45: No More Daydreaming: The Real Plan You Need to Write and Publish Your Novel

If you're here, it’s because you’ve got a story on your heart that’s yearning to be written—and published.⁠
But let’s get real for a second: Are you just daydreaming about being an author, or are you actually building the roadmap to make it happen? ⁠
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the tough love truths about what it really takes to write, finish, and publish your novel. No fluff. No generic advice. Just the plan you need to move forward. ⁠
In fact, my focus for Season Two is to give you the real-real. Season One was a lot of how to strengthen your manuscript…which I’m still here for 100%. This season, however, I’m also aiming to help you strengthen your plan to get it into the world. ⁠
Want to know more? Tune in and find out!
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Transcript

STEPS TO STORY EP 45 - No More Daydreaming

[00:00:00] Nicole Meier: If you've been toying with a story idea or treading water in the same place of your writing process and haven't taken that next step, this one's for you. Let's focus on three essential steps to move you from daydreaming about writing to actually making it happen.

[00:00:24] Nicole Meier: Welcome to Steps to Story. This season I'm focusing on helping you grow as a writer and as an author. I'm Nicole Meier, multi published author and certified book coach, here to guide you on strengthening your story and getting it out into the world. This season, we'll explore ways to overcome the challenges that hold writers back, from breaking through creative blocks to fine tuning your story structure and navigating the publishing world with confidence.

[00:00:53] Nicole Meier: Wherever you are in your journey, consider this your supportive space to find clarity, direction, and encouragement. Let's take the next step in your story together.

[00:01:07] Nicole Meier: Well, hey, writers, welcome to season two of Steps to Story. If you're here, it's because you've got a story on your heart that's yearning to be written and published. But let's get real for a second. Are you just daydreaming about being an author? Or are you actually building the roadmap to make it happen?

[00:01:25] Nicole Meier: In today's episode, I'm breaking down the tough love truth about what it really takes to write, finish, and publish your novel. No fluff, no generic advice, just the real deal plan you need to write forward. In fact, my focus for Season 2 is to give you the real reel. Season 1 was a lot of how to strengthen your manuscript, which I'm still here for, 100%.

[00:01:50] Nicole Meier: This season, however, I'm also aiming to help strengthen your plan to get it out into the world. So, without further ado, let's dive into today's topic. If you've been toying with the story idea or treading water in the same place of your writing process, and haven't taken that next step, I'd This one's for you.

[00:02:10] Nicole Meier: Let's focus on three essential steps to move you from daydreaming about writing to actually making it happen. First things first, point number one, take your idea seriously. So many newbie writers don't. Maybe they think, oh, it's just a hobby or who am I to write a book? They very much want to be an author.

[00:02:34] Nicole Meier: But carry around an enormous sense of guilt for taking personal time for what they fear others might see as, quote, indulgent. After all, people at work and at home need you. They matter. But here's the thing. Your idea also matters. Both things can be true. Here's where my tough love comes into play. The difference between those who write novels and those who don't is commitment.

[00:03:04] Nicole Meier: Plain and simple. Told you, tough love. When you treat your idea as worthy, it sets you up for success. It gives you the confidence to prioritize your writing time and show up for your story. And in turn, you're showing up for yourself. Think of it this way. Your idea is a seed. If you neglect it, it won't grow.

[00:03:27] Nicole Meier: But if you nurture it, give it your time, attention, and care, it can flourish into something incredible. So stop brushing it aside or telling yourself you'll do it someday. Take your idea seriously. Because no one else can write the story that's on your heart. All right, let's move on and talk about point number two.

[00:03:51] Nicole Meier: Take your time seriously as well. Writing a novel is a long game. It's not something you bang out and perfect in a weekend. And it requires you to treat it like a job. Yes, a fun job, but not just a hobby you squeeze into random spare moments. Let's pause here. I want what I said to sink in, so I'm going to repeat myself.

[00:04:16] Nicole Meier: Writing a novel requires you to treat it like a job. Yes, a fun job. But not just a hobby you squeeze into random spare moments. The exception I'll give here to this statement is if you're simply writing as an act of catharsis. Using myself as an example, I'll say that I've had this approach with throwing clay on a potter's wheel.

[00:04:37] Nicole Meier: I'll sign up for class or schedule time on the wheel from time to time because my soul simply needs to be present and create art. I have no intention of selling my pottery or changing my profession. It just feels good to do it every once in a blue moon. Make sense? The reason I don't encourage emerging authors to treat their work, their writing work, as a hobby is because a hobby feels like something extra, and that can sometimes lead to guilt.

[00:05:06] Nicole Meier: Guilt for taking time away from your family, your friends, and other responsibilities. But when you treat your novel writing like a job, you give yourself permission to prioritize it. As I've said before, if you want it bad enough, you need to prioritize it. Here's how to reframe this. Imagine you've been hired to write this novel.

[00:05:28] Nicole Meier: It's your responsibility to show up and do the work, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. It's Like any other job, you wouldn't cancel on your boss or skip work just because you didn't feel like it. Remember, this isn't just about discipline, it's also about momentum. By committing to consistent writing sessions, aka showing up to the work, you'll keep your story alive and moving forward, and you'll avoid that dreaded guilt spiral.

[00:06:00] Nicole Meier: Finally, let's talk about point number three. Take the idea of resources seriously. Every successful writer gathers tools to support their journey. Think about runners training for a marathon. They don't just lace up their sneakers and hope for the best. They research helpful training plans, join supportive running groups, and invest in the right gear to level up their experience.

[00:06:26] Nicole Meier: Writing a novel is honestly no different. You need resources to set yourself up for success. Okay, this might include craft books. You can learn about story structure, character arcs, POV, pacing, etc. Or courses. Find ones tailored to your genre or the stage that you're at right now. You also have the option of writing groups.

[00:06:50] Nicole Meier: Get support and accountability from like minded writers. And then there are people like me, book coaches and editors. Work with someone one on one to guide you through the process, co strategize, and give you actionable editorial feedback. Think of these resources as your training plan. They help you build a strong foundation so you're not writing blind.

[00:07:15] Nicole Meier: Or stuck in a cycle of trial and error. You don't have to do it alone. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. So there you have it. The approachable plan to write and publish your novel. Remember, take your ideas seriously. Commit to the time it will take and gather the resources you need to succeed.

[00:07:38] Nicole Meier: Remember writing a novel is not about perfection. It's about showing up for your story and doing the work. If you're ready to stop daydreaming and start writing, you've already taken the first step by listening to this episode. Next week, I'll be talking about the elusive subject of the order of how to write a book.

[00:07:58] Nicole Meier: But if you're feeling inspired and want to start your novel writing today, I want to Then I've got something for you. Head over to StepsToStory. com and find my library of bite sized video courses to get you started on the right track. Whether you're seeking how to create a writing foundation, looking to get great revision tips, or wanting to find out the pros and cons of each publishing path available to you, I've got you covered.

[00:08:24] Nicole Meier: Check out StepsToStory. com or see the link in the show notes. Okay everyone, there you have it. Three simple but yet powerful steps to help you move from daydreaming about being a writer to actually moving forward and getting the novel manuscript started. Happy writing, everyone, and I'll see you next week.

[00:08:48] Nicole Meier: If you want to check out my coaching programs for fiction writers, visit NicoleMeier. com. That's M E I E R. And if you liked this episode, I'd love you to take a minute to leave a rating and review for this podcast. This will help more writers like you to discover the show and get started. and to get going on their writing journey.

[00:09:08] Nicole Meier: Thanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy writing everyone.