binder into the hands of her readers. Every writer at every level will want to listen to this episode with pen and paper in hand. Then make sure to bookmark the episode because you’ll want to listen to it again and again. WRITING AT THE RED HOUSE Are you ready to get that idea from binder to published? Introducing Writing at the Red House, a unique experience for writers to hunker down in the most perfect writers cabin and get coaching and feedback from some of the industries finest. In January, Michele Cushatt will be featured as our Writer in Residence along with Kathi Lipp. And in February, Harvest House Acquisitions Manager Kathleen Kerr, will be joining Kathi as our Residence expert. Learn more @ https://writingattheredhouse.com. RESOURCES MENTIONED Hallmark Christmas Movies: Finding Father Christmas, Engaging Father Christmas, and the newest one, Marrying Father Christmas. Check your local listing for more information. WEST COAST CHRISTIAN WRITER’S CONFERENCE – CYBER MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26! Register for the 2-day WCCW Conference for only $139 during our 24-hour Cyber Monday Sale. Sale opens Nov 26 at 7 a.m. PST and closes Nov 27 at 7 a.m. PST. This is our final sale of the year and is the best price you will get on the 2-day conference. Click here!

Kathi and Michele sit down to talk about how to write anywhere and everywhere regardless of how “strange” the place might be. Join them today to talk about the 6 keys to know how to write in weird places. In today’s episode, you will know: Why it’s important to leave the excuses behind. How to write with or without internet. Why being a writer is being a problem-solver. For any of the items you heard Kathi talk about in today’s podcast, check out these links below: Headphones Laptop Desk Overwhelmed Book Thank you for tuning in today! Until next time! 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 episode was previously published, but due to a distribution error only 25% of people received it. We heard such great feedback from it that we wanted to re-share so everyone had a chance to listen to it.

Kathi and Michele team up to talk about why having an editorial board is so important; especially as your platform gets bigger. Kathi says no two editorial boards are the same but all are equally important when organizing your content and streamlining your productivity. In today’s episode, you will know: What the definition of an editorial board is. How an editorial board helps you work backwards. Why SEO is important. Why it’s important to use a headline analyzer. As promised, here is the link to the podcast about Trello and how to use it! 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.

In today’s episode, Kathi and Michele talk about how common it is to have worked on your craft over, and over, and over again only to bring it in front of an audience and not receive the response you were looking for. Has that happened to you? Kathi says creating your message team is different than a feedback team and explains why sometimes it’s good for us to get out of feeling comfortable. In today’s episode, you will know: What the difference between a message team and a feedback team is and why it’s important to have both. Why you may not be getting the response you were looking for when presenting to your audience. Why your ideas need to see light before they see print. How to create a message team. 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.

Have you ever tried to challenge yourself to see how much you can get done in 15 minutes? Or tried to multitask while waiting for your coffee to heat up in the microwave? I bet you have! Last week Kathi and Michele talked about obstacles that interfere with productivity; ambition, inhibition, and confusion. Today, Michele is going to start the conversation with you about your homework. She challenged you to take 30 to 60 minutes to write down which obstacles are interfering with your productivity. In today’s episode, you will know: Clearly, what your obstacles are and how to get jump-started on your productivity. What impacts your current productivity and what is your reality? What your clear goal is and what your definition of success is. What the cure is for comparison. 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.

In today’s episode, Kathi and Michele talk about the 3 major obstacles that interfere with productivity. Michele says we need to identify these big boulders and she gives you some homework to help you take your first, next step. In this episode, you will know: How to identify the big boulders that are getting in the way of you getting things done. What mental clutter is. How to reign in all of your ideas and focus on one thing at a time. 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.

Join Kathi and Michele in today’s podcast episode as they tell you how to create a mobile office. Who says you need to stop working en route to your next event? Get the most out of your day by using these creative pockets of time to work on the go. In this episode, you will know: Which products Kathi and Michele like to use when they’re on the go. Why it’s crucial to back up your writing with Dropbox. How to continue your communication with your team even when you’re in the car. Thank you for tuning in today. Until next time! Items talked about in today’s episode can be found in the links below: Overwhelmed Book Kathi & Michele’s “Away” Bag Laptop Backpack Charger Laptop Stand Flat Purse Wireless Computer Mouse Apple AirPods Cell Phone Stand Dock Pens 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 Michele sit down to talk about how to write anywhere and everywhere regardless of how “strange” the place might be. Join them today to talk about the 6 keys to know how to write in weird places. In today’s episode, you will know: Why it’s important to leave the excuses behind. How to write with or without internet. Why being a writer is being a problem-solver. For any of the items you heard Kathi talk about in today’s podcast, check out these links below: Headphones Laptop Desk Overwhelmed Book Thank you for tuning in today! Until next time! 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.

Do you struggle to stay on task? Do you struggle with being distracted from every task by each little noise? Have you ever thought you were the only one? What would you do if there were strategies you could put in place to help cut down the distractions? If you have felt like that, or are feeling like that, you won't want to miss today's episode of Communicator Academy. Being distracted is an issue for Kathi and Michelle, and they want to help you learn from their mistakes. They have put together a short list of 7 Secret Weapons that have proven to boost productivity. In this jam-packed episode you will learn how to use the Composition Mode of Microsoft Word, how to work in short bursts so you can enjoy a sweet reward, and how to use the Freedom App. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Part 2 of How to Create the Perfect Writer's Retreat with Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt! It's important to go to your retreat with your goals already set and rewards for you to look forward to. If you're planning on taking time away from your family to write, you will want to make it worth your time and money. In this episode you will know: Why it's important to set goals. Why you need to reward yourself. Why you need accountability. Thank you for joining us today. Until next time! 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.

Atmosphere

Today is Kathi’s final Book Launch 101 episode with friend and coauthor of Overwhelmed, Cheri Gregory. Today they talk about getting radio ready and how to be a great guest. Whether it be guest blogging, Facebook Live, or a Podcast, they give you insider tips on how to serve your listeners and be the best guest possible. In this episode you will know: How to be a great guest. Why it’s important to be a great guest. How to prepare for an interview. Thank you to Cheri for joining me today. Until next time! 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.

Landing Pages Why You Need it and What to Do with it

In today's podcast, Kathi and Cheri sit down for Part 2 of their Launch Team 101. Last week they talked about how to form a launch team and this week they talk about what to do with them. "When you're doing a book launch, you want to be a good host," says Kathi. "You want to invite them in on the process." Kathi and Cheri share some things that worked and didn't work from previous book launches and how they've learned from their mistakes. In this episode you will know: *How to delegate a lead role in your book launch team. *How to actually get people to review your books. *Where to ask people to leave their book reviews. *Why you should look into having a manuscript development team. Thank you to Cheri for joining me in today's episode. Join us next time as we talk about landing pages! 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.