The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller

Mara Eller
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BOOKS

What makes writing great? Is it the spark of inspiration, unique voice, and intangible soul that breathes life into the words? Or is it the careful structure, repeatable strategies, and attention to detail that shape an idea into something readers can’t put down?  In truth, it’s both. The Soul and Science of Great Writing brings creativity and craft together, both dissecting and reveling in the power of language. Hosted by Mara Eller, a professional editor, book coach, and writing teacher with over 16 years of experience, this podcast explores the qualities that set great writing apart, the challenges every writer faces, and the habits, strategies, and mindsets that help writers grow their creative craft.  With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with authors, editors, and publishing professionals, each episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to support your writing life—plus the occasional dip into literary and pop culture analysis to spark fresh insight. Whether you’re a writer honing your craft or a language lover seeking inspiration, you’re in the right place!

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: a 3-Step System to Cut Through Confusion and Write a Memoir Readers Can’t Put Down (Ep. 10)

    >> Doors are open for UNEARTHING BEAUTY: MEMOIR EDITION! Enroll by April 2. Why do so many writers fall off track when writing their memoir?  It’s rarely a lack of passion. It’s usually a cloud of confusion. Somewhere in the "messy middle," the lights go out.  You get pulled in 17 different directions, the words blur, and you realize you don’t actually know where the story is headed. When you can’t see the path forward—aren’t even sure there IS a path—it’s far easier to just . . . stop.  If you want to finish, you have to outsmart the confusion. You need a way to light the path forward when the sky grows dark.  That is exactly why I created the ARC Framework. It’s a three-step system that addresses both the soul and the science of finishing your memoir—strategies to master the self-doubt that derails your storytelling + techniques to find your way back to the page when you feel lost.  Plus, those same strategies are the key to making your memoir jump off the page and into your reader’s hearts. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the replay of Tuesday’s free training, Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir, where I teach my brand-new ARC Framework. You’ll learn:  Why fear is actually a green light, a sign that your story needs to be writtenWhat your memoir is REALLY about—and why knowing that will unleash your best writing The key to deciding what goes in, what gets cut, and how it all connects so you know exactly what to write next How to tell if what you’ve written is actually landing so you can stop tweaking endlessly and start revising with intentionBy the end, you’ll know what to do any time doubt or confusion tempts you to abandon your story—whether you’re on page 1 or page 301. If you’d like to watch the video of Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir instead, you can still sign up for free right here to receive the replay instantly in video form. It will be up through the end of March.  Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    1h 18m

  2. MAR 19

    How to Write Your Hard Story: the Alchemy of Memoir with Lisa Cooper Ellison, Trauma-Informed Writing Coach (Ep. 9)

    What if the most powerful memoirs come not from telling your story—but transforming it? In this episode, I’m joined by trauma-informed writing coach Lisa Cooper Ellison for a powerful conversation about the alchemy of memoir—the process of transforming lived experience into meaning—and why great memoirs always reveal a truth about the human condition. Lisa shares how to uncover the deeper “aboutness” of your story, how to reveal that “aboutness” on the page, and why rushing the process often keeps writers from telling their most powerful story. We also discuss how to write about difficult or traumatic experiences without overwhelming yourself—or your reader—including practical tools you can put to use right away.  We dive into: Lisa’s concept of the essential question—and how it guides your entire bookHow to identify what actually belongs in your memoir (and what doesn’t)A powerful lens for choosing details, imagery, and metaphorHow to read like a writer and learn from great memoirsWhy giving feedback on other writers’ work can accelerate your own growth (and how to do it well)Common mistakes that slow writers down during drafting and revisionHow to know if you’re ready to write a particularly hard sceneWhether you’re just starting your memoir or deep in revision, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about your story and invite you into a writing process will produce both a better book and a changed writer. Mentioned in this episode Allison K Williams’ “In a world where . . .” test Jeannine Ouellette’s tool for finding Your Story's Core Aboutness”“What Is a Memoir’s Essential Question and Why Do You Need One?” by Lisa Cooper EllisonCarmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream HouseMy Name Means Fire by Atash YaghmaianWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo by Jeannette Walls Heavy by Kiese LaymonHow I Escaped Iran & Wrote My Way to Freedom with Atash Yaghmaian MEMOIR WRITING PROGRAM — Unearthing Beauty FREE WORKSHOP — FinisSend me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    1 hr

  3. MAR 11

    Rewrite Your Life: 7 Reasons to Write a Memoir Even if You Never Publish a Word (Ep. 8)

    Should I still write a memoir if I don’t think I want to publish it? My answer is a resounding “yes!” And I have 7 reasons why you should, regardless of whether you ever want to share a word with another living soul (plus a bonus reason if you do!).  In fact, I think we should always write first and foremost for ourselves, because of the person the process will help us become. In this episode, I explore the transformational power of personal writing, including: the health benefits of expressive writingwhy storytelling helps the brain process traumahow writing reveals who you really are and what your life meanshow writing your story can change your realitywhy personal writing is a deeply spiritual practicehow writing cultivates agency, empathy, and deeper connectionWhether you dream of publishing a memoir someday or you simply want to make sense of your experiences, this episode will show you why writing your story is well worth your time—even if no one else ever reads it. Mentioned in this episode: FREE WORKSHOP on March 24 (replay included) — Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: 3 Steps to Stop Stalling and Start Writing so Your Story Doesn’t Die with You MEMOIR WRITING PROGRAM — Unearthing Beauty (doors open late March, 2026)Allison Fallon’s wonderful book Write Your Story, where all my quotations of hers in this episode can be foundSend me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    25 min

  4. MAR 4

    Becoming the Hero of Your Memoir with Megan Young (Ep. 7)

    “You can't hide from your own calling.” Megan always knew she would write a book — someday. But when she finally committed to writing a memoir, she found herself wandering in “no-man’s land” — pages of stories, no through line, and no idea how to go from there to a finished book.  That led her to reach out for book coaching, and her growth over the last five months has been so inspiring. We talk about: The challenge — and reward — of becoming the hero of your own storyWhat to do when your transformation isn’t finished yetHow to stop censoring yourself on the pageAnd why you might need to “choose your hard” if you want to write something that truly mattersIf you’ve been circling a memoir but feel overwhelmed, lost, or unsure whether you’re ready, this episode will show you what the middle of the process really looks like — and why it is so very worth it. Get to know Megan: Hi, I’m Megan! I live in a little corner of Southwest Georgia where sidewalks are lined with moss-draped, hundred-year-old oak trees and there’s a Southern Baptist church on nearly every corner. I became a writer when I was seven years old and received my first journal (complete with a lock, of course) and wrote (utterly scandalized), "my dad said pissed at the dinner table tonight." Since then, I've written about many a-thing, from parenting to faith to grief to sex. I believe leading a full life (worth writing about) means paying attention, being fully invested---which often leads to big big hurts and big big joys. You can follow along with me on Instagram @megfyoung or on Substack, also @megfyoung. Thanks for being here! Mentioned in this episode: Bread and Wine by Shawna NiequistSimple & Free (formerly Seven) and Awake by Jen Hatmaker The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls Register for my free workshop — Finish Your Life-Changing MemoirGet on the waitlist for Unearthing Beauty (doors open late Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    43 min

  5. FEB 25

    From Meandering to Magnetic: 5 Memoir Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (Ep. 6)

    You’ve found the courage to write your memoir, and you’re pouring your heart onto the page. But it’s not landing the way you hoped. Something feels . . . off. Flat. And each page of progress feels like pulling teeth. It’s not because your life isn’t interesting. And it’s not a lack of talent. You’ve got the soul for a great memoir. Now you just need the science. In this episode, I break down the five most common mistakes aspiring memoirists make that sabotage both the writing process and the reading experience—and how to avoid them so your story feels cohesive, compelling, and deeply meaningful. You’ll learn: Why including too much of your life makes your story weakerThe subtle shift that turns you from victim into hero on the pageThe simple 3-part structure that creates momentum (for you and for the reader)How both too much telling and too much showing can derail your memoirAnd how to identify the central question that gives your story focus and powerIf you want your story to feel magnetic—not meandering—this episode is your roadmap. Mentioned in this episode: FREE WORKSHOP — Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: 3 Steps to Stop Stalling and Start Writing so Your Story Doesn’t Die with You MEMOIR WRITING PROGRAM — Unearthing Beauty (doors open late March, 2026)FREE DOWNLOAD — How to Find the Heart of Your Story What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag Lang (there’s also a link to download the discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)“What Is a Memoir’s Essential Question and Why Do You Need One?” by Lisa Cooper EllisonUnmoored: How An Adoptee Found Her True Identity by Ann C. Averill Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    32 min

  6. FEB 18

    The Real Reason You Haven’t Written Your Memoir Yet: the "6 Veils of Resistance" and How to Move Past Them (Ep. 5)

    You feel called to share your story. Yet the moment you sit down to write, you find yourself suddenly possessed by the need to deep-clean your baseboards. It’s maddening. (Ask me how I know.) But here’s the secret: procrastination is just the mask that fear wears to keep you safe.  Today, we’re peeling back that mask to look at the real reasons most memoirs never get written—and how to make sure yours isn't one of them. In this episode, we step back from the technical "how-tos" of memoir writing to explore the internal resistance that keeps life-changing stories locked away in memory. I unpack the six “veils of resistance” we writers subconsciously hide behind—powerful distortions our brains use to keep us safe from the vulnerability of the page. We discuss: Why "I don't have time" is rarely about your calendar.How your brain misidentifies the risk of writing.How to stop fixing the wrong problem so you can finally make progress.If you want to write a life-changing memoir but can’t seem to actually do it, this episode is your invitation to pull back the veil and find the courage you need to move forward. Mentioned in this episode: FREE WORKSHOP — Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: 3 Steps to Stop Stalling and Start Writing so Your Story Doesn’t Die with You MEMOIR WRITING PROGRAM — Unearthing Beauty (doors open late March, 2026)CLOSE READING — What We Carry  by Maya Shanbhag Lang (there’s also a link to download the discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    24 min

  7. FEB 11

    The Architecture of Memoir with Ariel Curry, Acquisitions Editor at Sourcebooks (Ep. 4)

    What makes for a truly great memoir? In this episode, we sit down with Ariel, co-author of Hungry Authors and a veteran editor specializing in nonfiction. While many writers approach their life stories with pure "soul," Ariel argues that a great memoir requires a rigorous "science"—a structural logic that delivers a powerful transformation. In this episode, we discuss: The Architecture of a Great Book: Why the "underlying logic" of your book is just as important as your prose itself.Memoir vs. Autobiography: The critical distinction that most first-time authors miss.Transformation as the Core: How to map the internal and external shifts that keep a reader turning pages.Polarity Shifts: Using "micro-transformations" to build momentum in every chapter.Ariel Curry is a senior editor for nonfiction at Sourcebooks. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and three beautiful children. You can find her at hungryauthors.com or on Substack. Mentioned in this episode: Hungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel CurryEat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth GilbertEverything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved) by Kate BowlerCrime and Punishment by Fyodor DostoyevskyStory Grid by Shawn CoyneGrayson by Lynn CoxIn Love by Amy BloomI Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy by Kate StricklerWhat We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)The Hero’s JourneyAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris WhitakerSend me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    1h 5m

  8. FEB 4

    The Science of Great Writing (Ep. 3)

    Do you ever feel like your writing is a muffled version of the brilliant ideas in your head?  This week, we’re demystifying the science of writing—the rules, techniques, and structures that bridge the gap between raw creativity and powerful prose.  I explore why science isn't a cage for your creativity but the very thing that frees it. Plus, I share my favorite way to think about the role rules play in the writing process and the crucial distinction that keeps soul and science working together in harmony to produce the beautiful, life-changing writing we love. Mentioned in this episode: I found the quote by choreographer La Meri in Merideth Hite Estevez’s powerful essay on the true purpose of technique, “Music of the Logos.”What We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    21 min

  9. JAN 28

    The Soul of Great Writing (Ep. 2)

    What makes some writing feel alive? And how can we bring that quality into our own work? In this episode, I explore the “soul” of great writing, both descriptively—what that looks like on the page—and prescriptively—what writers can do to cultivate it. We talk about the role of vulnerability, where writers go wrong in pursuit of authenticity, and how words can become a bridge to connection. Plus, I share practical tips for tending to your writer soul and a sneak peek of what’s coming up next month! Mentioned in this episode: Goodgoodgood.co and on InstagramRebel RidgeWhat We Carry (there’s also a link to download a discussion guide, but careful—it contains spoilers!)Send me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    21 min

  10. JAN 21

    What Makes Writing Great? (Ep. 1)

    In this first full episode, I ask a deceptively simple question: what is great writing? If you’re like me, great writing is something you recognize on an intuitive level, but when you try to articulate what makes that writing great, things get . . . complicated.  In this episode, I offer a way of thinking about great writing that cuts across genre and style—a simple framework, both descriptive and prescriptive, for naming what sits at the heart of every truly great work of literature. Mentioned in this episode: “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy CollinsThe Writing Life by Annie Dillard (paraphrase from Chapter 7)Thomas Merton’s discussion of “the false self” in Chapter 2 of New Seeds of ContemplationSend me a text message with your questions or comments! >>Sign up for Unearthing Beauty: Memoir Edition. Doors close April 2 or when all seats are filled! Have questions about the program? Shoot me an email at mara @ maraeller.com and I'll help you determine whether it's a good fit! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    22 min

  11. 12/16/2025

    Trailer

    What makes writing great? Is it the spark of inspiration, unique voice, and intangible soul that breathes life into the words? Or is it the careful structure, repeatable strategies, and attention to detail that shape an idea into something readers can’t put down?  In truth, it’s both. The Soul and Science of Great Writing brings creativity and craft together, both dissecting and reveling in the power of language. We'll explore the qualities that set great writing apart, the challenges every writer faces, and the habits, strategies, and mindsets that help writers grow their creative craft.  With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with authors, editors, and publishing professionals, each episode will offer both inspiration and practical tools to support your writing life—plus the occasional dip into literary and pop culture analysis to spark fresh inspiration. Weekly episodes will begin dropping in January 2026! Send me a text message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

    2 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What makes writing great? Is it the spark of inspiration, unique voice, and intangible soul that breathes life into the words? Or is it the careful structure, repeatable strategies, and attention to detail that shape an idea into something readers can’t put down?  In truth, it’s both. The Soul and Science of Great Writing brings creativity and craft together, both dissecting and reveling in the power of language. Hosted by Mara Eller, a professional editor, book coach, and writing teacher with over 16 years of experience, this podcast explores the qualities that set great writing apart, the challenges every writer faces, and the habits, strategies, and mindsets that help writers grow their creative craft.  With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with authors, editors, and publishing professionals, each episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to support your writing life—plus the occasional dip into literary and pop culture analysis to spark fresh insight. Whether you’re a writer honing your craft or a language lover seeking inspiration, you’re in the right place!

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