220 for 2020! And Other Reading Goals
An ambitious reading goal for an ambitious year!
My Top Reads in 2019
2019 was such a great reading year for me, I’m sad to see it go. I’m on track to make my Goodreads goal of 75 books, but always find it difficult to decide what my favorite books were in any given year. I read in so many different genres, from picture books to academic nonfiction,…
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Writing for the Holidays (Ep 034)
Nicole and Sarah share strategies and tips for writing during this very crazy season, plus a new transcription tool and Nicole asks for Sarah’s forgiveness on a calendar-related matter.
How to Read More (#FastTipsFridays)
It’s December–time to make good on those Goodreads goals we set last January! This week’s #FastTipsFridays are a collection of the strategies I use to keep reading high on my list of priorities. Be clear on your WHY(s). Why do you want to read more? What would reading more add to your life? What are…
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My Top 10 Listening Experiences of 2019
It was too hard for me to narrow things down so there are actually way more than ten items below. This is what addiction looks like.
My Favorite Books of 2019 (Middlesode)
Looking for some shiny new reads? Sarah shares her favorite reads of 2019, plus how she got back into fiction by reading on her phone. Book Links: Favorite Novel: Circe by Madeline Miller Favorite Journalism: She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey Favorite Memoir: Educated by Tara Westover and Inheritance by Dani Shapiro Favorite…
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Writing for Religious Audiences (Ep 032)
Writing about religious topics isn’t the same as writing for a religious audience. Listen in to learn what makes writing for a religious audience different – and why Nicole and Sarah have both written on religious topics and for religious audiences (but not always at the same time). Resources we mention in this episode: The…
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What to Read Next When You’d Rather Be Watching Netflix
At least twice a year, I have to claw my way out of a Netflix-induced reading rut. Not that binge-watching an entire miniseries in one weekend is a bad thing, but there are times I sense my Netflix patronage getting a bit too… All consuming? My attention span declines. I find myself lamenting the absence…
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Reframe Harsh Criticism: 5 Fast Quotes
Happy #FastTipsFridays! Every writer (and human being) knows the sting of harsh criticism. There’s a difference between biting attacks and constructive feedback, but even when you know that difference it can be difficult to reframe hurtful words. Here are 5 quotes I return to during those times. “There are too many people today who instead…
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Launch Your Book: A Free Checklist (Middlesode)
Launching a book or curious about the process? Last week on the Writing on Wednesdays episode, Sarah and I talked about book launches. We threw a lot of ideas out there, so I compiled them all (and more) into a free marketing checklist specifically intended for authors publishing with a small to medium-sized press. You…
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About Me
Photo credit: Molly Sabourin Photography
Hi! I’m Nicole. This is my behind-the-scenes blog, where I share ideas and strategies for making the most of your professional creative life. (Hop over here for my personal writing.)