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What makes writing great? Is it the spark of inspiration, unique voice, and intangible soul that breathes life into the words? Or is it the careful structure, repeatable strategies, and attention to detail that shape an idea into something readers can’t put down?
In truth, it’s both. The Soul and Science of Great Writing brings creativity and craft together, both dissecting and reveling in the power of language.
Hosted by Mara Eller, a professional editor, book coach, and writing teacher with over 16 years of experience, this podcast explores the qualities that set great writing apart, the challenges every writer faces, and the habits, strategies, and mindsets that help writers grow their creative craft.
With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with authors, editors, and publishing professionals, each episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to support your writing life—plus the occasional dip into literary and pop culture analysis to spark fresh insight.
Whether you’re a writer honing your craft or a language lover seeking inspiration, you’re in the right place!
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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TBR: 12 Books to Keep You Hooked, Make You Think, and Improve Your Writing (Ep. 20)
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Jun 10, 2026 |
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The 3 Kinds of Editing Your Book Needs: Part 2 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 19)
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May 27, 2026 |
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The Foundation Great Writers Never Skip: Part 1 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 18)
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May 20, 2026 |
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Small Enough to Matter: Pitching, Persistence, and the Professional Writing Life with NYT Freelancer Ericka Andersen (Ep. 17)
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May 13, 2026 |
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Unlock Your Writing Superpower Using the Enneagram with Christa Hardin (Ep. 16)
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May 06, 2026 |
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Why Plotting Beats Pantsing: How to Actually Finish Your Novel with Indie Author J.A. Merkel (Ep. 15)
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Apr 29, 2026 |
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What Professional Writers Actually Prioritize: The 5 Essentials for Powerful Nonfiction (Ep. 14)
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Apr 22, 2026 |
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What Great Writers Understand About Sales with Steph Crowder, Business Coach (Ep. 13)
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Apr 15, 2026 |
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I Met the Woman I Always Wanted to Be, and She Was Me: On Living—and Writing—as Our Truest Selves (Ep. 12)
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Apr 08, 2026 |
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How to Turn an Ordinary Life into an Unforgettable Memoir with Acquisitions Editor Ariel Curry (Ep. 11)
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Apr 01, 2026 |
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Finish Your Life-Changing Memoir: a 3-Step System to Cut Through Confusion and Write a Memoir Readers Can’t Put Down (Ep. 10)
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Mar 25, 2026 |
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How to Write Your Hard Story: the Alchemy of Memoir with Lisa Cooper Ellison, Trauma-Informed Writing Coach (Ep. 9)
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Mar 19, 2026 |
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Rewrite Your Life: 7 Reasons to Write a Memoir Even if You Never Publish a Word (Ep. 8)
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Mar 11, 2026 |
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Becoming the Hero of Your Memoir with Megan Young (Ep. 7)
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Mar 04, 2026 |
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From Meandering to Magnetic: 5 Memoir Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (Ep. 6)
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Feb 25, 2026 |
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The Real Reason You Haven’t Written Your Memoir Yet: the "6 Veils of Resistance" and How to Move Past Them (Ep. 5)
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Feb 18, 2026 |
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The Architecture of Memoir with Ariel Curry, Acquisitions Editor at Sourcebooks (Ep. 4)
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Feb 11, 2026 |
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The Science of Great Writing (Ep. 3)
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Feb 04, 2026 |
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The Soul of Great Writing (Ep. 2)
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Jan 28, 2026 |
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What Makes Writing Great? (Ep. 1)
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Jan 21, 2026 |
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Trailer
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Dec 16, 2025 |