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

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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

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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

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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