The Whole Writer
Episodes
103. Writing for Love vs. Writing for Money: The Passion Pay Gap with Will Parker Anderson
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if your writing passion and your paid writing career aren’t meant to fully overlap?Many novelists and memoir writers feel discouraged when thei...
102. Why You Keep Rewriting Instead of Finishing Your Book
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you keep rewriting the same pages of your novel or memoir instead of finishing your draft, this episode is for you.Many writers get stuck in the ha...
101. When Your Publishing Career Stalls: Pivots, Pen Names, and Starting Again with Darien Hsu Gee
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when your book sales trend down? When an agent says they can’t sell you again? When the genre you’re known for no longer fits?In th...
100. Beyond the Template: Finding Your Individual Calling as a Writer
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling creatively frozen from following too many writing formulas? You're not alone. In this milestone 100th episode, I'm sharing why the e...
99. How to Find What's Meaningful in Your Novel (and Pitch It Like a Pro) with Karin Gillespie
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if the secret to writing a compelling novel—and querying it successfully—starts with understanding what's deeply meaningful to you? In t...
98. Coming Home to Wholeness (NEW SEASON!)
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I'm talking directly to the novel and memoir writers who are exhausted, stuck, and wondering if they can ever find their way back to the page. If...
97. REPLAY: From Query Doubt to Dream Deal with Kelly Kearsley
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From nonfiction writer to debut novelist with a Big Five traditional publishing book deal.In this candid episode, Kelly pulls back the curtain on the ...
96. REPLAY: The Secret to Unlocking Creative Flow with Gabriela Blandy
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this transformative episode, I sit down with Gabriela Blandy—writer, life coach, breathwork facilitator, and shamanic practitioner—to explore t...
95. REPLAY: Real Answers for Real Writing Struggles
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've been noticing some common themes in the conversations I'm having with writers. So today, instead of answering specific questions you&ap...
94. REPLAY: What's Really Holding Writers Back with Molly Carroll
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm diving deep into the writer mindset with my dear friend and accomplished therapist, coach, author, and speaker Molly Carroll.We cover s...
93. REPLAY: How to Find Your Sustainable Pace: Slow Writing in a Fast World
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's something happening to us writers right now, isn't there? The algorithms reward, consistency. The platform's demand content, an...
92. Who Are You Becoming as a Writer?
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here's the question I'm diving into this week on The Whole Writer. Who are you becoming as a writer? Not what are you writing, or how much y...
91. Five Essential Truths for Your Writing
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with self-doubt or writer's block? Discover five essential truths that will transform how you approach your novel or memoir. Learn how...
90. Serializing Your Story on Substack with Memoirist Jessy Easton
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could publish your memoir or novel directly to readers as you write it? Writer Jessy Easton shares how she's serializing her memoir &...
89. Are You Gatekeeping Your Writing Work?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a novelist or fiction writer keeping your work tucked away, convinced you’re “not ready” to share it, this episode is for you. We’...
88. Shifts in the Publishing Industry with Jane Friedman
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm thrilled to welcome Jane Friedman to the show! Jane has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, and I've been following her ...
87. Unlocking the Secrets of Story Movement with Kathryn Craft
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for a conversation with author and writing mentor Kathryn Craft as she reveals insights from her new craft book for writers.In this episode, K...
86. How to Choose the Voices That Belong in Your Creative Space
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you getting feedback from the wrong critique group? In this episode, I share why surrounding yourself with the right writing community is essentia...
85. Behind the Scenes of a Book Festival: Creating Community for Writers and Readers with Amanda Bullock
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Go behind the scenes of a thriving book festival with Amanda Bullock from podcast sponsor, Literary Arts. She reveals what it takes to create an unfor...
84. Transforming Your Writing Space: A Conversation with Dorena Kohrs, The Space Doula
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how writers can elevate their creative process by intentionally designing their writing space. Join us as I interview Do...
83. The Audacious Choice: Leaving Everything Behind to Write Your Truth with Anne Boyd
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in this conversation with Anne Boyd, author of the viral Substack newsletter "Audacious Women Creative Lives" and former literature ...
82. You Don't Need To Be Fixed: Nurturing Your Writing Voice
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m talking directly to novelists about a mindset shift that can change how you see yourself and your manuscript: you don’t ...
81. From 100 Rejections to Glitter and Gold: Jill Beissel’s Debut Story
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation episode, I sit down with Jill Beissel, debut novelist and author of Glitter and Gold, to talk about what it really takes to stay ...
80. Writing with ADHD: Finding Joy, Focus, and Permission with Dr. Candice Stanfield Wiswell
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation episode, I sit down with Dr. Candice Stanfield Wiswell, a writer, psychologist, and ADHD writing coach, to talk about what it mea...
79. Creative Intuition: Finding Balance Between Craft and Instinct
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I explore the delicate balance between external writing resources (craft books, courses, workshops) and your internal creative i...
78. REPLAY: A Chat With My Literary Agent: How to Land & Work With One with Abby Saul
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with my literary agent Abby Saul for a deep dive into the querying process, the realities of an agent’s role, and what m...
77. REPLAY: What It's Like to Be An Author in Today's Market with Tracey Lange & Kerry Chaput
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm pulling back the curtain in today's episode and talking about what it's really like to be an author in today's market. With me...
76. REPLAY: How to Handle Feedback Without Losing Your Voice
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re diving into a topic that every novelist encounters sooner or later: how to handle feedback without losing your voice. Inside this episod...
75. REPLAY: Why Your Flawed First Draft is a Gift
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about one of the hardest parts of writing: embracing the imperfection of that first draft. I know it can feel like you’re slog...
74. Are You Ready For Creative Expansion?
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I explore what happens when writers feel creatively restless—when the work that once excited us begins to feel too safe or familiar....
73. The Evolution of Women's Fiction with Literary Agent Erin Niumata
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for an illuminating conversation with literary agent and doctoral researcher Erin Niumata about the past, present, and future of women's ...
72. What Happens When You're Given Freedom to Write with Amanda Vano
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with author Amanda Vano. After receiving a workplace grant for her creative goals, Amanda shares how having dedicated time...
71. The Whole Writer in Action: From Query Doubt to Dream Deal with Kelly Kearsley
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for an intimate living room chat with author Kelly Kearsley, who shares her remarkable journey from seasoned nonfiction writer to debut noveli...
70. The Secret to Unlocking Creative Flow with Gabriela Blandy
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this transformative episode, I sit down with Gabriela Blandy—writer, life coach, breathwork facilitator, and shamanic practitioner—to explore t...
69. Real Answers for Real Writing Struggles: Part 2
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've been noticing some common themes in the conversations I'm having with writers. So today, instead of answering specific questions you&ap...
68. Building a Creative Life That Lasts with J.T. Ellison
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, bestselling author J.T. Ellison shares what it really takes to build a creative life that stands the test of time. From ho...
67. Choosing Collaboration Over Competition with Ali Brady
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with the writing duo Ali Brady (Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey) about creative collaboration. The former critique par...
66. How to Build Your Literary Village
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. In today’s episode, I’m diving into what it really means to build your literary village: the...
65. Your Most Daring Act: Sharing Your Work with Tedd Hawks
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me today as creative coach Tedd Hawks and I talk about why sharing your writing is so terrifying, the neurological reasons our brains resist putt...
64. What's Really Holding Writers Back with Molly Carroll
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm diving deep into the writer mindset with my dear friend and accomplished therapist, coach, author, and speaker Molly Carroll.We cover s...
63. How to Find Your Sustainable Pace: Slow Writing in a Fast World
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's something happening to us writers right now, isn't there? The algorithms reward, consistency. The platform's demand content, an...
62. Same Story, New Title: My Name Change Announcement
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode marks a gentle transition, one I've been contemplating for some time and am excited to finally share it with you. This podca...
61. Is Fear Keeping Your Story Invisible?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I dive into the quiet, hidden fear that holds so many writers back — the comfort of invisibility. Whether you’ve told yourself “...
60. Are You Living the Life of a Whole Writer?
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 creat...
59. Writing from the Heart: How Following Her Intuition Landed a Book Deal with Jennifer O'Brien
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, we chat with debut novelist Jennifer O'Brien, whose publishing journey took a surprising and inspiring turn. After a r...
58. Nurture Your Revisions: How to Approach Your Next Draft with special guests
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring g...
57. Nurture Your Mindset: How to Move Through Roadblocks with special guests
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring g...
56. Nurture Your Novel: How to Start Strong and Keep Going with special guests
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the next three episodes, I'm doing something special. Recently I had the Joy of gathering with 15 of my book coaching friends, an inspiring g...
55. Why Your First Pages Matter More Than You Think
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm discussing one of the most crucial parts of your novel: the first pages. You've heard it a million times, your opening pages need ...
54. Why Your Flawed First Draft is a Gift
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about one of the hardest parts of writing: embracing the imperfection of that first draft. I know it can feel like you’re slog...
53. Fixing that ONE Thing in Your Novel
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about that one thing: the mysterious, nagging problem in your novel that you just can't seem to fix. Every writer hits t...
52. A Chat With My Literary Agent: How to Land & Work with One, with Abby Saul
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with my literary agent Abby Saul for a deep dive into the querying process, the realities of an agent’s role, and what m...
51. Building Your Author Platform Before You Publish
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s publishing world, authors aren’t just storytellers—they’re also the CEOs of their own brand. That responsibility can feel overwhelm...
50. What It's Like to Be An Author in Today's Market with Tracey Lange & Kerry Chaput
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm pulling back the curtain in today's episode and talking about what it's really like to be an author in today's market. With me...
49. How to Handle Feedback Without Losing Your Voice
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re diving into a topic that every novelist encounters sooner or later: how to handle feedback without losing your voice. Inside this episod...
48. How to Move From Fear to Flow with Rhonda Douglas
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the pod we're covering an important topic, the writer mindset. For anyone who has found themselves facing creative anxiety or procrastin...
47. BTS of a Writing Conference: A Roundtable Discussion
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I'm having an honest and inspired roundtable discussion with four of my writing clients. We dive into the nerves, su...
46. Lost in the Process? Here's the Order to Writing Your Book.
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What comes first when writing a novel? The dreaming or the drafting? The plotting or the planning? It seems simple—until it doesn’t. First-time...
45: No More Daydreaming: The Real Plan You Need to Write and Publish Your Novel
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're here, it’s because you’ve got a story on your heart that’s yearning to be written—and published.But let’s get real for a s...
44. REPLAY: The Unfiltered Truth Behind My Author Journey
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inside this (replay) episode I'm sharing an unfiltered look at my author journey over the last decade. After four published novels, I'm shar...
43. Behind-the-Scenes of Self-Publishing a Debut Novel with Saleema Ishq
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wish you could go behind-the-scenes and ask an author how they went from idea to finished manuscript, how they overcame writing challenges, and h...
42: Three Ways to Go From Force to Flow in Your Novel
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling stuck in your writing? There’s a difference between forcing a story and letting it flow. With the New Year approaching, it’s easy to fe...
41. An Author’s Guide to Thriving with Camille Pagan
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners, you’re in for a treat today. I’m chatting with friend and author coach, Camille Pagan. We’re diving into the topics of... author min...
40. Real Answers for Real Writing Struggles
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is another Ask Me Anything! Inside this episode I'm answering these five questions:1) How to tell if you're over-revising your novel m...
39. Are You Relying on Tactics or Strategy in Your Novel Writing?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I'm diving into a crucial question for novel writers. Are you relying on tactics or strategies to move your work and pro...
38. Writing Retreats: Five Reasons Why They Can Be a Game Changer
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm diving into one of my all time favorite topics: writing retreats. What makes them such a transformative experience for authors and how ...
37. Strengthening Your Story's Bones: Customized Support for Story Structure
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of Steps to Story, we're diving into one of the most crucial aspects of storytelling, your story's structure. For t...
36. Level Up Your Thriller, Mystery & Suspense with Samantha Skal & Kerry Savage
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Suspense, mysteries and thrillers, oh my! Welcome to spooky season! Inside this episode of Steps to Story I'm talking with book coaches Samantha ...
35. Embrace the Drift: How Distraction Can Help Your WIP
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm exploring how you can strategically allow yourself to be distracted and how those moments can open up new avenues in your novel writing...
34. [✨Big Announcement!] Author Platforms with Gretchen Schaffer
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an emerging author who's starting to think about your author platform? Or perhaps you're just dipping your toe into the world of pub...
33. Recovering From Creative Burnout with Emily Golden & Rachel May
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of creative burnout? The state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that affects your crea...
32. How to Write an Action Story That Works With Savannah Gilbo
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm talking with fellow book coach Savannah Gilbo about how to write an action story that works. Inside the episode we're discussing:T...
31. [MASTERCLASS] How to Go From Idea to Action in Your Novel Writing
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you didn't get a chance to attend my free webinar on August 27th, which was titled: How to Go From Idea to Action in Your Novel Writing; the g...
30. Inside Steps to Story: Real Talk From Writers in My Program
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You're going to hear a special episode today. It's a replay where five of my past students get together and talk about their experiences in...
29. Five Powerful Mindset Habits to Adopt Before You Write Forward
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Those who adapt a healthy mindset from the start are usually the ones who follow through with their novel writing dreams. That's why I'm bre...
28. How to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Novel Writing
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here’s the tough truth, I often see writers (myself included at one time) who are so excited about their story idea that they rush through the proce...
27. Four Signs Your Novel Manuscript Isn't Hanging Together
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is all about story craft! I’m diving into the red flags that signal your novel manuscript might need a tune-up. Writing a book...
26. Six Ways to Avoid Overwhelm When Crafting Your Novel
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inside this episode, I'm diving into a topic that most writers are not immune to: project overwhelm. Sound familiar?I’m guessing the answer is...
25. How to Know if Your Story Premise Will Fill a Whole Book
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m tackling a question that every novelist faces at some point: "How do I know if my story premise will fill a whole book?" If you...
24. Sidestep These 4 Novel-Writing Pitfalls for Success
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm diving into four crucial mistakes to avoid when writing your novel. While there is no wrong way to write your book, because your writin...
23. Summer Boost: 3 Ways to Stay in the Writing Flow Right Now
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Small but consistent efforts will keep you connected to your work this summer. Tune into today's short but sweet episode to learn three quick way...
22. From Manuscript to Market: Trends I'm Seeing in my Book Coaching
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have the privilege of getting to know fiction writers and their stories because of the work that I do. And lately, I've been noticing some tren...
21. Beta Readers vs. Developmental Editors: What Writers Need to Know
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're going to dive into a hot topic in the novel writing process: Beta readers versus developmental editors. If you&ap...
20. Your Burning Questions Answered!
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I sent out a CTA to my followers asking their burning questions about their writing and publishing journeys. I got a great response and am happy to sa...
19. Flat Characters, Flat Story: Breathing Life into Your Cast
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are flat characters killing your story? It's something I see all too often in my book coaching and developmental editing business. In this episo...
18. Do This ONE Thing to Transform Your Novel Writing
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm talking about ONE crucial strategy for novel writers: the idea of leaning into your wins. I believe this practice can be a k...
17. Top 10 Things I've Learned as an Author
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is my book's birthday! CITY OF BOOKS is now out in the world. And in celebration, I want to do something a little different today. I'm...
16. The Road to Publication: A Roundtable Discussion with Jeanne Blasberg & Susie Orman Schnall
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I'm having an inspired conversation with two of my sisters in publishing for our books releasing this spring and summer. And there's a givea...
15. Big Shifts in Publishing with Brooke Warner
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I'm taking a deep dive into the BIG shifts in publishing with my publisher, Brooke Warner.We're having an open conv...
14. Why Mentors Matter with Jennie Nash
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a special month of podcast episodes! Because this is my book launch month (CITY OF BOOKS releases May 28th📚), I’m taking my podcast fr...
13. How to Hook Readers in Scene One
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Crafting a strong opening scene is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone for the entire novel. As writers, we know th...
12. PSA: Five Things Writers Can Control
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is meant to be a gentle reminder for anyone who is feeling perplexed or frustrated with certain elements of the writing and publishi...
11. Do You Have Kitchen Sink Syndrome in Your Writing?
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll be delving into the art of restraint in novel writing. Specifically, we'll discuss why it's crucial for writers ...
10. Overcoming Common Roadblocks in Novel Writing
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been second-guessing yourself and letting doubt hold you back from your writing goals, this episode is for you!As a book coach, I have ...
9. How Writers Can Know Their Protagonist Better
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inside this episode of Steps to Story, we discuss why knowing your protagonist on a deeper level allows you to create a more engaging and relatable st...
8. Why Healthy Writing Habits Matter
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Steps to Story, I'm talking about practices that can fuel our writing process and propel us forward. I’m sharing my top ten ...
7. Top Three Story Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're tackling a crucial aspect of storytelling: the top three story questions you should be asking yourself as a writer.This includes taki...
6. Accountability: How To Get It And Keep It
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of Steps to Story, we're looking into the crucial aspect of accountability in novel writing. Whether you're a seaso...
5. Five Game Changing Tips for Writing Your Novel
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're diving deep into the key elements of crafting a novel. Whether you're just starting out on your novel writing...
4. Unlocking the Power of Creative Community: A Roundtable Discussion
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to this very special episode of Steps to Story. I'm so excited about this episode because I had an opportunity to do a roundtable di...