Inside this (replay) episode I'm sharing an unfiltered look at my author journey over the last decade. After four published novels, I'm sharing the Top 10 things I've learned - everything from working with gatekeepers, understanding market trends, building community, and identifying meaningful author goals.
This episode also marks the end of Season 1 of the Steps to Story podcast. I'm taking a small break, but will be back in 2025 with more!
Happy listening!
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

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!📚

Listeners, you’re in for a treat today. I’m chatting with friend and author coach, Camille Pagan. We’re diving into the topics of... 

• author mindset
• career decisions 
• roadblocks 
• market trends

...and so much more.
You can learn more about her work at www.camillepagan.com and www.evenbetter.co
For more on Nicole: Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

Today is another Ask Me Anything! Inside this episode I'm answering these five questions:
1) How to tell if you're over-revising your novel manuscript.
2) What to do if you've hit a wall and can't move forward.
3) How to consider social media and your author platform.
4) What to do when you're feeling sick of reading your own work.
5) How to tackle self-doubt.

Tune in to hear my tips and suggestions!
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

In today's episode, I'm diving into a crucial question for novel writers. Are you relying on tactics or strategies to move your work and progress forward? 
This is a subtle but essential distinction, and getting clear on it can make all the difference in your writing process. 
Today, I'll walk you through three key questions to ask yourself when it comes to your work in progress. Plus, I'll also give tips on how to shift from reactive tactics to purposeful strategies...and how to balance both!
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

Today I'm diving into one of my all time favorite topics: writing retreats. What makes them such a transformative experience for authors and how can they benefit our writing?
I'm talking about solo retreats, group retreats, and everything in between. If you've been feeling stuck, uninspired, or just overwhelmed by the day to day hustle, tune in because this episode will help you see how a retreat can not only recharge your creativity, but propel you forward in your writing journey.
Visit BookWorks.co for retreat info!
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

In today's episode of Steps to Story, we're diving into one of the most crucial aspects of storytelling, your story's structure. 
For those of you who follow me, you'll know that my mission is to help you blend story structure with the story that's on your heart. Because as many of us know, it's not typically the actual story idea that needs work.
It's the structure, the way in which we're telling it that often requires strengthening. 
I'll be covering two related topics:
1) Strengthening the bones of your story
2) Getting personalized coaching that will empower you to go deeper
Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

Suspense, mysteries and thrillers, oh my! Welcome to spooky season! Inside this episode of Steps to Story I'm talking with book coaches Samantha Skal and Kerry Savage about:

• The ideation of twists
• Knowing your villain
• Character POV
• The power of creativity community
• Managing your WIP

And so much more!

You can Samantha Skal here.
You can find Kerry Savage here.
You can find Shadows & Secrets here.
To find more on Nicole -
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨

Today I'm exploring how you can strategically allow yourself to be distracted and how those moments can open up new avenues in your novel writing. 

I'm uncovering six strategies that will not only give your brain a creative break, but allow you to bring fresh insights into your work in progress.

Tune in to find out how.
Website | Instagram | Free Guide✨