Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode?
How do you write a book that tells intimate details of your life? Amanda Scarborough shows us how as she shares her story behind A Beautiful War. I’m glad you’re here…
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Amanda Scarborough, is an award-winning author, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps women find hope in life’s darkest seasons. While facing postpartum depression and overwhelming fear, she encountered the restoring power of Jesus. Today she shares her story to reveal His love, guiding others toward healing, freedom, and a renewed identity in Christ. 
We all want to know the story behind A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments  – Amanda shares deep insight into Postpartum Depression, Surrender, Obedience, Patience, and Healing. Her memoir shows Surrender, Hope, and a mother's personal Perspective
Writer’s tips. 
Develop a writing prayer team. 
If the Lord has called you into unfamiliar waters, pray and trust His guidance. 
Go to reputable writing/speaking conferences.
Tell us a little more about A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments. The new, revised & expanded version is available now in eBook, audio, and paperback wherever books are sold. 
What Listeners Will Gain - They will learn to find hope in dark seasons or times of struggle, how to surrender, and the difference between knowing who God is and being in a relationship with Him.
Listener Giveaway Drawing -  A Gift Basket - (without a basket - lol) 
1- Signed copy of A Beautiful War
1 - A Beautiful War Leather Bracelet 
A few - Red Heart of Hope Prayer Cloths 
32 Prayer Cards of Hope
The drawing is for U.S. distribution - Your name is placed in the running when you leave a comment on Amanda's Tuesday, July 21, 2026, release post in the Your Best Writing Life Facebook Group.
The drawing will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026. The winner will be announced in the YBWL group.
Amanda Scarborough's SOCIAL LINKS:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.l.scarborough/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Amanda.L.Scarborough/
Website: www.AmandaLScarborough.com
Book links: Amazon https://a.co/d/052CxGsE

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
Is your writing a result of perseverance? Sarah Schwerin shares her story behind The Willow Still Sings and tips to equip 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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue the new addition to Your Best Writing Life, The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today's guest, Sarah Schwerin, a former homeschool mom, is an author, a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, and a mentor with Word Weavers International. Her writing has appeared in publications including Mature Living, Bible Advocate, and The Upper Room. Her 1950s historical novel, The Willow Still Sings, is available now on Amazon.
Tell us the story behind The Willow Still Sings
·      The Willow Still Sings is loosely based on my mother’s journey with polio. Her faith and compassion in the face of hardship helped me become who I am today. The end of my book includes my mom’s story in her own words. I’m awed that her story can encourage and inspire others just as it did me. 
·      In The Willow Still Sings, Florence struggles with misplaced guilt from her childhood, which shapes many of her reactions in the novel. My journey mirrors Florence's in that I have struggled with shame but have embraced the hope and healing only God provides. 
·      After homeschooling my two sons, I began to pursue writing and speaking full-time. At my first conference, I felt overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and the eventual rejection. At my second conference, God taught me an important lesson when I lost a contest and had to accept an award for a friend. Be happy for your writing friends and enjoy the journey. Every writer’s journey is unique. Your day will come. It won’t look like someone else’s. But your writing will do just what God wants it to do. 
·      Writing The Willow Still Sings helped me realize the truth that there is nothing new under the sun. Polio outbreaks were similar to life during the COVID pandemic. People had to quarantine, and there was widespread fear and confusion. We can learn a lot from our past. 
Three tips for writers.
·      Research helps a story come alive for readers. Research can be conducted in a variety of ways, including my favorites: interviewing others and taking field trips. 
·      Events in our lives and the lives of family members can encourage others and provide a way for our loved ones’ legacies to live on. 
·      Events in our lives and the lives of family members can provide “story seeds” for our current and future projects. 
 What will the listeners gain from your book? 
·      Listeners will learn the importance of perseverance. Like Florence, we must continue to choose to love and to remain in God’s calling, even when life is difficult. 
·      Listeners will learn to use stories from their lives as a seed to begin or enhance their own stories. 
·      Listeners will learn about the importance of research in their writing projects. 
Free download – Giveaway | Sarah Schwerin
LINKS
·      Website: sarahschwerin.com
·      Amazon book link: https://a.co/d/065Jtq26 
·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchwerinAuthor/
·      Instagram: Instagram

Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
Do you write assured that God is at work, no matter what? Today, Joni Topper shares her story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes and tips to help you achieve writing success.
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Joni Topper, the GloryTeller, shares God’s glory through inspiring stories. This Granna, author, worship leader, speaker, and cofounder of Uprooted Women, radiates passionate joy for “being” the Church. Her award-winning debut, The Power of a Well-Placed Yes, highlights God’s faithfulness. She’s served with her pastor husband for thirty years.
We all want to know the story behind The Power of a Well-Placed Yes – give us some background
What you can see does not always define what God is actually doing.
It is not us, but God who does the real work in the hearts of those we serve.
There are seasons of ministry for which God prepares us, and his methods do not follow our design.
The things you do that are important will likely be hard. They are worth the yes of faith it takes to reach the rewards that only God can orchestrate.
Writer’s tips.
Read the guidelines and follow them. Then submit, submit, submit.
Capture the inspiration when it happens. Record a message to yourself or write it down immediately.
Don’t assume that small acts of obedience are unimportant. They are often the very things that God uses.
What Listeners Will Gain – from The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church
Readers will be encouraged that their faithful yes matters. They will observe the impact of God’s faithfulness and remember that he is trustworthy. Their desire to be part of God’s plan will be renewed, as will their servant’s heartbeat that often drives our ministry. They will recognize that God does not abandon us. They will rest in the hope that the results we aspire to achieve are safe in God’s hands. 
SOCIAL LINKS:
Facebook, Instagram, Amazon.com: Joni Topper Pinterest 
www.jonitopper.com
Join Joni's email list to receive her free decision guide for your next yes or no. 
The Power of a Well-Placed Yes
The Art of Resilience
Gather the Goodness
Sage, Salt & Sunshine
Love, Joy & Peace
Successful in His Eyes
Transformed by His Grace
Renewed Christmas Blessings
Life in the Estrogen-Free Zone
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
Are you spiritually fatigued and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4? Get ready to hear how you can delight in the Lord as Stephanie Rousselle shares her story behind Awaken Delight.
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. It’s great to have you listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Stephanie Rousselle, is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of "Awaken Delight", a book that releases with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Having lived in four different countries on three continents, she currently resides with her family in Pennsylvania.
We all want to know the story behind Awaken Delight – give us some background
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.
In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.
Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God:
·      reshapes suffering
·      quiets restless striving
·      anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight in you
Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.
Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.
·       Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not a fleeting emotion but a resilient identity.
·       Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.
·       Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.
·       Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It’s the antidote to burnout. It’s even the foundation for sustainable ministry.
·       God’s delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God’s delight in you frees you from striving! That’s the beginning of delight.
·       Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.
·       You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.
Writer’s tips. See giveaway!!!
What Listeners Will Gain - We will dismantle the lies writers believe.
Listener giveaway…https://www.gospelspice.com/awd-lindagoldfarb
We have 3 gifts for you:
1 - a 5-day email devotional to awaken your delight in God, rooted in His delight of you;
2 - a private podcast episode where Stephanie shares the lies she has overcome, as a writer, through delight in God;
3 - a "writer's prayer" ready to download and print.
https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight - preorder book today
https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584
Stephanie's SOCIAL LINKS:
https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
https://www.instagram.com/stephanierousselle.us/ 
https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rousselle.904/
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
What is your therefore factor in your writing? Today’s guest shares the story behind her book and tips to empower 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 episode, you’ll learn the story behind Serah and the First Christmas
Today’s guest, Tama Fortner, is an ECPA award-winning author of more than sixty titles, including her latest, Serah and the First Christmas (Zonderkidz, 2026). She has collaborated with leading voices in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages and lives near Nashville with her husband and two feisty pups who are convinced they’re people too.
Tama, please share the story behind Serah and the First Christmas.
1. What was the inspiration for Serah and her story? How do the biblical stories of Rachel and Rebekah factor into both the inspiration and the plot of the story? 
 
 2. Why does Serah feel invisible? How is feeling invisible a universal feeling? How does Jesus rescue us from invisibility?
 
 3. What is the “therefore” factor? How should it affect our approach to the stories of the Bible, as both believers and as writers?
 
 4. When we struggle with feeling invisible ourselves, as writers, what hope can we take from Serah’s story? 
Tips for Writers:
1. Turn off the noise. Allow time and space for stillness. It’s in the stillness that God speaks and creativity blooms.
 
 2. Don’t be afraid to write ugly. The best writing happens in the rewriting and editing process.
 
 3. Embrace the power of the question “What if?” and ask it often! (What if lots of women were shepherds in Bible times, not just Rachel and Rebekah? What if a little girl wanted to be a shepherd so that she didn’t feel so invisible? What if she snuck out to the fields one night and heard the angels’ message about Jesus? What if she found not only Jesus that night but discovered a whole new way to live?) 
What will the listeners gain from your book? My hope and prayer is that readers (and writers reading the book) will remember that not only are we and our efforts never invisible to God, but we also have the joy of seeing others and helping them know that they, too, are never invisible to God.
 Listener giveaway…https://www.tamafortner.com/freebies
Serah and the First Christmas. Available wherever books are sold or at https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310167907/serah-and-the-first-christmas/ 
You can find out more below.
https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310167907/serah-and-the-first-christmas/
https://www.tamafortner.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TamaFortnerBooks/
https://www.instagram.com/tamafortnerbooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamafortner/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tama-fortner
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/589006.Tama_Fortner
https://www.tiktok.com/@tamafortnerbooks
 
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"
#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast