The Nurturing Librarian

Reading is self-care and self-care starts with a good book. The Nurturing Librarian Podcast is where we gab about all things books and reading. My name is Nicole, aka The Nurturing Librarian, and if you're a book lover (or just starting your reading journey) and are seeking inspiration, motivation, or the latest book buzz, then tune in and let’s nourish a love of reading together.

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Latest episodes

01 May 2026

You Finished Your Manuscript, Now What? or How To Start Writing a Book #2

This podcast episode of the Nurturing Librarian is a deep dive into what happens after the excitement of finishing a manuscript fades. Navigating the next steps, Nicole goes through the importance of receiving critiques and understanding the writing community's role. The podcast guides new authors on managing feedback, drawing from personal anecdotes and established authors' advice. Nicole offers an honest look at both the challenges and rewards of the post-manuscript phase, encouraging writers to transform their drafts into polished, publishable works by leaning into the overwhelm and holding themselves accountable.

****Resources

Kelsey Humphries YouTuber/Romance Writer/Comedian

Caroline Bard Strawberry Finch Press/Professional Beta Reader

Just a Girl and her Tropes FB group for romance readers and writers run by me!

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42:07

24 April 2026

Literary Fiction But Make It Happy, Portal Fantasy and the Current Trend of Nostalgia

Venturing through her birthday book haul, Nicole contemplates current reading trends. As she grapples with her manuscript revisions, she also shares insights from her writing journey, particularly her struggles with point of view and character interiority. This episode captures a period of self-reflection, balancing the joy of new books and the challenges of refining her craft, as she aims to step away from an era dominated by fantasy genres and finds joy in lit fic.

****Resources

Kelsey Humphries YouTuber/Romance Writer/Comedian

Just a Girl and her Tropes FB group for romance readers and writers run by me!

Connect with me on Insta, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, Storygraph at The Nurturing Librarian

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57:10

16 April 2026

Margo's Got Money Troubles and Other Books I'm Watching

Nicole is watching books she has previously read including Margo's Got Money Troubles which just debuted as a streaming series. What is the benefit of book adaptations? What are the cons? Some hit and some don't but they always lead back to books.

****Resources

Alyssa Matesic YouTuber/Editor

Just a Girl and her Tropes FB group for romance readers and writers run by me!

Connect with me on Insta, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, Storygraph at The Nurturing Librarian

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54:39

07 April 2026

The Shy Girl Controversy: AI in Literature

The episode explores the controversy surrounding 'Shy Girl,' a book canceled by Hachette due to claims it was partially AI-generated. Originally an independent success, the book faced scrutiny after an editing process alleged to involve AI altered its content. This situation sparked a broader conversation about AI's growing role in publishing, raising important questions about authorship, creativity, and the boundaries of technology. Listeners are invited to contemplate the future of storytelling and how AI might impact traditional artistic expressions. The case highlights the complexities of integrating AI tools in creative processes and market dynamics.

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43:19

27 March 2026

Hot Takes on The Correspondent and Just Friends

Nicole has some hot takes on the newly released book Just Friends from YouTube book influencer Haley Pham and the blockbuster bestseller The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. She uses her writer's eye to discuss the way these books are perfect for comparing and contrasting writing and book publishing in 2026. What does it take to become a great writer? If your first manuscript is accepted for publication, should you take the deal?

Just a Girl and her Tropes FB group for romance readers and writers run by me!

Connect with me on Insta, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, Storygraph at The Nurturing Librarian

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51:09

20 March 2026

How to Start Writing a Book #1

This is the first of a special series chronicling Nicole's journey to write her first novel. She discusses the pivot to writing after prior careers, the decision to learn the craft on her own rather than through programs like an MFA, and joining writing communities in person and online. She also describes the overwhelming questions of what to do once you have written the first draft of a manuscript and the steep learning curve if you want to be published.

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39:02