The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán

Struggling to find time and mental space to write and market your work? You’re hardly alone. In this episode, Camille shares:  Why relying on willpower is the worst possible idea when you’re overwhelmed (and what works far better) The unexpected benefit of calendaring your writing time The 80% rule that can help you deal with life’s little (and not-so-little) plot twists Want to uplevel your pitch...

Not getting the support you seek from your nearest and dearest—or your agent or professional network? This episode’s for you. Camille shares: Why talking yourself out of feeling bad backfires How to show up like a pro while making your needs clear The surprising (research-backed!) upside of expecting support from others If you’re a debut author, or are preparing to sell your first novel, check out...

You still have time to make 2025 your best writing and publishing year yet. In this episode, Camille shares:  Her hits and misses from the first half of 2025 The critical thing to keep in mind before committing to a new course of action Six simple but essential questions to set yourself up for success in the second half of the year Sign up for the Career Novelist Newsletter:  www.evenbetter.co/how...

Research shows that focusing on the long-term ups your odds of success now and later. In this episode, Camille shares: Why writers often resist thinking too far into the future (and why that’s a mistake). The simple question that clarifies what you really want for your fiction career. How to write a bio that helps you turn your vision into your reality. Want to get coached by Camille? Join Bestsel...

Reaching your writing goals doesn’t require rushing. In fact, slowing down is often the best way to achieve success. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  The surprising reasons writers rush (even with work that’s really important to us). Signs you might be hurrying … without realizing it. How to use smarter deadlines to slow your roll without losing momentum. Sign up for Bestseller Bootcamp now th...

Alice Walker wrote, “Being proud of yourself is not arrogant; it is a sign of self-respect.” In today’s episode, Camille shares: How to take pride in what you’ve done (hint: It’s less about what you share with others and more about what you say to yourself).  Why you should stop being self-deprecating—especially when it comes to your natural talents. Two simple words that can transform your abilit...

Yes, publishing is a long game—but staying in it and succeeding requires short-term wins. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A common misconception about quick wins that keeps writers from taking full advantage of them. What research reveals about the importance of sweating—and tracking—the “small stuff.” Key questions that will help you choose your short-term goals wisely. Want to learn more abo...

Does spending time (and maybe even money) on your fiction fill you with guilt? In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising upside of guilt—and how to tell when it’s not serving you. Simple questions that can keep guilt from lingering too long (so you can go back to writing). Why you don’t need to have “something to show” for your writing in order to feel good about it. Are you a debut autho...

When it comes to your fiction career, the willingness to pivot as needed is a competitive advantage. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  Why we’re attracted to “proven” formulas (and why they usually fail).  The importance of a long-term vision—and short-term flexibility.  The reason 1-star reviews are a sign you’re doing something right in your writing.  How to tell if it’s time to consider a ne...

You can’t spell breakthrough without “break”—yet so many writers push through when they should be doing the opposite. In this episode, Camille shares: Why taking longer on your novel may actually up the odds it’s perceived as valuable. A different (and arguably healthier) way to think about momentum. The questions that will help you determine whether you’re procrastinating or taking a productive p...

Feel like you should’ve started earlier or should be farther along in your fiction career? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why success won’t cure the misbelief that you’re out of time. The real thought that’s often lurking behind “I missed the boat”—and how it holds you back. Simple strategies to change your mind about what’s still possible for you. Want free author coaching? Sign up for the C...

If you’re worried about whether your next novel will flop, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares: The  real  reason writers tend to fixate on the dreaded sophomore slump. Why expecting the best doesn’t set you up for failure (and why the opposite is actually true). How to cultivate“walkaway power.” To sign up for the free Your Next Novel webinar on February 15th, visit:  www.evenbetter.co...

In today’s episode, Camille shares what she learned in the process of selling her eleventh novel at the end of 2024. She shares:  Why timing really is everything. The importance of listening to your intuition (and how that’s not the same thing as predicting the future). The best belief to cultivate at every stage of the publishing process. Please note: In this episode, Camille briefly mentions gri...

You know what you need to do to succeed as a novelist—so why aren’t you doing it? In this episode, Camille shares: A self-assessment to get to the bottom of why you’re not taking action. Why we engage in self-sabotaging behaviors—and how to do so less often. The surprising reason “cheat days” backfire. Tune in in two weeks to get the scoop on how Camille sold her new novel—and to find out about an...

Tired of wishing for the best, yet feeling like you don’t actually have control over your writing career? In today’s episode, Camille shares three strategies successful novelists use to reach their goals. She covers:  How to figure out what you  really  want—and why that matters.  Simple ways to use your storytelling skills to fuel motivation and take more action.  What your calendar reveals—and h...

Trying to finish a draft, edit, or another project before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve? In this episode, Camille shares:  Why getting specific can lead to speed. Three common—yet often overlooked—saboteurs that may be slowing you down. Simple solutions for overcoming those saboteurs so you can finish the year strong.

Decided to keep writing? Fully committing can skyrocket your odds of reaching your publishing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: Common misconceptions about going all in. How to tell if a “failure plan”is standing between you and success. Why self-efficacy—that is, your belief in your ability to do the work—is far more important than talent or confidence. Debut author? Find out how to reduce...

To quote Annie Duke, author of the book  Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away , “Contrary to popular belief, winners quit a lot. That’s how they win.” In this episode, Camille shares:  The biggest reason why we don’t give up when we secretly want to. How to decide if you’re done for now—or done for good.  Three key questions to ask yourself before you throw in the towel.  If you want to go...

If you’re not sure how to select stellar comps—or want to make sure you’ve nailed yours—Camille is sharing the audio replay of her recent webinar on this topic. She covers: Why comps are critical to a book’s success (regardless of genre or whether you’re traditionally- or self-published). Guidelines for picking the best comps for your novel. What to do if you’re between genres … or dislike most of...

Welcome to the Career Novelist Podcast ! After 100 episodes of You Should Write a Book , Camille is (very slightly) shifting the focus of the podcast. In this episode, she shares:  The definition of a Career Novelist—and why this term alone can help you bounce back from publishing setbacks. Her response to a well-known industry expert who asked her, “Aren’t you worried about giving writers false h...

On the 100th episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast, Camille shares:  How a quote from James Clear prompted her to rethink her business.  The single most important thing a writer can do to reach their publishing goals (hint: it’s not building a social media following).   What to do if a lack of time, focus, or follow-through is keeping you from writing.  To sign up for the free Nail Your C...

If you’re between books—or are simply thinking about what you’ll write after you’re done with your current draft—this episode is for you. Camille shares: How the paradox of choice can impact your writing career. Why writers are often especially vulnerable to “shiny object syndrome.” Five simple questions to ask yourself before committing to a book or another big project. For more resources on crea...

Whether you need help with craft, marketing, or your mindset, support can be transformative for your author career. In this episode, Camille shares:   How to find someone who’s the right fit for  you . Why it’s wise to “try before you buy” (plus easy ways to do just that).  The importance of trusting your gut—and the difference between intuition and anxiety. What to do if you have buyer’s remorse....

Yes, envy can feel lousy—but it also contains crucial information that can help your author career. In this episode, Camille shares:  The surprising upside of being jealous about another writer’s success.  Common misconceptions about envy—and how to harness that feeling to reach your next level as an author. Simple solutions for navigating another writer’s jealousy toward  you .

Overwhelm can be caused by feeling like there’s too much to do—but it can also be the direct result of feeling like you’re not enough or haven’t done enough to succeed. In this episode, Camille talks about:   The surprising reason you might be focused on what you believe you’re lacking. Why it’s important to take credit for what you’ve already done—and a simple exercise to do just that. How to tru...