writing encouragement ← Nicole McInnes ← Page 3

Ep. 9: How to write a novel–Powering Through the First Draft (or Have Grit, Don’t Quit!)

Feb

21

2021

Writing the first draft of a novel can feel like sailing on the open sea with no land in sight—not the land you left, and certainly not the land you’re heading toward. Add to that the fact that you’re all alone with a sometimes-unwieldy beast of a story you’ve created (and are thus 100% responsible ...

Ep. 8: Writing Through Change

Feb

14

2021

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 ...

Ep. 7: How to Write a Novel–Into the Drafting Wilderness

Feb

8

2021

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 ...

Ep. 6: How to Write a Novel: Prewriting, the First Sparks

Feb

1

2021

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 ...

Ep. 5: Writers, Resilience & Growing a Thicker Skin

Jan

25

2021

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 ...

Ep. 4: Getting Back on the Horse

Jan

23

2021

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 ...

Ep. 3: Writers and Shame

Jan

20

2021

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 ...

Ep. 2: Are You a Headless Chicken Writer?

Jan

18

2021

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 | ...

Ep. 1: The Groovy Writer Podcast – Introduction

Jan

17

2021

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 ...