Episode 487: Stop Hoarding Your Writing: Why Your Old Articles, Reels, and Speaking Notes Are Book-Ready Ingredients

Have you ever felt like you need to start from scratch every time you begin a new writing project? What if the material you've already created—your blog posts, speaking notes, Instagram reels, and journal entries—is actually the foundation for your next book?

In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Becky Keife, author of the brand new book A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, to discuss how writers can strategically repurpose their existing content without feeling like they're cutting corners.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

If you've been building your platform by writing articles, creating social media content, or speaking on your topic, you've been unknowingly stockpiling ingredients for your book. Becky shares how God showed her that the years of content she'd created around anxiety weren't just a safety net—they were her launch pad.

Key Insights for Writers

• Your backlog is a gift, not a shortcut. Instead of viewing repurposed content as lazy writing, recognize it as stewarding what God has already given you.
• Social proof matters. That Instagram reel that performed well? That conference talk that resonated? Those are signals pointing you toward content that connects with your audience.
• Research your own words first. Before diving into other experts' books, mine your own articles, journals, speaking notes, and social media posts.
• Repetition serves your reader. The same story told multiple times can bring fresh insight, deeper connection, and spiritual transformation.
• Old stories gain new insights. Your perspective evolves, and the Holy Spirit makes new connections over time.

Practical Steps to Mine Your Archive

Becky offers actionable advice for gathering your existing content: compile everything in one place, block out time to review your own social media, reread old journals, and capture significant paragraphs that apply to your current project. Whether you use Scrivener, Word docs, or simple folders, having your research organized in one space helps your brain stay focused.

A Word of Encouragement

If you're feeling anxious about writing your book (even if it's not about anxiety!), this conversation will remind you that God has been preparing you all along. The content you've created, the stories you've told, and the insights you've gathered are not random—they're the ingredients for something beautiful.