The Whole Writer

After 120 episodes of conversations about writing, revision, creativity, and the person behind the page, The Whole Writer is entering a new chapter.In this final regular episode, I share why I’m stepping away from the podcast, what the experience has meant to me, and where my work with writers is headed next.Drawing on a lesson I often share with my editing clients, I reflect on what happens when we step back from the individual pieces of something we’ve created and begin to see its larger shape. Sometimes, moving forward means recognizing when something has served its purpose and making room for what wants to come next.This is a heartfelt thank-you to the novel and memoir writers who have listened along the way, and an invitation to stay connected through Dear Whole Writer, my Substack community for fiction and memoir writers.Continue the conversation: Dear Whole Writer

You know that chapter in your novel or memoir you've rewritten five times? The one you keep returning to while the rest of your manuscript waits?What if the reason you're stuck has less to do with your writing and more to do with what you're afraid you'll discover when you move on?In this episode, I'm exploring a side of revision that doesn't get talked about enough: how perfectionism can disguise itself as careful, thoughtful editing. And why endlessly polishing the same pages can keep you from seeing what your novel or memoir really needs.I'll share why we become attached to certain chapters and scenes, how to recognize when revision has turned into avoidance, and a simple writing exercise to help you reconnect with your larger revision goals.Because sometimes the most important thing you can do for your manuscript isn't to make one chapter better. It's to give yourself permission to move on.For more, visit nicolemeier.com

Stuck in revision even after fixing the pacing, the dialogue, and the structure? In this episode of The Whole Writer, I share the one question I've found beneath every manuscript problem: What does this story need from me that I haven't been willing to give it yet?After years of guiding writers through developmental edits and novel revision, I've seen the same pattern again and again. Writers often name exactly what isn't working in their manuscript, then ask me to help fix everything except that one thing. It isn't because they can't see the problem. It's because facing it honestly costs something.In this solo episode, I talk about:Why technical craft fixes stop working at a certain point in revisionHow to recognize writing resistance, such as avoiding a scene, rewriting the same paragraph, or reorganizing instead of revisingThe three things I find a manuscript usually asks of you: patience, honesty, and permissionHow to get curious about your resistance instead of frustrated with yourselfWhy I still ask myself this question, and why it applies to first-time writers and multi-published authors alikeWhether you're revising a novel, a memoir, or your very first draft, I hope this episode gives you a gentle, practical way to move through revision with more self-trust and less self-judgment.To learn more about my coaching programs and manuscript services for fiction writers, visit nicolemeier.com.If this episode helped you, I'd love it if you left a rating and review. It helps more writers find the show.

I'm joined by creativity coach Charlotte Donlon for a conversation I think has been missing from most craft circles: what it actually means to write from a compassionate place. We talk about her forthcoming book Spiritual Direction for Writers, and why she believes all of life is the writing life, not just the days we sit down to draft.Charlotte opens up about coming to writing later in life, healing through a daily writing practice after a manic episode and major depression, living with bipolar disorder, and the identity crisis she faced as a writer when her father died just months before her first book released. We dig into nourishing rhythms, solo retreat practices, writer identity, loneliness and belonging in the creative life, and how to be curious with yourself instead of chastising yourself when the writing isn't happening.If you've ever felt like you weren't a real writer during a season when you weren't writing, or you're looking for a gentler, more sustainable approach to your creative practice, this episode is for you.We cover:Charlotte's path from classical ballet to an MFA in creative writingWriting as healing while living with bipolar disorder and mental illnessGrief, identity, and what it means to be a writer during hard seasonsHer belong, become, behold, bestow framework from Spiritual Direction for WritersNourishing rhythms, solo writing retreats, and self-compassion for writersBeing a good literary citizen and finding belonging through art and communityFind Charlotte at spiritualdirectionforwriters.comIf this episode resonated with you, I'd love a rating and review, it helps more writers find the show. And if you want support with your own manuscript or writing life, come find me at nicolemeier.com.

Struggling with how to revise a novel or memoir once the first draft is done? In this episode, I reframe revision as the real heart of writing a book, not just fixing typos and tightening scenes. Learn why the self-editing process is emotional as much as technical, how to find the story underneath your story, and why writers lose themselves when they revise to please feedback instead of revising toward the book they meant to write.If you're deep in your own novel revision process or memoir revision and wondering whether you're doing it right, this conversation will help you trust your instincts and your craft again, together instead of at odds.Want to join my fall revision cohort? Become a paid Substack subscriber at Dear Whole Writer and you're in!Want to learn more about my editing services? Visit nicolemeier.com

A quick note before the new season starts: revision has no roadmap, and that's exactly the problem. Introducing Whole Revision, a ten-week cohort for my paid Substack subscribers, opening September 8th. I'd love to see you inside!To join, visit this link here.Email: [email protected]

What if the secret to writing a compelling novel—and querying it successfully—starts with understanding what's deeply meaningful to you? In this episode, I sit down with author Karin Gillespie to explore how to identify the personal connection in your writing and translate it into a pitch that agents and editors can't ignore.Karin, author of nine novels and creator of the popular Substack "Pitch Your Novel," shares her 20+ year publishing journey—from traditional publishing with the Big Five to indie publishing and back again. She's seen the industry from every angle, and she's here to help you navigate today's competitive landscape with wisdom, warmth, and practical guidance.In this episode, we discuss:Why your personal connection to your story matters more than you thinkHow to write a novel with a clear desire line that drives your narrative forwardThe essential elements every query letter needs (including the one-sentence pitch most writers forget)How to identify and pitch your book's genre in today's marketWhat "comps" are and why they're crucial to your query successThe reality of submission in 2025—and why it's so different from even five years agoHow to create your pitch before you write your novel (and why this can save you heartbreak)Finding joy in the writing process, even when the business side feels overwhelmingWhether you're drafting your first manuscript or querying your fifth novel, this conversation offers both tactical advice on how to query a literary agent and gentle encouragement to stay connected to what makes your writing meaningful.Connect with Karin Gillespie: Substack: Pitch Your NovelMentioned Resources:Publisher's MarketplaceQuery TrackerAmazon for comp researchIf you're ready to learn how to write a novel that matters to you and stands out in the marketplace, this episode is your roadmap.The Whole Writer is a podcast for fiction writers who want to nurture both their craft and their creative well-being. Hosted by Nicole Meier, multi-published author and book coach.Want more support on your writing journey? Visit nicolemeier.com to explore coaching programs for fiction writers.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review—it helps other writers discover the show!🎙️Find Karin Gillespie here.🎙️Find Nicole Meier here.

Jane Friedman discusses the major shifts she's witnessed in publishing over the past ten years. Inside this episode, we explore:the explosive growth of audiobooksthe new tools and platforms available to writers today the rise of the creator economy and its impact on authorsthe emergence of AI in writing and publishingJane 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.

Bestselling author J.T. Ellison shares what it really takes to build a creative life that stands the test of time. From honoring the seasons of your writing career to navigating burnout and rediscovering joy, J.T. offers candid insights into the mindset shifts, boundaries, and community connections that keep creativity sustainable. Whether you're in the trenches of a first draft or navigating the ups and downs of publishing, her wisdom is a reminder that longevity in the creative world isn't about hustle—it's about alignment, intention, and protecting what matters most.Find more on J.T. Ellison here and here.Find more in Nicole Meier here.

I'm sharing an interview I originally recorded for the Cracking Open podcast because the conversation feels just as relevant for our Whole Writer community.We talk about something I believe deeply: creativity isn't reserved for people with endless time, perfect circumstances, or extraordinary talent. It's a practice of returning to yourself—again and again.In our conversation, we explore:• How I found my way back to writing after years of raising three children and caring for family.• Why resistance so often disguises itself as "not enough time," perfectionism, or fear of being judged.• The small, consistent habits that helped me build a sustainable writing life.• Why confidence doesn't come before we begin—it grows because we begin.• How creativity supports not only our writing, but our sense of wholeness.Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a memoir, or simply trying to reconnect with the creative part of yourself, I hope this conversation encourages you to keep showing up for your work—and for yourself.If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear from you. You can find more encouragement, craft essays, and thoughtful reflections for novelists and memoirists in my Dear Whole Writer newsletter.To find Molly Carroll's podcast, Cracking Open, visit here.