# The Purposeful Pen

Helping Christians writers create a writing life with eternal impact.

By Amy Lynn Simon

· Launched 3 years ago

## Episode 144: Is Your Life Story Actually a Memoir?

Have you been thinking about writing your life story as a memoir?

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-144-is-your-life-story-actually)

Jun 23 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 143: The Benefits of Writing for Your Local Community

with [Sarah Steele](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-143-the-benefits-of-writing)  
Jun 16 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 142: Your Book's Elevator Pitch—How to Find Clarity on Your Main Idea

Can you explain your book in one or two sentences?

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-142-your-books-elevator-pitchhow)  
Jun 9 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 141: Before You Write a Single Chapter: Clarifying Your Book's Promise, Reader, and Transformation

You walk into a bookstore and a title catches your eye.

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-141-before-you-write-a-single)  
Jun 2 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 140: How to Improve Your Writing Skills as a Christian Author (Before You Write Your Book)

We’ve talked about the mindset that has to come first.

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-140-how-to-improve-your-writing)  
May 26 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 139: The Mindset Every Aspiring Christian Author Needs Before Writing a Book

Before we talk craft or contracts or query letters, we need to talk about something that will shape everything else on this journey.

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-139-the-mindset-every-aspiring)  
May 19 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 138: How to Prepare to Write a Book (From an Acquisitions Editor) with Jennifer Dukes Lee

What should you actually do before you start writing your book?

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-138-how-to-prepare-to-write)  
May 12 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 137: Before You Write a Book: What Every Christian Writer Needs to Know First

Welcome to a brand-new season of The Purposeful Pen!

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-137-before-you-write-a-book)  
May 5 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 136: 5 Questions to Help Writers Choose the Right Platform Strategy

After exploring multiple ways to grow your platform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options.

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-136-5-questions-to-help-writers)  
Mar 24 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)

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## Episode 135: Building Your Platform as a First-Time Author with Cara Ray

In this week’s episode, I talk with Cara Ray, who has recently published her first book, “The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places.

[Listen here](https://amylynnsimon.substack.com/p/episode-135-building-your-platform)  
Mar 17 • [Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon)