Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode?
Have you considered writing an action-adventure technothriller? PeggySue Wells shares tips for writers, along with the story behind The Patent. 
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, PeggySue Wells, is the award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nearly 50 books, including the mystery suspense title of the year, Unnatural Cause. Known for her captivating novels spanning action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery genres—such as Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent—she also empowers readers with practical nonfiction, including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make. A prolific writing coach, collaborator, and independent publishing strategist, PeggySue’s mission is to fill the world with stories and guides that take readers to places they’ve never been before.
PeggySue shares her fabulous writing journey of The Patent.
Writer’s tips. 
 1) Keep learning about anything and everything so you have something to write about. Always have fresh experiences so you have fresh content to include and influence your writing. 
2) Write the story. No preaching, no worries about themes or word count. Trust the power of the story. After it is roughly put down, the natural themes appear. Write first. Polish after you know the project works. As with raising children, the writing often turns out 50 percent as anticipated, and the rest takes on a direction of its own.  
3) Readers are not fond of being told what they must, should, or need to be, do, or think. They prefer to watch how things work out and then apply what fits in their own life. Don't save anything for the next book. The reader can sense when a writer withheld. Give your best and your all. Pour out, and the Lord refills you for the next project. 
Quick Guides to Writing Well Set - check this out!!!
What Listeners Will Gain – when they buy your book
Giveaway - https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-with-bonus-set-5-quick-guides-to-writing
https://authorpswells.myshopify.com/products/preorder-cohen-code-get-3-bonus-novels
You can find out more below:
SOCIAL LINKS:
Preorder Cohen Code, and be the first to read the next novel in the Marc Wayne Action Adventure series
PeggySueWells.com
Chasing Sunrise
The Patent
Secrecy Order
Unnatural Cause, best mystery suspense of the year
The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make 
SingleMomCircle.com
 

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 story idea has God whispered, only to leave out the details? Maureen Miller shares her story behind Gideon’s Book with added tips to strengthen 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 a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.
Today’s guest, Maureen Miller, is an author and speaker who loves encouraging others in their journey with Jesus. Married to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she lives on Selah Farm in the mountains of North Carolina. She blogs at Windows and Wallflowers (maureenmillerauthor.com), and her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available. 
We all want to know the story behind Gideon’s Book – give us some background
1)    God can whisper a story idea but leave the details for another time, allowing the writer to learn to listen, lean in, and let go.
2)    As an adoptive mother, with three amazing birth moms who chose life for their unborn babies despite difficult circumstances, I believe these women are heroes, and there are many among us.
3)    God’s Word—those placed by Gideons International and otherwise—is not just a figurative guide but a literal one as well, truly a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; I found this to be true in my life, and I wanted to weave such into this story.
4)    As a mother of a child of color and having experienced a literal moment when God called me to have a difficult conversation with two women at a restaurant, I wanted to weave the truth that “all it takes if pullin’ up a chair”—that being, an opportunity to share healthy, honest conversations about challenging topics.
5)    My prolife views are rooted in a decision I made long ago after facing what I feared was an unplanned pregnancy when I was seventeen and unmarried.
Writer’s Tips. 
1)    Stay the course, trusting God for His perfect timing to birth your words (Esther 4:14); 
2)    “Hone your craft!”—Said by the wonderful Cecil Murphey, who keynoted at Write To Publish 2007, which echoed throughout the almost two decades it took to write Gideon’s Book; 
3)    Be courageous enough to write the messages God gives, believing His will to be accomplished even when it’s hard. 
What Listeners Will Gain - I believe they’ll gain truth steeped in God’s Word from my Gideon’s Book backstory, and thus be encouraged to seek Him more specifically to discover for themselves how God might be calling them to a task that they know is beyond their ability—only God! (Like Gideon in Judges 6 and in my story!) 
Listener giveaway - One copy of Gideon’s Book in the format of your choice! Join us on Facebook -  Your Best Writing Life and leave a comment prior to 7 PM ET August 3, 2026.
LINKS
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/maureen.miller.393/
Website – “Windows and Wallflowers” at https://maureenmillerauthor.com
Email – maureen@maureenmillerauthor.com
Gideon’s Book Amazon Link -- https://a.co/d/0332c4T7 
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?
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