From clay tablets to AI: What does it mean “to write?” (with Katie Wolf)

What does it really mean to write? Is it an act or a process? And can AI truly replicate it? In this episode, writer, editor, and book coach Katie Wolf joins Nicole to break down the layers of the word write—from its ancient roots to the modern fear of simply getting started.

Katie shares her personal journey with writing, how self-doubt held her back for years, and the unexpected ways she overcame it. The two also discuss AI (of course) and the psychological tug-of-war between writing in private and sharing our work publicly.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover…

The surprising, ancient origins of the word write (hint: it wasn’t always about, well, writing)

Why writing feels both deeply personal and inherently performative

How our biological fear of being seen still affects writers today

How ancient storytelling was closer to performance art than private reflection (and what that means for writers today).

Whether AI-generated writing is “real” writing—and how it’s already reshaping the creative process.

A Few Quotes:

"The writing process is loaded with moments of absolute joy—and absolute frustration." – Katie Wolf

"The fear of being seen keeps us from even doing the behind-the-scenes work of writing." – Nicole

"If you want to write a book, you want to write a book. AI can't do that for you." – Katie Wolf

"Writing is just telling the truth—over and over again, in different ways." – Nicole

Ways to Connect with Katie:

🔗 Follow Katie on Instagram & TikTok: @katiewolfwrites

🎙 Listen to Katie’s podcast, Your Big Creative Life

📚 Explore writing tips & coaching from Katie: thekatiewolf.com