I've been noticing some common themes in the conversations I'm having with writers. So today, instead of answering specific questions you've sent me, I want to address five patterns I keep seeing in my work with novel writers. Patterns that go beyond craft and into how we sustain ourselves as creative people.

These aren't just technical writing problems. They're the deeper challenges that can make or break our writing career. They're about mindset, sustainability and what it really takes to show up as an intentional and heart-centered writer in this industry. Tune in to learn more.

For more, visit my Website | Substack

Today I'm diving deep into the writer mindset with my dear friend and accomplished therapist, coach, author, and speaker Molly Carroll.

We cover so much ground from the transformative power of morning rituals to reframing our resistance through a completely new lens. Molly shares incredible insights about self-care through the creative process, and honestly, so much more than I could have hoped for.

I encourage you to turn in to hear more.

🎙️Find more on Molly Carroll here

🎙️Find more on Nicole here.

There's something happening to us writers right now, isn't there? The algorithms reward, consistency. The platform's demand content, and somewhere in the rush we've started to believe that faster means better. That value comes from volume, that our worth as creators is measured in word counts and publishing schedules.

If you've been feeling the pressure of creating faster, publishing more, and somehow keeping up with the relentless pace of the digital world. This episode is my gift to you.

🎙️Website | Substack

Here's the question I'm diving into this week on The Whole Writer. Who are you becoming as a writer? Not what are you writing, or how much you're writing, not whether you'll finish that draft or land the agent or get the publishing contract. Who are you becoming? Becoming is about evolution. It's about transformation.

Join me as we take a deeper look.

🎙️Website | Substack

Struggling with self-doubt or writer's block? Discover five essential truths that will transform how you approach your novel or memoir. Learn how to write authentically, believe in your manuscript, avoid burnout, and embrace the right opportunities for your book. Essential advice for fiction writers at any stage of their writing journey.

🎙️Find more on Nicole Meier here.

What if you could publish your memoir or novel directly to readers as you write it? Writer Jessy Easton shares how she's serializing her memoir "The One Who Leaves" on Substack, building a dedicated readership while crafting her story in real-time.

We discuss the creative freedom of serial publishing, how it changes the writing process, and why connecting directly with readers can be both terrifying and transformative. If you've ever wondered what to write on Substack whether Substack or another newsletter or blog platform could be right for your work-in-progress, this conversation offers authentic insight and inspiration.

🎙️Find Jessy Easton's Substack here.

🎙️Find Nicole Meier's Substack here.

If you’re a novelist or fiction writer keeping your work tucked away, convinced you’re “not ready” to share it, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what it really means to gatekeep your writing—and how doing so might be holding your creative growth hostage.

I’ll unpack the mindset behind working in a silo and the fears that keep writers protecting their stories a little too tightly. I'll share what gatekeeping your work is costing you, and what might be possible if you let your story breathe, share it with trusted eyes, and step into the next stage of your writing journey.

Tune in to learn more.

🎙️Nicole Meier: Website | Substack

I'm thrilled to welcome Jane Friedman to the show! Jane has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, and I've been following her work for close to a decade. In this conversation, I ask Jane about the major shifts she's witnessed in publishing over the past ten years. 

We explore:

• the explosive growth of audiobooks
• the new tools and platforms available to writers today 
• the rise of the creator economy and its impact on authors
• the emergence of AI in writing and publishing

Jane brings her signature practical wisdom and market intelligence to help writers understand and navigate this transformed landscape. Tune in for more.

🎙️Find more on Jane Friedman here.

🎙️Find more on Nicole Meier here.

Join me for a conversation with author and writing mentor Kathryn Craft as she reveals insights from her new craft book for writers.

In this episode, Kathryn Craft shares transformative techniques for novel writers and fiction writers ready to elevate their storytelling. Discover how to master the invisible spaces between words where author meets reader, and learn why revising your novel requires bringing your whole self to the page.

Whether you're an aspiring novelist struggling with story movement, a fiction writer seeking fresh perspective on craft, or looking for expert guidance on how to revise a book, this interview delivers practical wisdom from Kathryn's decades as a developmental editor and writing mentor.

Perfect for novel writers, fiction authors, and anyone passionate about the craft of writing. If you're ready to transform your novel revision process and discover what makes stories truly move readers, this conversation with Kathryn Craft is essential listening.

🎙️Find more on Kathryn Craft here.

🎙️Find more on Nicole Meier here.

Are you getting feedback from the wrong critique group? In this episode, I share why surrounding yourself with the right writing community is essential for novel writers. I'll show you how to find critique partners who actually read your genre, build a supportive writing community that accelerates your craft, and know when it's time to work with a developmental editor or book coach.

Whether you're drafting your first manuscript or seeking feedback on your latest chapters, I'll help you intentionally choose the voices that belong in your creative space. Learn how to "read up" to improve your writing, protect your confidence while finding your people, and invest in teachers and editors who truly understand your vision. Perfect for fiction writers and aspiring novelists at any stage of the journey.

Find me at nicolemeier.com | Manuscript Evaluations | Developmental Edits | Book Coaching