In this conversation episode, I sit down with Jill Beissel, debut novelist and author of Glitter and Gold, to talk about what it really takes to stay resilient on the path to publication. We’re speaking to writers who are deep in the query trenches, facing rejection, or holding onto the dream of signing with a literary agent and landing a traditional book deal.

What we’re exploring:

✨ How Jill faced over 100 rejections before finding the right agent and publisher.
 ✨ Why joy in the writing process matters more than outside validation.
 ✨ The balance between persistence and patience while querying.
 ✨ What it feels like to finally hold your debut novel in your hands after years of effort.

What I want novelists to remember:

Rejection isn’t the end of your story—it’s part of the path. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” Your resilience, your joy, and your belief in your story are the things that will carry you through to publication.

🎙️Learn more about Jill Beissel at jillbeisselwrites.com

🎙️Learn more about my coaching and editing services at nicolemeier.com

📚Learn more about Portland Book Festival at PDXBookfest.org