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Each week, The Whole Writer podcast with Nicole Meier creates space for writers to nurture both their craft and themselves, exploring what it means to write from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.
If you’re an emerging author seeking guidance, this podcast is for you!
92 Episodes
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Struggling with self-doubt or writer's block? Discover five essential truths that will transform how you approach your novel or memoir. Learn how to write authentically, believe in your manuscript, avoid burnout, and embrace the right opportunities for your book. Essential advice for fiction writers at any stage of their writing journey. 🎙️Find more on Nicole Meier here.
What if you could publish your memoir or novel directly to readers as you write it? Writer Jessy Easton shares how she's serializing her memoir "The One Who Leaves" on Substack, building a dedicated readership while crafting her story in real-time. We discuss the creative freedom of serial publishing, how it changes the writing process, and why connecting directly with readers can be both terrifying and transformative. If you've ever wondered what to write on Substack whether Substack or anot...
If you’re a novelist or fiction writer keeping your work tucked away, convinced you’re “not ready” to share it, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what it really means to gatekeep your writing—and how doing so might be holding your creative growth hostage. I’ll unpack the mindset behind working in a silo and the fears that keep writers protecting their stories a little too tightly. I'll share what gatekeeping your work is costing you, and what might be possible if you let your story...
I'm thrilled to welcome Jane Friedman to the show! Jane has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, and I've been following her work for close to a decade. In this conversation, I ask Jane about the major shifts she's witnessed in publishing over the past ten years. We explore: the explosive growth of audiobooksthe new tools and platforms available to writers today the rise of the creator economy and its impact on authorsthe emergence of AI in writing and publishingJane...
Join me for a conversation with author and writing mentor Kathryn Craft as she reveals insights from her new craft book for writers. In this episode, Kathryn Craft shares transformative techniques for novel writers and fiction writers ready to elevate their storytelling. Discover how to master the invisible spaces between words where author meets reader, and learn why revising your novel requires bringing your whole self to the page. Whether you're an aspiring novelist struggling with story m...
Are you getting feedback from the wrong critique group? In this episode, I share why surrounding yourself with the right writing community is essential for novel writers. I'll show you how to find critique partners who actually read your genre, build a supportive writing community that accelerates your craft, and know when it's time to work with a developmental editor or book coach. Whether you're drafting your first manuscript or seeking feedback on your latest chapters, I'll help you intent...
Go behind the scenes of a thriving book festival with Amanda Bullock from podcast sponsor, Literary Arts. She reveals what it takes to create an unforgettable experience for book lovers, novel writers, and readers alike. This episode explores how a major regional literary festival celebrates Pacific Northwest writers while building a vibrant author community. Discover the unique programming that makes a book festival come alive, from intimate popup readings where local authors and emerging wr...
In this episode, we explore how writers can elevate their creative process by intentionally designing their writing space. Join us as I interview Dorena Kohrs, The Space Doula, who shares her expertise on creating creative spaces that fuel inspiration and productivity. Discover how your creative space directly impacts your writing practice and learn practical strategies for transforming any area into a dedicated writing sanctuary. We dive deep into the powerful act of decluttering your ...
Join me in this conversation with Anne Boyd, author of the viral Substack newsletter "Audacious Women Creative Lives" and former literature professor who made a dramatic life transformation at 52. In this powerful episode, Anne shares her journey from academic burnout to creative freedom, revealing how autoimmune disease, divorce, empty nest syndrome, and grief catalyzed her decision to "burn her whole life to the ground" and start over. Topics Covered: Midlife career transitions and reinvent...
In this solo episode, I’m talking directly to novelists about a mindset shift that can change how you see yourself and your manuscript: you don’t need to be fixed. Your writing voice is already inside you—it doesn’t need to be installed or made more “writerly.” It needs to be nurtured, strengthened, and given space to take shape. What we’re exploring: ✨ Why the language of “fixing” your manuscript (or yourself) is so damaging. ✨ The difference between strengthening a draft and treating ...
In this conversation episode, I sit down with Jill Beissel, debut novelist and author of Glitter and Gold, to talk about what it really takes to stay resilient on the path to publication. We’re speaking to writers who are deep in the query trenches, facing rejection, or holding onto the dream of signing with a literary agent and landing a traditional book deal. What we’re exploring: ✨ How Jill faced over 100 rejections before finding the right agent and publisher. ✨ Why joy in the writi...
In this conversation episode, I sit down with Dr. Candice Stanfield Wiswell, a writer, psychologist, and ADHD writing coach, to talk about what it means to build a joyful and sustainable writing life with ADHD. We’re speaking to writers who feel scattered, stuck in perfectionist loops, or frustrated by inconsistent progress. What we’re exploring: ✨ ADHD isn’t a flaw in your writing life—it’s a different way of thinking that can fuel creativity and depth. ✨ Why typical writing routines d...
In this solo episode, I explore the delicate balance between external writing resources (craft books, courses, workshops) and your internal creative intuition. I'm talking to writers who feel overwhelmed by all the advice out there while trying to maintain their authentic voice. What I'm sharing: Resources and intuition aren't opposites—they're dance partners that should work together. I want you to think of craft books and courses as offerings from other writers' journeys, not commandments y...
In this episode, I sit down with my literary agent Abby Saul for a deep dive into the querying process, the realities of an agent’s role, and what makes a submission stand out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of querying, you won’t want to miss her top advice for catching an agent’s eye in a crowded inbox. We also debunk common myths about what agents actually do, break down what grabs their attention in a query letter, and explore current market trends—plus, how to balan...
I'm pulling back the curtain in today's episode and talking about what it's really like to be an author in today's market. With me, are two of my author friends to help with a healthy and honest discussion around the business of being an author. Tracey Lange and Kerry Chaput join me to discuss: Balancing writing time and publishing responsibilitiesWorking on a deadlineThe benefits of writing groupsFeedback and revisionsThe journey of draft to publicationThe ever-changing marketYou can find mo...
Today we’re diving into a topic that every novelist encounters sooner or later: how to handle feedback without losing your voice. Inside this episode, I'll cover the different types of feedback you might receive, how to process it with grace and clarity, and how to make changes while staying true to the story only you can tell. To find more on Nicole: Website | Substack
In this episode I explore what happens when writers feel creatively restless—when the work that once excited us begins to feel too safe or familiar. I dive into the intimate process of following new themes and subject matter that truly call to you, even when they feel risky or don't fit expectations. I also share my own vulnerable journey of stepping outside my comfort zone, offer practical 15-minute exercises for gentle creative exploration, and address the fear that comes with being a...
Join me for an illuminating conversation with literary agent and doctoral researcher Erin Niumata about the past, present, and future of women's fiction as a genre. With nearly 20 years at Folio Literary Management and ongoing PhD research into women's publishing history, Erin shares her unique perspective on how the genre has evolved over time to today's market challenges. She discusses the fluid nature of women's fiction, the rise of cross-genre storytelling, and how her academic rese...
In this episode, I sit down with author Amanda Vano. After receiving a workplace grant for her creative goals, Amanda shares how having dedicated time and accountability accelerated her writing journey from someone with no formal creative training to a writer who secured literary representation. Our conversation explores how shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of creative freedom allowed Amanda to take risks, immerse herself in the writing community, and focus on craft development rather ...
Join me for an intimate living room chat with author Kelly Kearsley, who shares her remarkable journey from seasoned nonfiction writer to debut novelist with a Big Five book deal. In this candid conversation, Kelly reveals the realities of the query process, the importance of building literary community, and how her journalism background both helped and hindered her fiction writing. She offers practical wisdom on treating your writing like a job and understanding that the journey of bec...
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