The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Writing a book is such an exciting time in an author’s life but what if you’re a first-time author? How do you launch a book? What if you don’t know anyone famous to help you promote your book? Kathi Lipp and her friend, Cheri Gregory, co-author of “You Don’t Have to Try So Hard” talk about their re-release of this book as well as what the difference is between an influencer and a launch team. In this Episode You Will Know: How to launch a book. How to create a launch team. Why you need both influencers and a launch team. What an example of a launch team application looks like so you can create your own. 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. Special thanks to Cheri for joining me this week. Join us next week as we talk about what to do with your launch team.

Dr. Jen of #BeWorthFollowing continues to share her 7 Deadly Sins to avoid on social media. She picks up with number three and goes into detail about what not to do when creating your online presence. In this episode you will know: *The rest of the 7 Deadly Sins to avoid on social media. *Why it’s not possible to separate your professional self and personal self and why those two have to be the same person. *Why it’s important to be authentic. Thanks for Listening! 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. Special thanks to Dr. Jen for joining me this week. Until next time!

Social media is the ultimate “Hey, we’re still figuring this all out” medium. So how do you follow the rules when it feels like we are making them up as we go along. Dr. Jen of #BeWorthFollowing is going to help us navigate these tricky waters and help us understand what we should post or when should we step away from the keyboard. Dr. Jen gives us some great things to think about before the next time we write that next post or fire off that next tweet. Love the thought process behind what you want to post and what you want the world to see. Thanks for Listening! 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 now. Special thanks to Dr. Jen for joining me this week. Until next time!

Let's face it, it is so hard to put your time, energy, and let's be honest, tears into social media and end up feeling like it's not even making a difference. And by the way what does “being relevant” even mean – and is it something we should even strive for? Dr. Jen of #BeWorthFollowing is going to lay it all out for us. (Have I mentioned how much I love Dr. Jen?) Here are my questions for Dr. Jen: • What does it mean to be relevant online? • How do you understand who you are actually trying to reach? • How do you navigate the changing trends of social media? So come nerd out with Dr. Jen and I as we discuss all things social media. Thanks for Listening! 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 now.

Today's interview is with Angela Bouma and Roger Lipp about their top 8 favorite social media apps. They describe in detail what they are and how to use them. In today’s episode, you will learn: -about 8 social media apps. -why these apps. are useful to you and your business. -the ins and outs of how these apps. are user-friendly. -learn how to save time by using these 8 apps. I’m thrilled to have Angela and Roger on the show so you can get in on all things social media apps. today! Thanks for Listening! 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 now. Special thanks to Angela and Roger for joining me this week. Until next time!

Kathi has two secret weapons when it comes to Christian communication; Angela Bouma who does all things graphic design and Roger Lipp who deals with team dynamics for a Fortune 50 Tech. company. These 3 friends sit down in today’s episode to talk about their favorite business tool: Trello. Angela and Roger explain how amazing and easy Trello is to work with and how it has changed the way they run a business. Think of it as a Pinterest board for communication among team members. In this episode you will learn: • What Trello is and how to use it. • How to make the process known to a team to create better workflow. • How to cut your email inbox in half by using Trello. I’m excited to share this favorite tool with you so let’s get started! Thanks for Listening!

Join Kathi as she talks all things tech with fab designer Angela Bouma of A. Bouma Writing and Design and tech genius Roger Lipp of Communicator Academy as they break down all the plugins you will need for your site. (In real language that writers can actually understand.) Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of plugins you “should” have for your blog. (And like Kathi, aren’t really sure what they do anyway?) Plus – if you have too many plugins it slows down your site and that is actually a HUGE problem. What’s a blogger to do? In this info-packed podcast, let Angela and Roger show you: • what plugin you actually need (and why) • how to make your blog behave the way that you want • stop feeling shame when all the other bloggers are talking plugins and you don’t understand what the heck they are talking about I’m thrilled to have two of the smartest people I know (who also are two of my favorite people) here to explain it all to us. Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: • Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show. • Leave an honest review. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Special thanks to Angela and Roger for joining me this week. Until next time!

This episode is part one of our four-part “Ask the Experts” series on best practices for websites, technology, and business tools you will want to use in your speaking and writing ministry. In today’s episode, Roger Lipp and Angela Bouma join Kathi to talk about the beginning stages of a website. They go over confusing terms like host and platform, plus give you their favorite partners and solutions so you can start out of the gate with only the best. Whether you already have a website and want to do some upgrading, or you need to create a site from scratch and have no idea where to start, this episode will help you understand the not so basic, basics.

So you're writer. Now what? Is it enough to just sit down and write? Join Kathi, Michelle and Kathleen Kerr as they discuss the ins and outs of the responsibilities of the writer.

Ahhh summer time. When the pace of life is different, a little slower perhaps. As communicators much of our life winds down, we can use this time to plan ahead for the other busy months. Join Kathi and Michele as they offer the strategies they use to make the most of the slow times in business.

Hannah Brencher took a passion for communicating love to others through the media of writing letters. Like Hannah, we have each been given a passion, a drive in us to make a difference. Often we wonder if it is even possible. Join Kathi and Hannah today as they offer hope that it's not only possible it's also probable.

Do you struggle with thinking you have the time to write? It is so easy to let life distract us from writing, laundry, bills, talking about writing all can work to prevent us from just sitting down to write. How can we be more intentional about writing? Michelle and Kathi offer 4 boundaries we all need to have in place. A bonus! They all start with the letter "T".

Kathleen Kerr is back with Michelle and Kathi. They continue their talk about the ins and outs of outlining your book. You won't want to miss this week's episode! Listen in and be encouraged!

Every book needs to be outlined, whether you outline before you write or when your book is finished it must be done. If outlining your manuscript is something you struggle with, take heart and join Kathi, Michelle and editor Kathleen Kerr as Kathleen offers great tips and tricks to outlining.

If we don't tame our calendar it can and will tame us, lead us to burn out and discouragement. Kathi and Michelle have learned several tricks to taming the calendar beast and want to share with us the lessons they've learned. Join the podcast today as they talk about how they've learned to tame their calendars.

Social Media is a wonderful tool we can use to build a platform and gain followers. Dr. Jennifer Bennett joins Kathi today to talk about some simple rules we all need to follow on social media.

Sometimes we're invited to join a forum of speakers. Should we join in? This is the topic of Today's episode of the Communicator Academy podcast. Join Kathi and Michelle as they share their tips and offer encouragement.

Do you struggle to just sit down and write? We all do! Kathi and Michelle are back in this week's episode of Communicator Academy talking about this very thing! Kathi offers several very good ways to just sit down and write. Why don't you pull up a chair and join the discussion.

Burnout haunts our steps at nearly every turn it seems. Is there anything we do to avoid the pitfalls of burnout? Please join Kathi and Michelle as they offer 7 Key Questions to ask yourself so you can avoid burnout.

Join Kathi and Michelle as they discuss some important pointers and tips on how to establish healthy boundaries for speakers. If you have ever wondered what some healthy boundaries are, you won't want to miss this episode of Communicator Academy!

Does your inbox overflow with emails? Do you feel overwhelmed at the mere thought of wading through all the emails? Do you struggle to know where to begin and how to proceed? Is there any hope for an empty inbox? There is hope! Join Kathi and Michelle as they share how they have learned to tame the inbox clutter.

How do you practice self care when you're a writer? Join Michelle and Kathi as they give practical suggestions and tips to accomplish this. You will learn, you will grow, and your writing will improve.

We all struggle to know just how to adequately describe our speaking topic. Is there any hope? Kathi and Michelle say a resounding "Yes!" to that question. They have put together 3 easy steps to writing a great topic description because they've been there too! Listen in to discover for yourself the 3 Os of putting together a great description for your next talk.

We all need to start somewhere and simple. Often places new speakers are invited to speak can't afford to offer much renumeration, so what can a new speaker do? You won't want to miss this podcast. Kathi and Michele are back with another great episode. This time they are talking about how to stock a table at the back of the room. They offer 7 suggestions of items to include on your table. Join in the fun!

Join Kathi and Michelle as they give you Eight of the Best Practices for Hosting Guest Bloggers.

There is more to a good book table than simply selling product, how do you make a profit? Can you make a profit with a book table in the back? Kathi and Michele say a resounding YES, you can! They offer 7 suggestions on how to get the most bang for your buck with your book/product table. Join them in this podcast!

Join Kathi and Michelle as they continue their talk with three easy steps to turn experiences into content for your blog, podcast, books, messages etc.

In this episode of Communicator Academy Kathi Lipp and Michelle Cushatt chat about Three Strategies for Finding Illustrations for your book or speaking engagement. Join the giggles and joy as they talk about Freddy's Hamburgers mustard, and cheese.

Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt continue their chat on the topic of giving and receiving endorsements. They offer 3 tips for Giving an Endorsement in this episode.

Part 1

In this episode Kathi continues her chat with Cheri Gregory and Amy Carroll about the Plusses and Pitfalls of Partnerships.

Kathi Lipp invited fellow podcasters, authors and speakers Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory to the Communicator Academy Podcast to discuss the plusses and pitfalls of partnerships. As they teamed up to create their Grit 'n Grace podcast, they learned the good, the bad and the ways to avoid the ugly. For the download we speak about, visit: http://www.communicatoracademy.com/2018/01/15/eps-70-plusses-pitfalls-partnerships-cheri-gregory-amy-carroll

Need rest, but don't know where to fit it in? Join authors and speakers Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt as they discuss the role that rest has in our success and longevity in ministry. Rest is not optional and not for the weak. When you pull back a little bit, the clarity about your message and your brand comes through.

Do you have a blog and want to expand your readership? Do you wish you could post on another's blog? In this episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp break down the 10 best practices for writing a guest blog post and the secrets for success. Guest posting can be such an investment of time and effort, but the benefits are high IF one approaches it correctly. You do not want to miss the opportunity to learn from two highly successful bloggers.

Travel is a vital part of a thriving speaking ministry. How does one recover from the output of energy, time, and resources spent on a speaking engagement? Jetlag is just the beginning of the drain on a communicator and hosts, Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp, provide insight and hope for the weary traveler. They have put thousands of hours and miles developing a post-travel recovery plan and are open to sharing with us. You do not want to miss this episode!

Are you frustrated by a lack of income in your speaking and/or writing ministry? Are you ready to infuse life, resources, and support for your ministry through a part-time job? In this epiode, hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt provide candid perspectives on full-time writing and speaking and ways to grow your ministry with a side hustle. They provide eight alternative streams of income that you can explore. You do not want to miss part two of this two part episode!

Are you desirous to grow your ministry? Are you ready to infuse life, resources, and support for your ministry through a part-time job? In this epiode, hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt provide candid perspectives on full-time writing and speaking and ways to grow your ministry with a side hustle. They provide eight alternative streams of income that you can explore. You do not want to miss part one of this two part episode!

Do you know God has called you to a speaking or writing ministry, but a lack of funds seems to thwart your plans? Are you curious how some successful communicators got their start with little to nothing? Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, podcast hosts and frugal ministry leaders, share their struggles and ways to build one's ministry on a budget. This is invaluable information - both to establish boundaries for the ministry on the budget you have and to learn to operate within those boundaries. You cannot afford to miss this episode!

Have you ever had dreams of having one of your books recorded as an audio book? Do you record a podcast and need some insight on the challenges of getting a great recording? Do you wish you had an insider's guide to the surprising things about the recording of audio books for you to keep in mind? This episode is for you! Hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp provide a great list of things to keep in mind to help ensure your success in the recording studio. In their delightful manner, these two veteran writers, speakers, and audio book recording artists unpack the challenges of recording and how to put your best foot forward. You don't want to miss this!

Do you want to enhance the effectiveness of your ministry? Do you want to better navigate the journey between your story and the heart of your listeners? Do you want to uncover new ways to be used by God in your communication? God has created us for connection and has called us to connecting with others in our audience. Hosts and master connectors, Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp, want to provide each of us with five unique ways to connect with our readers. You do not want to miss this podcast and the wisdom therein.

Have you ever found yourself without great help or stuck with someone who did not serve your ministry well? An employee in the wrong position is painful for all parties involved and our desire to avoid short term discomfort can cripple our ministry. Hosts and ministry leaders, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, bring years of experience and wisdom to this discussion. They tackle hard questions like: How can you avoid hiring the wrong person? How can you get rid of the wrong employee and honor God in the process? How do you keep your sanity in the process? This episode answers these questions and more. You do not want to miss this episode whether you are an employer or employee!

Do you feel undersupported or defensive about your speaking or writing ministry by people you love? Does your spouse struggle to understand your ministry or fight envy regarding your ministry? This episode was made for you! Hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp explore these murky waters with hope and practical steps. Both are passionate communicators and want to provide encouragement and wisdom to the struggling speaker and author. You do not want to miss this!

Are you ever discouraged by the statements and questions you hear from event planners? Are you an event planner that wants to honor the speakers you want to hire? In this episode, speakers and authors Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp, candidly approach some of the questions and remarks that speakers often hear, equip you how to process and respond to that which you hear, and help you to create a win-win situation for both you and the event planner. You do not want to miss this installment, the second part of this encouraging and empowering episode.

Have you ever been crushed by a thoughtless comment? Have you ever gotten your feelings hurt due a negative conversation with an event planner? All speakers face this at one time or another and this is the perfect cure for such an experience. Seasoned speakers, Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt, help each of us navigate through the complicated, messy, and emotional roller coaster that speaking and interpersonal interactions that include shaming or doubting can be. Whether you are a speaker, event planner, or ministry leader, you do not want to miss part one of this episode!

Do you want to serve your readers and audience with a personal touch? Do you want a way to add value to each subscriber without the stress of a blog? A newsletter may be just the thing to enhance your ministry! In this episode, Hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp explore newsletters and how to do them well. They share insight from their newsletters, tips of the trade, and even a list of things to avoid. You don't want to miss this podcast episode!

Have you ever wondered when it is right to tell a hard story? Are you afraid of oversharing with your readers and/or audience? God allows us to go through difficulty to make us stronger and give Him glory, but how to effectively tell one's story can be tricky. In this episode, hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt provide a list of rules and warnings when you are trying to discern when and how to tell a hard story. This is a "must hear" episode!

Is your speaking ministry in need of a lift? Does your website lackluster in the area of your speaking page? In this episode, hosts Michele Cushatt and Kathi Lipp, tout the benefits of a speaker page and how you can create this fabulous tool for your speaking ministry with 8 essential components. This episode is both practical and empowering. You and your website cannot afford to miss this awesome episode!

Are you embarking on a new partnership in your ministry? Are you dissatisfied with the ministry partnership in which you are currently serving? Hosts Kathi Lipp and Michele Cushatt have both enjoyed rich partnerships that have fostered their success and pointed them to Jesus. They have also both struggled through partnership challenges and offer amazing hope and encouragement in this episode (as well as some delightful banter!). You do not want to miss this podcast!