The Whole Writer

Nicole Meier
  • 5.0 (50)
  • Books
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The Whole Writer podcast with Nicole Meier creates space for writers to nurture both their craft and themselves, exploring what it means to write from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.  If you’re an emerging author seeking guidance, this podcast is for you!

  1. Sep 22

    117. How to Create a Compassionate Writing Practice (Even When You're Not Writing) with Charlotte Donlon

    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.com If 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.

  2. Sep 8

    116. What Revision Actually Uncovers in Your Novel or Memoir

    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

  3. Sep 1

    115. Revision Doesn't Have to Break You

    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: nicole@nicolemeier.com

  4. Aug 25

    114. REPLAY: How to Find What's Meaningful in Your Novel (and Pitch It Like a Pro) with Karin Gillespie

    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 Novel Mentioned 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.

  5. Aug 11

    113. REPLAY: Shifts in the Publishing Industry with Jane Friedman

    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.

  6. Jul 28

    112. REPLAY: Building a Creative Life That Lasts with J.T. Ellison

    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.

  7. Jul 14

    111. Resistance, Creativity, and Returning to Yourself on Cracking Open

    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.

  8. Jun 30

    110. AI, Agency Decay, and the Messy Draft Worth Writing

    Is AI quietly eroding your creative confidence? I’m sharing what I’m seeing in manuscripts as an editor, discussing the concept of “agency decay,” and making a case for why the messy, uncertain work of drafting is exactly where your writer’s voice gets made. In this episode: Why AI-generated pages are recognizable to agents, editors, and book coachesWhat “agency decay” is and how it chips away at your creative confidence over timeThe difference between using AI as a tool vs. letting it replace your creative work3 practical strategies to reclaim your voice and trust yourself on the pageFor fiction writers, memoir writers, and anyone who’s been tempted to outsource the blank page, this one’s for you. To find more on Nicole, visit nicolemeier.com

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About

The Whole Writer podcast with Nicole Meier creates space for writers to nurture both their craft and themselves, exploring what it means to write from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.  If you’re an emerging author seeking guidance, this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Meier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Whole Writer
  • Show Website
    The Whole Writer

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