In today’s publishing world, authors aren’t just storytellers—they’re also the CEOs of their own brand. That responsibility can feel overwhelming, but the good news is, you don’t have to do everything all at once.

In this episode, Gretchen Schaffer and I break down the three core "Why’s" of building your author platform. Our goal is to help writers take intentional next steps in connecting with the right audience—without the stress of trying to be everywhere at once.

Here’s what we’ll share:

• Why you need a platform (before you publish)
• Why a platform isn’t what you think it is
• Why it’s important to start with what you have

For more on Gretchen & Nicole, visit bookworks.co 

I'm pulling back the curtain in today's episode and talking about what it's really like to be an author in today's market. With me, are two of my author friends to help with a healthy and honest discussion around the business of being an author. Tracey Lange and Kerry Chaput join me to discuss:

• Balancing writing time and publishing responsibilities
• Working on a deadline
• The benefits of writing groups
• Feedback and revisions
• The journey of draft to publication
• The ever-changing market

You can find more on Tracey Lange here.

You can find more on Kerry Chaput here.

For more on Nicole: Website | Books | Substack

Today we’re diving into a topic that every novelist encounters sooner or later: how to handle feedback without losing your voice. Inside this episode, I'll cover the different types of feedback you might receive, how to process it with grace and clarity, and how to make changes while staying true to the story only you can tell.
To find more on Nicole: Website | Substack

Today on the pod we're covering an important topic, the writer mindset. For anyone who has found themselves facing creative anxiety or procrastination, this episode is for you. 
My guest today is Rhonda Douglas, an award winning poet and fiction author. She is the host of the Resilient Writers radio show and a longtime creativity coach and writing mentor.
Together, we're discussing:

• How to tackle creative anxiety 
• The art of being present
• The power of creative community
• Facing off with perfectionism

I encourage you to curl up somewhere quiet and give a thoughtful listen.
To find more on Nicole: Website | Substack
To find more on Rhonda Douglas: Website | The Resilient Writers Radio Show

In this week's episode, I'm having an honest and inspired roundtable discussion with four of my writing clients. We dive into the nerves, surprises, and triumphs of attending their first writers' conference. We share:⁠
✨ Why they took the plunge into their first conference—and how to prepare like a pro.⁠
✨ The most unexpected moments that left them stunned (in the best way!).⁠
✨ Smart tips for networking, even if you’re an introvert.⁠
✨ That unforgettable moment of inspiration and validation every writer dreams of.⁠
✨ Lessons learned and advice for first-time attendees to make the most of the experience.⁠
Whether you’re gearing up for your first conference or reflecting on your own journey, this episode will inspire you to show up, shine, and own your space as a writer. Tune in to hear their nuggets of wisdom!
To find more on Nicole: Coaching | Book Works

To find more on:
Megan Eilers: Substack | Instagram
Kelly Kearsley: Substack
Christi (Ella Merriweather): Website | Instagram

What comes first when writing a novel? The dreaming or the drafting? The plotting or the planning?
⁠It seems simple—until it doesn’t. First-time novelists often hit a moment where they wonder: Am I doing this all wrong?⁠
⁠In this episode, we’re breaking down the order of operations for novel writing, helping you find clarity and confidence in your process. Because spoiler: There’s no “wrong” way, just your way.⁠
⁠Tune into Steps to Story now to get unstuck and move forward with your novel.
Check out my DIY Courses

If you're here, it’s because you’ve got a story on your heart that’s yearning to be written—and published.⁠
But let’s get real for a second: Are you just daydreaming about being an author, or are you actually building the roadmap to make it happen? ⁠
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the tough love truths about what it really takes to write, finish, and publish your novel. No fluff. No generic advice. Just the plan you need to move forward. ⁠
In fact, my focus for Season Two is to give you the real-real. Season One was a lot of how to strengthen your manuscript…which I’m still here for 100%. This season, however, I’m also aiming to help you strengthen your plan to get it into the world. ⁠
Want to know more? Tune in and find out!
Website | Courses | Coaching

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!📚