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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!
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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:
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Feeling stuck in your writing? Thereās a difference between forcing a story and letting it flow. ā With the New Year approaching, itās easy to feel the pressure to ājust get it done.ā But sometimes, the best progress happens when we lean into flow.ā
In todayās episode, Iām sharing three ways to know when to push and when to let go: ā
1ļøā£ Write from intention, not tension. ā
2ļøā£ Build habits that invite ease, not strain. ā
3ļøā£ Approach your story with curiosity, not pressure.ā
Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Guide | BOOK WORKS RETREAT!š -
Listeners, youāre in for a treat today. Iām chatting with friend and author coach, Camille Pagan. Weāre diving into the topics of...
author mindsetcareer 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 GuideāØ -
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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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 twistsKnowing your villainCharacter POVThe power of creativity communityManaging your WIPAnd 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 -
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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.
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Are you an emerging author who's starting to think about your author platform? Or perhaps you're just dipping your toe into the world of publisher pitches and agent queries. šā
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And let's be real, it can be a complicated journey. Right?
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Because writing the book's only half the equation. These days, not only do authors need to be storytellers, they're also expected to be theā CEO's of their own brand.
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From building your author platform to querying agents, it's tough to know where to kick things off.ā
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Join Gretchen Schaffer and me as we dive into all things author platforms on this week's episode of the Steps to Story podcast. Plus, we've got an exciting announcement! šļøāØā
Find out more at BookWorks.Co -
Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of creative burnout? The state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that affects your creative work?ā
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Are you feeling like you need to step back and refill your creative well? ā
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šļøāØIn this week's episode of Steps to Story, I'm diving deep into this topic with Emily Golden and Rachel May of Tenacious Writing. It's a thoughtful conversation that acts as a balm to my overworked senses. ā
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I invite you to tune in as the three of us discuss everything from perfectionism to hustle culture when it comes to the writing life.ā
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Tune in to hear more!
Find Emily Golden here.
Find Rachel May here.
Find Tenacious Writing here.
To find more on Nicole -
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Today I'm talking with fellow book coach Savannah Gilbo about how to write an action story that works. Inside the episode we're discussing:
The idea of doing your best workIdentifying frameworks that can help or hinder your progressHow to triage your work with an analytical brainPlus, Savannah's sharing details about her brand new book for novel writers. Tune in to find out more.
To find more on Savannah -
website: savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: savannah.gilbo
Book: Amazon
To find more on Nicole -
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide -
If you didn't get a chance to attend my free webinar on August 27th, which was titled: How to Go From Idea to Action in Your Novel Writing; the good news is, I'm sharing the content again here inside this episode in the form of a free mini-masterclass.
Inside this mini-masterclass, I'll be sharing four steps:
1) Identifying your story message
2) Determining whether you have enough to fill a whole book
3) Creating your novel's roadmap
4) Moving through obstacles
For those who want to go deeper, head to stepstostory.com/program
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program š -
You're going to hear a special episode today.
How to go from idea to actionWhat's working and not working in novel writingThe power of creative community
It's a replay where five of my past students get together and talk about their experiences inside the Steps to Story program. Hopefully it will give you insight into my Steps to Story group novel writing program, but also some good motivation for your own work in progress.
Inside we're covering topics such as:and so much more!
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program š -
Those who adapt a healthy mindset from the start are usually the ones who follow through with their novel writing dreams. That's why I'm breaking down some key mindset habits for writers inside today's episode.
Tune in to learn 5 tips that will help you elevate your novel writing process.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINARš -
Hereās the tough truth, I often see writers (myself included at one time) who are so excited about their story idea that they rush through the process and forget to establish a strong foundation for their novel.
Knowing your story messageCreating healthy writing habitsStudying elements of story structurePushing through self doubt
The result is a writer who hits the midpoint with no idea how they got there or where theyāre going next.
The pages suddenly donāt seem to hang together and both the character and story arcs are lacking. I donāt want this for you!
That's why today I'm sharing four steps to building your foundation:Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINARš -
Today's episode is all about story craft! Iām diving into the red flags that signal your novel manuscript might need a tune-up.
Writing a book is a massive undertaking, and with so many moving parts, it's easy to lose sight of crucial structural elements along the way.
The four issues Iām diving into are:
Flat charactersPoor narrative driveConfusing timelinesLack of conflictTune in to find how to identify and strengthen these elements.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program | FREE WEBINARš -
Inside this episode, I'm diving into a topic that most writers are not immune to: project overwhelm.
Sound familiar?
Iām guessing the answer is yes. Because Whether you're a seasoned novelist or just starting your first manuscript, the weight of writing can sometimes feel like too much.
There are so many elements of story structure to learn, so many demands on keeping up a writing routine, and so many good authors to compare ourselves to.
Iām sharing six ways to avoid overwhelm and keep your creative spirit riding high. Tune in to learn what they are!
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program WAITLISTš -
Today Iām tackling a question that every novelist faces at some point: "How do I know if my story premise will fill a whole book?"
If youāre excited about your idea but hesitant to dive into writing, this episode is for you.
Iām going to break it down into 3 simple steps to help you confidently take action with your novel.
Tune in to learn more.
Website | Instagram | Free Novel Writing Guide | Small Group Program WAITLISTš - Visa fler
