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The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller
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!
The Soul and Science of Great Writing with Mara Eller
Latest Episodes
Unapologetic: What a Writing Retreat Taught Me about Resistance, Shame, and Creative Courage (Ep. 21)
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 no...
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TBR: 12 Books to Keep You Hooked, Make You Think, and Improve Your Writing (Ep. 20)
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...
The 3 Kinds of Editing Your Book Needs: Part 2 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 19)
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 ...
The Foundation Great Writers Never Skip: Part 1 of Your 4-Step Roadmap to Writing a Great Book (Ep. 18)
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 g...
Small Enough to Matter: Pitching, Persistence, and the Professional Writing Life with NYT Freelancer Ericka Andersen (Ep. 17)
Being a successful freelance writer is less glamorous than people imagine, but more attainable than you might think.In this episode, I’m joined by Ericka Andersen—author of three traditionally published books with bylines in The New ...