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

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

13 March 2026

Series I'm Reading

Nicole talks about series she's reading, finished or DNF'd, and how the definition of series has changed from multiple books to duologies, trilogies, novellas, and short stories. There's big news on a beloved series continuing this fall and a sequel to one of Nicole's favorite books being released ten years later.

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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46:59

06 March 2026

Fantasy for the Rest of Us

Nicole discusses the evolution of the fantasy genre from epic adventures written often by authors in one lane to a breadth of choices that offer new takes on worlds welcoming and featuring those most underrepresented in the canon. From urban to cozy, high to romantasy, Nicole advocates that there is a fantasy for everyone, which is critical, but fantasies not only offer us escape, they offer us hope.

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Erin and Elaina BookTubers

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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47:07

27 February 2026

Are Author Events Losing the Plot?

Join Nicole as she recounts a recent author event that she attended with great reviews of the author B. K. Borison, but mixed of the experience itself. What should the expectations of a live author event be? Intimate setting with questions? An interview by another author? A Phot Op? Nicole weighs in.

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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47:31