The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán

Feel like there’s too much to do and it’s making it hard to write? In this episode, Camille shares: The cognitive cost of overwhelm—and what neurologists and psychologists say is often the unexpected cause of that fuzzy, can’t-seem-to-focus mental state.  Why getting clear on what you want to say ‘yes’ to might just be your first step to feeling better.  Seven things to consider clearing from your...

You did it—you accomplished your goal. So…why aren’t you happy? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we often feel deflated instead of elated on publication day and after reaching other writing milestones. The sneaky way guilt can hijack your happiness. How to stop mistaking negative emotions for a lack of gratitude. The importance of marking the occasion—even when you don’t feel like celebrati...

Money stops many writers from pursuing their dreams—but it doesn’t have to. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The real investment required to become a career author (hint: it’s not cash) How even minor investments can lead to major self-image shifts Ideas for upleveling your career on a shoestring budget Register for Plan to Publish: Strategies for becoming a career novelist. This free webinar i...

Yes, taste is subjective—but there are ways to tell if you’re ready to share your book with others. In this episode, Camille discusses: Why you may mistake self-doubt for a sign your draft stinks How to feel better about your work—at every stage of your career The importance of adopting a “testing” mindset when querying and publishing  Applications are open for the Career Novelist Mastermind, whic...

Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fiftieth, showing up a professional will help you reach your goals faster—and help your success stick. On this episode, Camille shares: The one question every writer should ask herself How to plan to succeed (hint: it doesn’t involve a traditional business plan) Using setbacks to supercharge your motivation Why belief is more important than talent...

Deadlines can help you get the job done—but they sometimes backfire, too. In this episode, Camille discusses:  The research-backed benefits of self-imposed deadlines Signs you might be using a deadline or tight timeline against yourself Simple ways to up the odds of meeting your deadline (and what to do if you don’t) How to add an external deadline when you don’t have an agent or editor waiting fo...

Blurbs—that is, endorsement quotes from other authors—are still a standard publishing practice. In this episode, Camille covers:  Why blurbs probably don’t sell books—but what they  can  do to help your career.  How to up the odds an author will say yes to your blurb request. The unexpected benefit of asking another author for a favor. What to do if you don’t end up liking a book you’ve been asked...

There are still six months to reach your big writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares:  Her strategy for doing a mid-year assessment.  How the planning fallacy can sabotage your goals—and simple ways to bypass it.  Two secrets to effective visualization. Using quick wins to create long-term success.  If you’re interested in coaching with Camille in Q3, email  team@evenbetter.co .  To learn m...

Do you procrastinate when you should be working on your book? In today’s episode, Camille shares:  When procrastination’s actually a good thing. The real reason you don’t write when you plan to. Simple ways to increase your focus and follow through more often. The Career Novelist Mastermind begins in August! To learn more and be the first to know when applications open, visit  www.evenbetter.co/ma...

Neil Gaiman said, “Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me.” In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising connection between community and grit. Why it’s crucial to find writers who cheer you on during good times as well as bad. The network-limiting mistake many early-career authors make. How to decide whether your curre...

Camille follows up with author Darci St. John—who was featured in episode 18—about:  How self-publishing her debut led to a two-book deal with a traditional publisher. Why everything changed once Darci chose herself instead of waiting to be chosen. The magic that happens when hard work coincides with what the market wants. Why being used to rejection can be an author’s superpower.  Learn more abou...

Almost everything you want is on the other side of discomfort. In this episode, Camille talks about: Why getting it right requires your work to “feel wrong” at first. The connection between discomfort and upleveling your author career. How to embrace uncomfortable emotions (without being miserable all the time).  The sneaky thought that can be a sign you’re avoiding discomfort.  P.S. The Career No...

Reaching your writing goals is going to require you to say no—sometimes even to opportunities you might want to say yes to.  Why saying no can feel so uncomfortable (and how to do it anyway). When it’s actually worth it to say yes.  The serendipity of making more space for yourself and your career.  Quick note: In today’s episode, Camille mentions and recommends  Turning Pro  by Steven Pressfield....

No, writing doesn’t have to feel so hard all the time. In this episode, Camille shares: The one question that reduced the workload on her latest revise. Simple solutions for creating more ease in your career. How other people are often the key to locating the “easy button” on a tricky project. For more resources to uplevel your author career, visit evenbetter.co .

If your last book didn’t sell well and you’re worried your publishing career is over, this episode’s for you. In it, Camille shares:  The myth of being “unpublishable”—and the reason you probably couldn’t quit if you tried.  The unexpected lesson she learned as a runner that made all the difference in her author career.  Why writing a book you care about is the most important step in creating anot...

Rest is essential for your brain and body—and yes, for writing a good book. In this episode, Camille talks about: The reason you probably feel restless when you’re away from your computer.  The surprising way taking time off benefits your story.  How to stop worrying about losing momentum and start trusting you’ll follow through. Why rest may just be a bestseller’s best strategy. 

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably got some not-so-great stories about yourself—and they may be standing between you and success. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The reasons your brain skews negative (even though it makes you feel lousy). Why telling a better story doesn’t necessarily mean being positive.  The research-backed benefits of taking control of your career narrative. How...

To succeed as a writer, you have to be willing to get rejected—a lot. In this episode, Camille discusses:  Simple ways to normalize “no” Why we often mistake short-term data for long-term results Using small wins to boost your confidence and overcome negativity bias Interested in one-on-one coaching? Camille is taking on two new clients in Q2. To learn more and fill out an application, visit  even...

If you’ve ever gotten stalled while working on your story, this episode’s for you. Camille shares:  Why it’s so easy to interpret uncertainty as a sign you need to stop writing. The surprising step that’s more important than “butt in chair” when you’re stuck. The reason reworking your outline is the worst thing to do when you’re overwhelmed—and what to do instead.  Note: Camille mentions (and reco...

Who on earth would be afraid of success? The truth is, almost everyone. But that fear doesn’t have to stand between you and your writing goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Four common reasons we fear success What she learned about self-sabotage from  The Big Leap  by Gay Hendricks, Ph. D. Signs you might be getting in your own way without even realizing it A simple but incredibly effective...

You may always be a little afraid of failing—but there’s a lot you can do to prevent that fear from holding you back. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A powerful new way to look at failure What you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t want to get things wrong The paralyzing effect of trying to make the “right” decision Why getting clear on your mission as a writer can help you take more a...

Not sure if your current story or draft is publishable? Camille shares a framework for deciding whether to do more work—or move on to the next project. She covers:  How her four “drawer drafts” helped her publish ten books she’s proud of  The most important thing to ask yourself when evaluating your own work  A simple trick for getting out of your own head and getting perspective on your story Why...

Feeling disappointed? That’s not a problem. In fact, you can harness that emotion to succeed. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  Common misconceptions about disappointment (and how they can keep you from reaching your goals) The  real  reason criticism can live rent-free in your head Simple ways to reframe setbacks—without gaslighting yourself  Join Camille and book coach Nicole Meier on Monday,...

Boundaries aren’t just about safeguarding your writing time; they’re also essential for protecting your mental health and creativity. In this episode, Camille shares: The painful lesson she learned after sharing her manuscript without setting boundaries first How to set standards that serve your career The simple way to stop worrying about how your boundaries will impact others (and get back to wr...

If you’re feeling frustrated that you haven’t reached your publishing goals yet or that your hard work hasn’t paid off, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares:  Long-game strategies to steal from athletes and actors  The simple concept that takes luck out of the equation—so you can stop worrying and succeed Why your self-imposed deadlines may be a secret form of self-sabotage  A better way...