Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

Have you always dreamed of writing? Of becoming a published author? Then you are in the right place, because in this podcast Simply Write, veteran magazine writer and author, Polly Campbell offers the kind of practical, behind-the-screens information and inspiration that will help you shape a writing career. We'll go deep into writing technique, mindset, markets, pitches, and the other details you'll need to publish your work and we will talk to bestselling authors about how they get their work done and published and how you can do it too. Join us every Monday when we talk about the craft of writing and the quirks of creating a writer's life. And consider joining the Simply Write community by becoming a subscriber at simplywrite.substack.com where you'll have access to exclusive material and bonus content.

Episodes

November 24, 2025 30 mins
In this episode, Polly talks with memoir coach and author Wendy Dale, whose books include Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and The Memoir Engineering System. Wendy shares how a deep dive into reading memoir manuscripts shaped her approach to writing and led her to develop seven core principles that help writers avoid common mistakes while still leaving room for creativity. In this chat, Wendy breaks down her system ...
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New writers often ask for tips about how to write and finish their books. Sure, there are plenty of lessons on craft—but the real key is mindset. Writing a book takes persistence. Do what you can to make it easier to keep going: prime your brain to create, find a supportive community, and celebrate your progress along the way. The words will come if you keep showing up. In this episode, Polly covers some ways to make that easier. ...
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Polly talks with author and Indie Author Podcast host Matty Dalrymple about today’s changing publishing world and how indie and traditional routes are increasingly overlapping. Matty shares why indie publishing offers creative control, faster timelines, and long-term earning potential, while also noting how traditional publishers are adapting indie strategies. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simpl...
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How do you know when a piece is truly finished? In this episode of Simply Write, we talk through the signs that indicate that drafting and revising are done. Fatigue, intuition, and deadlines all play a part, and often, "good enough" is a good tell. 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/adcho...
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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 p...
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October 20, 2025 37 mins
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, w...
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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 ...
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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 mo...
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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 decis...
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September 22, 2025 28 mins
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 simplywr...
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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 h...
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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...
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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
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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 s...
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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 observ...
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July 7, 2025 35 mins
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 ins...
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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 th...
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June 23, 2025 35 mins
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 a...
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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...
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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. F...
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