The Whole Writer

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...

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...

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...

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 ta...

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 f...

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...

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 hop...

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,...

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

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...

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...

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, t...

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 write...

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 write...

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 write...

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...

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 t...

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

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 g...

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 ben...

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

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...

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!).⁠ ✨...

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,...

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 ge...