Advertise on podcast: The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller

From its humble, self-published beginnings, Theo of Golden rose to become a #1 New York Times bestseller in 2025—and has sold over 3.5 million copies to date. But, in my not so humble opinion, the writing itself leaves much to be desired. So what accounts for this book’s massive success?Today I'm joined by my friend, two-time author, and Juilliard-trained oboist Meredith Hite Estevez to unpack Theo of Golden—what it gets profoundly right and where it left us rolling our eyes or checking our watch.  We also explore the powerful flashes of beauty, truth, and wisdom hiding among its literarily lackluster pages—because you don’t have to love a book to learn from it. We discuss: How Theo of Golden uses portraiture to explore what it means to truly see another personWhy specificity is, counterintuitively, what makes writing more universalHow withholding information can create artificial suspense instead of genuine tensionWhy characters need flaws that actually get in the way of what they wantWhy love for your subject, your reader, and the work itself might be the most important ingredient for great artWhat writers can learn from the book's enormous popularity, even if its style isn't their favoriteTheo of Golden reminds us that, while the “science” of strong writing matters, when a book has enough soul, it can cover a multitude of sins in the science department. Mentioned in this episode: Stein on Writing by Sol SteinThe Goldfinch by Donna Tartt My Friends by Fredrik BackmanJohn of John by Douglas Stuart  Connect with Merideth at artistsforjoy.org or on Instagram.  Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

I really wanted to hate Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. But after my second read, I'm officially obsessed.  In this episode, I'm joined by fiction writer and editor Hayley Milliman to discuss one of the most polarizing books of 2026: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, the satirical novel that follows Natalie Heller Mills, a successful trad-wife influencer who wakes up one morning in the 1850s.  Through that suspense-infused frame, the novel explores what happens when a person becomes so committed to performing a version of herself that she loses track of who she actually is—and the societal pressures that make such a performance not only possible but, perhaps, inevitable. Through a writer’s lens, we dig into the brave choices and narrative techniques that make this book so compelling and fresh—its deliberately unlikable protagonist, fascinating use of the unreliable narrator, and propulsive premise—as well as what we wish the book had done differently, from Natalie's sparse backstory to the slightly unsatisfying ending. We also unpack novel’s most salient themes: surveillance, performance, identity, and the destructive influence of patriarchy on all who fall under its shadow.  Ultimately, the novel invites readers to answer this important question: Where are we performing our lives rather than actually living them?  Mentioned in this episode: Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyMy previous episode with Hayley: "Stop Trying to Write a Great Novel"Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling HuangBlack Mirror Connect with Hayley: On Substack: hayleyiswriting.substack.comSend me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

I've long said that verbs are the beating heart of great writing, but this book pushed my love of verbs into an obsession. Today I’m joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning dance critic Sarah L. Kaufman to discuss her newest book, Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing.  We explore how precise, expressive verbs can bring your writing alive—creating movement, conveying emotion, sharpening meaning, streamlining wordy sentences, and expressing your unique voice. Plus, we geek out about some of our favorite verbs—and some of our favorite writers who know exactly what to do with them. You'll learn: The science behind why certain verbs can make us feel differently as readersWhy action verbs unlock vivid setting descriptionsHow to use verb to reveal emotion without naming itWhy passive voice and adverbs deserve more nuance than you probably learned in English classHow paying attention to verbs can strengthen your voiceSarah’s enthusiasm for language is truly contagious, I and love the way she encourages writers to trust their intuition even as they hone their craft.  So the next time your writing feels flat, trust that instinct and then return to the tips in this episode—and in Sarah’s fantastic book—to help you find the perfect verb to infuse texture and meaning into your prose. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Grace by Sarah L. Kaufman The Sound and the Fury by William FaulknerSwing Time by Zadie Smith The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Gathering by Anne EnrightTo the Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldThe Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonWhat We Can Know by Ian McEwanPurchase Sarah’s new book: Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing Connect with Sarah at www. sarahlkaufman.com.  Grab my FREE download and mini-course on writing craft: Ten Tips to Write Like a Pro. Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

Sometimes the fastest way toward a better book is to let yourself write a bad one. In this episode, I’m joined by Hayley Milliman—author, editor, and Director of Community at ProWritingAid, one of the world’s largest communities for creative writers—who recently finished the first draft of her novel in just 30 days while working full time.  We talk about how knowing the craft of writing doesn’t necessarily translate into actually doing the work, how the pressure to write something important can become paralyzing, and how her fast-drafting approach helped her overcome perfectionism and get a complete draft on the page in record time. While the episode focuses on fiction, much of our conversation applies to memoir writing. Plus, writers of other kinds of nonfiction will find valuable insights. You’ll learn: The mindset mistakes that keep even technically skilled writers stuckWhy treating your first draft like a “50,000-word outline” can help you stop overthinking and start writingWhy Hayley recommends setting drafting goals based on time rather than word countWhat to do when your outline stops working halfway through a draft so it doesn’t derail your entire projectHow to create the internal tension that drives a compelling storyHayley’s process is a great reminder that the first draft doesn’t have to be good—it just has to exist—and that our strongest writing will always come from being true to our own lived experience.  Mentioned in this episode: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke  Dr. Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ 6 universal pleasure buttons: Tiktok explainer video hereSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoThe Wedding People by Alison EspachHayley’s outlining process Substack article: “How I plan my novel so I can draft in 30 days”All's Well by Mona Awad Connect with Hayley: On Substack: hayleyiswriting.substack.com Book club alert! Hayley will be back on the show on September 30th to discuss Yesteryear, which I’ve now read twice. (I’m equal parts impressed and disturbed…) If you haven’t read it yet, now’s your chance because the episode WILL contain spoilers. Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

Bad Bunny's music is danceable, provocative, and sometimes vulgar, but it’s also full of beauty and truth—if you’ll take the time to look closer. Originally recorded for Mariana Herrera Mosli’s Meet at the Well, this episode discusses what I discovered when I began approaching Bad Bunny's music as literature and what we miss when we dismiss certain texts as too popular or secular to be worthy of deeper analysis.  When we move past fear and knee-jerk reactions to Bad Bunny’s public persona, we uncover within his music complex ideas about culture, identity, liberation, and belonging—and a radical joy that resonates deeply with the Gospel. You’ll learn: My journey to faith after my liberal arts college experienceWhy pop music can function as poetryWhy I consider curiosity and generosity deeply Christian posturesHow “Tití Me Preguntó” uses music, structure, and narrative to complicate its seemingly simple messageWhat Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance reveals about inclusive joy as an act of resistanceWhy Christians would benefit from looking for beauty, wisdom, and truth outside explicitly Christian artUltimately, this conversation is about how literature teaches us to resist simplistic thinking and to search for truth, beauty, and wisdom in unexpected places—even a reggaeton song. Mentioned in this episode: Substack article about my “Holy Spirit moment” on the Camino: “To Be a Pilgrim”The Problem of Pain by C.S. LewisMy Taylor Swift exploration, LIT112: The Life of a Showgirl on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFrankenstein by Mary Shelley Connect with Mariana: On SubstackHer podcast: Meet at the WellOn Instagram Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Listen to Episode 26 for Part 1. You know it’s time to start building your author platform. But where do you begin? What if you’re not even sure who you’re writing for or what you’re writing about? In this second half of my conversation with writing coach and author Ann Kroeker, we dive into the practical aspects of building an author platform from the ground up—from experimenting with audio and video content to Substack and email newsletters. We talk about getting curious about your ideal readers, trying different ways of reaching them, and perhaps most importantly, lowering the stakes so you can actually get started. You'll learn: Whether it’s OK to share material from your book draft on social mediaWhy writers should view video as a huge opportunityWhere to begin when you’re starting from zeroCommon platform-building pitfalls to avoidWhy focusing on quantity will lead to quality content This episode will help you see platform building not as an additional requirement for publication but rather as an integral—and even enjoyable—part of the writing life. Mentioned in this episode: Anne Kroeker, Writing Coach podcast episode: “Is Substack the Best Platform for Writers? Jane Friedman’s Expert Opinion”Jane Friedman’s article on Substack (updated May, 2025): “Substack Is Both Great and Terrible for Authors” Pottery Parable: “Quantity leads to quality” by Austin Kleon “Buckeye” by Scott Russell SandersAnne Kroeker, Writing Coach podcast episode: “Prepare for Publishing with Insights from Literary Agent Lucinda Halpern”  Connect with Ann: Podcast: Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach Substack: @annkroekerWebsite: Ann’s “Everything” Page And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter if you haven’t already!  Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

If the word “platform” makes you want to crawl under your desk—or give up on publication altogether—you’re not alone.  But at its core, building a platform isn't about becoming an influencer, chasing followers, or jumping through hoops to win an agent’s attention. It’s about connecting with the people who need what only you can say.  In this first half of my conversation with writing coach and author Ann Kroeker, we talk about how to approach platform-building with intention and integrity, in a way that feel authentic rather than performative—plus why you shouldn't wait until your book is finished to start building one.  Building your platform is also a chance to hone your message and cultivate the voice that makes your writing unique—something AI can never replicate.  You'll learn: What “platform” actually means and why it matters in publishingWhy your author brand should be bigger than any single bookThe importance of clarifying your big idea, audience, and purpose before making other writing decisionsWhy the best time to start building your platform is before you write your bookHow platform building can help you hone your message, cultivate your unique voice, and discover what resonates with your readersWhy the struggle of writing is part of what makes it meaningful Building a platform can easily become another performance metric for writers. This conversation offers a different way to think about it—not as a competition for attention, but as the slow but important work of connecting with the people who need your particular message delivered the way only you can say it.  This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Tune in next week for Part 2. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Nonfiction by Ayn Rand“Don’t Use A.I. to Do This” by Colson Whitehead, The New York Times  Connect with Ann: Podcast: Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach Substack: @annkroekerWebsite: Ann's "Everything" Page Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

AI can save us time, sharpen our ideas, and tighten our writing. But when does it shift from a helpful tool to a crutch that makes your writing less effective and less yours? In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly Notaras, editor, writer, and founder of KN Literary Arts, to talk about where AI belongs—and doesn't belong—in a writer's process. Rather than taking an all-or-nothing stance, Kelly and I dig into the messy middle: the ways AI can genuinely support writers, the places where it can undermine your work, and what writers risk losing when they hand too much of the creative process over to a machine. You'll learn: Why AI can actually make your writing worse when you use it to replace your own voiceThe common “AI tells” that can erode trust with your readerWhere AI may be useful to writers—and what kind of uses to avoid at all costsWhy writers pursuing traditional publishing need to be especially cautious about AI useWhy your own imperfect, quirky, human voice is far more valuable than “better” writing produced by a machineOur goal is to help you think more intelligently about AI as a writer so you can make informed decisions about if, when, and how to use the tools available to you. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. It’s your responsibility to stay informed about standards and requirements related to your publishing goals. Mentioned in this episode: Kelly’s book:  The Book You Were Born to WriteKelly’s retreat: Write Where You Are RetreatThe Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love Hardin Connect with Kelly: Substack: @kellynotarasKellynotaras.comKN Literary ArtsSend me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

It took journalist Kara Kavensky nearly a decade to write her debut memoir. With over 1000 articles under her belt, she knew how to turn life into a story. She had the skill, the experience, and a killer hook.  What she didn’t have was any intention of being in it. In this episode, Kara and I discuss the process behind her debut memoir Tell Me About Joy: A True Story of Love, Regret, and Second Chances (out September 8). Somehow both unflinching and uplifting, the book portrays how Kara’s quest to reunite a WWII veteran with his high school sweetheart helps her find the courage to finally leave her emotionally abusive husband—and rediscover a life of purpose and joy. We explore the soul and the science of memoir writing: from reconstructing scenes and handling difficult personal material to braiding multiple timelines into a compelling narrative.  Along the way, Kara reflects on the healing power of storytelling, the challenges of vulnerability, and the craft decisions that took nearly a decade to get right. Whether you're dreaming of writing your memoir or already wrestling with one, this conversation is full of practical craft insights and encouraging reminders that the stories we hesitate most to tell are often the ones readers need most. Connect with Kara: Instagram: @karakavensky Website: karakavensky.com (Pre)Order Kara’s book Tell Me About Joy! Mentioned in this episode: Eat, Pray, LoveThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie SocietyThe Thirteenth TaleThe Replacement ChildThe Fullness of Time by Cathy HaynesVerb Your Enthusiasm by Sarah L. Kaufman Eats, Shoots & LeavesThe Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (braided structure)Bob and Joy’s wedding Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

You’re smart, motivated, and hard-working. So why does your mind become your own worst enemy the minute you sit down to write? In this episode, I sit down with professor of human behavior, executive coach, licensed therapist, and bestselling author Melody Wilding.  For the last 15 years, she’s been helping highly sensitive, ambitious professionals learn how to get out of their own way and leverage their strengths. Now, we apply her expertise to one of the most emotionally and technically demanding creative pursuits there is: writing a book. She shares both psychological principles and practical strategies for overcoming perfectionism, reducing decision fatigue, handling rejection, and building the courage to put your work into the world. You'll learn: Why overthinking becomes paralyzing—and how to move past itHow to make sure you’re never left staring at the blank page againHow to validate your concept before you spend years writingA rubric for gathering feedback that actually improves your manuscriptA framework for navigating fear around visibility and self-promotionThe mindset shift that helps Melody move past rejection The psychology behind effectively advocating for your work with agents and publishersWhether you're still dreaming about writing your first book or deep in the publishing process, this episode will help you get out of your own way so you can move toward publication with greater confidence, clarity, and momentum. Mentioned in this episode: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at WorkManaging Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in ChargeHow to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers Connect with Melody: Website: https://melodywilding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywildingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodywilding/Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

What really happens between a book idea and a finished manuscript?  In this episode, I sit down with my friend Meredith Hite Estevez—a Juilliard-trained oboist, writer, creative coach, and one of my favorite people to talk shop with—to chat about the creative process behind her new book, Art Is How God Loves Us: The Sacred Beauty of Created Things. We explore how years of musical training shaped her writing voice, why her second book required a completely different creative process than her first, and how learning to trust her "inner knowing" transformed both her writing and her creative life. We also pull back the curtain on the realities of the sometimes circuitous path from first idea to traditional publication—from platform-building and first drafts to sub-headings and book launches. You'll learn: How to develop—and protect—your unique writing voiceWhy every creative project has its own "way in"Why forcing the process too early often keeps you from your best workWhat Meredith would tell herself if she could go back in timeWhether you're writing your first book, your fifth, or simply trying to reconnect with the joy of creating, this conversation is a reminder that great writing isn't something you force—it's something you uncover, one faithful step at a time. Mentioned in this episode: Merideth’s two beautiful books: Art Is How God Loves Us and The Artist’s JoyThe Goldfinch by Donna TarttMy Friends by Fredrik Backman Connect with Merideth at artistsforjoy.org or on Instagram.  And be sure to grab a copy of her new book! Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

Every writer knows this moment: you finally sit down to create, and instead of inspiration, you feel panic. Your ideas suddenly seem infantile. Your words feel trite, stilted, and utterly forgettable. And the thought creeps in: Maybe I’m not actually a writer. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing a lyric essay I wrote a while back about a solo writing retreat in the Berkshire Mountains—one that began with tears, self-doubt, and the painful discovery that maybe I wasn’t actually capable of writing the book I’d been dreaming about for years. With the gentle support of The Artist’s Joy by Merideth Hite Estevez, I embarked on a journey through creative resistance, shame, and perfectionism to find the courage to claim my artistic vision. You’ll hear my thoughts about: Why writers often mistake resistance, slowness, and struggle as proof they don’t belongThe connection between shame, self-protection, and hiding our creative workHow changing the way we see our challenges can transform the way we createWhy slow, difficult growth is often precisely what builds stronger workAfter reading the essay, I share some behind-the-scenes craft reflections on how the piece evolved through the writing and revision process. Every writer eventually faces these questions: Am I good enough? Is this idea actually worth pursuing? Why does this feel so hard? What I’ve learned is that freedom is never found by eliminating doubt and discomfort. It comes from learning to create alongside them. If you’d prefer to read this essay, you can do so on my Substack right here. Mentioned in this episode: Merideth’s “lens shift” exercise on Substack: Let Art Change Your MindThe Artist’s Joy – Meredith’s first bookArt Is How God Loves Us – Meredith’s new book, out July 7th!Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

As writers, reading is one of the most important ways we learn our craft. Whether we're reading with a pen in hand or listening on audio while folding laundry, every book we consume is shaping the writer we're becoming. In this episode, I'm sharing 12 of my favorite books I’ve read in the past year, both fiction and nonfiction. Some were masterclasses in craft. Others offered the perfect blend of entertainment and solid storycraft—and kept me reading long past my bedtime. I'll share what I loved about each book as a reader, what I noticed as a writer, and the specific techniques and lessons that stood out along the way. You'll leave with plenty of additions to your TBR list and, hopefully, a bit of inspiration to bring back to your own writing. Mentioned in this episode (sorted by genre): Fiction (from most literary to least) Hamnet by Maggie O'FarrellThe Accidental Tourist by Anne TylerAll Fours by Miranda JulyThank You for Listening by Julia WhelanFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosMemoir The Anthropocene Reviewed by John GreenA Well-Trained Wife by Tia LevingsWhat We Carry by Maya Shanbhag LangGrayson by Lynne CoxStrangers by Belle BurdenOther Nonfiction Landscapes of the Soul by Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw Upstream by Mary OliverSend me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

The difference between a mediocre book and a compelling one is something most readers struggle to name but instinctively feel.  It comes down to careful, often painstaking refinement—multiple rounds of clarifying, restructuring, and fine-tuning until your meaning is expressed with maximum precision and elegance. In Part 2 of my guide to writing a great book, I dive into phases 3 and 4, revising and publishing: the layers of refinement that transform a rough manuscript into a clear, cohesive, life-changing book. If you missed Part 1 on ideating and drafting, I highly recommend starting there first! In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3 “layers” of editing—and why each is essentialWhy some books “sound good” but still don’t workWhat developmental editors actually doWhat to look for in a professional editor (and red flags to avoid)What happens during proofreading, formatting, and book launch prepThe biggest mistakes first-time authors make during revision and publishingGreat books may begin with a burst of inspiration, but they’re built one intentional revision at a time. And they’re never written alone. Note: This guide is designed primarily for nonfiction authors, from prescriptive nonfiction like self-help and thought leadership to creative nonfiction like memoir. That said, many of the same phases and pitfalls apply to fiction as well, even if the specifics look a little different. Mentioned in this episode: Write a Must-Read by  AJ Harper The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing by Michael Harvey Hungry Authors by Liz Morrow and Ariel CurryHungry Authors podcastEditorial Freelancers Association Rates -- just keep in mind these are median rates and skew very low for quality work in my experience!Jane Friedman’s blog (click the “Topics” dropdown) Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum or find her free content on Substack here FREE SELF-EDITING DOWNLOAD:  From Good to Great: Ten Tips to Write Like a Pro EDITING: Learn more about my editing services and read testimonials at maraeller.com/editing and book a free consultation call with me here!  BOOK COACHING: Learn more about Momentum Book Coaching and read testimonials at maraeller.com/book-coaching and book a free consult call here! Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.

If you’re dreaming about writing a book—or struggling in the thick of it—you might be wondering exactly what that process will look like and what kind of support will help you cross the finish line. Whether you end up self-publishing or getting a traditional book deal, there are a lot of steps along the way—and there’s a lot of lingo that can cause confusion. That’s why I created this guide to demystify the book creation process, alert you to common pitfalls, and point you in the right direction if and when you’re ready for professional support. In this episode I cover the first two of four phases of book creation: ideating and drafting. You’ll learn: Why “writing a book” is about far more than just writingThe key questions every author must answer before they start draftingWhat a “book map” is and how it dramatically improves your chances of finishingWhat to look for in a book coach (and red flags to avoid)How to handle resistance, procrastination, and your inner critic during the drafting processHere’s the truth successful authors know: a book is only as good as the ideas behind it, so building a strong foundation is the most important step of all. Note: This guide is designed specifically for nonfiction authors—from prescriptive nonfiction like self-help to creative nonfiction like memoir. That said, the phases I outline and many of the potential pitfalls remain the same for fiction. Just keep in mind that some of the nuances will be different. Mentioned in this episode: Hungry Authors bookHungry Authors on Substack Learn more about Momentum Book Coaching: maraeller.com/book-coaching Book a free consultation call with me!  Send me a voice message with your questions or comments! ___________________________________ Come join the discussion! Instagram TikTok Threads Substack And visit my website to learn more about my editing services, book coaching, and upcoming courses.