The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “The only constant in life is change.” As we know, some periods of change are more intense than others, but for writers, all periods of major transition (whether we consider them to be good or bad) tend to have a few things in common: They challenge our commitment to our ...
How do we start to put a structure to the “first sparks” of inspiration we’ve gathered (and possibly outlined) during the prewriting stage? Join me in Episode 7 as I discuss some different techniques for transitioning into the exciting part of the novel-writing process during which a first draft starts to take shape. This episode ...
For many novelists, the prewriting phase is a land of seemingly endless, dreamy opportunity where we get to meet potential characters, to think about who they are and how they would react to a variety of situations. Meanwhile, the plot of the story we want to tell is often starting to take shape, as are ...
As a writer, where do you reside on the “skin thickness spectrum?” Do you dread having your work critiqued? Or do you use feedback as an opportunity to learn and thrive–even when that feedback ends in a rejection from an agent, editor, etc? In this episode, we’ll explore some of the ways writers of all ...
When rejection rears its ugly head and writers fall off the horse (metaphorically speaking, of course) it can interfere with—or even obliterate—our ability to find a productive and enjoyable writing groove. Listen in to Episode 4 where you’ll hear Nicole’s story about an actual horse-related spill along with some questions we writers can ask ourselves ...
Have you ever had your writing rejected by an agent, an editor, a contest panel, etc? If so, did you feel the specific kind of shame that so often accompanies such a rejection? As writers, we might not even be aware of how shame can cause serious problems when it comes to finding our writing ...
Do you find yourself struggling to keep writing in the face of all the stuff “real” life tends to throw at you? This episode explores how writers can manage the responsibilities and energy sinkholes that can leave us creatively drained. Listen on Spotify! Listen on iTunes! Listen on Stitcher! https://www.nicolemcinnes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Full-Final-Episode-2-Life-is-What-Happens.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | ...
I’m psyched (and a little terrified, to be honest) to publish this first episode of The Groovy Writer Podcast. I’ve been wanting to start a writing podcast for-EVAH, but other stuff kept getting bumped to the top of the priority list. Plus, the podcasting learning curve is seriously steep! I’m still climbing it as I ...
…when we’re busy running around like headless chickens. So many writers I know—students and otherwise—relate to this statement. For most of us, it’s difficult to prioritize writing when other, more pressing issues shove it aside. Most of us have bills to pay, after all–and most of us aren’t supporting ourselves or our families 100% with ...
Howdy, visitors. Having lost all of my blog posts going back a few years, I’m in the process of salvaging the ones I can (thanks to the Wayback Machine) and creating new ones. Bear with me as the blog is gradually restored. If there are any topics you’re particularly interested in seeing addressed here, feel ...