The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller

Mara Eller
  • 5.0 (9)
  • 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!

  1. May 27

    The 3 Kinds of Editing Your Book Needs: Part 2 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 19)

    The difference between a mediocre book and a compelling one is something most readers struggle to name but instinctively feel.  It comes down to careful, often painstaking refinement—multiple rounds of clarifying, restructuring, and fine-tuning until your meaning is expressed with maximum precision and elegance. In Part 2 of my guide to writing a great book, I dive into phases 3 and 4, revising and publishing: the layers of refinement that transform a rough manuscript into a clear, cohesive, life-changing book. If you missed Part 1 on ideating and drafting, I highly recommend starting there first! In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3 “layers” of editing—and why each is essentialWhy some books “sound good” but still don’t workWhat developmental editors actually doWhat to look for in a professional editor (and red flags to avoid)What happens during proofreading, formatting, and book launch prepThe biggest mistakes first-time authors make during revision and publishingGreat books may begin with a burst of inspiration, but they’re built one intentional revision at a time. And they’re never written alone. Note: This guide is designed primarily for nonfiction authors, from prescriptive nonfiction like self-help and thought leadership to creative nonfiction like memoir. That said, many of the same phases and pitfalls apply to fiction as well, even if the specifics look a little different. Mentioned in this episode: Write a Must-Read by  AJ Harper The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing by Michael Harvey Hungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel CurryHungry Authors podcastEditorial Freelancers Association Rates -- just keep in mind these are median rates and skew very low for quality work in my experience!Jane Friedman’s blog (click the “Topics” dropdown) Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum or find her free content on Substack here FREE SELF-EDITING DOWNLOAD:  From Good to Great: Ten Tips to Write Like a Pro EDITING: Learn more about my editing services and read testimonials at maraeller.com/editing and book a free consultation call with me here!  BOOK COACHING: Learn more about Momentum Book Coaching and read testimonials at maraeller.com/book-coaching and book a free consult call here! 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.

    42 min

  2. May 20

    The Foundation Great Writers Never Skip: Part 1 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 18)

    If you’re dreaming about writing a book—or struggling in the thick of it—you might be wondering exactly what that process will look like and what kind of support will help you cross the finish line. Whether you end up self-publishing or getting a traditional book deal, there are a lot of steps along the way—and there’s a lot of lingo that can cause confusion. That’s why I created this guide to demystify the book creation process, alert you to common pitfalls, and point you in the right direction if and when you’re ready for professional support. In this episode I cover the first two of four phases of book creation: ideating and drafting. You’ll learn: Why “writing a book” is about far more than just writingThe key questions every author must answer before they start draftingWhat a “book map” is and how it dramatically improves your chances of finishingWhat to look for in a book coach (and red flags to avoid)How to handle resistance, procrastination, and your inner critic during the drafting processHere’s the truth successful authors know: a book is only as good as the ideas behind it, so building a strong foundation is the most important step of all. Note: This guide is designed specifically for nonfiction authors—from prescriptive nonfiction like self-help to creative nonfiction like memoir. That said, the phases I outline and many of the potential pitfalls remain the same for fiction. Just keep in mind that some of the nuances will be different. Mentioned in this episode: Hungry Authors bookHungry Authors on Substack Learn more about Momentum Book Coaching: maraeller.com/book-coaching Book a free consultation call with me!  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.

    32 min

  3. May 13

    Small Enough to Matter: Pitching, Persistence, and the Professional Writing Life with NYT Freelancer Ericka Andersen (Ep. 17)

    Being a successful freelance writer is less glamorous than people imagine, but more attainable than you might think. In this episode, I’m joined by Ericka Andersen—author of three traditionally published books with bylines in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, to name a few.  We talk honestly about the realities of professional writing: pitching editors, handling rejection, building relationships, marketing books, and learning how to keep going when the process gets hard. We discuss: how Ericka landed major bylines and book dealswhy specificity is one of the most important writing strategieshow to pitch editors effectively and stand out in crowded inboxesthe emotional reality of rejection, killed stories, and creative disappointmentthe challenge of protecting your creative energy in a productivity-driven worldOne theme emerges: a professional writing career is built less on brilliance and more on persistence, specificity, and conviction that your work matters—even when nobody is validating it yet.  Mentioned in this episode: Ericka’s newest book: Freely SoberBird by Bird by Anne LamottWriting Down the Bones by Natalie GoldbergDear Writer by Maggie SmithPerennial Seller by Ryan HolidayHungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel CurryWrite a Must-Read by A.J. HarperA Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George SaundersThe Book of Alchemy by Suleika JaouadBecoming by Beholding: the Power of Imagination in Spiritual Formation by Lanta Davis 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.

    41 min

  4. May 6

    Unlock Your Writing Superpower Using the Enneagram with Christa Hardin (Ep. 16)

    What if the key to releasing your best writing isn’t more discipline, time, or expertise—but deeper self-understanding? In this episode, I sit down with Christa Hardin—author, marriage coach, and Enneagram expert—to explore how the Enneagram functions as a powerful tool to help you write with more clarity, confidence, and impact. We dive into the surprising truth that your greatest writing strength is often the very thing that holds you back—and how understanding your patterns can help you connect more powerfully with both your creativity and your reader. Whether you already know your type or are completely new to the Enneagram, this conversation offers practical insights for every kind of writer. We cover: Why your writing struggles are often tied to your strengthsThe 3 core instincts (self-preservation, sexual/creative, and social) and how they impact your writing processHow each Enneagram type approaches writing differently (and what helps them most)Type-specific tips to break through procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubtIt’s time to learn how to work with your personality instead of fighting it—so you can finally write and share your best work. About Christa: As a relationship expert, marriage coach, speaker, and host of the Enneagram & Marriage Podcast, Christa Hardin helps individuals and couples build stronger, more connected lives through personality work, emotional insight, and practical tools rooted in modern psychology. Her new book The Three Desires comes out Spring ‘27 focusing on using the Enneagram instincts as powerful tools in relationship and personal growth. Follow her on Instagram @enneagramandmarriage to join her 40k+ community.  Mentioned in this episode: Enneagram & Marriage’s free resources including a quiz to find your typeTruity.com Enneagram TestThe Enneagram in Marriage bookThe Enneagram & Marriage podcastThinking Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanSend 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.

    58 min

  5. Apr 29

    Why Plotting Beats Pantsing: How to Actually Finish Your Novel with Indie Author J.A. Merkel (Ep. 15)

    How do you build a successful career as a self-published fiction author? For our first (but not last) episode on fiction, I’m joined by J.A. Merkel, a sci-fi/fantasy author with two series underway, one with a whopping 27 books planned.  He shares the strategy that turned a string of rejection letters into a strategic indie launch that actually worked plus the framework that helped him finally finish the novel he’d been working on for 10 years. We dive into: why plotting is the key to writing complex novelshow structure can actually free your creativityhis step-by-step process for starting a new novel from scratchwriting with ADHD: time blindness, guardrails, and morning routines for the winwhy the best fiction reveals truth without forcing itthe role of curiosity, emotion, and reader connection in great storytellingFrom Story Grid to ADHD, this conversation explores what it really takes to finish a novel—and why sometimes the most creative thing you can do is give your brain exactly the structure it's been craving. Mentioned in this episode: Story Grid resourcesSave the Cat plotting methodDune by Frank HerbertHyperion by Dan SimmonsChange Your Brain, Change Your Life by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir JA Merkel is the author of The Fourth Portal and The Fall Gauntlet series, known for immersive world building, sustained emotional tension, and the way his stories pull readers into expansive fictional worlds while leaving lasting emotional and thematic impact. Learn more and connect at www.jamerkel.com. 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.

    50 min

  6. Apr 22

    What Professional Writers Actually Prioritize: The 5 Essentials for Powerful Nonfiction (Ep. 14)

    You're putting in the work—rereading sentences, second-guessing word choices, trying to get it just right. But each fix creates new problems, and something always feels . . . off. It's not a lack of effort or talent. You just don't know what to prioritize. This episode will help you close that gap between effort and impact—so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start writing with clarity and confidence. I break down the five essentials that matter most for great writing—true across genres, but especially for nonfiction—so you know exactly what to prioritize and how to achieve each on the page. These five are at the heart of strong writing, and addressing them creates a cascade of improvement. It’s kind of like treating the underlying cause vs a symptom: only one leads to a cure. Focus on these, and everything else starts to fall into place. If trying to improve your writing sometimes feels like a game of whack-a-mole, this episode is for you! For more specific techniques to level up your writing craft today, grab my FREE download “From Good to Great: Ten Tips to Write Like a Pro,” along with an accompanying video training, at www.maraeller.com/tentips. 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.

    40 min

  7. Apr 15

    What Great Writers Understand About Sales with Steph Crowder, Business Coach (Ep. 13)

    You poured your heart into your piece, found the courage to share it, and now . . . crickets. What gives? In this episode, I’m joined by my business coach, Steph Crowder, to unpack a truth many writers resist: if you want readers, you have to learn how to sell your work—but not in the way you think. We explore why authors need to think of themselves as entrepreneurs—and why selling your work isn’t separate from writing, but an extension of it. Plus, we reframe sales as something deeply aligned with what writers already do best: tell stories, understand people, and create connection. We cover: Why your fear of self-promotion is actually keeping your work from helping peopleA simple way to think about sales that doesn’t feel grossWhat it really means to “know your reader”How to build a platform without feeling performativeWhy imperfect, consistent posting beats perfection every timeAt its core, this episode is about a mindset shift: seeing sales not as self-promotion, but as storytelling, connection, and service. If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to write, not sell,” you need to hear this conversation! Mentioned in this episode: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MassFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros“Confessions of a Broke Millionaire” by Danielle LeslieStrangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle BurdenThe 15 Minute Planner Method Connect with Steph on Instagram @heystephcrowder 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.

    56 min

  8. Apr 8

    I Met the Woman I Always Wanted to Be, and She Was Me: On Living—and Writing—as Our Truest Selves (Ep. 12)

    What if the person you’ve always wanted to be… is already inside you? In this episode, I share a personal essay (a mini-memoir) about a weekend in New York City that changed how I see myself—and how we become who we’re meant to be. I explore: The tension between who we’ve been and who we’re becomingWhy transformation is less about dramatic events and more about daily choicesHow the way we live and the way we write are deeply connectedPlus, I offer a writing prompt to help you explore (or imagine) a moment when you felt most like yourself—and use it to catalyze your own metamorphosis. If you're ready to step more fully into your truest, boldest self—both on and off the page—this episode is for you! Mentioned in this episode: Read the original essay on SubstackJoin my email listSend 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.

    13 min
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5
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9 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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