If you’re looking to get into writing, or better yet, if you are a writer with their sights on a book deal, today’s episode is sure to bring you value. Heather’s guest today is Nicole Meier, an accomplished novelist who just signed a book deal with a large publisher. She’s here to share with us her experience and strategy to help you find success with your next book. She’ll discuss methods and tactics to make sure you can claim your spot on the shelf. 

 

Believe it or not, it wasn’t until her 40th birthday when Nicole made the choice to start writing professionally. After graduation, Nicole spent time shadowing editors and writers but never built up the confidence to write her own piece. Once she shifted her focus to her own writing, she began writing freelance pieces and started a blog. From there, she moved into her manuscript. 

 

For Nicole, she never had a defined, individual mentor early on. She gleaned her advice from every note, every edit, and every critique she received from her writing. Over time, she had built up experience that helped her in the long-term. 

 

Many creative people tend to work in a bubble, which can make it hard to get feedback. Nicole recommends getting a critique group going, get feedback from a trusted friend, and continue to absorb perspective. This can take practice! The writing industry is full of rejection and ‘no’s’, but it only takes one ‘yes’ to change everything. Nicole even went as far as writing a “practice novel” that allowed her to dip her toes into critique. 

 

Many writers get burnt out. Sometimes it can be ugly, but Nicole talks about how important it is to be persistent and resilient. You have to want it really, really badly. The same way a professional athlete dedicates their lives to a sport, you have to do the same. 

 

Nicole touches on her daily routine. Writing a book takes serious disciple. Nicole writes before her family wakes up in the morning. She does this every day. There is a flow that comes, she says, and if you work that muscle it becomes easier. Her recommendation is to make space for that writing every day. One secret? She doesn’t believe in writer’s block. When nothing is coming to her, she has her characters write letters to each other to get the flow back. There are prompts out there that can help as well!

 

What you’ll learn

On today’s show, Nicole shares with us her process of writing, her daily practices, some tips and tricks to break through writer’s block, and the publishing industry. She touches on the ups and downs of being a writer, and how persistence is key when you have your sights on a book deal. 

 

LINKS

Nicolemeierauthor.com

The Second Chance Supper Club on Amazon