Shows
The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian WritersEpisode 107: Your Message isn't Everything You Know or Everything You AreSometimes we feel the pressure to include every aspect of all the things we’re passionate about in the core message of our writing. It just doesn’t fit, nor does it need to!Covered in this episode:* It’s OK NOT to talk about certain topics* You may have more than one book in you* The importance of being intentional about what personal details we share or don’t share* What to do with smaller ideas that don’t fit into our main message* Why having an intenti...2025-07-0106 min
The Purposeful Pen - Clarity for Christian WritersEpisode 66: Branding and Business Planning for Creatives with Karla ColahanDo you enjoy the business planning side of writing? How about the idea of branding - creating a cohesive look and feel to the visual aspect of your writing? Many writers either cringe at the thought or ignore those aspects of writing altogether.In this conversation with Karla Colahan, we discuss how business planning and branding are creative endeavors that provide a valuable piece to writing life. Karla Colahan is the creative director and brand designer at The Inspired Foundry, a creative studio dedicated to being a collaborative partner for entrepreneurs. Hell bent on artistic...2024-08-0631 min
The Business of Christian FictionEp 44: How to Stand out as an Author in 2024In this episode, Rachel talks with expert Karla Colahan about how branding goes beyond just fonts and colors to help you connect with an audience. ***Get $50 off Karla’s Tiny Brand package with Code INSPIREDRACHEL ✅CLICK HERE to get your discount 👉https://theinspiredfoundry.com/your-tiny-brandThis video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something Rachel will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒Topics covered in this episode:What exactly is an author brand...2024-06-2537 min
Inspired IdeasA Pep Talk for Creative EntrepreneursA (nearly) 5-minute pep talk to encourage you in your creative work. This is a part of The 12 Days of Inspiration -- hop on my email list to get the rest of the 12 Days!
Sign up here!
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-12-0804 minInspired IdeasWhich Entrepreneur Era Are You In?Bringing you an off-the-cuff episode about three eras you might find yourself in as a creative entrepreneur, and what to focus on in each era. Being able to name where we are in our own evolution allows us to focus on our present moment while looking to the future, but not skipping ahead and working on things that will keep us stuck.
For more of a deep dive into your entrepreneurial era, book a free 45-minute strategy session here and we'll help define some next steps for you in 2024 to keep your ideas moving...2023-12-0115 minInspired IdeasDitching "Authenticity": A Fresh Take on Brand BuildingWhen you decide to build your brand a little deeper, to take it to the next level or refine it, “authentic” shouldn’t be at the top of your list for how you want your brand to feel. Not only is it a bit overused, but it just doesn't mean anything -- when it comes to branding, you need other keywords to help define what is actually authentic for you. So skip the word "authentic" and dig deeper for a brand that has true impact and beauty, the kind you are already in possession of and maybe just need a litt...2023-11-2407 minInspired IdeasAttachment in Creative Business: Practicing Letting GoIn this episode, I'm chatting with myself about how easy it is to get attached to our businesses, to have expectations for how things should go, and how that easily leads to disappointment and burnout. From a branding perspective, there are a few things we can do to help our brains relax a little, even when things feel hard, so we can keep doing this work we love to do.
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-11-1717 minInspired IdeasA Tiny (and compelling) Framework for your IdeasLet's dive into the compelling reasons behind the Tiny Brand movement. In this episode, I'm sharing the intimate journey of how Tiny Brands have reshaped my approach to branding—turning minimal elements into a powerful force for clarity and impact in the business world.
We'll walk through the Tiny Brand Framework Guiding Principles—focused, intentional, inspired, sustainable, and personal—that have revolutionized the way I think about branding at a tiny scale.
Discover how embracing 'tiny' can simplify your process, deepen your customer connections, and create a sustainable, memorable presence in the marketplace. If you're a solo...2023-11-1019 minInspired IdeasInside Craft & Commerce: The Beauty of Decisive CreativityDive into the heart of where craft meets commerce in this enlightening episode, a collaboration between myself and ChatGPT. We explore the transformative power of decisive creativity, drawing inspiration from the poetic wisdom of John O’Donohue, and uncover the unique advantages of being a multi-passionate entrepreneur. Plus, we'll chat through how the simple act of decision-making can elevate your business. Join us as we illuminate the beautiful intersection of artistry, choice, and commerce.
Mentions:
ChatGPT
The OK Factor
The Inspired Foundry on...2023-10-2015 minInspired IdeasSeason 2: Blending Beauty & BusinessAfter a non-intentional long break, I'm back with a new season of episodes all around this idea of blending beauty and business in a way that feels good to you. Explore this idea with me here and over on Instagram!
The Inspired Foundry on Instagram
www.theinspiredfoundry.com
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-10-1308 minInspired Ideas29: Here's Exactly What I Would Do to Build a Sustainable & Profitable Creative Business *Right Now*Today I'm digging into what I'd focus on to build a creative business that makes money in a way that's sustainable over the long-term.
For us creative folks, having a business is about so much more than just making money (even while needing the money, lol). We need it to both look amazing and feel amazing from the inside out, and we need it to create impact on the other side of our work.
But we often get stuck on the practical "how" of making a business work when we would so much rather spend...2023-09-0813 minInspired Ideas29: Here's Exactly What I Would Do to Build a Sustainable & Profitable Creative Business *Right Now*Today I'm digging into what I'd focus on to build a creative business that makes money in a way that's sustainable over the long-term.
For us creative folks, having a business is about so much more than just making money (even while needing the money, lol). We need it to both look amazing and feel amazing from the inside out, and we need it to create impact on the other side of our work.
But we often get stuck on the practical "how" of making a business work when we would so much rather spend...2023-09-0813 minInspired Ideas28: Here's Your Permission to be a Terrible DesignerI'm on a bit of a soap box today and encouraging you to be a terrible designer. Why? Because you don't need to be a great designer -- that's my job. Instead, join me as I talk through the three things I'm hearing from my audience that keeps them from having the brand they *actually* want, and why being a "good designer" is the last thing to help you get there.
Mentions:
Tiny Brands
The Inspired Foundry Library
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com...2023-08-1815 minInspired Ideas27: Build a Tiny Brand // The PracticeIn this episode, we’re chatting through the fourth and final part of building a tiny inspired brand: the practice of keeping everything running smoothly.
I call this practice engaging your brand vision. It’s a way to hold the vision of your inspired idea while knowing exactly what to be working on everyday to get closer to it.
Because this is the work, the sitting down at your desk every morning. The slow and steady focused hustle of seeing an idea through. Riding through the waves of doubt, the bursts of energy, the exhausting that...2023-08-1113 minInspired Ideas26: Build a Tiny Brand // The SetupIn this episode, we're talking through what it looks like to set your business up for success. Based on your client experience, what do you need in place to make everything happen, from people discovering you to purchasing and beyond? Join me as we talk technology, systems, and software, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of my own business setup over the last 8 years.
Mentions:
Notion
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-08-0415 minInspired Ideas25: Build a Tiny Brand // The ExperienceThere is so much wrapped up in your brand experience — we’re talking brand personality, your visuals, customer or client journey, and even down to the little details like how you’re packaging your offers, your copy, and the systems and tech you implement as a part of your experience. Tune in to get your brand up to snuff with the experiential side of things!
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-07-2810 minInspired Ideas24: Build a Tiny Brand // The PlanStep one of building your tiny brand is having a solid plan. We're chatting through what that looks like, what to include, and why having this foundation makes running your creative business so much easier. This episode is perfect for creatives who are ready to do more than just come up with good ideas and make good art -- you're ready to take things seriously, focus more, and build something lasting for your and your audience.
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com...2023-07-2111 minInspired Ideas23: You (Probably) Don't Need a New LogoDon't get me wrong, I love logos. But if something isn't working with your brand, it *might* not be the logo's fault. Tune in to learn more about why the logo is just the tip of the iceberg, the four pieces of your brand that create cohesion, consistency, and clarity, and also listen to me attempt to relate a car metaphor to branding. It's a good one.
Mentions:
Tiny Brands
Tiny Brand Club (coming soon!)
Tiny Brand Handbook (coming soon!)
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify...2023-07-1408 minInspired Ideas22: Waxing Poetic About Beauty, Creativity, & Entrepreneurial Life with Harald NilssonThis week I'm bringing you a car conversation with my Swedish friend, Harald Nilsson -- guitar slayer in Jaerv, photographer, videographer, and teacher. On our way to Gullbrannafestivalen (near Halmstad, Sweden with Jaerv and my duo, The OK Factor), we spent an hour talking about his creative business and the shape his career has taken, as well as tackling a branding exercise in real time. There are some really lovely golden nuggets of wisdom here -- join us!
*Recorded in a car while driving on the highway, so the audio isn't amazing...just fyi.* 2023-07-0753 minInspired Ideas21: The Best Way to Get Paid Well For Your Creative WorkIf you’ve ever struggled with pricing yourself as a creative, this is the perfect episode for you. Mostly for solidarity because I also struggle with pricing myself, lol. But the good news is that branding can provide a bit of a framework for the kind of price range we should be in. If you want to get paid well for your creative work; raise the bar for your creative business; reflect the value of what you offer - thinking about this relationship between pricing and branding is the best place to start. Tune in for all the deets! ...2023-06-3019 minInspired Ideas20: Your Anti-Spaghetti Throwing Strategy For Your Inspired IdeasA recent poll on my Instagram suggests that the most important thing for creatives to get support in is not visuals or backend streamlining. Surprisingly enough, it's vision. Understanding your vision for the long haul, your creative work, how to get there, and what to work on first. In this episode, I dissect the results of this poll a bit deeper and share how The Inspired Foundry is *the* place to help you find and grow your vision for your own inspired ideas.
Mentions:
Tiny Brands
Tiny Brand Club (coming...2023-06-2311 minInspired Ideas19: If It's Going to Hold You Back, You Don't Need It (Including Branding)Inspired by this post by my friend Jen Fieldman on Instagram, we're talking about how branding can hold you back. If branding or creating a website or any other brand-related activity is causing you hesitation when it comes to sharing your work, then you simply don't need it.
Yet.
This episode is perfect for you if how something looks has ever stopped you from sharing your inspired ideas and making that dollar.
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Jen Fieldman on Instagram
Tiny Brands
The Inspired Foundry website
2023-06-1612 minInspired Ideas18: A Simple AF & On-Brand Marketing Plan for the Holidays (Yes, Already)I know you don't really want to be thinking about the holidays just yet. But trust me when I say that you'll be so happy you did! I've got a very simple 3-step strategy for figuring out how you want to run your business during the holiday season, and it really does pay to start thinking about the holidays as early as possible. Preparation is key, so let's get prepped.
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Tiny Brand Personality Quiz
Brand Coaching
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-06-0214 minInspired Ideas17: Why CX Matters to Your Bottom LineAs the creative industry continues to expand, people have more choices than ever for who to work with. The one thing that makes you stand out above the rest as the *right* choice for your people?
Your client experience.
Your CX.
(It's like UX/UI but for your client relationships rather than digital interfaces.)
You need your CX to be solid, engaging, and dripping with your brand personality. Let's chat about the why and how behind a creating fabulous client experience.
Mentions:
Tiny Brand...2023-05-2619 minInspired Ideas16: What To Do When Selling Feels Like *The Worst*Today’s episode is all about how to make selling feel less terrible. In my own entrepreneurial journey, selling has often felt like the worst -- my mindset was all I don’t want to ask people for their money or be a burden. But the truth I’ve discovered over time is that in order to make money doing what we love, we have to treat it like a business — because it is. That means making the ask, telling people about what you do and how you can work together, and not giving up even when we so badly wa...2023-05-1912 minInspired Ideas15. Ditch the Starving Artist Story Forever With Good BrandingStepping out of the starving artist mindset and stepping into a more profitable and successful version of your business means acquiring good branding. But what exactly is it that good branding gives us that will lead to a profitable and successful business?
In this episode, we're chatting about all the incredible benefits of good branding -- and getting down to business about how you can make sure you have it. You probably don't need to be convinced about having good branding, but just in case, give this episode a listen.
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2023-05-1210 minInspired Ideas14: Why Creative People Are Really Great At Business (Even If You Don’t Feel Like You Are)This episode is a love letter to you, my creative friend. You've joined the ranks of entrepreneurs because you wanted to make money and do what you love at the same time - using your creativity to bring change and goodness to the world. Most likely you weren't trained in the art of business (neither was I), but you're here anyway and I applaud you for that. Tune in for some encouragement to keep pursuing your craft because *you* have a unique position in the entrepreneurship space. And I want you to take advantage of that.
2023-05-0510 minInspired Ideas13: The Definitive Guide to Understanding Brand GuidelinesIf you've ever received a brand kit from a designer or a template shop, you probably have a set of brand guidelines somewhere. Personally, I make sure every client I work with has some kind of style guide so there's no question of how to work with their brand assets when it's time to post on social media, build your website, or create a line of merch. But in the event you're not quite sure what to do with those guidelines or why they're so critically important, tune in to this episode for the low down on the what...2023-04-2815 minInspired Ideas12: 3 Ways to Reclaim Your Humanity While Crafting an Inspired BrandWhen we want our creative work to make us money, sometimes we think too big. We get too inspired, we think too long term. I’ve been seeing this all over the place with brands that offer bundles or all-in-one solutions, and use terms like “everything included” or “one-stop-shop”.
Do we really need all that stuff? Is feeling like we need to either buy things that include everything or create offerings that are stuffed to the brim contributing to our anxiety around keeping up with business and eventual burnout?
This is where we run into problems w...2023-04-2111 minInspired Ideas11: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make As An Entrepreneur (Part 2)What better way to talk about not going it alone in business than bringing on my business partner?! Cellist Olivia Diercks sat down with me (outside of a Starbucks so apologies for the slightly odd recording sound) to chat all things collaboration in entrepreneurship and how impactful it can be for your brand. Olivia and I make up the folk duo, The OK Factor, and we just celebrated 10 years of making music together -- and making a meaningful creative career out of our shared dream. Listen in for thoughts and encouragement to find the support you need to bring...2023-04-1424 minInspired Ideas10: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make As An Entrepreneur (Part 1)While this episode is not *exactly* an episode about branding, it is an episode about how to run your brand into the ground. Falling into the trap of this one mistake will take away years from your inevitable success and leave you feeling burned out, poor, and bored. Maybe it's an obvious one, but it's one that bears repeating.
Mentions:
The OK Factor
Cave Day
Brand Coaching
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...2023-04-0710 minInspired Ideas09: How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Gain Traction ASAPListen up, my creative business owners. We're notorious for doing everything *but* what we know will help us gain momentum. In this episode, I'm expanding on the compound effect to help us balance our human needs and our business needs with a few simple strategies so we can stop the spinning wheels and make some progress.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-03-3112 min
Jazz88OK Factor Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary with CD Release Event April 1 at the Parkway in MinneapolisThe OK Factor is ten years old and to celebrate, it has issued a new CD called OKX. The celebration will be at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis this Saturday April 1, with the doors opening at 7 and the show starting at 8. Now, as in the beginning, the OK Factor touches multiple musical traditions during the course of any performance. The group members are cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan. Phil Nusbaum talked with Olivia about the history of the OK Factor.2023-03-2808 min
Inspired Ideas08: Recalibrate: Solidarity for Post-Pandemic Creative BusinessesThe pandemic changed *almost* everything. What it didn't change? The single universal law that everything will always be changing, even in business. We survived the worst of the COVID pandemic as creative entrepreneurs, and maybe we're thriving on the other side. Maybe we're at a loss for what to do next. Regardless of our individual journeys, we have been asked to recalibrate again and again. And I'm starting to feel another calibration coming. Tune in for some solidarity and validation for keeping on with your creative work no matter what's going on in the world.
2023-03-0314 minInspired Ideas07: Actually, Business Is PersonalWe're tackling the idea that business might actually be personal for us creative entrepreneurs. Yes, in many ways running a business requires us to think of it as an experiment and not get too wrapped up in the emotions of it all. But from a branding perspective, we can't afford to be impersonal with our client experience. Join me for a solo deep dive into how we can be more personal with our businesses.
Mentions:
The Creative's Direction: Brand Coaching!
The Creative's Collection: Brand-building workbooks
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Support this podcast: htt...2023-02-1711 minInspired Ideas06: Get To Know Your Audience & Take a Walk In Their ShoesI'm a firm believer in details. Specifically, the details that make up your brand experience. However, in order to craft the details our people will care about, we need to understand who they are. In this episode, I offer up some strategic questions to get you thinking about your audience in terms of their preferences so you can translate those preferences into a high-quality brand experience they can't say no to.
Mentions:
The Creative's Collection
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-02-1014 minInspired Ideas05: Build Confidence With Selling by Becoming Your Own InfluencerThose who can influence us can also inspire us. Why not turn the tables around and be an influencer of our own creative work to inspire others? In this episode we'll chat about the strategies I see influencers use and how to work that into your own marketing plan for a simple and effective way to sell your stuff, foster engagement, and grow your creative business.
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-02-0311 minInspired Ideas04: What Kind of World Are You Creating?The essence of any brand is its mission and vision, both of which should essentially answer the question: what kind of world are you creating? Listen in to take a swan dive into this question and turn it around from all angles.
The Creative's Collection
The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-01-2708 minInspired Ideas03: What Are You Working Towards?My inspired ideas are taking the form of questions this month, and this week's is one of my favorites: what are you working towards?
Let's chat about why vision matters for creative work, especially when it comes to turning that creative work into a true business. Staying inspired as you work toward a long-term goal is often more difficult than we want it to be, not to mention figuring out what that long-term goal even is. Let's talk about it.
Mentions:
The Creative's Almanac (free/pay what you want download in the library)
...2023-01-2012 minInspired Ideas02: What Do You Need to Thrive In Your Business?This week's episode is a deeper dive into the inspired idea about asking yourself what you need in your business. If "confidence" is at the top of your list, consider revising your current systems or implementing new ones. I walk you through some real-world examples of helpful systems, and take you behind the curtain of my own business with an honest analysis of how systems directly impacted my business revenue over the last three years.
The Inspired Foundry on Instagram: @theinspiredfoundry
The Creative's Collection: www.theinspiredfoundry.com/the-creatives-collection
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Support this...2023-01-1215 minInspired Ideas01: New Year New Q: What Brought You Here?In this episode, we're unpacking one of my favorite brand strategy questions: what brought you here?
In thinking about our creative work, we often get stuck on sharing what we think someone needs to hear in order for them to trust us with their money, like credentials or expertise. But it's often the smaller details, the interesting stories, the, yes, inspired ideas we have that make people interested and invested.
Tune in for a few ways to think about this questions and an invitation to answer it for yourself and your business.
Follow my...2023-01-0410 minInspired IdeasWelcome to Inspired IdeasWelcome to Inspired Ideas, a podcast about branding for creative entrepreneurs.
Brought to you with love by The Inspired Foundry
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspiredideas/support2023-01-0401 min
The Writerly LifeSavvy Marketing for WritersShare your writing to communicate your values and message to your reader.Does the idea of promoting your work make you feel awkward? When you think about marketing, do you worry you’ll come across as too salesy? In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you determine how to market your work in ways that are authentic to your message and your personality. Special guest, marketing strategist Mike Kim breaks down social media marketing and shares the features of a well-designed personal brand.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Wr...2022-05-1319 min
The Writerly LifePR for Beginning WritersYou don’t need to be a pro to get your words out into the world.If you want to serve your readers, you need to tell them about your work — especially if you’ve just written a book! You’ve worked hard on the words you’ve written, and you want to share them with others. In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll shows you how you can promote your work and elevate your message in a way that feels genuine to who you are. Special guest, public relations strategist Robin Barrett also offers practical ideas for how to...2022-04-2916 min
The Writerly LifeThe Liberating Power of StorytellingYou have stories inside of you, waiting to be told.What do you do when your everyday life is mostly dusting and dishes, not writing? Where can you find compelling content in your day job at the office, in the classroom, or at home with your kids? Regardless of where you spend your 9-to-5, your writing life grows as you approach your days with curiosity and a commitment to tell the stories that surround you. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses how to create attainable writing goals and find meaningful stories in everyday moments. Special guest...2022-04-1521 min
The Writerly LifeDesign a Writing Game PlanGo the distance with writing friends and a regular routine.Cut through the noise and find a writing routine that works for you. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll guides you toward developing a writing game plan that will work in any season of life. Special guest, writing coach and podcaster Ann Kroeker talks about developing confidence, writing regularly, and finding helpful feedback. Learn how writing prompts can help you infuse your work with new ideas and direction.Download free writing prompts for the month of April here!The Writerly Life is a...2022-04-0818 min
The Writerly LifeLet Your Art Imitate LifeDiscover how to find inspiration in your everyday lifeYou don’t need to head to a cabin in the woods to gain inspiration. You can find it on a starry night in your own backyard. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll shares three tips for finding poetry in the words you’ve already written. Special guest, poet and artist Morgan Harper Nichols inspires us to tap into ordinary moments and see the poetry within them.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Written and compiled by Clarissa MollEdit...2022-04-0116 min
The Writerly LifeWriting Children’s BooksA good children’s book always shows instead of tells.Children are some of the most enthusiastic readers of all! Kids love getting lost in imaginative stories and stepping into other worlds through eye-catching illustrations. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to explore the realm of children’s book publishing with special guest, illustrator Yuko Jones. Find out what it takes to write and illustrate a children’s book and how to get your message across without sounding preachy.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Written and compiled by Cla...2022-03-2518 min
The Writerly LifeBuild Curriculum that Teaches and InspiresEngaging curriculum connects readers with your message.Do you want your writing to teach and inspire? Are you looking for ways to expand the content you currently offer readers? It might be time to consider building a curriculum for your audience.In this episode, host Clarissa Moll shares three ways to maintain self-care as you engage in teaching others, and special guest, author and educator Dr. Lucretia Berry outlines how she develops a curriculum that inspires personal and cultural change.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Written and...2022-03-1823 min
The Writerly LifeThe Path to PublishingIf you’re looking to traditionally publish, you’ll want to know what’s ahead.Are you looking for a partner in your writing process? Do you have a book idea that’s ready for another set of eyes? If so, you might be ready to determine a path to publishing. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you determine where you need expertise and when to reach out to those whose experience will help you reach your goals. Special guest, literary agent Alex Field, talks through the publishing process step-by-step and offers practical advice on how to reach...2022-03-1116 min
The Writerly LifeRedefining ProgressDiscover the secret to overcoming perfectionism.We want to put our best words out into the world, but when we slow down to “get it just right,” we often grind to a halt. Progress becomes stagnation, and it’s hard to get moving again. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers a jolt of encouragement to help you make progress in your writing life through the everyday disciplines of habit-forming and planning. Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Joy McCullough, tells her story of slow progress and shares her secret to keeping worries about rejection at bay.2022-03-0419 min
The Writerly LifeClarifying Your VisionDevelop an elevator pitch for your work and see your goals take shape.Are you struggling to keep your new year’s resolutions? Is your enthusiasm for your next writing project starting to fade with the busyness of daily life? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll helps you clarify your vision for your writing life and talks about practical ways to make your goals take shape. Special guest, author and podcaster Ryan Romeo, shares his tips for creating a one-page elevator pitch for your work and why the critics don’t get to have the last word.2022-02-2519 min
The Writerly LifeBake Passion Into Your WorkMuch like cooking, writing requires equal amounts of passion and discipline. There may be joy in cooking and writing, but we’ve all known — at one time or another — the drudgery of the tasks too. How do we maintain enthusiasm for our work in the midst of everyday tasks? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses the two essential ingredients to a writing life that lasts — passion and discipline. Special guest, author and food blogger Bri McKoy shares how passion drives her work and how her audience motivates her to keep going. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*wri...2022-02-1821 min
The Writerly LifeCollaborate To Write Your BookWrite better when you link arms with others.Do you wish the writing life wasn’t so lonely? It doesn’t have to be. Consider collaboration as the next step in your writing journey. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores how to collaborate with other writers and industry professionals to get your words out into the world. Learn what the design collaboration process looks like behind the scenes, and hear from veteran journalist and author Richard Lui on how he created his first book with 10 other people!The Writerly Life is a production of hope...2022-02-1115 min
The Writerly LifeYour Membership Questions AnsweredHave a question about hope*writers? We’ve got you covered.Hope*writers is open to new members today through Friday, January 28th! In this bonus episode of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll answers your top questions about what life looks like in the hope*writers community, and lifetime hope*writers member Anna Grist shares how hope*writers has supported her creativity and work.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Written and compiled by Clarissa MollEdited and mixed by Tyler AndersonMusic by Karla Co...2022-01-2412 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Develop Writing HabitsThe habits you form will keep readers captivated until the very last page. It’s a new year and a great time to set new intentions for your writing life. In this bonus episode of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll invites you to consider how you can develop new habits — or revive old ones! — as the calendar page turns. Learn about four helpful habits for revising and editing your work, and hear from special guest Jonathan Rogers as he shares his best tips on grammar and fighting procrastination.The Writerly Life is a produ...2022-01-0715 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Go Further With a CoachCoaching can encourage you on your writing journey and help direct your next steps toward reaching your goals.Whether you’re just starting on the writing journey or you’ve got a book proposal in hand, it may be time to consider how a coach can help you reach your goals. In this week’s episode, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to build your village of support and how to discern whether coaching may be right for you. Special guest Kate Riney, director of coaching at hope*writers, sheds light on what writing coaches have to offer...2021-12-2418 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Get Ready for a PublisherYou’ve got a message to share and a manuscript to prove it. What’s your next step?As a writer, there may come a point in your journey when you look at your work and say, “I think I’ve got a book here.” What comes next? Whether you’re just starting a book outline or you’ve written a full manuscript, this episode will help you determine what you need to do if you want a publisher to consider your work. Host Clarissa Moll shares the four people you need in your corner, and special guest, literar...2021-12-1717 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Move from Book 1 to Book 2When you’ve finished a writing project, what do you do next?Writing a book is an ambitious goal, so what do you do when you achieve it? After the celebration, how do you chart a path forward in your writing life? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores what you need to build a writing life that lasts and how the publishing funnel can help you pace yourself as you move from one project to the next.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers.Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll...2021-12-1019 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Protect Your WorkBecome a savvy writer by learning how to protect your work from legal issues. Do you know the difference between a copyright and a trademark? Are you familiar with the guidelines for quoting someone else’s work? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers you an introduction to the legal matters related to your writing life. Learn how to protect your work and ensure your writing has a lasting impact. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan2021-12-0317 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Market Your WorkWhen done well, marketing is less about self-promotion and more about serving your reader.Are you ready to market your work? Want to get the inside scoop on the strategies you need to get your words out into the world? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll gives you a sneak peek into the world of book marketing with special guest, marketing director Alicia Kasen. Learn what you need to get your words in front of readers and how to build a team that will cheer your writing on.The Writerly Life is a production of...2021-11-2615 min
The Writerly LifeHow to Publish a BookDiscover eight steps to take your writing from an idea to a published book. Do you want to move your writing from drafts on your computer to a published book on the shelf? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll demystifies the path to publication with wisdom from editor Al Hsu and literary agent Alex Field. Learn the basics of book publishing right here, and start plotting your course toward holding your book in your hands. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla...2021-11-1915 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Turn Your Journal into a BookYour next great book idea may be hidden inside the pages of your journals! As a writer, you’ve probably found journaling helpful at different points in your life. Perhaps you’re an avid chronicler of your thoughts and feelings. It may surprise you to learn you could find your next great book idea in the daily commitment you’ve already made by putting pen to page in your journal. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to consider how you might turn your journal into a book. Relying on wisdom from authors Seth Haines and Shawn Smucker, discov...2021-11-1214 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Write MemoirYour life provides ample content for creative storytelling. Learn key tips for shaping your stories into a memoir.Whether you’ve lived an extraordinary life or you want to capture the beauty of everyday experiences, your life contains plenty of stories waiting to be told. Perhaps, memoir is the genre for you.In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores how to write memoir with special guest, author and podcaster Christie Purifoy. Drawing on Christie’s life experiences and helpful coaching tips from memoirist Marion Roach Smith, you’ll learn how to shape your writing to highli...2021-11-0514 min
The Writerly LifeHow To Start a PodcastAre you a writer who wants to learn to podcast but you don’t know where to start? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll invites you to expand the reach of your message by considering starting a podcast. Special guest, podcast producer and coach, Alana Dawson shares her six-step process for turning a blog post into an episode, and Clarissa talks about the three things you’ll want to consider before you hit the record button. Listen for practical, actionable tips you can use right away.The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers....2021-10-2916 min
The Writerly LifeHow Do I Become a Speaker?Have people in your life told you they’d love to hear you speak? Do you write and discover you have an inkling to say those words out loud? Maybe it’s time to add speaking to your writing life.In this episode, host Clarissa Moll delivers practical advice on how to integrate speaking with your writing. Special guest, author and speaker, Chrystal Evans Hurst offers her solid-gold method for developing a talk and gives expert advice on how to determine whether a speaking event is right for you. If you’ve wanted to expand your skill set to...2021-10-2215 min
The Writerly LifeFall into a Writing RoutineThe change of seasons can mean new shifts to our writing routines. Whether you’ve got more time to write this fall or less, you may need to adjust your life to make space for writing. The arrival of fall can bring renewed creativity and focus! In this bonus episode, host Clarissa Moll shares how small tweaks to your writing routine can offer up big payoff as you step into autumn. Listen for three ways you can adapt to the change of any season, and find out how to make the most of your time as you cr...2021-09-1613 min
The Writerly LifeWho Is In My Corner?Are you tired of going it alone in your writing life? Do you want to link arms with other writers, but you’re not sure how? Have you struggled with the impulse to compete with others who do similar work? It’s time to think about how collaboration could work for you! In this episode, host Clarissa Moll looks at what it means to release competitive instincts and embrace collaboration in our writing lives. She shares three ways you can build your team and champion others’ success. Special guest Dorina Gilmore-Young shares how collaboration has caused...2021-08-1916 min
The Writerly LifeWhat Do I Do with the Critics?Do you feel like your family and friends just don’t get it? Do you want to write but the ogre in your head tells you you’re unqualified or imperfect or unready? How can you build a writing life that lasts when your inner critic seems to be the loudest voice in the room? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll explores where our inner critic finds its voice and how to bring balance to our fears and insecurities about our writing lives. She shares four tips to gently redirect the critics and let courage speak...2021-08-1218 min
The Writerly LifeIs Book Writing the Only Way?Have you ever felt like you need to have a book contract or a literary agent to call yourself a real writer? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll digs into how we shape our identities as writers, how we make progress toward our goals, and when to decide it’s time to send our words out into the world. Learn three tips to help you discern the best outlet for your writing, and listen in as special guest author and podcaster Charity Singleton Craig blows up conventional wisdom about what makes a writer and casts a new, exp...2021-08-0516 min
The Writerly LifeHow Do I Find Balance?As your writing life grows, it can be hard to find balance. Projects and deadlines loom, and activities like marketing and social media can take up big chunks of your time. The more you write, the more overwhelming the writing life can feel. But does it have to be that way? Is it just a casualty of the work? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll offers a hearty “no” and offers three ways to create space for the person inside the writing life. If you’ve struggled with finding balance, this episode will help you recenter and refocu...2021-07-2914 min
The Writerly LifeHow Do I Get People to Read My Stuff?When you sit down to write, do you envision your reader? If you close your eyes, can you see their face or know their concerns? If so, you’re off to a great start when it comes to getting other people to read your words! The writer’s work is to connect the words you have to share with the reader you have to serve, and there’s not just one way to do it. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to shape your words to reach your reader, how to welcome them in...2021-07-2211 min
The Writerly LifeIs Blogging Dead?If you’re looking to showcase your writing, there’s no better place to start than a blog. But have you heard that blogging is dead? Are you worried that nobody reads longer-form writing on the Internet anymore? If you want to reach your reader, try new ideas, and make your own space for your writing, you might want to consider creating a blog. In this episode, host Clarissa Moll asks the question, “Is blogging dead?” and explores how good writing never goes out of style. Like that little black dress in your closet, a good piec...2021-07-1514 min
The Writerly LifeHow Can I Fit Writing In?A million different commitments vie for your time each day, but you want to commit to your writing. How do you do it? How can you fit writing in when life feels chaotic and time seems limited? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll breaks down the myth of the writer with endless inspiration and hours of time. She offers four helpful habits to create space for your writing routine, and special guest master scheduler and author Emily Ley invites you to think differently about the hours you do have and how you want to use t...2021-07-0815 min
The Writerly LifeHow Do I Overcome Writer’s Block?You’ve carved out the time to write, but you sit with a blank page staring up at you. You want to complete a project, but it feels like your words have taken a vacation. How frustrating! How can you figure out how to start again when your writing feels like it’s dried up? In this episode, host Clarissa Moll discusses writer’s block -- why it plagues us, where to start when you feel uninspired, and why knowing the hero of your story will bust the block and open up your creativity again. Learn three ways t...2021-07-0113 min
The Writerly LifeAm I Actually a Writer?Are you ready to get your words out of your head and onto the page? Do you want to start a blog, publish your first piece, or publish your first piece? In this episode host Clarissa Moll shares how to know you’re really a writer and offers five practical tips to finding your writing voice. Special guest author Annie F. Downs discusses how to know your lane and cheer on other writers as you work to become “uniquely you” in your writing. The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and com...2021-06-2417 min
The Writerly LifeWelcome to The Writerly LifeIt’s time to take the next step in your writing life! Join The Writerly Life each week for tips and tricks to help you hone your craft and reach your readers with your words of hope. Catch a glimpse of what’s in store with this sneak peek at an interview with special guest, Ruth Chou Simons! The Writerly Life is a production of hope*writers. Written and compiled by Clarissa Moll Edited and mixed by Tyler Anderson Music by Karla Colahan 2021-06-2405 min
The Writerly LifeHow Do I Tell My Story?You’ve been journaling or blogging, and you know your reader. It’s time to take the next step to shape your words for a world that needs them. In this episode, of The Writerly Life, host Clarissa Moll talks about how to integrate writing into your daily life. She shares four ways to include writing in your normal rhythm, as well as a fun writing prompt that can help you think outside the box. Special guest author and activist Terence Lester tells his story of starting small and letting stories emerge from his everyday life. The...2021-06-2419 min