Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode?
Video isn't the go-to for many writers and speakers. Yet, today’s guest provides five key reasons to jump on the professional video bandwagon.
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 share tips and strategies from industry experts to help you excel in your craft and expand your reach. I’m so glad you’re listening in. In this episode, you’ll learn 5 Reasons an Author Needs Professional Video
My industry expert, Andrew Hamlet, is a filmmaker, writer, and creative director at Hamlet Productions LLC. He crafts cinematic stories across film, music, and live events, blending faith, technology, and emotion. Known for ambitious world-building and meticulous production, he partners with brands, ministries, and artists to tell meaningful, high-impact stories for worldwide audiences with boldness.
5 Reasons an Author Needs Professional Video
1. Video Builds Instant Trust and Connection
Professional video allows readers to see your face, hear your voice, and connect with your message before they ever open your book. This builds credibility and deepens audience engagement.
2. Video Drives Social Engagement
Social platforms prioritize video content. A polished video grabs attention quickly, increases engagement, and helps your message cut through the noise.
3. Video Helps You Sell Without 'Selling'
Cinematic trailers, storytelling clips, and short author messages communicate emotion and purpose in seconds—creating interest and boosting book sales naturally.
4. Video Increases Speaking and Media Opportunities
Event planners, podcasts, and conferences want to see how you communicate. A professional video reel increases your chances of being booked and paid for appearances.
5. Video Turns Your Book Into a Brand
Video expands your message into courses, workshops, digital products, communities, and more—transforming your book into the foundation of a broader brand.
 Use your videos for Courses, Workbooks, Devotionals, speaking topics, Online communities, Digital products, and Ongoing content series.

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

What did you think of this episode?
Are you ready to claim your first paycheck as a writer?  Today’s guest has the tips you need to hear.
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 how to move your passion for writing into a profession.
My industry expert is Amanda Elaine West, a freelance writer who publishes an average of 6 to 20 articles per month. What began as a part-time writing niche for a local magazine quickly grew into a full-time career. She has now published over 200 articles in the past four years and is the lead writer for Good News Shelbyville magazine. As a busy mom of five who also homeschools and a wife to a pastor on call 24 hours a day, she's actively learning how to make it all work. She serves as president of Word Weavers South Middle Tennessee and, until recently, was also president of Page 51.
How to move your passion for writing into a profession.
How to find freelance writing opportunities. Hint: opportunities are all around us, but you must first invest in yourself before others will. 
How to craft a compelling story following a lackluster interview. Where do I start? How can I make nonfiction pop off the page?
Find out more about Amanda Elaine West 
www.awestwrites.com 
Email Amanda at [email protected] for your copy of “From Passion to Profession: How to Kickstart Your Freelance Writing Career.”
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
How do you find your niche as a Christian Writer? Today’s guest says it may be less complicated than we’re making it. 
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 how to find your niche in the marketplace.
 
My industry expert is Jesse Florea, who has worked at Focus on the Family for over 30 years. For 25 of those years, he has served as the editor of Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He also cohosts the “Official Adventures in Odyssey” and “Official Average Boy” podcasts. His more than fifty book credits include the Defend Your Faith apologetics Bible for kids, The Case for Christ Young Readers Edition, and The One Year Devos for Sports Fans.
Jesse shares the path God took him down to be the author of fifty books, including devotionals, sports-associated books, and kidifying books. Listen in to grab a few tips to help and encourage you in your writing journey.
Find out more about Jesse Florea
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
 What is a Neurodivergent Writer, and how can we make the most of neurodivergent characters in our stories? Today’s guest has the answers.  
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 about … The Neurodivergent Writer. 
My industry expert is Heather Iseminger, an award-winning freelance author, former educator, and seminary graduate. As a consultant with Brookstone Creative Group, she helps authors pursue God’s calling in publishing. Heather’s deepest passion is teaching others biblical truths and guiding them to live a radical, Jesus-loving life. 
 
The Neurodivergent Writer 
1. Strategies and tips for the ND writer who struggles to maintain focus and function in a publishing world with neurotypical rules. 
2. How to make sure ND characters aren't just stereotypes. 
Tips for the Neurodivergent Writer
Tips for Writing ND Characters
Heather Isemiger with Word-Weavers 
Heather Iseminger on Facebook
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

What did you think of this episode?
Are you stuck when creating visuals to complement your presentations? Gretchen Huesmann shows how all of your senses make this happen.
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 how to Make Your Points Shine by creating visuals to complement your presentations.
My industry expert is… Gretchen Huesmann. With wit and wisdom, she shares messages of hope and healing with women, educators, and ministry workers. She has taught in private and public schools across seven states. Today, she tutors and substitutes to support her writing habit. Gretchen and her pastor-husband have survived, er, served five congregations, and raised four amazing children.
Linda - Alright, let’s head into our content for today… Make Your Points Shine: Create Visuals to Compliment Your Presentations
 Not all listeners are auditory learners. All senses count.
 Visuals should enhance, not distract from, your content.
LINKS
Gretchen Huesmann
It's a Good Day to Be a Teacher book
 Check out what Coach Gretchen has to offer
Visit Your Best Writing Life website.
Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life
Your host - Linda Goldfarb
#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".
Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast