2021: A Year of the Writing Life

2021: A Year of the Writing Life is a look back at all the blessings I experienced this year as a writer. Enjoy this reflection with me, which I hope inspires you on your own writing journey.

Publishing

In October, I had the honor of publishing my second traditionally published book, Transforming Your Thought Life for Teens: Renew Your Mind with God. This book exists due to the feedback of my launch team members for the original book. What a blessing to write this book to help teen girls handle their thought life problems through Christian meditation.

In August, I signed a book contract for my third traditionally published book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road. It will release in October 2022 and help people gain everyday inspiration for their prayer life. It is ideal for nature lovers, dog lovers, Midwesterners and more. It’s the first book I’m writing for both men and women, since men make up a significant portion of my followers.

I was also honored to have a devotion featured in this new compilation by Devotable, called Extinguishing the Spirit of Fear. Check it out HERE.

Podcasting

I started a new podcast, Finding Peace in God’s Word, in April 2021. It’s a way for me to repurpose my 800+ blog posts into new content, and I’m pleased that it’s reaching younger age groups. As of today, it has just over 1,200 downloads and is rapidly growing.

I completed season 1 of Heart in a Drawer, my podcast for adult children of divorce. I started season 2 and now have over 3,000 downloads. What a blessing to minister to this unique niche of listeners.

Also, I was interviewed on 30+ podcasts and live interviews in 2021, with a few of them publishing in early 2022. I love being a podcast guest as much as hosting my own solo podcasts! If you want to book a podcast interview with me in 2022, get in touch with me HERE.

Speaking

Since my 2020 in-person speaking events were cancelled, it was pure delight to speak at a local ladies’ group in the spring. All of us were so excited just to be able to get out and do something after months of quarantine, and I loved connecting with those sisters in Christ.

I also had the joy of speaking to budding teen writers, closing a loop in my own writing journey that began when I was a teen.

I continued to speak in several online summits, and I’m sure this will be a continuing trend.

Looking to book a speaker for your group or live interview? Learn more HERE.

Conferences

It was such a joy to meet at in-person conferences again in 2021. I delighted in connecting with Christian podcasting friends at Podcast Movement in Nashville. What a sweet blessing to enjoy face-to-face fellowship and fun!

I met a whole new group of friends at the AWSA retreat in St. Louis just one week later. One of my favorite parts was worshiping together. I also gained so much from in-person networking.

Coaching

One of my favorite parts of the writing life was coaching over 25 clients in 2021. I’m really enjoying the one-on-one, customized interaction with people who want to learn more about writing and platform building. This is pure joy for me, and I’m booking more clients for 2022 now. I will be expanding my role into a book launch manager in 2022. Learn more HERE.

Courses

In conjunction with my book for teens, I developed part 1 of my Women of Integrity course. I will publish part 2 in January 2022. It’s intended to be a convenient way for individuals, families or groups to engage with biblical teachings.

I also developed a free 26-page discussion guide for adults and teens as a companion to my two books. I want this resource to help build bridges of faith conversations between adults and teens, and you can learn more about it HERE.

Freelance Writing and Editing

Each month I serve as a content editor for A Wife Like Me, a ministry I’m thrilled to support. You can check out the whole team of amazing Christian women HERE.

I continued in my work of ghostwriting for counseling offices. I edited and proofread several manuscripts, which is one of my favorite tasks as a writer.

The volunteer opportunities I enjoy include proofreading the Encouragement for Today devotions for Proverbs 31 Ministries, where I also serve on the devotional writing team. I also write weekly for Woman 2 Woman Ministries and monthly for Kingdom Edge Magazine. And, once a month, I write the discussion questions based on my church’s sermons, to be used in our small group ministry.

If you are looking for editing or proofreading help in 2022, find out more HERE.

Internships

In April I began working with my first group of interns. They received weekly coaching from me in exchange for their behind-the-scenes help in my platform tasks. I enjoyed their friendship and the way they spoke God’s encouragement and hope to my heart. You can read one of the powerful testimonies HERE.

I’m starting 2022 with two new interns. If you’d like to be informed of when my new internships open up again, please message me HERE.

Reading

Reading is an essential part of the writing life. For the past several years, I’ve set a goal on Goodreads to read 100 books per year. This year I was happy to meet the challenge again, which you can see HERE. I also compiled my 21 best choices on THIS POST.

What’s Ahead in 2022

Great things are ahead for my writing life in 2022. Here’s a quick peek:

Publishing: Submitting two more book proposals to my agent

Speaking: Talking about The Art of Paying Attention at a local group in Feb. 2022

Conferences: Attending the Spark Conference in Nashville in March

Want to have the first scoop on all my writing life updates? Sign up for my Tea on Tuesdays newsletter for a first look (details below).

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Prayer Requests

Do you have a prayer request for me? I’d be honored to pray for you, and I hold your prayer requests in complete confidence. Send me your request HERE.

Special insider opportunity!

Did you know? I spend over $200.00 per month on all the expenses relating to my ministry. If you are willing to donate to help offset these expenses, I’ll reward you with an exclusive monthly video teaching and printable. Please donate HERE if you received value from my content today. I’ll add you to the monthly list to receive the exclusive rewards for your donation of any amount. Thank you!

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