<![CDATA[The Writer’s Desk]]>e6bc0af6-778c-568a-8271-8f1de893d927Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:20 +0000Captivate.fmLydia Johnsonhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/5af7e1b1-924b-4df3-baf1-9e6cb8b3458d/logo-twd.jpgThe Writer’s DeskLydia JohnsonLydia JohnsonA behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of writing. Each week, Lydia shares an update on writing and self-publishing her Christian nonfiction book, from outline to publication. Lydia’s book recounts her 20s, exploring career changes, evolving relationships, and faith. Along the way, Lydia interviews Christian writers and authors about their own creative processes and the stories behind the work they bring into the world. If you love writing, storytelling, and honest conversations about faith and creativity, this podcast invites you inside the process.https://writersdeskpodcast.com/falseepisodic40e337e0-fadb-11f0-aad9-61271d07afcenopodcastMaking Work You're Proud of, No Matter the Response with Chelsey DeMatteisMaking Work You're Proud of, No Matter the Response with Chelsey DeMatteisOn today’s episode, Chelsey DeMatteis joins The Writer’s Desk! Chelsey is an author, speaker, wife, and mom living in central Ohio. She’s written for a variety of publications, including Lifeway’s Journey Magazine, iBelieve, and Christianity.com. Chelsey published her first book, More of Him, Less of Me, through a small publisher in 2021. Then, she self-published an Advent devotional in 2024. Her forthcoming book, Mercy in the Margin, published with B&H, releases in August. During this conversation, Chelsey makes a strong case for why self-publishing is no longer inferior to traditional publishing, why social media matters less than you think it does, and why you should be proud of your work regardless of the response you do or don’t receive.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Chelsey’s website

Preorder Chelsey’s forthcoming devotional: Mercy in the Margin

Chelsey’s Instagram

]]>On today’s episode, Chelsey DeMatteis joins The Writer’s Desk! Chelsey is an author, speaker, wife, and mom living in central Ohio. She’s written for a variety of publications, including Lifeway’s Journey Magazine, iBelieve, and Christianity.com. Chelsey published her first book, More of Him, Less of Me, through a small publisher in 2021. Then, she self-published an Advent devotional in 2024. Her forthcoming book, Mercy in the Margin, published with B&H, releases in August. During this conversation, Chelsey makes a strong case for why self-publishing is no longer inferior to traditional publishing, why social media matters less than you think it does, and why you should be proud of your work regardless of the response you do or don’t receive.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Chelsey’s website

Preorder Chelsey’s forthcoming devotional: Mercy in the Margin

Chelsey’s Instagram

]]>b076dce5-6b75-412c-bd09-e5f6aac24641Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -040053:58falsefullDon't Wait for Permission to Write with Katy BoatmanDon't Wait for Permission to Write with Katy BoatmanToday, I’m welcoming Katy Boatman to The Writer’s Desk! Katy is an author, speaker, and mentor. She is the author of two devotionals, You Can Rest, a devotional for preteen girls, and You Can Trust, a devotional for preteen boys. In addition to her personal writing pursuits, she works alongside author and podcaster Annie F. Downs, helping create resources that connect people to fun, purpose, and Jesus. During our conversation, Katy shared how a 10-day devotional originally written for her niece as a 10th birthday present went from a personal gift to a traditionally published 100-day devotional, practical tips for how she managed writing a book while working a full-time job, and her best advice for writers who are interested in traditional publishing but don’t necessarily have the platform to catch the eye of literary agents and publishers. I had such a fun time talking with and learning from Katy, and I’m so excited for you to learn from her as well.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Katy’s website

Katy’s Instagram

Katy’s devotional for preteen girls: You Can Rest

Katy’s devotional for preteen boys: You Can Trust

]]>Today, I’m welcoming Katy Boatman to The Writer’s Desk! Katy is an author, speaker, and mentor. She is the author of two devotionals, You Can Rest, a devotional for preteen girls, and You Can Trust, a devotional for preteen boys. In addition to her personal writing pursuits, she works alongside author and podcaster Annie F. Downs, helping create resources that connect people to fun, purpose, and Jesus. During our conversation, Katy shared how a 10-day devotional originally written for her niece as a 10th birthday present went from a personal gift to a traditionally published 100-day devotional, practical tips for how she managed writing a book while working a full-time job, and her best advice for writers who are interested in traditional publishing but don’t necessarily have the platform to catch the eye of literary agents and publishers. I had such a fun time talking with and learning from Katy, and I’m so excited for you to learn from her as well.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Katy’s website

Katy’s Instagram

Katy’s devotional for preteen girls: You Can Rest

Katy’s devotional for preteen boys: You Can Trust

]]>926247d2-6ad2-4a84-8038-6c1ac8272f01Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -040038:38falsefullYou Aren't Just One Thing with Caroline LunneYou Aren't Just One Thing with Caroline LunneOn today’s episode, Caroline Lunne joins The Writer’s Desk! Caroline is a content creator, founder of Migrate Marketing, a boutique marketing agency based in Charleston, South Carolina, and author of Noticing, a weekly newsletter on Substack. For years, Caroline felt like the creative world was passing her by, but now she treats the Internet like an art form and inspires others to do the same. In our conversation, we discussed Caroline’s writing journey, why she loves Substack, her best tip for writers just getting started, and, in a gracious gesture, she even pulled back the curtain on how she landed a literary agent. I’m so grateful for Caroline’s openness and willingness to share her wisdom and knowledge about writing, marketing, and pathways to traditional publishing.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Caroline’s website

Caroline’s Substack

Caroline’s Instagram

]]>On today’s episode, Caroline Lunne joins The Writer’s Desk! Caroline is a content creator, founder of Migrate Marketing, a boutique marketing agency based in Charleston, South Carolina, and author of Noticing, a weekly newsletter on Substack. For years, Caroline felt like the creative world was passing her by, but now she treats the Internet like an art form and inspires others to do the same. In our conversation, we discussed Caroline’s writing journey, why she loves Substack, her best tip for writers just getting started, and, in a gracious gesture, she even pulled back the curtain on how she landed a literary agent. I’m so grateful for Caroline’s openness and willingness to share her wisdom and knowledge about writing, marketing, and pathways to traditional publishing.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Caroline’s website

Caroline’s Substack

Caroline’s Instagram

]]>9f73ae93-bd08-4180-b6be-e2c6258b17e5Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 -040038:59falsefullBuilding a Writing Community with Mary Spencer VeazeyBuilding a Writing Community with Mary Spencer VeazeyToday, I’m welcoming Mary Spencer Veazey to The Writer’s Desk! Mary Spencer is an author and speaker who published her first book, Cul-de-sac Crossroads in 2024. Her book serves as a guide for how young adults in their twenties can navigate life’s twists and turns with courageous clarity. Mary Spencer continues to write on topics relevant to young adults on her Substack. If you’re interested in learning more about writing and publishing a book, how writers can use Substack to build a platform, and how to seek out community with other writers and authors, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

The Writer’s Desk episode #1: Deciding to Write a Book and How an Outline Can Help

Mary Spencer Veazey’s website

Mary Spencer Veazey’s book

Mary Spencer Veazey’s Instagram

Mary Spencer Veazey’s Substack

]]>Today, I’m welcoming Mary Spencer Veazey to The Writer’s Desk! Mary Spencer is an author and speaker who published her first book, Cul-de-sac Crossroads in 2024. Her book serves as a guide for how young adults in their twenties can navigate life’s twists and turns with courageous clarity. Mary Spencer continues to write on topics relevant to young adults on her Substack. If you’re interested in learning more about writing and publishing a book, how writers can use Substack to build a platform, and how to seek out community with other writers and authors, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

The Writer’s Desk episode #1: Deciding to Write a Book and How an Outline Can Help

Mary Spencer Veazey’s website

Mary Spencer Veazey’s book

Mary Spencer Veazey’s Instagram

Mary Spencer Veazey’s Substack

]]>7441d060-2299-4333-b0b7-cc480bf2c57aMon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 -040048:41falsefullWhat You Can Learn from 10 Years of Online Writing and Self-Publishing with Courtney Hope JonesWhat You Can Learn from 10 Years of Online Writing and Self-Publishing with Courtney Hope JonesToday, I’m welcoming Courtney Hope Jones to The Writer’s Desk! Courtney is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and podcast host. In 2018, Courtney released It Is Written, a devotional that teaches you how to use Scripture to speak truth over lies. Since then, she started Little Creative Company, which provides website design and SEO for creatives and service providers. She’s also the host of the newly relaunched podcast Vessels, which shares conversations that equip multi-passionate Christian women in their calling. Courtney is truly a rockstar in all areas, and I’m so excited to share our conversation. If you’re interested in writing and publishing a book (whether through self-publishing or traditional publishing) and learning more about best practices for building a platform, this is the episode for you.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Courtney’s website, Instagram, and book

Courtney’s podcast (Apple, Spotify)

Courtney’s web design and SEO company’s website

Courtney’s self-publishing course

Courtney’s self-publishing podcast series (traditional vs. self-publishing, is self-publishing worth it?, 5 things I wish I knew before self-publishing)

]]>Today, I’m welcoming Courtney Hope Jones to The Writer’s Desk! Courtney is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and podcast host. In 2018, Courtney released It Is Written, a devotional that teaches you how to use Scripture to speak truth over lies. Since then, she started Little Creative Company, which provides website design and SEO for creatives and service providers. She’s also the host of the newly relaunched podcast Vessels, which shares conversations that equip multi-passionate Christian women in their calling. Courtney is truly a rockstar in all areas, and I’m so excited to share our conversation. If you’re interested in writing and publishing a book (whether through self-publishing or traditional publishing) and learning more about best practices for building a platform, this is the episode for you.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Courtney’s website, Instagram, and book

Courtney’s podcast (Apple, Spotify)

Courtney’s web design and SEO company’s website

Courtney’s self-publishing course

Courtney’s self-publishing podcast series (traditional vs. self-publishing, is self-publishing worth it?, 5 things I wish I knew before self-publishing)

]]>7ae8351b-9508-47a4-8a17-f05fdfd3e622Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040054:03falsefullPermission to Pursue Multiple Creative Projects with Addison OttPermission to Pursue Multiple Creative Projects with Addison OttToday, I’m welcoming Addison (Addie) Ott to The Writer’s Desk! Addie is an author, podcaster, and entrepreneur living in Indiana. She is the founder of gentle & lowly co., a clothing brand that helps you carry the gentle love of Jesus. Her first book, Fellowship Over Followers, was published in 2024, and Addie is currently working on her second, which we will discuss in today’s episode. Addie balances all of these creative pursuits along with her day job as a graphic designer. This conversation is perfect for anyone interested in writing, self-publishing, and balancing pursuing multiple creative projects at the same time.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Addie’s Instagram

Addie’s website

gentle & lowly co. website

gentle & lowly co. Instagram

gentle & lowly co. podcast

She Speaks Conference

]]>Today, I’m welcoming Addison (Addie) Ott to The Writer’s Desk! Addie is an author, podcaster, and entrepreneur living in Indiana. She is the founder of gentle & lowly co., a clothing brand that helps you carry the gentle love of Jesus. Her first book, Fellowship Over Followers, was published in 2024, and Addie is currently working on her second, which we will discuss in today’s episode. Addie balances all of these creative pursuits along with her day job as a graphic designer. This conversation is perfect for anyone interested in writing, self-publishing, and balancing pursuing multiple creative projects at the same time.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Addie’s Instagram

Addie’s website

gentle & lowly co. website

gentle & lowly co. Instagram

gentle & lowly co. podcast

She Speaks Conference

]]>fcc45606-830f-43ba-9861-387a24fc273bMon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040051:09falsefullHow Your Writing Can Encourage Others with Sarah SpradlinHow Your Writing Can Encourage Others with Sarah SpradlinToday on the show, I chat with Sarah Spradlin. Sarah is a poet and farmer raised in Georgia, now living in Central America, where she's worked in cross-cultural ministry since 2020, which pretty much boils down to planting things, talking to people, and writing poetry on long bus rides. Her poetry has been published on Story Embers and Kingdom Pen (just to name a few).

In this conversation, we discuss the role encouragement played in helping Sarah overcome her hesitancy to call herself a poet, the unfortunate reality that self-doubt never really goes away in the creative process, and why it’s important not only to share our stories but also to invite feedback from others.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Sarah’s Instagram

The Rabbit Room website

Mary Marantz (website, Instagram, podcast)

Mary Marantz’s episode on Alli Worthington’s podcast (You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Starting From Wisdom: The Truth About Pivots and Purpose)

]]>Today on the show, I chat with Sarah Spradlin. Sarah is a poet and farmer raised in Georgia, now living in Central America, where she's worked in cross-cultural ministry since 2020, which pretty much boils down to planting things, talking to people, and writing poetry on long bus rides. Her poetry has been published on Story Embers and Kingdom Pen (just to name a few).

In this conversation, we discuss the role encouragement played in helping Sarah overcome her hesitancy to call herself a poet, the unfortunate reality that self-doubt never really goes away in the creative process, and why it’s important not only to share our stories but also to invite feedback from others.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Sarah’s Instagram

The Rabbit Room website

Mary Marantz (website, Instagram, podcast)

Mary Marantz’s episode on Alli Worthington’s podcast (You’re Not Starting Over, You’re Starting From Wisdom: The Truth About Pivots and Purpose)

]]>b458939e-31af-4fa7-a4ea-8f226c9d5eedMon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -040057:39falsefullThere's Room for Your Book, Too with Katherine HallThere's Room for Your Book, Too with Katherine HallToday on the show, I chat with Katherine Hall, author, speaker, and creator of Everyday Scripture, a free Bible study resource. Katherine is passionate about making Scripture engaging and easier to understand. In this wide-ranging conversation on writing, publishing, theology, and faith, Katherine not only shares the backstory of Everyday Scripture and what’s next, but also a verse that makes clear there is so much more to be said and written about Jesus.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Everyday Scripture (website, Instagram, Bible app reading plans)

Katherine’s website

She Speaks Conference

The Bible, Simplified by Zach Windahl

]]>Today on the show, I chat with Katherine Hall, author, speaker, and creator of Everyday Scripture, a free Bible study resource. Katherine is passionate about making Scripture engaging and easier to understand. In this wide-ranging conversation on writing, publishing, theology, and faith, Katherine not only shares the backstory of Everyday Scripture and what’s next, but also a verse that makes clear there is so much more to be said and written about Jesus.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Links:

Everyday Scripture (website, Instagram, Bible app reading plans)

Katherine’s website

She Speaks Conference

The Bible, Simplified by Zach Windahl

]]>250ae6d6-4858-4db5-a015-6439d7702e89Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040044:32falsefullA Story She Couldn't Have Written with Jessica KitchelA Story She Couldn't Have Written with Jessica KitchelToday on the show, I get to talk with Jessica Kitchel! Jessica and I first met through North Point Community Church back in 2013. I’ve always admired how Jessica has honestly and openly shared the good and the hard things she has walked through. Jessica first began publicly sharing her writing on a blog, but now shares on Instagram. As you’ll hear more about in our conversation, Jessica began sharing her writing when she and her husband experienced unexplained fertility. Their family has now been touched by adoption, IVF, spontaneous twins, and Down syndrome. Through it all, Jessica has continued to share her and her family’s story to bring hope and comfort to others.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Jessica Kitchel’s Instagram

]]>Today on the show, I get to talk with Jessica Kitchel! Jessica and I first met through North Point Community Church back in 2013. I’ve always admired how Jessica has honestly and openly shared the good and the hard things she has walked through. Jessica first began publicly sharing her writing on a blog, but now shares on Instagram. As you’ll hear more about in our conversation, Jessica began sharing her writing when she and her husband experienced unexplained fertility. Their family has now been touched by adoption, IVF, spontaneous twins, and Down syndrome. Through it all, Jessica has continued to share her and her family’s story to bring hope and comfort to others.

As always, I also share an update on my own writing journey. I’m currently writing a Christian nonfiction book geared toward women in their 20s. You can read more about it on my Substack.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Jessica Kitchel’s Instagram

]]>ee4e650d-5bcd-4189-b253-2ef88dcb3aceMon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040040:37falsefullAnswering God's Call to Share Your Story with Alyssa KumleAnswering God's Call to Share Your Story with Alyssa KumleIn this episode, Lydia shares her progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript and an inspiring conversation with author, artist, and disability advocate, Alyssa Kumle. Alyssa’s debut book, Doubtless, was published in April 2025. More than a memoir, Alyssa's story is an invitation to anyone facing life's hardest battles to see that challenges don't have to define us. They can refine us. Lydia and Alyssa discuss Alyssa’s writing and publishing journey, as well as what’s next for Alyssa and her ministry. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Alyssa Kumle’s website, book, and Instagram

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript and an inspiring conversation with author, artist, and disability advocate, Alyssa Kumle. Alyssa’s debut book, Doubtless, was published in April 2025. More than a memoir, Alyssa's story is an invitation to anyone facing life's hardest battles to see that challenges don't have to define us. They can refine us. Lydia and Alyssa discuss Alyssa’s writing and publishing journey, as well as what’s next for Alyssa and her ministry. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Alyssa Kumle’s website, book, and Instagram

]]>375be592-5f4a-4306-b555-0e6922fb0f7dMon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040047:02falsefullA New Mindset for Dealing with Doubt and An Exciting Podcast Update!A New Mindset for Dealing with Doubt and An Exciting Podcast Update!In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript, a newfound realization about the consistent role of doubt in the creative process, an exciting update on the podcast's future, and more! If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!


Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Second Life podcast episode with Alison Roman (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

Second Life podcast episode with Andrea Beaty, children’s book author (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript, a newfound realization about the consistent role of doubt in the creative process, an exciting update on the podcast's future, and more! If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!


Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Second Life podcast episode with Alison Roman (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

Second Life podcast episode with Andrea Beaty, children’s book author (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

]]>70c19748-9f3f-40f0-b70f-6e8fdb1d203eMon, 09 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040026:23falsefullBeing Brave Enough to TryBeing Brave Enough to TryIn this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, the unexpected inspiration she found from the winter Olympics and U.S. skier Breezy Johnson, and details on other behind-the-scenes things like writing copy for her new website and figuring out what to wear for the headshots she’ll be doing in a few weeks. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Little Creative Company

Desk of Lauren

Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson’s interview

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, the unexpected inspiration she found from the winter Olympics and U.S. skier Breezy Johnson, and details on other behind-the-scenes things like writing copy for her new website and figuring out what to wear for the headshots she’ll be doing in a few weeks. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Little Creative Company

Desk of Lauren

Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson’s interview

]]>7c7cca05-2789-4c93-a629-dee36f117b86Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -040022:48falsefullOvercoming Self-Doubt and Trusting God with the OutcomeOvercoming Self-Doubt and Trusting God with the OutcomeIn this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, encouragement for dealing with self-doubt, and her decision to register for She Speaks, a writers’ conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries, led by best-selling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

She Speaks Conference

Everyday Scripture - free Bible study resources

Desk of Lauren

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, encouragement for dealing with self-doubt, and her decision to register for She Speaks, a writers’ conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries, led by best-selling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst. If you’re an aspiring Christian author or just interested in learning more about how a book comes to life, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

She Speaks Conference

Everyday Scripture - free Bible study resources

Desk of Lauren

]]>348405f8-e5c9-44ab-a5d9-9ec4ac84faa3Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040034:32falsefullThe Mistake That Almost Derailed My Writing ProgressThe Mistake That Almost Derailed My Writing ProgressIn this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, a writing mistake she’s still figuring out how to fix, the importance of protecting your writing time, Biblical encouragement for why you should share your work with others, and more! If you’re an aspiring Christian author or simply interested in learning more about the creative process behind writing and self-publishing a book, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Personal Branding Podcast with Anna Vatuone: How Colette Fehr Landed a Literary Agent and a Book Deal with Penguin Randomhouse (Apple, Spotify)

Colette Fehr Instagram

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares her progress on writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript, a writing mistake she’s still figuring out how to fix, the importance of protecting your writing time, Biblical encouragement for why you should share your work with others, and more! If you’re an aspiring Christian author or simply interested in learning more about the creative process behind writing and self-publishing a book, listen in!

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Personal Branding Podcast with Anna Vatuone: How Colette Fehr Landed a Literary Agent and a Book Deal with Penguin Randomhouse (Apple, Spotify)

Colette Fehr Instagram

]]>c5660d55-4c4f-43f5-a56e-9f8a4fa33c5cMon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040037:29falsefullStaying Consistent When Life Gets Busy (Writing + Platform Building)Staying Consistent When Life Gets Busy (Writing + Platform Building)In this episode, Lydia discusses the compounding effects of short writing blocks and why consistency is what matters most in achieving big goals. As always, Lydia shares her weekly progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript, along with a few helpful platform-building tips and resources for anyone who struggles to use social media effectively but knows it’s an important part of reaching their desired audience as a creative. If you’re interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will encourage you to continue taking small steps toward your goal of writing a book, even if your everyday life doesn’t allow for long, uninterrupted writing sessions.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Master of One by Jordan Raynor

Book Marketing Simplified podcast (Spotify, Apple)

Jenn Hanson-dePaula Instagram

Anna Vatuone blog

Jon Acuff's Instagram post

]]>In this episode, Lydia discusses the compounding effects of short writing blocks and why consistency is what matters most in achieving big goals. As always, Lydia shares her weekly progress on her Christian nonfiction manuscript, along with a few helpful platform-building tips and resources for anyone who struggles to use social media effectively but knows it’s an important part of reaching their desired audience as a creative. If you’re interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will encourage you to continue taking small steps toward your goal of writing a book, even if your everyday life doesn’t allow for long, uninterrupted writing sessions.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

Master of One by Jordan Raynor

Book Marketing Simplified podcast (Spotify, Apple)

Jenn Hanson-dePaula Instagram

Anna Vatuone blog

Jon Acuff's Instagram post

]]>27e9bc8a-8ee8-436c-9a0c-6b6d4d297029Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040031:12falsefullHow to Start Writing Your BookHow to Start Writing Your BookIn this episode, Lydia shares progress from the first official week of writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript. She shares her surprise in learning to shift from writing “short” to “long”, how to fit writing time into a busy schedule, why it’s important to limit self-editing when you’re just trying to get words on a page, and how to keep your writing focused on the reader’s transformation. For anyone interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will give you helpful tips for starting the writing process and encourage you when you inevitably encounter difficulty along the way.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

]]>In this episode, Lydia shares progress from the first official week of writing her Christian nonfiction manuscript. She shares her surprise in learning to shift from writing “short” to “long”, how to fit writing time into a busy schedule, why it’s important to limit self-editing when you’re just trying to get words on a page, and how to keep your writing focused on the reader’s transformation. For anyone interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will give you helpful tips for starting the writing process and encourage you when you inevitably encounter difficulty along the way.

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

Other links:

Lydia’s Substack

]]>5c6f7e11-4cf2-463f-98e1-3fb2c3f26f84Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -040033:17falsefullDeciding to Write a Book and How an Outline Can HelpDeciding to Write a Book and How an Outline Can HelpIn this episode, Lydia introduces herself and her background as a writer, shares why she decided to write and self-publish a Christian non-fiction book, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating an outline that will serve as a roadmap for writing the manuscript. For anyone interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will give you a better understanding of the early stages of turning your idea into a book.

Resources mentioned (and others):

Write Your Story podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)

Ally Fallon’s Instagram

A Book in Six Months course

COMPEL Pro (faith-based writer’s membership website created by Lysa Terkeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries)

COMPEL Pro Instagram

Writers Circle podcast with Will Parker Anderson (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

]]>In this episode, Lydia introduces herself and her background as a writer, shares why she decided to write and self-publish a Christian non-fiction book, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating an outline that will serve as a roadmap for writing the manuscript. For anyone interested in writing and/or self-publishing a nonfiction book, this episode will give you a better understanding of the early stages of turning your idea into a book.

Resources mentioned (and others):

Write Your Story podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)

Ally Fallon’s Instagram

A Book in Six Months course

COMPEL Pro (faith-based writer’s membership website created by Lysa Terkeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries)

COMPEL Pro Instagram

Writers Circle podcast with Will Parker Anderson (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)

For episode visual guides and other resources, follow The Writer’s Desk on Instagram!

]]>4e180e8b-5010-41f0-be94-71cbb2186a6aMon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -040039:13falsefullWelcome to The Writer's Desk!Welcome to The Writer's Desk!Have you ever wondered how a book goes from just an idea to the physical copy you hold in your hands? Join Lydia Johnson as she shares a behind-the-scenes look at her book-writing journey from outline to publication. If you’re a writer or simply interested in the self-publishing process, listen in!

]]>Have you ever wondered how a book goes from just an idea to the physical copy you hold in your hands? Join Lydia Johnson as she shares a behind-the-scenes look at her book-writing journey from outline to publication. If you’re a writer or simply interested in the self-publishing process, listen in!

]]>87834ec7-a5bf-4976-945e-e2b947306226Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:48:00 -040000:56falsetrailer