Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

In this episode of Simply Write, Polly explores how spring’s creative energy can reignite your writing practice, drawing on research showing how increased daylight boosts mood and cognitive flexibility. She then dives into storytelling as the foundation of effective writing—beyond technique. Polly breaks down essential elements like the hook, inciting incidents, and narrative arcs, emphasizing how strong structure keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. With practical insights and examples, she encourages writers to think big picture: not just how to write, but how to carry a reader through a meaningful experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with Julie Revelant, a B2B healthcare copywriter, about the real rhythms of freelance writing. Julie shares her path from journalism and TV to a niche, B2B career, and breaks down the difference between content (to inform) and copy (to persuade), and how freelancers can position themselves as a strategic partner. This is a practical, candid look at building a sustainable writing life. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re in the business of writing, you’re also in the business of communication. Pitch letters, emails, proposals, cover letters are part of the administration work writers must do. And if you want to write copy and content for a living, you'll need to master the art of the letter. In this episode, we share essential tips for writing clear, authentic, and persuasive copy that connects and communicates your message efficiently and effectively. In business writing, clarity matters more than cleverness. When your reader understands you quickly, they’re far more likely to respond, engage, and say yes. These practical strategies will help you be understood, build trust, and polish your professional writing across platforms and projects. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dreams, and that soft state when we are between sleep and waking up, can be fertile ground for ideas. In this episode, Polly talks with Bonnie Buckner about how paying attention to dreams, keeping a dream journal, and lingering in that drifting morning mindset can spark insights for writers. Bonnie, the author of The Secret Mind, shares her writing process and explains how dreams are a creative space that can help us access insight and unexpected creative breakthroughs. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freelancing has changed a lot since the early days of magazines, brochures, and press releases, but one thing hasn’t changed: writers who want to make a living need more than strong sentences. In this episode, Polly talks about what it really takes to build a freelance writing life today. From defining your services and creating a simple website to pitching editors and connecting with clients, freelancing requires organization, persistence, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Polly also shares practical advice about writing samples, handling rejection, tracking business details, and developing the habit of making things even when there’s no assignment or deadline. Freelance writing can involve articles, blogs, newsletters, podcast scripts, and more. The opportunities are wide, but success comes to writers who show initiative, follow through, and keep writing. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Mark Wilson joins Simply Write with Polly to talk about his debut novel, Full of Beans, a time-traveling detective story, and the steady work it took to bring the book to life. Mark shares how he built the story with detailed outlines on graph paper and wrote during evenings and weekends while holding a demanding day job as a researcher working toward a cure for Rett syndrome. We talk about persistence, building a writing routine, and continuing to write even when you’re unsure where the story is going. Mark also discusses the role of beta readers and professional critiques, and what he learned about point of view and character development through revision. He explains why he chose to publish with a concierge publisher that allowed him to keep creative control while getting professional support for design and marketing. Mark is now at work on the sequel, with plans for a trilogy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapter summaries are the architectural backbone of a strong nonfiction proposal, and in this episode, we talk about their role in your nonfiction book proposal and what a good chapter summary should include. Then we dive into the importance of shipping your work. Writing is powerful when shared, and a regular practice of writing to publish or share with others will uplevel your work. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join us over on Substack at simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly talks with award-winning fantasy author Z.S. Diamanti about writing craft, productivity, and the systems that support a long-term creative life. They discuss managing multiple projects, using accountability partners, and protecting focused writing time. Zac shares insights from launching the third book in his Fables of Finlestia series and discusses his Stone & Sky series, along with his approach to outlining, pacing, and balancing intuition with structure in fantasy writing. They also explore the entrepreneurial side of authorship, from direct sales to building sustainable platforms. Learn more at https://zsdiamanti.com For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore how to build character on the page without overexplaining. Objects serve as emotional anchors. Character quirks and behavior under pressure expose character motivation, and character can be revealed through actions, habits, and choices. We talk about it all in this episode. For more about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join our Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Simply Write features Theresa, a seasoned tarot reader and author with more than 30 years of experience, in a grounded conversation about metaphysical writing and creative practice. Theresa shares how she uses tarot and astrology as tools for personal insight and creative development, including how these practices inform her writing process. We talk about making complex metaphysical ideas accessible to readers, using tarot for character development, and understanding market dynamics within the metaphysical space. Whether you write within this genre or are simply curious about alternative creative tools, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective and practical ideas. In the What's in the Desk segment, Theresa also mentions her Bots by artist Gary Hirsch. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Simply Write w/Polly we continue our coverage of the elements of a nonfiction book proposal and discuss manuscript specifications and the role of the table of contents. Then the focus shifts to troubleshooting. Polly breaks down how to diagnose what’s really going on when the process feels like a slog and the work dull and slow. Here, we look at mindset, planning, and focus as a way to ease blocks and improve pacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly talks with Carol Strickland, art historian, professor, and author, about her shift from nonfiction to historical fiction and what drew her to write about remarkable women. Carol shared the inspiration behind her novel Sparks Fly Up: The Lost Story of Margaret Fuller, which explores the life and work of the influential 19th-century American writer and feminist, and how passion, rigorous research, and imaginative storytelling shape Carol's work. They discussed the writing process, revision, character development, and the challenge of balancing fact with narrative drive. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intuition isn’t guesswork. Research shows it’s the fast, unconscious integration of the skills you’ve already built, and it happens more easily when we stop overthinking. In this episode, Polly talks about how to access our writer's intuition and how to use it to find flow and make our writing sessions for satisfying and productive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly digs into what it takes for writers to build a platform today—why it matters, how to start, and how to keep going without burning out, with author and book publicity consultant Emily Florence. Emily explained her approach to sustainable writing and work practice, and how to take consistent, small steps to grow a career. Instead of taking on all social media, writers can focus on a few platforms as a way to genuinely connect with readers now and for future projects. Polly and Emily also discussed local PR, podcast outreach, and practical DIY strategies authors can use at any stage. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To start the New Year, we break down the habits, craft techniques, and mindset shifts Polly uses to elevate her writing and also create a more satisfying writing process. We explore how to read like a writer, build consistent routines, strengthen clarity and style, develop voice, and the importance of revision. And why it's important to find calm in discomfort. Want to have a better, more producitve writing year? Start by behaving like a writer. Today we'll talk about what that means. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join simplywrite.substack.com. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Here are Simply Write show notes under 100 words, tightened for clarity and flow, with your required link included. Simply Write | Episode 345 — Be a Better Writer in 2026 To get better at writing, show up consistently. Read widely, write regularly, study how stories work, and revise with intention. Build habits that support creativity, seek feedback, and practice reading like a writer so you can learn from every page. Embrace discomfort, stay curious, and commit to the work—even on days you don’t feel like it. Plus, in What’s in the Desk, Polly shares insights from Seth Godin’s The Practice. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Polly talks with memoir coach and author Wendy Dale, whose books include Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and The Memoir Engineering System. Wendy shares how a deep dive into reading memoir manuscripts shaped her approach to writing and led her to develop seven core principles that help writers avoid common mistakes while still leaving room for creativity. In this chat, Wendy breaks down her system of scenes and transitions and explains how understanding how they work can help us craft a stronger draft. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New writers often ask for tips about how to write and finish their books. Sure, there are plenty of lessons on craft—but the real key is mindset. Writing a book takes persistence. Do what you can to make it easier to keep going: prime your brain to create, find a supportive community, and celebrate your progress along the way. The words will come if you keep showing up. In this episode, Polly covers some ways to make that easier. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly talks with author and Indie Author Podcast host Matty Dalrymple about today’s changing publishing world and how indie and traditional routes are increasingly overlapping. Matty shares why indie publishing offers creative control, faster timelines, and long-term earning potential, while also noting how traditional publishers are adapting indie strategies. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know when a piece is truly finished? In this episode of Simply Write, we talk through the signs that indicate that drafting and revising are done. Fatigue, intuition, and deadlines all play a part, and often, "good enough" is a good tell. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning novelist Alma Katsu joins Polly to talk about writing across genres, the intersection of real life and fiction, and how her years in intelligence work have shaped her thrillers. Alma shares insights on building tension, creating layered characters, and why writing horror doesn’t always mean blood and gore. They also discuss what it takes to sustain a long writing career, how to stay curious, and why consistency—not perfection—is what keeps writers improving and publishing. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if success wasn’t about external recognition and reward but alignment? Research shows our sense of success is shaped by our environment, but satisfaction comes when it matches our core values. In today's episode, Polly explores what it means to be a successful writer and how we can define success in a way that helps us improve, persist, and feel good about our work. When we our mindful of our values, sphere of influence, writing possibilities can open up. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Kathleen Barber joins Polly Campbell to talk about her transition from corporate law to full-time writing and the release of her new book, Both Things Are True. Kathleen shares how her structured writing routine helps her balance family, book coaching, and writing. She and Polly dive into the pros and cons of shifting from one business into the writing business, the solitude of storytelling, and the challenges of marketing books. Kathleen also reflects on her shift from suspense to romance, explaining why both genres require “earned” endings to satisfy readers. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly is working on a nonfiction proposal, and beginning this week, she'll explain her process and the role the Overview plays in the proposal. Then tune in every two weeks as Polly shares another key element of the proposal she's working on and how you can create your own to sell a nonfiction book. In the craft half of the podcast, we talk about scene building. What scenes are, what they must do, and how to build them. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, join our Simply Write community at: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former nuclear engineer turned novelist Alan Orloff joins Polly Campbell to talk about his path from short stories to published books. Alan shares how discipline and persistence shaped his writing process, why following your passions matters, and how inspiration often comes from unexpected places. He also opens up about the realities of publishing—the rejections, the surprises, and the highly subjective nature of reviews and decisions. From crime fiction to horror and YA, Alan has explored many genres, always guided by curiosity and enthusiasm. He and Polly discuss the importance of finishing drafts, staying authentic, and finding joy in the work, whether it’s a novel or short story. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you hook a reader from the very first line? Whether you’re writing an essay, article, or book, the opening does more than start the piece—it’s the invitation that convinces your reader to come along. In this episode of Simply Write, we talk about what a strong opening should do and how to craft one that makes readers lean in. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with children’s author and retired teacher Terri Lilga about her creative journey from the classroom to the bookshelf. Terri shares how her years teaching second grade and working in gifted education shaped her approach to storytelling, character, and problem-solving in her books. Her latest release, There’s a Hubbard in My Cupboard, follows her debut Santa’s Simon, and both highlight her love of playful language, rhyme, and imaginative problem-solving. Terri also offers a candid look at the realities of publishing and marketing children’s books, the rewards of engaging with young readers, and the importance of making literature accessible to all. If you’ve ever wondered how everyday experiences can spark story ideas—or what it takes to bring a children’s book to life—this conversation is full of encouragement and insight. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Writers, had some technical issues with ad placement and sound quality last week, which a listener alerted me to. Thank You. I've cleaned that up and reissued this show for easier listening. Hope you enjoy and tune in next week for another new author Interview. In this episode of Simply Write, we’re talking pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants) and plotting (planning before you write)—two different methods of writing. Plotting gives you structure, helps avoid plot holes, and keeps you on track, especially with complex stories. Pantsing, on the other hand, fuels creativity, surprise, and discovery as you follow the story wherever it leads. Most writers like me, land somewhere in between, blending structure with spontaneity. Whether you outline, free-write, or mix the two, the best method is the one that keeps you writing—and enjoying the process. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly and Toni dive deep into the twists and turns of their creative careers—navigating parenting, COVID, content writing, and shifting publishing trends—while reflecting on what it takes to stay adaptable and inspired in today’s writing world. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most powerful stories often begin with your own experiences. In this episode of Simply Write, Polly explores how writers can mine their daily lives—memories, emotions, and everyday moments—for rich, compelling story material. Whether you're crafting personal essays, memoirs, or fiction, your unique perspective is your greatest asset. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to turn a real-life journey into a story readers can’t put down? In this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with writer Glyn about how a harrowing transatlantic sailing trip tied in with his family history to spark his memoir, Crossing, and what it takes to shape memory into narrative. He talks about the power of taking careful notes—like the daily entries he made in a logbook while at sea—and how those observations became the backbone of his writing. Polly and Glyn dive into the importance of small details, the tension that keeps readers turning pages, and the craft of choosing what to include and what to let go. How do you find the thread that ties your memories together? And how do you strike the balance between truth and storytelling? This episode offers insight, inspiration, and permission to slow down and write with intention. For more on Glyn Vincent and his book Crossing, go to https://www.glynvincent.com/ Join our Simply Write community and get in touch with Polly at Simply Write w/Polly on Substack: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get the writing done, we must show up consistently and keep working—even when it feels difficult. But if we don’t take care of the other parts of our lives or step back when things become too overwhelming, the writing won’t matter anyway. In this episode of Simply Write, Polly Campbell explores how this paradox plays out in her own life and explains why trying too hard can actually stall your creative momentum—and what to do instead. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join us at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with Amy Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest Magazine, about how the 105-year-old magazine keeps writing fresh, what the role of an editor is, and the differences between writing and editing. Amy also shares tips writers can use to submit to the magazine and talks about how AI is changing the way editors work--and what that means for writers. Also, it's time to register for the upcoming Writer's Digest Annual Conference. Go to https://writersdigestconference.com/ For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join us at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like you want to write, but just can’t get started? This episode is your motivation reset. Learn why action beats inspiration, how Skinner’s Law can get you unstuck, and simple tricks to outsmart your resistance. Get your gear ready. Make a plan. Let’s write—one small win at a time. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life join us on Simply Write https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Dorsey, an expert in nonfiction publishing, discussed the value of writing nonfiction books for establishing credibility and elevating one's brand, while sharing insights into her typical workday as a developmental editor and publisher. She emphasized the importance of having professional credibility and a clear marketing plan when writing nonfiction books, recommending authors to consider their reader avatars and evaluate the need for their book. If you are thinking about writing a nonfiction book, start here. Find Jennifer Dorsey and her book, From Pitch to Print: The Non-Fiction Writer’s 10-Step Plan to Getting Published at https://drjendorsey.com For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing should be shared, which means dealing with feedback — the helpful, the harsh, and everything in between. In this episode, Polly talks about how to handle criticism without losing your creative voice. You’ll learn how to filter advice, recognize useful patterns, and know when to revise or stand firm. We’ll also explore how to stay grounded in your purpose and bounce back from tough notes with more clarity and confidence. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, subscribe at: simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, author Janis Thomas joins Polly to talk about her lifelong love of writing and the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire. Janis shares how she began writing at a young age and how her stories aim to offer readers escape, comfort, and hope--even when writing domestic suspense. When it comes to craft, Thomas says the best stories come from character and the conflicts they face and the lessons they need to learn. Subscribe to Simply Write on Substack for more tips and inspiration at https://simplywrite.substack.com 🔗 Learn more about Janis Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Notes: Simply Write with Polly Campbell – Episode: Build the Writing Life You Want You don’t need a book deal or a side hustle to call yourself a writer. In this episode, Polly explores the heart of the writing life — one rooted in curiosity, expression, and personal growth. Whether you’re journaling, storytelling, or simply trying to make sense of the world, writing is enough. We’ll talk about the importance of asking why you write, how to focus on the writing itself (not just the outcomes), and how to build a practice that fits your life — not someone else’s expectations. You’ll hear why writing is a skill to build, how it can transform your emotional and creative well-being, and how small, intentional steps lead to lasting growth. Forget the pressure to publish. Come back to the page. Because the real power? It’s in the writing. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, subscribe to Simply Write at simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Ellen Meister's newest book Joyride was in a drawer for years, before she came back to it and finished the novel. In this compelling episode, Meister explains why she couldn't let go of the book, her process for plotting, how she experimented with POV and voice before deciding on her narrator, and why she loves a good writing challenge. Join our Simply Write community for more writing inspiration: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing can be fun, meaningful, energizing. But it certainly isn't easy and often we make it harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m talking about the friction points that get in the way of our writing and our joy and how we can move through them with more ease. Whether it’s scheduling conflicts, self-doubt, or the distractions that drain your focus, identifying what’s not working can help you create a writing practice that actually supports your goals—and feels good, too. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For USA Today bestselling author Ann Garvin, the story often starts with the peccadillo—the thing she's been working on her whole life--and then she has her characters confront it too. The result? Relatable, engaging characters and six books. In this insightful and lively episode, Author Ann Garvin shares how she builds compelling characters, writes with ADHD, and why empathy is at the heart of every great story. She also dives into how her writing process has evolved throughout her career. If you’re working on a novel—or just love a good story—this is a must-listen! Find Ann and her books at anngarvin.com. For more on writing and the writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do the seasons influence your creativity? In this episode we explore how seasonal changes impact our energy, emotions, and creative flow. From spring’s burst of inspiration to summer’s social buzz, fall’s introspective depth, and winter’s reflective quiet, each season offers unique creative opportunities. Learn how to harness these natural rhythms to fuel your writing and artistic projects. Don’t fight the seasons—flow with them! For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply, Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to publish your work and build a sustainable writing career, you need to develop not only your writing skills but also your entrepreneurial savvy to thrive in today’s creator economy. That’s the advice of Jane Friedman—publishing expert, sought-after speaker, and author of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition. In this special show, Friedman discusses the concept of platform and lived platform, emphasizing that writers don’t need to approach social media like a Fortune 500 company to succeed. Instead, she shares practical strategies for choosing the right marketing channels to build a reader funnel and attract the right audience to your work. Friedman also explains why authors should evaluate each project independently to determine the best publishing route. “Nothing is static,” she says. What worked for one book may not be the best fit for the next. She encourages writers to consider all publishing options with an open mind rather than limiting themselves to a single view of publishing. For more wisdom from Jane Friedman, visit janefriedman.com. And for more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, check out Simply Write. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writers who stay flexible and open to change see more opportunities and create work that resonates. In this episode, we dive into writer agility—why it matters, how to train yourself to notice trends, and ways to adapt your writing to an ever-changing world. Join the Simply Write community for more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life. Subscribe at SimplyWrite.Substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author, poet, and educator Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, PhD to explore the intersection of storytelling, writing, and personal growth. Writing, says Sharp McKetta is an act of discovery, and can help us understand our world and our lives, but just like the changing seasons, our writing and our processes change too. When we pay attention to those shifts, we can grow and find the flow and meaning in our work. For more from teacher, author, storyteller, Elisabeth Sharp McKetta go to https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/ For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Show Notes: The Power of Consistent Effort in Writing Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about committing to steady practice. Research shows that consistency not only enhances creativity but also strengthens self-efficacy, the belief in your ability to succeed. In this episode, we explore how showing up regularly to write sharpens your craft and builds the confidence needed to push past self-doubt. And, I'll share the unexpected ways that alone helped shape my writing career and offer some ways to keep going when the last thing you feel like is writing. To learn more about the writing craft and crafting and crafting a writer's life join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Strawser shares insights on navigating multiple timelines and POVs, something she does in her newest book Catch You Later, and how she uses a synopsis to structure her stories while still leaving room for creative surprises throughout the writing process. Strawser who is also a writer, editor-at-large for Writer's Digest, and a mom talks about the role of time management in shaping her writing career and why writing sometimes requires sacrifices. This is a far-reaching interview that gives you a clear look into how a full-time author gets the work done. Find Jessica Strawser, and more about her books and other work, at https://jessicastrawser.com. For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join us at Simply Write w/Polly Campbell at https://simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's an idea that changed my writing and helped me improve and publish more. What is it? Growth mindset. As writers we regularly face rejection and can be steeped in self-doubt. With a growth mindset, though, we see those rejections and setbacks as nothing more than information we can use to become better. Rejection, critical feedback, and mistakes are not character flaws, they are opportunities to learn and improve. And when we adopt a growth mindset we are more likely to persist --which is huge if you want to publish. With a growth mindset, we don't have to beat ourselves up over a disappointment or setback that leaves us free to be more creative, more relaxed, and more likely to keep on toward our goals. Listen in to learn more about why I think a growth mindset is essential to a writing life and how I use it in mine. For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join us at Simply Write w/Polly Campbell at https://simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Agent and author Jessica Berg shares how building a strong relationship with your agent is like dating—communication is key. Plus, we explore using curiosity to tackle blank-page fears and keep your creative momentum. From spaghetti drafts to editing marathons balanced by cat videos, discover tips to keep writing and find the agent that can help you elevate your writing career. For more on Jessica Berg go to https://rosecliffliterary.com. Rosecliff is open to submissions. And to learn more about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing can feel vulnerable no matter your experience level, or what you are working on. Sitting down to a blank page, a new chapter or scene or developing story draft can feel scary. But curiosity is the antidote. In this episode, we offer actionable advice to help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Discover how curiosity can break down barriers, spark your imagination, and keep your writing flowing. For more ideas on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join the Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schedule a block of four or five hours when you go all in on the priority for the day, says USA Today Bestselling author Russell Nohelty and host of The Author Stack, among other pubs, on Substack. Whether that's marketing, writing, or even thinking about the next project, you need to focus your attention on the task of the day. Extraordinarily prolific and committed to helping other writers get their work into the world, Nohelty talks about writing 18 books in one year, how he is becoming a faster and better writer, and why you won't find his books on retail shelves--at least for now, during this far-reaching and fascinating conversation. Find Russell Nohelty on Substack here https://substack.com/@russellnohelty For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join the Simply Write w/Polly Substack at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices