Tony Tips Tuesdays™: Be Ready to Talk About What You Write

One of the most overlooked yet essential responsibilities of a writer—or any creative—is being able to talk about your work. Whether you’re in a formal interview, sitting on a panel at a convention, or simply riding an elevator with someone curious about your book, your ability to speak clearly, passionately, and confidently about your writing is just as important as the work itself.

Today’s Tony Tips Tuesdays is all about helping you prepare to represent your craft with pride—anywhere, anytime.

Be Ready for the Moment

You never know when the opportunity to talk about your work will arrive. It might come during a family dinner, in a chance encounter at a bookstore, or in a five-second elevator ride. Are you ready?

Every writer should have a clear, concise, and engaging way to talk about what they do. Think of it as your “elevator pitch.” Not a sales pitch—but a heart pitch. A way to express what your work is about, why you write it, and what you hope readers gain from it.

Don’t underestimate those “small” moments. A short conversation with a stranger could lead to a new reader, a collaboration, or a speaking opportunity. When you're clear about what you do and why, people remember you. Doors open.

Practice Makes Purposeful

Take a few moments this week to answer these questions aloud:

• What is your current project about?

  
  

• What inspired you to write it?

  
  

• Who do you hope it reaches?

  
  

• What message or feeling do you want it to leave behind?

Answering these questions isn’t just for others—it helps remind you why your work matters.

Once you’ve answered, take it a step further. Practice delivering those answers in different tones—friendly conversation, formal introduction, radio interview, etc. Record yourself. Get comfortable hearing your own voice speak your passion.

Share With Confidence

Your voice matters. When you talk about your work, you breathe life into your words. You never know who you might inspire. Someone might be encouraged to read your book, start their own, or finally believe that stories like theirs deserve to be told.

Confidence comes from preparation. Don’t wait until the camera is on or the mic is hot. Start practicing now.

Expand Your Reach Through Conversation

Discussing your work publicly makes you more than a writer—you become an ambassador for your ideas, for your genre, for your community. Whether you’re a novelist, poet, screenwriter, journalist, or blogger, being able to talk about what you create helps build relationships, visibility, and opportunity.

Writers often feel their words should stay on the page, but the truth is: a story lives its fullest life when it's shared, discussed, and celebrated out loud. Be the one who can represent your message with clarity and passion.

A Fun and Grateful Experience

Today, I had the great pleasure of recording an interview with West TN PBS CEO Peter Noll for an upcoming episode of Tennessee Writes. It was a fantastic experience—fun, uplifting, and inspiring. A big thank you to Peter (who serves as the executive producer and host), Baily Luther (producer), Darrell Conner (camera and engineering), and Charles Glisson (audio) and the entire West TN PBS staff for making my wife Tajuana and me feel so welcomed. I can’t wait to share the episode with everyone!

Being on set reminded me how important it is to be ready—not just to write, but to talk about the writing journey. Whether it’s on public television, at a conference, or in a casual setting, the ability to connect with others through conversation is an extension of your storytelling gift.

The lights, the cameras, the questions—all of it was a surreal experience. But what grounded me was remembering my “why.” I had to remind myself that I wasn’t there just to promote a book—I was there to share a calling, a purpose, and a piece of the journey that led to S.O.L.A.D.™ That kind of clarity changes how you show up.

What to Share in an Interview or Conversation

If you find yourself in an interview or live setting, here are some areas you can confidently speak about:

• The inspiration behind your work

  
  

• Your writing process

  
  

• Challenges you've overcome

  
  

• The message you want to share with readers

  
  

• The impact your work has had so far

  
  

• What your faith or values bring to your writing

  
  

• Why this moment in your journey matters

Real-Life Examples from Master Communicators

• Maya Angelou often spoke about her writing and life with grace, clarity, and spiritual depth. She didn’t shy away from the pain in her work—but she always anchored it in hope.

  
  

• Stephen King is known for being relatable and humorous during interviews. He explains his horror stories with ease and even a sense of humility, showing that confidence and candor go hand in hand.

  
  

• Toni Morrison, when asked about her process, often redirected the focus back to the story’s meaning. Her measured tone and precision in speech mirrored the elegance of her writing.

They weren’t just writers. They were spokespersons for the themes they carried—and so are you.

Tips for Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions

1. Listen First: Pay attention to the tone and energy of the discussion. Tailor your answers accordingly.

   
   

2. Keep It Clear: Avoid rambling. Speak with structure—start with a point, support it briefly, and wrap up.

   
   

3. Use Examples: Stories about your writing journey resonate more than vague philosophies.

   
   

4. Be Humble and Bold: You don’t have to have all the answers. Be transparent, but also stand proudly in your experience.

   
   

5. Acknowledge Your Audience: Whether you’re talking to young writers, fellow authors, or new readers, connect with their curiosity and purpose.

Faith-Based Encouragement

The Bible reminds us in 1 Peter 3:15:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

As writers, we should also be ready to give a reason for the words we write. Your story has purpose. Don’t shy away from speaking about it.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." —Colossians 4:6

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." —Proverbs 10:11

God has given you a message, a testimony, and a voice. Use it boldly and with humility. Your story may be the very encouragement someone else has been waiting to hear.

Writing Reflection Challenge

• Write a one-paragraph summary of your current work in progress.

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• Practice saying it aloud to a friend, your mirror, or record yourself.

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• Add one sentence about why this story means something to you.

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• Then answer this bonus question: What do you want your readers to do, feel, or remember after reading it?

Bonus Challenge: Practice summarizing your story in 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. The more comfortable you are speaking about your work at different lengths, the more adaptable you become.

Practice Dialogue Prompts:

• “I write because...”

  
  

• “The message I hope readers take away is...”

  
  

• “If I could sum up my writing in one line, it would be...”

  
  

• “This story was born out of...”

Think Like a Brand

You are more than a name on a cover. You are a voice. A brand. An experience.

Being able to talk about your writing helps you create consistency between who you are on the page and who you are in person. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m a writer.” Then share why.

Writers often feel uncomfortable promoting themselves, but this isn’t about promotion—it’s about connection. It’s about being a good steward of the message you were entrusted to share.

The more prepared you are, the less you’ll feel like you’re “on the spot.” Instead, you’ll shine naturally. When you embrace both your gift and the platform, the confidence you build carries into every room you enter.

Final Thought

Writing is only half the journey. The other half is connection—reaching hearts, sparking conversations, and inspiring others through dialogue. Be ready. Be bold. Be proud.

Your ability to speak about your work reflects your passion, your preparation, and your purpose. So the next time someone asks, “What do you write?” you won’t just have an answer—you’ll have a testimony.

We need your voice—on the page and in the world.

Until next time, keep writing and keep sharing.

About the Author:

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr. is the author of the inspirational superhero novel series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. This faith-driven, action-packed series follows teen heroes Kevin Edwards (Angelo™) and Juanita Grayson (Angeline™) as they battle demons, face impossible odds, and discover their true purpose as defenders of light in a dark world.

If you're looking for stories filled with hope, purpose, action, and supernatural battles between good and evil—S.O.L.A.D.™ is for you.

Order your autographed copies today at: www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/shop

Support independent authors. Share the light. Become a Soldier of Light Against Darkness™.