Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

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.subs...

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 conside...

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 wi...

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...

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 abo...

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 inspi...

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 hel...

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 ev...

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. Do...

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 a...

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 mor...

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,...

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 t...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 t...

Incubation is an essential part of the creative process. But, it's one of the more difficult aspects of writing for Polly and something she's working to improve. In today's episode, Polly will explain what incubation is, how it's an important part of writing and development, and how we can all learn to embrace the process and utilize it to write better. Polly will also explain the subtle shift she...

"You've got to habituate your creativity," says renowned memoirist and teacher Marion Roach Smith. "Be hospitable to your writing." That means making time for your writing and doing it when you are at your creative peak. Then, says Roach Smith, you've got to sit down and discover what your story is really about and spill it out on the page. She tells you how in this episode. Listen up. This episod...

Which habits are helping you get the writing done? Which are slowing you down, feeling dull, or keeping you stuck? In this episode we talk about the habits I believe every writer needs to give attention to if they want to write more and publish more and feel good doing these things. Changing your writer mojo can come down to replacing old routines with better ones and in this episode we'll talk ab...

We hope you enjoy this replay featuring author Khan Wong who talks about blurring genre lines, writing to big themes, and inspiration. All of us at Simply Write will be back in a couple of weeks with new shows about writing and living. In the meantime, please join the Simply Write community and subscribe to our Simply Write substack at https://simplywrite.substack.com Now about the episode: It's d...

If you are looking to launch your freelance business in 2025 this episode can help. Enjoy this replay of one of our most popular episodes from 2023 and we'll be back in a couple of weeks with all new shows to help us with the writing craft and crafting a writing life. For more on the writing craft and craft a writer's life be sure to subscribe to our Simply Write substack at https://simplywrite.su...

Can a typewriter be an antidote to perfectionism? It was for author Woz Flint, author of The Distraction Free First Draft: Unplug, Forget Perfectionism, and Write More Than Ever Using a Typewriter. Flint was gifted a typewriter a decade ago and that ignited her curiosity and opened up a new world of writing and writers, and, typewriter users nationwide. In this episode, she takes us on a deep dive...

We've all heard about the importance of platform and branding, but today we go deeper to talk about shaping the arc of our careers to do work that is not only enjoyable but meaningful. What do you value about writing and what do you want to write next? What have you accomplished, which goals are no longer important? Now is the time to reflect on our work, our goals, and what we want to do with our...