Working as writers, we're usually our own boss, which can be great or not so great. We get to make all the decisions! But we have to make all the decisions... It can be really overwhelming.

In this episode, I talk with Carla H. Hayden, a.k.a. “Clarity Carla”, about finding clarity in our decision-making and leading ourselves well. You’ll come away with some practical tools and questions to ask yourself when deciding what’s next with your writing, whether you see it as a hobby, a business, or something in between.

Join the free Writers’ Bloc community here! Doors are open now through August 31.

About Carla:

Carla H. Hayden is passionate about raising up the next generation of women leaders for the Kingdom of God...one conversation at a time.

As a Maturity Mentor, Carla uses group mentoring and 1:1 clarity sessions - affectionately referred to as “Mentoring with Mama” and “Coffee with Carla” - to lead, guide, and mentor younger women - whether young in age or young in stage - in their personal, professional, and spiritual development.

As a Marketplace Shepherd, Carla works with early stage entrepreneurs, business owners, and executive leadership teams to provide them with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to move from a current state of chaos and dysfunction to their desired future state of order and health in their business.

Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Carla and her family have called Indianapolis, IN home for the last 25 years. Among her hobbies, she loves connecting with people over coffee or cocktails, photo-journaling snippets of her story, and traveling locally and abroad. She is a healthy Enneagram 8, contributes her Working Geniuses of Discernment and Tenacity to every project she puts her hands to, and unashamedly declares that Gifts and Words of Affirmation are at the top of her Love Languages list.

You can connect with her on Instagram (@coffee_with_carla), LinkedIn (@Carla H. Hayden), or visit her website at coffeewithcarla.com.

You can also follow her on Swellcast (@coffeewithcarla), where she uses this micro-podcasting space to mentor you with a mama’s heart and disciple you with the truth of God’s Word through permission slips, practical tips, and prayers.

She has also offered a free decision-making guide for podcast listeners.

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

Do 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 alignment and intuitive design, Karla believes your business should feel as good as it looks and collaborates with creatives on their brands with strategy, design, and coaching. You can find her at TheInspiredFoundry.com or on Instagram @theinspiredfoundry.

Resources:

www.yourtinybrand.com

The Tiny Brand Blueprint - your path to creating a business that makes money and makes an impact: https://theinspiredfoundry.myflodesk.com/blueprint

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

Are you a writer who struggles with chronic illness and wonders how to find the time and energy to write?

Or perhaps you wear many hats and aren’t sure how to juggle them all while still writing.

In this interview with author and speaker, Glenna Marshall, you’ll hear practical tips on managing your time and energy, whether you write through chronic illness or simply a busy schedule.

We also talk about:

* ways to grow your email list

* what publishers are looking for other than your platform

Glenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and is the mom of two sons. She and her family live and serve in rural Southeast Missouri. She is the author of The Promise is His Presence, Everyday Faithfulness, and Memorizing Scripture. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and her blog.

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