We talk a lot here about building a writing platform, finding time to write, and organizing our ideas, but how do we actually improve in the craft of writing?

This week I talk with Benjamin Vrbicek, managing editor with Gospel-Centered Discipleship, about some ways to go about doing that. He also explains some of the things that GCD is looking for in the articles they publish.

If you would like to check out the “Writers’ Coaching Corner” videos we talked about in the episode, you can find them here.

Benjamin Vrbicek is the lead pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the managing editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship. He and his wife, Brooke, have six children. He earned an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary. Benjamin is the author of Don’t Just Send a Resume and Struggle Against Porn, and coauthor of Blogging for God’s Glory in a Clickbait World. He blogs regularly at Fan and Flame, and you can follow him on Twitter.

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

What does contentment look like as a writer? There’s nothing wrong with having goals and desires for our writing, but sometimes we have to hold them loosely and allow God to direct our steps. Listen in this week as I talk with Rachel Allord about how she finds contentment while working as an American missionary in London.

Originally from Wisconsin, Rachel Allord lives in London UK where she and her husband serve as city missionaries. She’s the mother of two young adult children and the author of four books, including The Girl on the Tube, a YA novel that follows the humorous and heartbreaking journey of an expat tween. She loves street food, London’s Underground, and writing stories and resources that point people to Jesus. Connect with her at rachelallord.com.

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

What role does fear play in your writing? Perhaps you struggle with some of the following:

* fear of failure

* fear of success

* fear of vulnerability

* fear that we’re wasting our time and resources

This week, you’ll learn what the partial truth is in each fear, the hidden lie, and the ultimate Biblical truth that counters them all.

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com