Award-winning novelist Alma Katsu joins Polly to talk about writing across genres, the intersection of real life and fiction, and how her years in intelligence work have shaped her thrillers. Alma shares insights on building tension, creating layered characters, and why writing horror doesn’t always mean blood and gore. They also discuss what it takes to sustain a long writing career, how to stay curious, and why consistency—not perfection—is what keeps writers improving and publishing. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if success wasn’t about external recognition and reward but alignment? Research shows our sense of success is shaped by our environment, but satisfaction comes when it matches our core values. In today's episode, Polly explores what it means to be a successful writer and how we can define success in a way that helps us improve, persist, and feel good about our work. When we our mindful of our values, sphere of influence, writing possibilities can open up. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Kathleen Barber joins Polly Campbell to talk about her transition from corporate law to full-time writing and the release of her new book, Both Things Are True. Kathleen shares how her structured writing routine helps her balance family, book coaching, and writing. She and Polly dive into the pros and cons of shifting from one business into the writing business, the solitude of storytelling, and the challenges of marketing books. Kathleen also reflects on her shift from suspense to romance, explaining why both genres require “earned” endings to satisfy readers. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly is working on a nonfiction proposal, and beginning this week, she'll explain her process and the role the Overview plays in the proposal. Then tune in every two weeks as Polly shares another key element of the proposal she's working on and how you can create your own to sell a nonfiction book. In the craft half of the podcast, we talk about scene building. What scenes are, what they must do, and how to build them. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, join our Simply Write community at: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former nuclear engineer turned novelist Alan Orloff joins Polly Campbell to talk about his path from short stories to published books. Alan shares how discipline and persistence shaped his writing process, why following your passions matters, and how inspiration often comes from unexpected places. He also opens up about the realities of publishing—the rejections, the surprises, and the highly subjective nature of reviews and decisions. From crime fiction to horror and YA, Alan has explored many genres, always guided by curiosity and enthusiasm. He and Polly discuss the importance of finishing drafts, staying authentic, and finding joy in the work, whether it’s a novel or short story. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you hook a reader from the very first line? Whether you’re writing an essay, article, or book, the opening does more than start the piece—it’s the invitation that convinces your reader to come along. In this episode of Simply Write, we talk about what a strong opening should do and how to craft one that makes readers lean in. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with children’s author and retired teacher Terri Lilga about her creative journey from the classroom to the bookshelf. Terri shares how her years teaching second grade and working in gifted education shaped her approach to storytelling, character, and problem-solving in her books. Her latest release, There’s a Hubbard in My Cupboard, follows her debut Santa’s Simon, and both highlight her love of playful language, rhyme, and imaginative problem-solving. Terri also offers a candid look at the realities of publishing and marketing children’s books, the rewards of engaging with young readers, and the importance of making literature accessible to all. If you’ve ever wondered how everyday experiences can spark story ideas—or what it takes to bring a children’s book to life—this conversation is full of encouragement and insight. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Writers, had some technical issues with ad placement and sound quality last week, which a listener alerted me to. Thank You. I've cleaned that up and reissued this show for easier listening. Hope you enjoy and tune in next week for another new author Interview. In this episode of Simply Write, we’re talking pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants) and plotting (planning before you write)—two different methods of writing. Plotting gives you structure, helps avoid plot holes, and keeps you on track, especially with complex stories. Pantsing, on the other hand, fuels creativity, surprise, and discovery as you follow the story wherever it leads. Most writers like me, land somewhere in between, blending structure with spontaneity. Whether you outline, free-write, or mix the two, the best method is the one that keeps you writing—and enjoying the process. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly and Toni dive deep into the twists and turns of their creative careers—navigating parenting, COVID, content writing, and shifting publishing trends—while reflecting on what it takes to stay adaptable and inspired in today’s writing world. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most powerful stories often begin with your own experiences. In this episode of Simply Write, Polly explores how writers can mine their daily lives—memories, emotions, and everyday moments—for rich, compelling story material. Whether you're crafting personal essays, memoirs, or fiction, your unique perspective is your greatest asset. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to turn a real-life journey into a story readers can’t put down? In this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with writer Glyn about how a harrowing transatlantic sailing trip tied in with his family history to spark his memoir, Crossing, and what it takes to shape memory into narrative. He talks about the power of taking careful notes—like the daily entries he made in a logbook while at sea—and how those observations became the backbone of his writing. Polly and Glyn dive into the importance of small details, the tension that keeps readers turning pages, and the craft of choosing what to include and what to let go. How do you find the thread that ties your memories together? And how do you strike the balance between truth and storytelling? This episode offers insight, inspiration, and permission to slow down and write with intention. For more on Glyn Vincent and his book Crossing, go to https://www.glynvincent.com/ Join our Simply Write community and get in touch with Polly at Simply Write w/Polly on Substack: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To get the writing done, we must show up consistently and keep working—even when it feels difficult. But if we don’t take care of the other parts of our lives or step back when things become too overwhelming, the writing won’t matter anyway. In this episode of Simply Write, Polly Campbell explores how this paradox plays out in her own life and explains why trying too hard can actually stall your creative momentum—and what to do instead. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join us at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with Amy Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest Magazine, about how the 105-year-old magazine keeps writing fresh, what the role of an editor is, and the differences between writing and editing. Amy also shares tips writers can use to submit to the magazine and talks about how AI is changing the way editors work--and what that means for writers. Also, it's time to register for the upcoming Writer's Digest Annual Conference. Go to https://writersdigestconference.com/ For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join us at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 consider their reader avatars and evaluate the need for their book. If you are thinking about writing a nonfiction book, start here. Find Jennifer Dorsey and her book, From Pitch to Print: The Non-Fiction Writer’s 10-Step Plan to Getting Published at https://drjendorsey.com For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 with more clarity and confidence. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, subscribe at: simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and the lessons they need to learn. Subscribe to Simply Write on Substack for more tips and inspiration at https://simplywrite.substack.com 🔗 Learn more about Janis Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about the importance of asking why you write, how to focus on the writing itself (not just the outcomes), and how to build a practice that fits your life — not someone else’s expectations. You’ll hear why writing is a skill to build, how it can transform your emotional and creative well-being, and how small, intentional steps lead to lasting growth. Forget the pressure to publish. Come back to the page. Because the real power? It’s in the writing. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, subscribe to Simply Write at simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 inspiration: https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 help you create a writing practice that actually supports your goals—and feels good, too. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices