#

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

with Sarah Steele

[Amy Lynn Simon](https://substack.com/@amylynnsimon) and [Sarah Steele](https://substack.com/@thevillagepoet)

Jun 16, 2026

Transcript

If you’re growing tired of the constant push to get your words out to as many people as possible, I invite you to take a deep breath and listen to this interview with Sarah Steele.

In this conversation, we talk about how Sarah chose to invest her time, effort, and attention on serving her local community through her writing, which includes songs and poems.

She also shares how her story of over-service to others without boundaries led to burn out and crisis, and eventually a poetry based memoire.

**About Sarah:**

Sarah Steele is a poet, songwriter, and performer whose work weaves vulnerability with hope and layered vocal harmonies. Her poetry memoir, An Ocean Without, tells the story of how God redeemed her from a life of service without boundaries, and she has shared her work at churches and community events across the Midwest. Sarah also serves as Senior Editor for The Way Back to Ourselves. Sarah lives in Michigan with her five redheads and loves embodying life as a Village Poet. You can find her on Substack at [thevillagepoet.substack.com](http://thevillagepoet.substack.com).

**Looking for the Journey to Publication download mentioned in the intro? You find it [here](http://www.amylynnsimon.com/free-writing-resources).**

**Sarah also mentioned Writing Off Social. [You can find them here.](https://writingoffsocial.com/)**

*The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time.*  
*I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com*  
*Disclaimer: My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work.*

Are you a Christian writer who is trying to figure out your next steps in communicating the message God has given you? Or maybe you love to write, but you aren't sure what exactly is the message you have to offer others or who needs to hear what you have to say. In this podcast for Christian writers, you'll hear a mix of practical help and Biblical truth to help you build a writing life with eternal impact.

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