The Whole Writer

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?⁠ ⁠ Are you feeling like you need to step back and refill your creative well? ⁠ ⁠ 🎙️✨In 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 tho...

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 work Identifying frameworks that can help or hinder your progress How to triage your work with an analytical brain Plus, Savannah's sharing details about her brand new book for novel writers. Tune in to find out more....

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 t...

You're going to hear a special episode today.  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: How to go from idea to act...

Those who adapt a healthy mindset from the start are usually the ones who follow through with their novel writing dreams. That's why I'm breaking down some key mindset habits for writers inside today's episode. Tune in to learn 5 tips that will help you elevate your novel writing process. Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINAR 🚀

Here’s the tough truth, I often see writers (myself included at one time) who are so excited about their story idea that they rush through the process and forget to establish a strong foundation for their novel.  The result is a writer who hits the midpoint with no idea how they got there or where they’re going next.  The pages suddenly don’t seem to hang together and both the character and story...

Today's episode is all about story craft! I’m diving into the red flags that signal your novel manuscript might need a tune-up.  Writing a book is a massive undertaking, and with so many moving parts, it's easy to lose sight of crucial structural elements along the way. The four issues I’m diving into are:  Flat characters Poor narrative drive Confusing timelines Lack of conflict Tune in...

Inside this episode, I'm diving into a topic that most writers are not immune to: project overwhelm.  Sound familiar? I’m guessing the answer is yes. Because Whether you're a seasoned novelist or just starting your first manuscript, the weight of writing can sometimes feel like too much.  There are so many elements of story structure to learn, so many demands on keeping up a writing rout...

Today I’m tackling a question that every novelist faces at some point: "How do I know if my story premise will fill a whole book?"  If you’re excited about your idea but hesitant to dive into writing, this episode is for you.  I’m going to break it down into 3 simple steps to help you confidently take action with your novel. Tune in to learn more. Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing...

Today I'm diving into four crucial mistakes to avoid when writing your novel. While there is no wrong way to write your book, because your writing process should be your own, I can tell you that there are certain mistakes to be avoided in your process. Today I'm covering topics such as: Not having a roadmap Rushing the process Writing as if someone is looking over your shoulder Comparing...

Small but consistent efforts will keep you connected to your work this summer. Tune into today's short but sweet episode to learn three quick ways to keep your writing flow moving in the right direction this summer.  Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program WAITLIST 🚀

I have the privilege of getting to know fiction writers and their stories because of the work that I do. And lately, I've been noticing some trends. Today's episode is all about the list of trends that are unique to my corner of the world. Tune in to the episode to learn: 1) The types of "smart stories" coming across my desk 2) Risks and payoffs of genre-blending and going indi...

In today's episode, we're going to dive into a hot topic in the novel writing process: Beta readers versus developmental editors.  If you're a novelist looking to take your work to the next level, stay tuned, because we're about to uncover why beta readers and developmental editors are your secret weapon. Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program WAIT...

I sent out a CTA to my followers asking their burning questions about their writing and publishing journeys. I got a great response and am happy to say that the questions sent back to me have a nice range of topics.  This episode of Steps to Story is all about answering those questions! Inside this episode, I'm covering topics such as: The best method for outlining your novel How to know when...

Are flat characters killing your story? It's something I see all too often in my book coaching and developmental editing business.  In this episode of Steps to Story, I'm breaking down the WHY, HOW, and WHAT when it comes to breathing new life into your novel's cast of characters. Let's give your novel manuscript the attention it deserves! Tune in to learn more! Website | Insta...

In this episode, I'm talking about ONE crucial strategy for novel writers: the idea of leaning into your wins. I believe this practice can be a key tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving your  goals. Especially when it comes to your writing and publishing journey. Tune in to find out how you can start incorporating this one thing into your writing practice in order to turn things around...

Today is my book's birthday! CITY OF BOOKS is now out in the world. And in celebration, I want to do something a little different today. I'm going to pull back the curtain and share parts of my author journey with you.  Inside this episode, I'm sharing the Top Ten Things I've Learned in my author career. Tune in to hear about my thoughts on: Writing life Editors Publishers Auth...

I'm having an inspired conversation with two of my sisters in publishing for our books releasing this spring and summer. And there's a giveaway! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Together with authors Jeanne Blasberg and Susie Orman Schnall, we're breaking it down and talking about the real, real behind:  The writing process The publishing industry What it took to get our books out into the world THERE&...

In today's episode, I'm taking a deep dive into the BIG shifts in publishing with my publisher, Brooke Warner. We're having an open conversation about: Publishing paths The world of hybrid The changing landscape Realities of book distribution Expectations of a new generation Opportunities and tips for authors And so much more! This episode is packed with insight that you don't...

Welcome to a special month of podcast episodes! Because this is my book launch month (CITY OF BOOKS releases May 28th📚), I’m taking my podcast from solo episodes to interviews.⁠ ⁠ Today, I'm talking with Jennie Nash. ⁠ Inside this episode, we're talking about why mentors matter. We're uncovering what happens when someone shines a light on our creative path, to reveal what's po...

Crafting a strong opening scene is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone for the entire novel.  As writers, we know this on some level, and yet when it comes to crafting that important opening chapter, we sometimes forget which elements to include. So, in today’s episode, I'm discussing key elements that writers need to know when creating the opening to their n...

Today’s episode is meant to be a gentle reminder for anyone who is feeling perplexed or frustrated with certain elements of the writing and publishing journey.  While some elements of the publishing world may be out of a writer's control, there are SO many things that aren't.⁠ ⁠   My number one recommendation is to take time to focus on the craft. Because in this, there are five wonderfu...

In this episode, we'll be delving into the art of restraint in novel writing. Specifically, we'll discuss why it's crucial for writers to resist the temptation to throw in everything but the kitchen sink into their novel manuscript. Otherwise known as kitchen sink syndrome. It’s something I see often in my book coaching and developmental editing business – writers find themselves st...

If you've been second-guessing yourself and letting doubt hold you back from your writing goals, this episode is for you! As a book coach, I have writers come to me and admit they have a nice story outline with all kinds of good research and prep work complete…yet they just can’t find a way to get words onto the page. So, today I want to talk about something that comes up in different phases...

Inside this episode of Steps to Story, we discuss why knowing your protagonist on a deeper level allows you to create a more engaging and relatable story. When you understand your character's hopes, dreams, fears, and flaws, you can craft a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound emotional level. Tune in to discover an exercise to help you identify the "why" behind your...