Struggling with how to revise a novel or memoir once the first draft is done? In this episode, I reframe revision as the real heart of writing a book, not just fixing typos and tightening scenes. Learn why the self-editing process is emotional as much as technical, how to find the story underneath your story, and why writers lose themselves when they revise to please feedback instead of revising toward the book they meant to write. If you're deep in your own novel revision process or memoir r...

A quick note before the new season starts: revision has no roadmap, and that's exactly the problem. Introducing Whole Revision, a ten-week cohort for my paid Substack subscribers, opening September 8th. I'd love to see you inside! To join, visit this link here. Email: [email protected]

What if the secret to writing a compelling novel—and querying it successfully—starts with understanding what's deeply meaningful to you? In this episode, I sit down with author Karin Gillespie to explore how to identify the personal connection in your writing and translate it into a pitch that agents and editors can't ignore. Karin, author of nine novels and creator of the popular Substack "Pitch Your Novel," shares her 20+ year publishing journey—from traditional publishing with the Big Five...

Jane Friedman discusses the major shifts she's witnessed in publishing over the past ten years. Inside this episode, 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 brings her signature practical wisdom and market intelligence to help writers understand and navigate this transformed landscape. Tune in for more. 🎙️Find more o...

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 the creative world ...

I'm sharing an interview I originally recorded for the Cracking Open podcast because the conversation feels just as relevant for our Whole Writer community. We talk about something I believe deeply: creativity isn't reserved for people with endless time, perfect circumstances, or extraordinary talent. It's a practice of returning to yourself—again and again. In our conversation, we explore: • How I found my way back to writing after years of raising three children and caring for family. • Why...

Is AI quietly eroding your creative confidence? I’m sharing what I’m seeing in manuscripts as an editor, discussing the concept of “agency decay,” and making a case for why the messy, uncertain work of drafting is exactly where your writer’s voice gets made. In this episode: Why AI-generated pages are recognizable to agents, editors, and book coachesWhat “agency decay” is and how it chips away at your creative confidence over timeThe difference between using AI as a tool vs. letting it replac...

What happens when traditional publishing stalls your career — and you decide to take matters into your own hands? In this episode, Nicole sits down with award-winning novelist Annie Cathryn (The Friendship Breakup, Eat the Cake) to talk candidly about her journey from querying 125 literary agents, landing a traditional publishing deal, and ultimately making the leap to self-publishing her latest novel. Whether you're a fiction writer wondering how to self-publish your first novel, or a tradit...

That quiet, nagging feeling about your manuscript? It might be trying to tell you something important. In this episode, novelist and writing mentor Nicole Meier gets honest about one of the hardest decisions a writer can face: knowing when it's time to set a manuscript aside, pivot your publishing path, or start something new — and how to make that call from a place of clarity rather than fear or desperation. Nicole shares the personal story of shelving her own early novel after receiving rar...

Feeling stuck, discouraged, or lost somewhere between your first draft and your publishing dreams? In this episode of The Whole Writer, I sit down with New York Times bestselling novelist Miranda Beverly-Whittemore (Bittersweet, Fierce Little Thing) for an honest, inspiring conversation about the realities of a long writing career — and how to keep going anyway. Miranda shares the full arc of her publishing journey: from selling her debut novel at 25 in a six-figure deal, to having a second b...