The Truth No One Tells You About Writing and Publishing with Amy Seiffert

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. Today I’m joined by Amy Seiffert—pastor, author, seminary student, and mama who’s juggling ministry, motherhood, and manuscripts like a boss (and with a whole lot of grace). She has lived through seasons that refined her and taught her what perseverance truly looks like. And lucky us—she’s bringing all that wisdom to the table. Ever wondered what the road to becoming a published author looks like—not the Instagram-filtered version, but the gritty, God-led, faith-tested one? Amy’s pulling back the curtain and telling it like it is. We’re diving into the world of traditional publishing. What’s amazing? What’s not so glamorous? And what’s that one thing nobody mentions before your book hits the shelves?  Amy's insights are invaluable, and she’s sharing the highs, the hard truths, and the hope behind it all. You won't want to miss a word. You might even want to listen twice.   Timestamps:  (2:38) - How Self-Publishing Opened the Door to a Traditional Book Deal (8:53) - The Time Blocking Strategy That Transformed Her Weekly Workflow (14:03) - The Biggest Mistakes Writers Make (and How to Avoid Them) (20:29) - If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (21:12)- The One Piece of Advice Every Aspiring Writer Needs to Hear   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Amy’s Book Recommendation - Bird by Bird Amy’s Hair Recommendation. - Prose Amy’s Sweet Recommendation - Tru Fru   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Let me ruffle a few feathers real quick: Hard work isn’t the issue. Direction is. If pure hustle were the magic ticket to success, every deadline-smashing, all-nighter-pulling powerhouse would be running the show.   But we’re not. Instead, we’re grinding like a one-legged cat in a sandbox (seriously, think about that visual) and still wondering why it feels like we’re going nowhere fast.   You've achieved a great deal in your career, and on paper, it appears impressive. But deep down, you might feel like you’re climbing the wrong wall. Maybe you've built a successful business, but it's draining you. Or perhaps you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, hoping they won't come crashing down.   It’s not about being lazy or falling behind. It's about being caught in the burnout loop, a cycle where ambition meets exhaustion and clarity seems to vanish.   Today, we’re naming that loop, calling it what it is, and flipping the script. Clarity isn’t at the bottom of another to-do list—it’s forged when you decide that burnout isn’t your badge of honor anymore. You have the power to change your narrative. Let’s go deep. Let’s get free. You in? Timestamps:   (02:54) - Effort Without Strategy Will Keep You Burned Out and Spinning Your Wheels (04:41) - The Truth About Invisible Work (05:18) - You’ll Never Work Your Way Into Feeling Worthy (06:45) - The Game-Changing Strategy No One’s Talking About to Finally Get Unstuck WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE     Links to great things we discussed:    Alli’s Supplement Recommendations - Pure Encapsulations Quercetin and DAO Enzyme Supplement I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo,   Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   What does it really take to build a powerful, lasting career as a Christian writer and speaker? Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm joined by one of my heroes—Margaret Feinberg. She's a bestselling author, beloved Bible teacher, and one of the first women who helped crack the door open for the rest of us in ministry. And I don't take that lightly.   With more than 25 years of wisdom (and a few hilarious stories along the way), Margaret gets real about what it takes to build a meaningful, enduring calling. From the early steps that required big faith and tiny budgets, to the mindset that's carried her through the valleys and up the mountains—she shares it all.   So, if you're dreaming of writing, speaking, or just wondering how to stay strong when things feel tough, Margaret's words will stir up that holy grit in your soul. This episode will remind you why you started and what you're capable of, even when things get tough. You're not going to want to miss this.   Timestamps: (02:48) - Margaret’s Journey of Becoming an Author and Speaker (05:45) - Publishing Her First Book (10:15) - Lessons She Has Learned About the Publishing Business (22:21) - If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (24:07) - Common Mistakes She Sees People Making in the Publishing Business WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Margaret’s New Book - The God You Need to Know Margaret’s Travel Recommendation. - BOSE Headphones Margaret’s Skincare Recommendation - Neutrogena Mineral Stick   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   I opened my phone to "just check one thing," and suddenly, I was 20 minutes deep in the same echo chamber of highlight reels and hot takes. Everyone's shouting their wins, sharing their "expertise," and looking oh-so-confident doing it.   But the women I actually know? The brilliant, wise, faith-filled world changers who are raising babies, running businesses, and serving with their whole hearts? Crickets.   And here's the thing—it's not because they don't have something to say. They've got degrees, experience, and stories that would drop your jaw and light your soul on fire. But online? They've gone silent. Not because the algorithm is hiding them. Because they're hiding themselves.   We don't have a content problem. We have a visibility problem. So, if you've been playing small, hiding behind the highlight reel, or waiting for a sign, this is it. It's time to show up, not for applause, but for obedience.    Visibility isn't about vanity. It's about being faithful to the assignment you've already been given. Let's talk about how to rise up and step in. This one's for you. Timestamps:   (03:00) -The Invisible Woman Syndrome (05:22) - Why Visibility Works (06:30) - Visibility Blocks That Hold Us Back (09:41) - How to Get Visible Without Feeling Gross WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - THESAEM Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. You’re in for a treat today, my friend—because we are diving headfirst into the world of big laughs and even bigger dreams. Today’s guest is none other than the fearless and fabulous Jen Fulwiler—bestselling author, stand-up comedian, and powerhouse mama who’s blazing trails (and cracking jokes) in the unlikeliest of places. She’s smart, sassy, and unfiltered—in the best way.   From the moment Jen picks up the mic, she’s not just cracking jokes—she’s cracking open a whole conversation about courage, calling, and what it really takes to chase audacious dreams after diaper duty and dinner cleanup.   She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what touring really looks like in 2025 (spoiler: it’s not all glitz and green rooms), how she’s built a fiercely loyal following, and why email—yes, good old-fashioned email—is her not-so-secret marketing superpower. Her insights on growing an audience with humor, heart, and holy confidence? Game-changing.   So, whether you’re dreaming of launching something bold or need a reminder that you’re not too late and you’re definitely not too much, this conversation is your permission slip to go for it—with a whole lot of laughter and a healthy dose of truth.   Let’s dive in! Timestamps: (07:27) - How Jen Built a Business as a Stand-Up Comedian (10:19) - Why Patreon Is a Game-Changer in Her Business Model (17:04) - The Wild Reason Jen Lived Like a Pirate for a Year! (24:42) - Jen’s Smartest Social Media Secrets (32:53) - How She Consistently Comes Up with Fresh, Engaging Content   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Jen’s Upcoming Special - Shabby Chic   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!  xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. The way we work is shifting faster than ever. Titles might stay the same, but underneath, everything is changing.   Whether you're part of a corporate structure, managing your own business, or navigating the freelance world, the rules of work are being redefined in real-time.    But take a moment to breathe—you don't need to panic or question your entire professional identity. You don't need to resort to hiding under your desk with a bag of Doritos (although... no judgment if you do). What you do need is a practical, actionable plan.   This episode is your roadmap for what's next. We're here to guide you on how to navigate change with wisdom, how to craft a life that truly fits in this evolving work landscape, and why the future is for those who don't just work harder—they adapt smarter.    If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply exhausted, I'm offering you a fresh dose of hope—and a plan to step out of this season three steps ahead. Let's prepare you to thrive, be bold, and be ready for the future.  Timestamps: (00:57) -Why the Future of Work Matters More Than Ever (02:20) - The New Rules of Work (08:23) -The Hidden Fear Factor Sabotaging Your Career (09:49) - Why Personal Growth Is Your Greatest Career Move (10:27) - Your Staying Ahead Toolkit for the Shifting Work World WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! How Much Can I Charge as a Coach? Quiz Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - Clinique Love Pop Lipstick Join Called Creatives   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm joined by my brilliant and beautiful friend Mary Marantz. She went from Yale Law to full-time photographer to best-selling author—and let me tell you, her story is a masterclass in trusting God with the pivots.   We're talking about how to build a business that means something, what it looks like to rewrite your story while you're still in the middle of it, and why sometimes the door that slams in your face might be the setup for something greater.   Mary is wisdom and warmth wrapped in a gorgeous blonde blowout, and she's here to remind you that your past doesn't disqualify you—it prepares you. If you've been wondering if it's too late to start over or too messy to move forward, pull up a seat. You're in the right place. Timestamps: (01:58) - The Power of Pivoting (18:43) - Common Mistakes Authors Make (20:25)- Smart Strategies to Grow Your Platform, Podcast, and Social Media Today (24:47) - What She’d Do If She Were Starting Over Today (31:59) - How to Recover From Burnout WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE Links to great things we discussed:    Mary’s Travel Recommendation - Yeti Mary’s Skincare Recommendation - Golden Hour Mary’s  Recommendation - Canva Mary’s Product Recommendation - Hatch Mary’s TV Recommendation - The Handmaid’s Tale Mary’s Achiever Quiz   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Here is a truth most people avoid: Just because it's familiar doesn't mean it's faithful to your future. That friendship where you're the unpaid therapist? That group you got guilt-tripped into joining faster than you could say, "I guess I can help"? That job that drains your soul every Sunday night, just thinking about Monday morning? Yep. That.   You don't need a crisis to walk away. You don't need a round of applause to choose peace. But since I'm here, let me say it anyway: You have the power to put it down now. God never asked you to carry all that.   This episode is for the woman who's tired of spinning all the plates while smiling like everything's fine. You're not alone in this struggle. Whether you're raising teens with more opinions than clean laundry, building a business from scratch, or barely keeping it together while Instagram keeps showing you everyone else's picture-perfect life, I need you to hear me clearly: You are allowed to walk away.    You don't need permission, but if a little holy affirmation helps, here it is: You're not quitting; you're obeying. You're not letting people down; you're laying your burdens down.   Let this be the day you stop apologizing for no longer being available for chaos. The peace you crave isn't selfish—it's sacred. It's your right to prioritize your well-being.   Timestamps:   (01:31) -The Permission Problem (02:23) - 3 Types of Drains We Tolerate (06:24) -The Real Cost of Tolerating What’s Quietly Draining You (07:31) - Why We Keep Holding On to What’s Holding Us Back (08:17) - Your Step-by-Step Liberation Plan to Finally Let Go   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - What's Up Beauty - Watch Me! Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Annie F. Downs, a best-selling author, podcaster, speaker, and Enneagram enthusiast, for a powerhouse conversation you won’t want to miss.   We’re two Enneagram Sevens pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a thriving business and grow a platform, without losing yourself in the process. You know those glossy success stories that make it all look effortless?    Well, we’re here to talk about the real journey, the bad advice we ignored, the behind-the-scenes realities no one tells you about, and the lessons that shaped us.   So, if you love business and you need a fresh shot of motivation and wisdom, this one’s for you. Buckle up, friend—it’s going to be a good one! Timestamps: (08:05) - Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Start a Podcast (11:02) - What Actually Grows a Podcast (And What Doesn’t) (25:15) - Find Your Lane and Run Fast (32:02) - Don’t Just Dream—Get in the Room with People Who’ve Done It (39:22) - What’s Really Working on Social Media Right Now   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE Links to great things we discussed:    Annie’s Favorite Skin Care Product - Cattle + Comb Tallow Lotion I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo,   Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Do you know what’s quietly stealing your joy, keeping you small, and making sure everyone else’s needs come first, while yours barely make the list? Being low maintenance. Yep, I said it.   Somewhere along the way, we got the message: don’t ask for much, don’t rock the boat, and definitely don’t be “difficult.” But let’s get real—that’s not a virtue. That’s a survival strategy we learned to keep the peace, and it’s keeping us stuck.   Today, I’m calling it out. If you’ve ever said, “No worries, whatever works!” when it absolutely did not work, or if you’ve ever ignored that little voice in your head telling you what you actually want, it’s time to break free. You’re not “too much.” You’re not “demanding.” You’re a human with real wants and needs, and you deserve to own them, without apology. Timestamps:   (02:42)-Where Exactly Did the Low-Maintenance Myth Come From (04:22) - The Cortisol Cascade: How People-Pleasing Wrecks Your Nervous System (06:49) -Your Identity Is at Stake: What You’re Really Losing When You Keep the Peace (08:52) - Practical Ways to Start Showing Up Without Shrinking Your Needs (12:01) - How to Finally Break the Low-Maintenance Cycle   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Don't forget -- The Uplift app is FINALLY here! Try it free for 30 days. Alli’s Product Recommendation - Native Path Bone Health Collagen Peptides Some things are beautiful, some things are meaningful—but when you find both in one? That’s something special. Little Things Studio’s Hymn Tea Towel set brings beloved hymns to life through stunning floral designs printed on 100% cotton for the perfect blend of charm and function.   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo,   Alli