In this transformative episode, I sit down with Gabriela Blandy—writer, life coach, breathwork facilitator, and shamanic practitioner—to explore the deeper reasons behind creative resistance and procrastination. Gabriela reveals that most of us weren't taught that our dreams are our most precious possession, leading to automatic patterns of looking away from our creative urges. She explains how childhood conditioning creates physical tension in our bodies that literally blocks creative energy fr...
Jul 01, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 70
I've been noticing some common themes in the conversations I'm having with writers. So today, instead of answering specific questions you've sent me, I want to address five patterns I keep seeing in my work with novel writers. Patterns that go beyond craft and into how we sustain ourselves as creative people. These aren't just technical writing problems. They're the deeper challenges that can make or break our writing career. They're about mindset, sustainability and what it really takes to show...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 69
In this inspiring episode, bestselling author J.T. Ellison shares what it really takes to build a creative life that stands the test of time. From honoring the seasons of your writing career to navigating burnout and rediscovering joy, J.T. offers candid insights into the mindset shifts, boundaries, and community connections that keep creativity sustainable. Whether you're in the trenches of a first draft or navigating the ups and downs of publishing, her wisdom is a reminder that longevity in t...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 68
In this episode, I sit down with the writing duo Ali Brady (Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey) about creative collaboration. The former critique partners share how they evolved from giving each other feedback to co-authoring bestselling novels during the pandemic, emphasizing that collaboration multiplies rather than diminishes creative potential. They discuss their writing process where each takes a different character's perspective, their mutual respect and shared work ethic, and how they sup...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. In today’s episode, I’m diving into what it really means to build your literary village : the people who support, challenge, and celebrate you from idea to launch. I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my fourth novel's journey—from my editor to beta readers, agent, publicist, and indie booksellers—and offering practical tips on how you can find the right support team for your season of writing. Because while the writing may be solitary, the pub...
Jun 03, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Join me today as creative coach Tedd Hawks and I talk about why sharing your writing is so terrifying, the neurological reasons our brains resist putting our work out there, how to overcome the fear of rejection by reframing it as fear of regret, why the "lone genius" writer myth is harmful, and practical ways to find and build a supportive writing community that will help you grow as a writer. Find more on Tedd Hawks here. Find more on Nicole here....
May 27, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Today I'm diving deep into the writer mindset with my dear friend and accomplished therapist, coach, author, and speaker Molly Carroll. We cover so much ground from the transformative power of morning rituals to reframing our resistance through a completely new lens. Molly shares incredible insights about self-care through the creative process, and honestly, so much more than I could have hoped for. I encourage you to turn in to hear more. Find more on Molly Carroll here Find more on Nicole here...
May 20, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 64
There's something happening to us writers right now, isn't there? The algorithms reward, consistency. The platform's demand content, and somewhere in the rush we've started to believe that faster means better. That value comes from volume, that our worth as creators is measured in word counts and publishing schedules. If you've been feeling the pressure of creating faster, publishing more, and somehow keeping up with the relentless pace of the digital world. This episode is my gift to you. Websi...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Today's episode marks a gentle transition, one I've been contemplating for some time and am excited to finally share it with you. This podcast is embracing a new name, The Whole Writer . I'm sharing the why inside the episode. Want to connect? Email: nicole@nicolemeier.com Substack: @nicolemeierwrites
May 06, 2025•8 min•Season 2Ep. 62
In this episode I dive into the quiet, hidden fear that holds so many writers back — the comfort of invisibility. Whether you’ve told yourself “I’m not ready yet” or “this isn’t good enough,” chances are it’s not your story that’s the problem. It’s fear dressed up as perfection, safety, or self-doubt. Let's unpack why staying unseen feels deceptively comfortable, and how taking small, brave steps toward visibility can shift everything. If you’ve been hiding your work, this one’s for you. Website...
Apr 29, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 61
What does it mean to be a whole writer? For me and for so many of the writers I work with, it means expanding our definition of success. It means creating a writing life that includes, yes, the craft of storytelling, but also a creative rhythm that honors your energy and life season. A community of other writers who get it and who share your values. A curiosity about your ideal reader, not from a marketing lens first, but from a connection lens. Tune in to find out more. Links and resource from ...
Apr 22, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 60
In this heartfelt episode, we chat with debut novelist Jennifer O'Brien, whose publishing journey took a surprising and inspiring turn. After a real-life dream of buying a fixer-upper didn’t pan out, she turned the experience into fiction—crafting a novel rich with themes of love, self-discovery, and the true meaning of home. We explore how real-life experiences influence story development, the deeper messages she hopes readers will carry with them, and the pivotal moments she leaned on intuitio...
Apr 15, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 59
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring group of thoughtful, compassionate coaches and editors who are all deeply invested in helping writers like you bring their stories to life. We spent time setting intentions supporting one another and talking about the many ways we can uplift the writers we work with. And as we talked, I couldn't help but think, what if I could bring their wisdom and enco...
Apr 08, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 58
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring group of thoughtful, compassionate coaches and editors who are all deeply invested in helping writers like you bring their stories to life. We spent time setting intentions supporting one another and talking about the many ways we can uplift the writers we work with. And as we talked, I couldn't help but think, what if I could bring their wisdom and enco...
Apr 01, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 57
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring group of thoughtful, compassionate coaches and editors who are all deeply invested in helping writers like you bring their stories to life. We spent time setting intentions supporting one another and talking about the many ways we can uplift the writers we work with. And as we talked, I couldn't help but think, what if I could bring their wisdom and enco...
Mar 25, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Today I'm discussing one of the most crucial parts of your novel: the first pages. You've heard it a million times, your opening pages need to quote hook readers, but why is that so important? Well, these first pages are your novels, handshake. They set up expectations, pose story questions, establish tone. And if you're aiming for traditional publishing, they might just be your one shot at impressing literary agents or editors at publishing houses. In this episode, I'll unpack why those first p...
Mar 18, 2025•11 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Today, I want to talk about one of the hardest parts of writing: embracing the imperfection of that first draft. I know it can feel like you’re slogging through a swamp of clunky dialogue, meandering plots, and sentences that don’t quite shine. You might even wonder if you’re wasting your time. But here’s what I want you to know: Your so-called flawed first draft is actually a gift . It’s a sign that you’re showing up to the page with courage and letting the story unfold, no matter how messy. In...
Mar 11, 2025•10 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Today we're talking about that one thing: the mysterious, nagging problem in your novel that you just can't seem to fix. Every writer hits this wall, and today I'm going to help you find a way through. Join me as I discuss four effective methods for overcoming story writing struggles. Website | VIP Day Coaching | Substack...
Mar 04, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 53
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 balance indust...
Feb 25, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 52
In today’s publishing world, authors aren’t just storytellers—they’re also the CEOs of their own brand. That responsibility can feel overwhelming, but the good news is, you don’t have to do everything all at once. In this episode, Gretchen Schaffer and I break down the three core "Why’s" of building your author platform. Our goal is to help writers take intentional next steps in connecting with the right audience—without the stress of trying to be everywhere at once. Here’s what we’ll share: Why...
Feb 18, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 51
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 responsibilities Working on a deadline The benefits of writing groups Feedback and revisions The journey of draft to publication The ever-changing market You can find...
Feb 11, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 50
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...
Feb 04, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Today on the pod we're covering an important topic, the writer mindset. For anyone who has found themselves facing creative anxiety or procrastination, this episode is for you. My guest today is Rhonda Douglas, an award winning poet and fiction author. She is the host of the Resilient Writers radio show and a longtime creativity coach and writing mentor. Together, we're discussing: How to tackle creative anxiety The art of being present The power of creative community Facing off with perfectioni...
Jan 28, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this week's episode, I'm having an honest and inspired roundtable discussion with four of my writing clients. We dive into the nerves, surprises, and triumphs of attending their first writers' conference. We share: ✨ Why they took the plunge into their first conference—and how to prepare like a pro. ✨ The most unexpected moments that left them stunned (in the best way!). ✨ Smart tips for networking, even if you’re an introvert. ✨ That unforgettable moment of inspiration and validation eve...
Jan 21, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 47
What comes first when writing a novel? The dreaming or the drafting? The plotting or the planning? It seems simple—until it doesn’t. First-time novelists often hit a moment where they wonder: Am I doing this all wrong? In this episode, we’re breaking down the order of operations for novel writing, helping you find clarity and confidence in your process. Because spoiler: There’s no “wrong” way, just your way. Tune into Steps to Story now to get unstuck and move forward with your novel. Check...
Jan 14, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 46
If you're here, it’s because you’ve got a story on your heart that’s yearning to be written—and published. But let’s get real for a second: Are you just daydreaming about being an author, or are you actually building the roadmap to make it happen? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the tough love truths about what it really takes to write, finish, and publish your novel. No fluff. No generic advice. Just the plan you need to move forward. In fact, my focus for Season Two is to give you t...
Jan 07, 2025•9 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Inside this (replay) episode I'm sharing an unfiltered look at my author journey over the last decade. After four published novels, I'm sharing the Top 10 things I've learned - everything from working with gatekeepers, understanding market trends, building community, and identifying meaningful author goals. This episode also marks the end of Season 1 of the Steps to Story podcast. I'm taking a small break, but will be back in 2025 with more! Happy listening! Website | Instagram | Free Guide ✨...
Dec 10, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Ever wish you could go behind-the-scenes and ask an author how they went from idea to finished manuscript, how they overcame writing challenges, and how they went about the business of self-publishing their first book? Good news, I'm doing that today with author Saleema Ishq. Please join me as we dive into Saleema's journey from short story writer to debut novelist! You can find more about Saleema and her book at fearlessphrases.com To find Nicole: Website | Instagram | Free Guide ✨...
Dec 03, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Feeling stuck in your writing? There’s a difference between forcing a story and letting it flow. With the New Year approaching, it’s easy to feel the pressure to “just get it done.” But sometimes, the best progress happens when we lean into flow. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three ways to know when to push and when to let go: 1️⃣ Write from intention, not tension. 2️⃣ Build habits that invite ease, not strain. 3️⃣ Approach your story with curiosity, not pressure. Tune in to learn mor...
Nov 26, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Listeners, you’re in for a treat today. I’m chatting with friend and author coach, Camille Pagan. We’re diving into the topics of... author mindset career decisions roadblocks market trends ...and so much more. You can learn more about her work at www.camillepagan.com and www.evenbetter.co For more on Nicole: Website | Instagram | Free Guide ✨...
Nov 19, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 41
