The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán

A busy schedule doesn’t have to stand between you and getting your book done. In this episode, Camille discusses:  Why there will never be the “right time” to write—and the reason that’s a good thing How to handle transitions between writing and other tasks Using your calendar to overcome decision fatigue and waning willpower The simple self-talk strategy that can help you overcome procrastination...

Though they’re often used interchangeably, self-confidence  isn’t  the same thing as confidence—and it may just be the secret to reaching your writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares:  The surprising connection between self-confidence and energy Why you can be anxious—and still feel self-confident  How to stop comparing yourself to others, even if you’re not where you want to be in your pub...

Most writers will experience imposter syndrome—but feeling like you don’t deserve your success can sabotage your career. In this episode, Camille shares:  The simple framework that can help you stop feeling like a fraud  How to take credit for what you’ve done … without turning into an egomaniac  What’s changed for Camille since she got over her own imposter syndrome Why real talk with other write...

If you’re feeling defeated by the publishing industry or thinking of giving up on your writing dreams, listen to this episode first. In it, Camille shares:  What she did after feeling burned out last year (hint: it wasn’t writing)  The most important thing to ask yourself when you’re discouraged  The surprising connection between slowing down and creativity  Why supporting other writers can be as...

Ready to make 2024 the year you reach your big writing goals? You can—but doing so will probably involve some degree of change. In this episode, Camille shares:  Why writers who are willing to change have a distinct competitive advantage  How to shift the way you identify yourself in order to change your habits   The paradox of embracing the old in order to create something new  What research reve...

In today’s episode, Camille shares eight things she’s learned from her clients this year, including: Why it’s never too late to go for your big publishing goals The true definition of a career author How to speed up your growth (hint: it has everything to do with community) The reason tactics tend to fail—and why mindset matters most The next round of the Career Novelist Mastermind begins in Febru...

One of the biggest reasons people don’t finish (or even begin) writing a book is because they believe they don’t have time. But even if you have a day job and family obligations, you can still reach your publishing goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why a single hour actually  is  enough to finish a draft—fast  How to pick the best time to write  Simple ways to set better boundaries Routin...

Too many authors avoid talking—or even thinking—about money. But being able to pay your bills ups the odds of reaching your publishing goals. In today’s episode, Camille discusses: Why she’s always had a second income source, even though she could be writing fiction full-time How to create a side hustle that benefits your writing career A simple but super-important step to take if you get a six- o...

Note:  Because it’s a holiday week in the United States, this week’s episode is a rerun, with an exciting update. Tune in next week for a new episode and a special announcement. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate.  Camille coaches Debra, a novelist who’s considering self-publishing. We cover: How to tell a better story (about your career) When it makes sense to self-publish A simple but ultra...

Worrying about what other people think often paralyzes writers and prevents us from creating our best work. In this episode, Camille shares how to move past the fear of judgment. She discusses: How to make your own opinion the loudest voice in the room The simple question that often leads to major career breakthroughs Whose feedback to consider—and whose to forget Three questions that can help you...

Working in a flow state doesn’t just feel good—it can increase productivity by a whopping 500%. In today’s episode, Camille talks about:  The most common misconception about flow  Why self-consciousness sabotages flow—and how to stop judging yourself  The surprising way to supercharge creativity   How to use a writing habit to get in a flow state more often Important note:  If you or someone you k...

Pitching your projects and building an author brand doesn’t have to feel slimy or unaligned. Whether you’re querying your first book or are looking for more efficient ways to market your backlist, there’s an easer—and yes, more authentic—way to sell yourself. In this episode, Camille shares:  The baffling conversation with a fellow author that made her rethink how she was describing her work Why g...

If you’re struggling right now and it’s impacting your writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Camille shares:  The time she missed a major deadline—and why she was wrong about it hurting her career The simple question that can help you feel better When to lower the bar—and even take a break from your book How to make writing more of a respite (which is crucial when you’re grappling emotionall...

Being afraid to be visible can keep you from following through, sharing your work, and reaching your big goals as an author. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  How to tell if visibility issues are holding you back The  real  reason we fear being canceled The surprising link between procrastination and visibility  Simple ways to be less invested in all feedback (your career will thank you)

Yes, writing can be hard sometimes. But you can and should enjoy it more often. In this episode, Camille shares: Why feeling good  while  you write—instead of just afterwards—can lead to a better book The surprising benefit of viewing drafting as “me time”  How to use simple rituals to reinvigorate your daily writing practice  When to drop deadlines that may be keeping you stuck You’ll find Lainey...

Want to end 2023 on a high note? In this episode, Camille discusses how to go all in on what’s most important to you in Q4. She shares:  What you can accomplish in just three months (hint: it’s a lot) Why we use negative self-talk to motivate ourselves—and how to stop doing that  Simple ways to make time and energy for your big writing goals  The upside of embracing discomfort  

Camille shares the keynote speech she gave at the Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s 10th Anniversary Conference in Chicago. She discusses: One key sign that you actually  do  believe you can reach your goals How viewing your industry as your enemy impacts your career—and how to change your mind (without gaslighting yourself) Why getting your hopes up actually ups your odds of success  A paradi...

Yes, there are a million ways to market your work (only a slight exaggeration). But arguably the most important step that any novelist should take is often the one they most struggle with, or simply overlook. In this episode, Camille shares: Why marketing begins and ends with your query or book blurb The importance of honing your pitch—even if you’ve already sold a novel the traditional route The...

What do you do when a friend, partner, or even fellow writer doesn’t believe you can reach your big goals? In this episode, Camille discusses:  How other people’s expectations can shape  your  experience When to be direct about the support you need—and when to change the subject (or even your relationships) Why well-meaning experts may tell you not to get your hopes up The importance of protecting...

Yes, belief is important—but what you do every day may be even more important. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  The fascinating relationship between belief and behavior How to get past imposter syndrome (without writing affirmations all day) What research reveals about optimism and not “jinxing yourself” by getting your hopes up Two simple questions that can motivate you to write more For more...

Camille talks about deciding to make more space for her writing this summer. She discusses:  Why we overcommit (it’s not just about guilt)—and how to stop doing that The fundamental ingredients of focus and flow  The real benefit of setting an “impossible” goal The question that will help you make goal-oriented decisions that feel good Note: The You Should Write a Book podcast will be on hiatus th...

Camille speaks with Katie Rose Guest Pryal, an award-winning author and speaker on mental health and neurodiversity. Among other things, they discuss:  The truth about making money as a writer Writing about mental health and neurodiversity in a way that isn’t reductive or centered around “overcoming” a disability—and how to get help writing about perspectives you haven’t lived through  The joy of...

According to a new report from  The Bookseller , more than half of authors say publishing their debut negatively impacted their mental health—and just 22% reported an overall positive experience with their first publication. But your debut doesn’t have to derail your career or mental health. In this episode, Camille shares:  Why her own debut experience was the opposite of what she expected The th...

Camille coaches Saleema, a writer who's confident drafting flash fiction and short stories, but feels less certain about writing her first novel. They cover:  How long a first draft of a novel really needs to be Why we want to be perfect when we know it’s not possible (and how to get over that) The best way to show up on social media before you’re published Easing your way into telling a bette...

Camille chats with Jodi Warshaw, who was until 2021 a founding editor of Lake Union Publishing (and Camille’s longtime editor), and is now an independent developmental editor and publishing consultant. They cover: Why publishing takes so long—and how to embrace that The foundation of a successful editor-author relationship What “relatable” really means when it comes to characters How to work with...