The Whole Writer – Details, episodes & analysis

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✨

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 more.
Website | Instagram | Free Guide | BOOK WORKS RETREAT!📚

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?⁠
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Are you feeling like you need to step back and refill your creative well? ⁠
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🎙️✨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 thoughtful conversation that acts as a balm to my overworked senses. ⁠
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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.⁠
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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 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.

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 🚀

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 action
• What's working and not working in novel writing
• The power of creative community

and so much more!
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program 🚀

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 arcs are lacking. I don’t want this for you!

That's why today I'm sharing four steps to building your foundation:

• Knowing your story message
• Creating healthy writing habits
• Studying elements of story structure
• Pushing through self doubt

Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINAR🚀

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 to find how to identify and strengthen these elements.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINAR🚀

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 routine, and so many good authors to compare ourselves to.
I’m sharing six ways to avoid overwhelm and keep your creative spirit riding high. Tune in to learn what they are!
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program WAITLIST🚀