Episoder
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Today weāre 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 -
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.
How to tackle creative anxiety The art of being presentThe power of creative communityFacing off with perfectionism
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:I encourage you to curl up somewhere quiet and give a thoughtful listen.
To find more on Nicole: Website | Substack
To find more on Rhonda Douglas: Website | The Resilient Writers Radio Show -
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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:ā
āØ Why they took the plunge into their first conferenceāand how to prepare like a pro.ā
āØ The most unexpected moments that left them stunned (in the best way!).ā
āØ Smart tips for networking, even if youāre an introvert.ā
āØ That unforgettable moment of inspiration and validation every writer dreams of.ā
āØ Lessons learned and advice for first-time attendees to make the most of the experience.ā
Whether youāre gearing up for your first conference or reflecting on your own journey, this episode will inspire you to show up, shine, and own your space as a writer. Tune in to hear their nuggets of wisdom!
To find more on Nicole: Coaching | Book Works
To find more on:
Megan Eilers: Substack | Instagram
Kelly Kearsley: Substack
Christi (Ella Merriweather): Website | Instagram -
What comes first when writing a novel? The dreaming or the drafting? The plotting or the planning?
ā It seems simpleāuntil it doesnāt. First-time novelists often hit a moment where they wonder: Am I doing this all wrong?ā
ā In this episode, weāre breaking down the order of operations for novel writing, helping you find clarity and confidence in your process. Because spoiler: Thereās no āwrongā way, just your way.ā
ā Tune into Steps to Story now to get unstuck and move forward with your novel.
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If you're here, itās because youāve got a story on your heart thatās yearning to be writtenāand published.ā
But letās get real for a second: Are you just daydreaming about being an author, or are you actually building the roadmap to make it happen? ā
In todayās episode, Iām 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. ā
In fact, my focus for Season Two is to give you the real-real. Season One was a lot of how to strengthen your manuscriptā¦which Iām still here for 100%. This season, however, Iām also aiming to help you strengthen your plan to get it into the world. ā
Want to know more? Tune in and find out!
Website | Courses | Coaching -
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 GuideāØ -
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 GuideāØ -
Feeling stuck in your writing? Thereās a difference between forcing a story and letting it flow. ā With the New Year approaching, itās easy to feel the pressure to ājust get it done.ā But sometimes, the best progress happens when we lean into flow.ā
In todayās episode, Iām sharing three ways to know when to push and when to let go: ā
1ļøā£ Write from intention, not tension. ā
2ļøā£ Build habits that invite ease, not strain. ā
3ļøā£ Approach your story with curiosity, not pressure.ā
Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Guide | BOOK WORKS RETREAT!š -
Listeners, youāre in for a treat today. Iām chatting with friend and author coach, Camille Pagan. Weāre diving into the topics of...
author mindsetcareer 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 GuideāØ -
Today is another Ask Me Anything! Inside this episode I'm answering these five questions:
1) How to tell if you're over-revising your novel manuscript.
2) What to do if you've hit a wall and can't move forward.
3) How to consider social media and your author platform.
4) What to do when you're feeling sick of reading your own work.
5) How to tackle self-doubt.
Tune in to hear my tips and suggestions!
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
In today's episode, I'm diving into a crucial question for novel writers. Are you relying on tactics or strategies to move your work and progress forward?
This is a subtle but essential distinction, and getting clear on it can make all the difference in your writing process.
Today, I'll walk you through three key questions to ask yourself when it comes to your work in progress. Plus, I'll also give tips on how to shift from reactive tactics to purposeful strategies...and how to balance both!
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
Today I'm diving into one of my all time favorite topics: writing retreats. What makes them such a transformative experience for authors and how can they benefit our writing?
I'm talking about solo retreats, group retreats, and everything in between. If you've been feeling stuck, uninspired, or just overwhelmed by the day to day hustle, tune in because this episode will help you see how a retreat can not only recharge your creativity, but propel you forward in your writing journey.
Visit BookWorks.co for retreat info!
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
In today's episode of Steps to Story, we're diving into one of the most crucial aspects of storytelling, your story's structure.
For those of you who follow me, you'll know that my mission is to help you blend story structure with the story that's on your heart. Because as many of us know, it's not typically the actual story idea that needs work.
It's the structure, the way in which we're telling it that often requires strengthening.
I'll be covering two related topics:
1) Strengthening the bones of your story
2) Getting personalized coaching that will empower you to go deeper
Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
Suspense, mysteries and thrillers, oh my! Welcome to spooky season! Inside this episode of Steps to Story I'm talking with book coaches Samantha Skal and Kerry Savage about:
The ideation of twistsKnowing your villainCharacter POVThe power of creativity communityManaging your WIPAnd so much more!
You can Samantha Skal here.
You can find Kerry Savage here.
You can find Shadows & Secrets here.
To find more on Nicole -
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
Today I'm exploring how you can strategically allow yourself to be distracted and how those moments can open up new avenues in your novel writing.
I'm uncovering six strategies that will not only give your brain a creative break, but allow you to bring fresh insights into your work in progress.
Tune in to find out how.
Website | Instagram | Free GuideāØ -
Are you an emerging author who's starting to think about your author platform? Or perhaps you're just dipping your toe into the world of publisher pitches and agent queries. šā
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And let's be real, it can be a complicated journey. Right?
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Because writing the book's only half the equation. These days, not only do authors need to be storytellers, they're also expected to be theā CEO's of their own brand.
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From building your author platform to querying agents, it's tough to know where to kick things off.ā
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Join Gretchen Schaffer and me as we dive into all things author platforms on this week's episode of the Steps to Story podcast. Plus, we've got an exciting announcement! šļøāØā
Find out more at BookWorks.Co -
Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of creative burnout? The state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that affects your creative work?ā
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Are you feeling like you need to step back and refill your creative well? ā
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šļøāØIn this week's episode of Steps to Story, I'm diving deep into this topic with Emily Golden and Rachel May of Tenacious Writing. It's a thoughtful conversation that acts as a balm to my overworked senses. ā
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I invite you to tune in as the three of us discuss everything from perfectionism to hustle culture when it comes to the writing life.ā
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Tune in to hear more!
Find Emily Golden here.
Find Rachel May here.
Find Tenacious Writing here.
To find more on Nicole -
Website | Instagram | Free Guide -
Today I'm talking with fellow book coach Savannah Gilbo about how to write an action story that works. Inside the episode we're discussing:
The idea of doing your best workIdentifying frameworks that can help or hinder your progressHow to triage your work with an analytical brainPlus, Savannah's sharing details about her brand new book for novel writers. Tune in to find out more.
To find more on Savannah -
website: savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: savannah.gilbo
Book: Amazon
To find more on Nicole -
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide -
If you didn't get a chance to attend my free webinar on August 27th, which was titled: How to Go From Idea to Action in Your Novel Writing; the good news is, I'm sharing the content again here inside this episode in the form of a free mini-masterclass.
Inside this mini-masterclass, I'll be sharing four steps:
1) Identifying your story message
2) Determining whether you have enough to fill a whole book
3) Creating your novel's roadmap
4) Moving through obstacles
For those who want to go deeper, head to stepstostory.com/program
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program š -
You're going to hear a special episode today.
How to go from idea to actionWhat's working and not working in novel writingThe power of creative community
It's a replay where five of my past students get together and talk about their experiences inside the Steps to Story program. Hopefully it will give you insight into my Steps to Story group novel writing program, but also some good motivation for your own work in progress.
Inside we're covering topics such as:and so much more!
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program š - Se mer
