60. Are You Living the Life of a Whole Writer?

What does it mean to be a whole writer? For me and for so many of the writers I work with, it means expanding our definition of success.

It means creating a writing life that includes, yes, the craft of storytelling, but also a creative rhythm that honors your energy and life season. A community of other writers who get it and who share your values. A curiosity about your ideal reader, not from a marketing lens first, but from a connection lens.

Tune in to find out more.

Links and resource from this episode:

Website | Substack

Transcript

STEPS TO STORY EP 60 - The Whole Writer - 4-14-2025

[00:00:00] Nicole Meier: Today I want to talk about something that's been on my heart for a while, what it means to show up as the whole writer, not just a better writer or a more productive writer or a published writer, but a whole one. I. Alright, let's get into it.

[00:00:23] 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.

[00:00:44] Nicole Meier: From breaking through creative blocks to fine tuning your story structure and navigating the publishing world with confidence. 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 to together.

[00:01:06] Nicole Meier: Hi friends. Welcome. Did you know that I write a companion piece to each steps to Story podcast episode? It's where I go even deeper on the subjects of writing and publishing. I share some of my personal journey too. You can find these pieces over on Substack at Nicole Meier Writes, I'd love for you to join me over there as well as the incredibly creative and supportive writing community that lives there.

[00:01:32] Nicole Meier: It's where I spend most of my time these days, and I'm really loving it. Alright, now on to today's topic. Today I want to talk about something that's been on my heart for a while. What it means to show up as the whole writer, not just a better writer or a more productive writer or a published writer, but a whole one, someone who's grounded in their voice, in their community, in their creative path, even when the world tells them to hustle, compare or conform.

[00:02:06] Nicole Meier: Alright, let's get into it. First, let's talk about the book Dream. There was a time early in my writing life when I was laser focused on one thing, the book deal. I truly believed that once I signed with a publisher, everything would fall into place. That magical, yes, would unlock confidence, ease, and a clearer path forward.

[00:02:28] Nicole Meier: And to be fair, that's the story we are often sold, especially as emerging novel writers. We see the announcement posts, the joyful launches, the smiling bookstore, selfies. This is all fun, and I enjoyed every part of it. I really did. But what we don't always see is the pressure that can come with the yes, the subtle or not so subtle pull to write something more commercial.

[00:02:57] Nicole Meier: The need to prove that you weren't a fluke. The sudden loss of control over changes in editors, breakneck timelines, underwhelming cover concepts, and sometimes even the heart of the story itself. I know it because I lived it. I once had an editor suggest I write a version of a story that felt like a total misalignment with my values and voice.

[00:03:21] Nicole Meier: Something about women in suburbia tearing each other down, fighting over fences and feuds. When I actually wanted to write about friendship, found family, and the quiet resilience we build in community. And you know what? I didn't take that suggestion, even though I knew it was potentially what was selling at the time.

[00:03:42] Nicole Meier: I turned this idea down. It was both terrifying and freeing because it reminded me that this is my creative life. I get to decide what stories I tell. I get to decide what kind of writer I want to be and how I want to show up for this work. Side note here, this is not everyone's experience in traditional publishing.

[00:04:05] Nicole Meier: There are many wonderful and gratifying experiences out there, but I also think it's valuable to share even the hard parts of my personal experience as an example. Alright, now I wanna move on and talk about the idea of embracing the whole writer. What does this mean to be a whole writer? For me and for so many of the writers I work with, it means expanding our definition of success.

[00:04:31] Nicole Meier: It means creating a writing life that includes, yes, the craft of storytelling, but also a creative rhythm that honors your energy and life season. A community of other writers who get it and who share your values. A curiosity about your ideal reader, not from a marketing lens first, but from a connection lens.

[00:04:53] Nicole Meier: Who are you writing for? Who are you hoping will feel seen in your pages? It also means looking at your publishing path with fresh eyes. Not just asking How do I get published, but instead asking what kind of publishing experience do I want to have? Traditional publishing can be beautiful, yes, but it's not the only path, and it's not always the best fit for every book or every season of life, or even every title.

[00:05:23] Nicole Meier: Indie publishing, hybrid routes, small presses. These are all valid, creative, empowering options. The key is alignment, clarity, choosing from a place of intention, not desperation. Now, let's address something I've been writing about a lot lately over on Substack, letting go of the Hustle. One of the most powerful shifts I've seen writers make, myself included.

[00:05:49] Nicole Meier: Is the decision to stop hustling for validation and start cultivating something more sustainable, a creative life that feels nourishing. You don't need to do it all. You don't need to post daily or write 2000 words before dawn or land a six figure advance to be a quote real writer. You are a real writer when you show up with honesty.

[00:06:14] Nicole Meier: When you stay connected to your story, when you keep going even quietly, even slowly, and honestly, the writers who thrive long term are the ones who take care of themselves as whole creative humans, not just word machines. So here's what I want to leave you with today. You don't need to wait for permission to step into your full creative self.

[00:06:38] Nicole Meier: You don't need a book deal to claim your identity as a writer. And you don't have to do this alone. Take a breath, tune into what you want, not what your writing group says, or the algorithm says, or the bestseller list says. What kind of writing life do you want to build? That's your next step, and I promise it's enough.

[00:07:01] Nicole Meier: So let me recap some of the things I mentioned in order to have a life as a whole rider. First, think about a creative rhythm that honors your energy and life season. Next, think of cultivating a community of writers who get it and who share your values. And finally come to it with a curiosity about your ideal reader, not from a marketing lens, but from a connection lens.

[00:07:27] Nicole Meier: Who are you writing for? Who are you hoping will feel seen in your pages? These three points are a great way to reframe your idea of success as a novelist. All right, writers, thanks for being here with me today. If this episode spoke to you, I'd love it if you shared it with a writing friend or left a review.

[00:07:47] Nicole Meier: It really helps more emerging authors find us. And if you're looking for support in building your riding life in a way that feels aligned and wholehearted, you know where to find me@nicolemeyer.com. Until next time, keep writing forward with heart, with courage, and with your whole self.

[00:08:09] 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 like 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 to get going on their writing journey.

[00:08:29] Nicole Meier: Thanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy writing everyone.