Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

Michael Hearns, an author, retired police, detective, and undercover agent who investigated drug cartels, money laundering networks, homicides, and other crimes in the shadows of sunny South Florida talks about the real-life details he writes into his detective fiction so that his novels feel authentic. He calls this genre of gritty realism Dark Tropics and says writing characters with emotional d...

Whether you want to publish a novel or nonfiction book, essay, or article, you will need a query letter to sell your idea and yourself to agents and editors. In this episode, we cover the things that need to be in that letter as well as a couple of tips that can help you sell your work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dianne Pearce loves reading so much that it seems natural that she would become a writer and publisher. Now as the founder of Current Words, an indie publisher, she has some suggestions for authors to keep in mind if they truly want to publish and release their work. For more on Dianne Pearce and Current Words, https://currentwords.com For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, jo...

This episode ran our first season, but writers and rejection will always be an issue. Rejection can be a painful part of the job. But, when we learn to accept and manage rejection we can use it as a motivational tool to keep writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning romance writer Susan Carlisle dictates 1500 to 2000 a day on her phone to quickly get the first draft out. Then she spends most of her time in revisions and editing. That process helps her publish multiple books a year. What does it take to write compelling romance novels? Carlisle says there are some common tropes, and she wants to leave readers with a feel-good ending, but the "tro...

Being a writer requires more than putting words on a page. It's a whole mindset. You have to believe you can do it and then give yourself permission to go after it and write consistently. I remember the first moment I called myself a write without any other qualifiers. It was awkward, embarrassing and life-changing. In this episode, I'll explain why the declaration was so important and why I think...

Book coach and author Caroline Donahue explains how we can manage our fears and even use it to build excitement and energy around our writing process. In this enlightening interview the author of three books including her newest, Writing through Fear: A Story Arcana Guide, Donahue says we can make fear an ally in our writing. For more on Caroline Donahue and her work go to https://www.carolinedona...

What pressures is your character facing? What does she want and why does she want it? What kind of risks will she face and what obstacles will she encounter as she strives tor her ultimate goal. In other words, what are the stakes? In this episode, we define the stakes of both nonfiction and fiction stories and explain why they matter. Then we cover some things to consider when ratcheting up the r...

Lorna Hollifield starts "every single day of my life with a bath in the morning" and doesn't bother to make her bed, but she is self-aware and has used her strengths to forge a thriving career as an author, columnist and now managing editor of Charleston Women Magazine. One of the tips she gives to writers who want to make a career out of freelancing is to study the style and tone of the magazine,...

Freelancing does have its perks, but paid time off is not one of them. Knowing how to manage your to-do list when life's unexpected (toothache) and planned moments (vacation) take you away from the work, is the key to managing stress and getting the work done In today's episode I'll share two of my strategies for staying on track and avoiding the pressure and overwhelm even when you are pressed fo...

Leslie Wyatt has published young adult novels, nonfiction books, and magazine articles, and now she is working on a series of romance books for those who have lived a little longer, she says. Her writing process has changed and evolved over the years too. But how does she keep writing books across the genres? The key, Wyatt says, is to keep showing up. This inspiring conversation will make you wan...

The brash and bright days of summer can make it hard for me to focus, but with micro-goals, a daily practice, and reframing the notion of writing work, I am able to get the writing done and enjoy the summer fun. These ideas might help you stay on track too. Join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com and become a Simply Paid Subscriber Perks member to receive writing assign...

Librarian Joel Shoemaker is the author of "Bacon Grief," and the award-winning "Silas on Sundays," an LGBTQIA+ affirming faith picture book featuring a gender, non-conforming character. In this far-reaching and fun discussion, Joel talks about writing the stories he cares about for readers who don't always see themselves represented in books, the importance of knowing your audience, writing about...

How do you know when your piece is done? I am often asked this question and there are no clear answers. After months of writing and revising how do you know your book, essay, and articles are solid and ready to send to editors? In this episode we discuss the signs to watch for that indicate you have reached The End--part intuition, part copy blindness, and even some satisfaction--and the practices...

Working with an experienced agent can help a writer improve their books and get them published, but before signing with an agent, you need to have a Big Idea, clear title concept, and other key elements, in your work and pitch, that will make your book an "easy get," says renowned agent and author Lucinda Halpern. In this episode, Halpern goes deep into what agents want and how writers can not onl...

We can be a neurotic bunch of writers irritated when we feel blocked, euphoric when the writing comes, worrying about if we are good enough, internalizing comments and criticism, stressing about every word and detail trying to work up the nerve to hit "send" and release the work to the world. But this anxiety can keep us from writing and diminish the quality of our work. Plus, it isn't a whole lot...

Most writers manage multiple projects and roles while also carving out time to write. Part of creating a sustainable writing career is to figure out ways to pay the bills and hone the craft. Writer and coach An Ly-Tampere coaches book coaches and talks about creating this niche within a writing career, how to combine the entrepreneurial spirit with creative work, and what writers can expect when l...

Hello Writers, today we are replaying one of our most popular episodes about focus and form. The tips we include can help you find the direction of your work and make it easier to write. Hope you find it valuable and tune in next week, for an all-new episode. Thanks for listening. The clearer you are about the story you want to tell and where the clearer your writing will be and that's good for yo...

The author of "A Kiss in Kashmir" and other novels, short stories, and cookbooks, Monica Saigal talks about her heritage of food and stories and how those elements are central to her writing. Food has a kind of intimacy, she says, because we experience it with all of our senses. To bring that experience alive on the page, she layers in those sensory details, creating a textured world for the reade...

Are those inner voices getting oloud inyour head, or you having problems finding the time or getting stuck in which idea to choose? Yep, these situations diffuse our motivation, keep us anxious and make it hard for us to finish our writing. In today's episode we get into each one and offer solutions that will help you get started and keep going. And don't forget to join our Simply Write community...

The key to writing a book, working full-time, and keeping up with friends, family, and other activities is flexibility, says author, pharmacist, and triathlete Miffie Seideman. In this episode we talk about the importance of getting your facts right, research, staying grounded, and the importance of Plan Bs and 5 Find Miffie Seideman and her book "The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist's Guide to Putting Y...

It's time to send out your work, it's part of your job--writers write and share their work. Yet, no matter how many thousands of times I've done that over the years it always feels a little scary. Getting notes or negative feedback isn't easy, but giving and receiving it is essential to becoming a better writer and improving your work. It is also part of the publishing process. In this show we tal...

Sandra Gurvis hasn't run off to the circus, but she did write about the evolution of the Greatest Show on Earth in her historical nonfiction book Three Ringling Circus: A History of Sarasota, Florida, and the Famous Ringling Brothers It's one of nearly 20 books Gurvis haws written over her long freelance career. Today she talks about the importance of a cornerstone client, writing both fiction and...

Writers can suffer from aching backs, carpal tunnel, stiff necks, cognitive issues, and chronic illnesses, that make it impossible to write. Remember to take care of your brain and body so you are able to do the work you want to do. Start by staying hydrated, sitting in a good chair, and taking breaks, and be sure to tune in to Simply Write w/Polly Campbell for more tips and tricks to keep your bo...

Author Laura Heffernan made her way by writing romance and then shifted to add multiple cozy mysteries to her repertoire. This prolific writer talks about writing romances, cozy mysteries under a pseudonym, and publishing three books a year. Find Laura Heffernan at https:lauraheffernan.com For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join the Simply Write community at https://simplyw...