Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] Book trailers can boost your author platform. In this encore episode, Shannon Redmon and Linda Goldfarb discuss how writers can create book trailers.  Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer. Please welcome, Shannon Redmon. Shannon remembers the first grown-up book she checked out from the neighborhood bookmobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen, and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop teenage chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.  She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author, and her greatest hope is for her stories to immerse readers into a world of suspense and escape while encouraging faith, hope, and love in Christ.   She has six books published by Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line—Cave of Secrets, Secrets Left Behind, Mistaken Mountain Abduction, Christmas Murder Cover-up, Unraveling Killer Secrets, and Mountain Murder Threat. Shannon is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.  In this episode, you will learn the basics about Book Trailers  * Types of Software to Use for Videos  * What not to do  * Where to find audio clips and licensing * Where to find video clips and licensing * Tips for writing scripts LINKS Shannon Redmon [https://www.shannonredmon.com/bio] Sign up for The Jail Cell [http://www.shannonredmon.com/]   Shannon's Giveaway - Book Trailers PDSF Download [http://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Book-Trailer-Handout.pdf] Shannon Redmon on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/shannon.redmon ] Examples of Book Trailers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljAN23iRPFrZzAJxWcnD0FbWhZbQ3hLR [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljAN23iRPFrZzAJxWcnD0FbWhZbQ3hLR] Shannon Redmon's Books [https://amzn.to/4kO3i5Z] DaVinci Resolve 17 [https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/release/20201109-01] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] Learn how using fiction for kingdom causes can improve your writing. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn how to incorporate biblical themes to enhance your writing. My industry expert is Heather Norman Smith - Heather is the author of Christian Fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. Her goal is to entertain and encourage readers while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She lives just outside Winston-Salem, NC, with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Today we discuss: * What do you mean by “Kingdom causes”? * In addition to the gospel, what are some Biblical themes Fiction writers utilize to build a story? Biblical references: James 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14, Hebrews 13:3, Proverbs 19:37 * How does focusing on spiritual themes help you as a writer? * What advice do you have for a Fiction writer who gets stuck in their writing? * How do you incorporate spiritual themes organically into a story? LINKS Heather Norman Smith [https://www.heathernormansmith.com/] Timeout for Jesus Download [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6kp7fd8ng2] Songs for Sunday [https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Sunday-Heather-Norman-Smith/dp/1563096137/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H2MOF4V90T8D&keywords=Songs+for+a+Sunday&qid=1686522618&s=books&sprefix=songs+for+a+sunday%2Cstripbooks%2C138&sr=1-1] Book If you enjoy Your Best Writing Life’s content- consider a monthly donation through Patreon. Support Your Best Writing Life podcast [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2FYourBestWritingLife%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR05hJDQ8T4Hi1FdhHK2tLEnGA62SaEkIgLFIap4zL5Z1uLPPwIOxVD5Mv4&h=AT2Mgly3KoAQOYQEUunV5w4nIi-rZa6K4YCpJz6-Of3kxUKOaR3RpPxnRg9tK4v5xxEAkOYGTFCDrJir2G5Cy-zS-Gsdhfj8AXL8uw0kL7o0wBggJMtqPsAr3BsihfFeaU907nkA_FG1WxEVojmUF-I&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT2Z0NiH97U89WstIT4Ed71-2aNsvs_UEz4F9Cc0O6hu_0tA8WJ7NbXVp4_sheaTzrtdNrgtReQX8OtITkkL0ztOQNGgyiFsg-g1TUxFOAtrI3SPsPNCt7yxG-wvhKSD2BjGalSr7y_OGQ5G4ajgbydogOYG]. About your host - Linda Goldfarb Besides hosting Your Best Writing Life, Linda Goldfarb is a multi-published, award-winning author, audiobook narrator, international speaker, board-certified Christian life coach, co-owner, and co-founder of the LINKED® Personality System and co-author of the LINKED® Quick Guide to Personality series. Linda also hosts the Staying REAL About Faith & Family [http://www.stayingrealwithlinda.com/] podcast - Check it out! Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] First-time writers, learn from the best. Larry J. Leech II shares five tips to help writers be successful. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this highly ranked encore episode, you’ll learn five tips to thrive as a writer. Writing coach to award-winning authors, Larry J. Leech II, has spent over forty years writing and editing. He began his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he covered prep sports and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, Larry transitioned to writing and editing, having published over 2,300 articles and conducted more than 13,000 interviews. Since that time, he has ghostwritten 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For over a decade, Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences across the nation. You can find him online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Larry shares with Linda: * Common mistakes writers make when starting their careers *  How to rectify mistakes before they ruin your writing * Why each writer needs to get connected, be a sponge, be a rewriter, market, market, market, and think like a publisher.   LINKS * Contact Larry J. Leech II [larry@larryleech.com] * Larry's Terrible 30 [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Larry-Leech-Terrible30.pdf] - Words to eliminate * Writer's Digest [https://my.writersdigest.com/pubs/WS/WDG/writers_digest_facebook_domestic.jsp?cds_page_id=243830&cds_mag_code=WDG&id=1645345343531&lsid=20510222235071569&vid=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu112VttMqW1BHWl2_bv-Q78fCS69M67oq9AbVQ8nBcxe2j5GuNZ9AEBoC7UwQAvD_BwE] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] ARE YOU WASTING TIME TRYING TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR READERS ONLINE?   Today’s guest will help us recognize and benefit from genuine engagement.  Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to stop wasting your time "trying" to engage on social media, with the help of The Engagement Blueprint. My industry expert is Teresa Janzen. Teresa empowers individuals to break free from their ruts and discover peace, purpose, and passion in their work, life, and relationships. She is an award-winning author, international speaker, certified emotional health coach, and editor-in-chief at Abundance Books. Teresa, welcome to Your Best Writing Life! How to Recognize and Utilize REAL Online Engagement 1. You teach that online engagement is more than just getting likes or shares. 1. What does ‘real engagement’ look like? 2. What is the main reason it is so difficult to engage with people on social media? 3. You talk about shifting from a platform mindset to a community mindset. 1. Why is that especially important for Christian communicators today?   Listener giveaway…The Engagement Blueprint download [http://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1615c2aa-8d23-470b-87bb-3dbc1a33b43a.pdf] Click here for the Christian Creative Community [https://community.abundance-books.com/]. Click here for author resources and submission info [https://abundance-books.com/authors-2/]. https://www.Abundance-books.com Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] Linda Goldfarb and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith offer tips and strategies to help non-fiction writers build their platform. Linda's industry expert, Dr. Saundra, is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and award-winning author. She is an international well-being thought-leader featured in numerous media outlets, including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, INC, CNN Health, and TED.com. She is the author of numerous books, including her bestseller, Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, which offers insight into the seven types of rest needed to optimize productivity, increase overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 250,000 people have discovered their rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com [http://www.restquiz.com/]. Dr. Saundra, it's great to have you back on Your Best Writing Life. In this encore episode on growing a Non-fiction platform, Dr. Saundra and Linda discuss five ways you can build your platform with or without a published book.  Are you concerned about coming across as overly salesy to your readers? No worries, they discuss how to effectively promote your book and the ideal platform size to aim for to achieve publishing success. LINKS * Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith [https://ichoosemybestlife.com/] * Take the Rest Quiz [https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/] * Get your copy of Sacred Rest [https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Rest-Recover-Energy-Restore/dp/1478921684/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=CjwKCAjw9e6SBhB2EiwA5myr9qt5WjwQMNhpP5xtwL2QGuAb6mQ9s1zodHCvGWKhtyVeGSd66O9YkxoCCNcQAvD_BwE&hvadid=580744098614&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9028103&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8474505690561192295&hvtargid=kwd-397474213153&hydadcr=8235_13500924&keywords=sacred+rest+book&qid=1650212588&sr=8-1] * Enjoy our content? Support Your Best Writing Life podcast [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2FYourBestWritingLife%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR05hJDQ8T4Hi1FdhHK2tLEnGA62SaEkIgLFIap4zL5Z1uLPPwIOxVD5Mv4&h=AT2Mgly3KoAQOYQEUunV5w4nIi-rZa6K4YCpJz6-Of3kxUKOaR3RpPxnRg9tK4v5xxEAkOYGTFCDrJir2G5Cy-zS-Gsdhfj8AXL8uw0kL7o0wBggJMtqPsAr3BsihfFeaU907nkA_FG1WxEVojmUF-I&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT2Z0NiH97U89WstIT4Ed71-2aNsvs_UEz4F9Cc0O6hu_0tA8WJ7NbXVp4_sheaTzrtdNrgtReQX8OtITkkL0ztOQNGgyiFsg-g1TUxFOAtrI3SPsPNCt7yxG-wvhKSD2BjGalSr7y_OGQ5G4ajgbydogOYG] * Visit Your Best Writing Life website Your Best Writing Life Podcast [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/] * Join fellow writers in our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] * Visit the website of our host, Linda Goldfarb [https://www.livepowerfullynow.org/] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]