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The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller
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!
The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller
Latest Episodes
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 Enneag...
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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.&n...
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 w...
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 hav...
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....