Podcast Summary: Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast
Episode: Why Your Fiction Writing Feels Generic (And How to Fix It)
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host/Author: Nicolas Cole
Introduction: Nicolas Cole’s Journey in Writing
The episode kicks off with Cole sharing his extensive background in writing and entrepreneurship. With a foundation in creative writing and experience in advertising, Cole transitioned into ghostwriting, eventually scaling a ghostwriting agency that served hundreds of clients, including founders and CEOs. His ventures expanded to include the writing program Ship 30 for 30, the successful paid newsletter Category Pirates, and the Premium Ghost Trading Academy (PGA), which trains freelance writers in monetizing their skills. Cole highlights his ambition to apply his expertise to fiction writing, aiming to build a seven-figure self-published fiction empire from scratch.
Notable Quote:
“I have monetized writing just about every way you could possibly monetize it… And one of the only career paths that I haven't done that in yet is fiction.”
— Nicolas Cole [00:08]
Category Thinking: Bridging Non-Fiction and Fiction
Cole delves into the concept of category thinking, emphasizing its critical role in differentiating oneself in both non-fiction and fiction writing. He argues that many writers, regardless of genre, fail to employ category thinking, which leads to generic writing. By adding a category modifier—a specific descriptor that narrows down a broad genre—writers can create immediate differentiation without altering the core story.
Examples Discussed:
- Non-Fiction: "Legal Thriller" distinguishes from a generic thriller.
- Fiction: "LitRPG Fantasy" adds specificity to the broader fantasy category.
Notable Quote:
“The single easiest way to differentiate yourself is by adding a category modifier. So it is not just fantasy. It’s litRPG fantasy.”
— Nicolas Cole [05:14]
Embracing AI in the Writing Process
Transitioning to the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cole shares his positive outlook on integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into the writing process. He uses a personal anecdote comparing AI adoption to embracing a major expansion in a game like World of Warcraft. Cole views AI as an inevitable evolution in writing, advocating for its deliberate and thoughtful use to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.
Key Points:
- AI as a Tool: AI should serve as a brainstorming partner, assisting with specific tasks such as vocabulary enhancement without taking over the entire writing process.
- Skill Development: Using AI selectively can augment a writer’s skills, making the process more efficient while maintaining creative control.
Notable Quote:
“What if it was possible? That's what writers who succeed are thinking.”
— Nicolas Cole [10:50]
Balancing Automation and Skill Retention
Cole addresses concerns about AI potentially diminishing a writer’s skills. He posits that the impact of AI depends on how it's used. Writers who overly rely on AI may experience skill atrophy, while those who integrate AI thoughtfully can enhance their craft. Cole provides an example of using AI to replace specific words with more sophisticated vocabulary, thereby improving writing quality without compromising personal skill development.
Notable Quote:
“Writers who choose to use AI very deliberately and choose to keep practicing their craft… will get exponentially better.”
— Nicolas Cole [12:55]
Monetizing Fiction: Cole’s Strategic Approach
Shifting focus to fiction, Cole outlines his strategy to build a profitable fiction writing career by leveraging his non-fiction monetization skills. He identifies LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) as a promising subgenre due to its predominantly male readership and relative market immaturity. Cole plans to differentiate his work through category modifiers, professional-grade covers, and immersive audiobooks, aiming to dominate the LitRPG niche before expanding into other categories.
Strategic Steps:
- Category Differentiation: Combining LitRPG with unique elements like entrepreneurship training.
- Professional Presentation: Investing in high-quality cover designs.
- Audiobook Enhancement: Creating immersive audiobooks with sound effects and character voices.
Notable Quote:
“LitRPG has tremendously more upside… Fiction could have a shelf life of 500 years depending on the story and the way that you tell it.”
— Nicolas Cole [27:20]
Audience Engagement: Questions and Insights
The podcast transitions to audience questions, where Cole elaborates on category thinking and its parallels with marketing strategies. He likens creating a unique writing category to how brands like Budweiser pioneered "light beer." Cole emphasizes that in fiction, as in marketing, adding a modifier can position a writer uniquely within a crowded market.
Another question addresses the efficiency of idea testing in fiction. Cole advises writers to utilize platforms like Amazon for publishing shorter works (e.g., novellas) to gather market feedback quickly, complementing digital data with personal interactions to gauge reader interest.
Notable Quote:
"Category thinking is the key to differentiation… It’s the same thing, it’s just you’re selling probiotics and another is selling dragons."
— Nicolas Cole [46:01]
Final Thoughts: Embracing Diverse Writing Paths
In concluding, Cole reflects on the spectrum of writer motivations, acknowledging that while some prioritize financial success through prolific non-fiction writing, others, like himself, are driven by a passion for fiction. He advocates for writers to define their own paths, leveraging non-fiction strategies to support creative fiction endeavors. Cole underscores the importance of monetizing various aspects of writing to sustain and fund creative risks, ensuring that artistic integrity and financial viability coexist.
Notable Quote:
“Writers can monetize in a lot of other different ways than they typically consider.”
— Nicolas Cole [51:07]
Conclusion
Nicolas Cole’s episode provides a comprehensive exploration of how writers can overcome generic writing by adopting category thinking and integrating modern tools like AI. His strategic approach to monetizing fiction through niche targeting, professional presentation, and diversified income streams offers valuable insights for both aspiring and established writers aiming to distinguish their work in a competitive landscape.
End of Summary