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
May 5, 2025 • 39 mins
For USA Today bestselling author Ann Garvin, the story often starts with the peccadillo—the thing she's been working on her whole life--and then she has her characters confront it too. The result? Relatable, engaging characters and six books.
In this insightful and lively episode, Author Ann Garvin shares how she builds compelling characters, writes with ADHD, and why empathy is at the heart of every great story. She also dives ...
Mark as Played
March 31, 2025 • 29 mins
How do the seasons influence your creativity? In this episode we explore how seasonal changes impact our energy, emotions, and creative flow. From spring’s burst of inspiration to summer’s social buzz, fall’s introspective depth, and winter’s reflective quiet, each season offers unique creative opportunities. Learn how to harness these natural rhythms to fuel your writing and artistic projects. Don’t fight the seasons—flow with the...
Mark as Played
March 24, 2025 • 35 mins
If you want to publish your work and build a sustainable writing career, you need to develop not only your writing skills but also your entrepreneurial savvy to thrive in today’s creator economy. That’s the advice of Jane Friedman—publishing expert, sought-after speaker, and author of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition.
In this special show, Friedman discusses the concept of platform and lived platform, emphasizing tha...
Mark as Played
March 17, 2025 • 39 mins
Writers who stay flexible and open to change see more opportunities and create work that resonates. In this episode, we dive into writer agility—why it matters, how to train yourself to notice trends, and ways to adapt your writing to an ever-changing world.
Join the Simply Write community for more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life. Subscribe at SimplyWrite.Substack.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
Mark as Played
March 10, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author, poet, and educator Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, PhD to explore the intersection of storytelling, writing, and personal growth. Writing, says Sharp McKetta is an act of discovery, and can help us understand our world and our lives, but just like the changing seasons, our writing and our processes change too. When we pay attention to those shifts, we can grow and find the flow and m...
Mark as Played
March 3, 2025 • 34 mins
Episode Show Notes: The Power of Consistent Effort in Writing
Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about committing to steady practice. Research shows that consistency not only enhances creativity but also strengthens self-efficacy, the belief in your ability to succeed. In this episode, we explore how showing up regularly to write sharpens your craft and builds the confidence needed to push past self-doubt.
And, I'll s...
Mark as Played
February 24, 2025 • 45 mins
USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Strawser shares insights on navigating multiple timelines and POVs, something she does in her newest book Catch You Later, and how she uses a synopsis to structure her stories while still leaving room for creative surprises throughout the writing process. Strawser who is also a writer, editor-at-large for Writer's Digest, and a mom talks about the role of time management in shaping her writing ...
Mark as Played
February 17, 2025 • 32 mins
It's an idea that changed my writing and helped me improve and publish more. What is it? Growth mindset. As writers we regularly face rejection and can be steeped in self-doubt. With a growth mindset, though, we see those rejections and setbacks as nothing more than information we can use to become better. Rejection, critical feedback, and mistakes are not character flaws, they are opportunities to learn and improve. And when we ad...
Mark as Played
February 10, 2025 • 35 mins
Agent and author Jessica Berg shares how building a strong relationship with your agent is like dating—communication is key. Plus, we explore using curiosity to tackle blank-page fears and keep your creative momentum. From spaghetti drafts to editing marathons balanced by cat videos, discover tips to keep writing and find the agent that can help you elevate your writing career.
For more on Jessica Berg go to https://roseclifflitera...
Mark as Played
February 3, 2025 • 36 mins
Writing can feel vulnerable no matter your experience level, or what you are working on. Sitting down to a blank page, a new chapter or scene or developing story draft can feel scary. But curiosity is the antidote. In this episode, we offer actionable advice to help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Discover how curiosity can break down barriers, spark your imagination, and keep your writing flowing.
For more ideas on the wri...
Mark as Played
January 27, 2025 • 37 mins
Schedule a block of four or five hours when you go all in on the priority for the day, says USA Today Bestselling author Russell Nohelty and host of The Author Stack, among other pubs, on Substack. Whether that's marketing, writing, or even thinking about the next project, you need to focus your attention on the task of the day.
Extraordinarily prolific and committed to helping other writers get their work into the world, Nohelty ...
Mark as Played
January 20, 2025 • 34 mins
Incubation is an essential part of the creative process. But, it's one of the more difficult aspects of writing for Polly and something she's working to improve. In today's episode, Polly will explain what incubation is, how it's an important part of writing and development, and how we can all learn to embrace the process and utilize it to write better. Polly will also explain the subtle shift she made to her morning routine and ho...
Mark as Played
January 13, 2025 • 31 mins
"You've got to habituate your creativity," says renowned memoirist and teacher Marion Roach Smith. "Be hospitable to your writing."
That means making time for your writing and doing it when you are at your creative peak.
Then, says Roach Smith, you've got to sit down and discover what your story is really about and spill it out on the page. She tells you how in this episode. Listen up. This episode is will make you better writer. A...
Mark as Played
January 6, 2025 • 31 mins
Which habits are helping you get the writing done? Which are slowing you down, feeling dull, or keeping you stuck?
In this episode we talk about the habits I believe every writer needs to give attention to if they want to write more and publish more and feel good doing these things. Changing your writer mojo can come down to replacing old routines with better ones and in this episode we'll talk about some I'm adding in, or giving r...
Mark as Played
December 30, 2024 • 38 mins
We hope you enjoy this replay featuring author Khan Wong who talks about blurring genre lines, writing to big themes, and inspiration. All of us at Simply Write will be back in a couple of weeks with new shows about writing and living. In the meantime, please join the Simply Write community and subscribe to our Simply Write substack at https://simplywrite.substack.com
Now about the episode:
It's described as science fiction but Kh...
Mark as Played
December 23, 2024 • 37 mins
If you are looking to launch your freelance business in 2025 this episode can help.
Enjoy this replay of one of our most popular episodes from 2023 and we'll be back in a couple of weeks with all new shows to help us with the writing craft and crafting a writing life.
For more on the writing craft and craft a writer's life be sure to subscribe to our Simply Write substack at https://simplywrite.substack.com
Now about the episode:
T...
Mark as Played
December 16, 2024 • 33 mins
Can a typewriter be an antidote to perfectionism? It was for author Woz Flint, author of The Distraction Free First Draft: Unplug, Forget Perfectionism, and Write More Than Ever Using a Typewriter. Flint was gifted a typewriter a decade ago and that ignited her curiosity and opened up a new world of writing and writers, and, typewriter users nationwide. In this episode, she takes us on a deep dive into the world of typewriters and ...
Mark as Played
December 9, 2024 • 35 mins
We've all heard about the importance of platform and branding, but today we go deeper to talk about shaping the arc of our careers to do work that is not only enjoyable but meaningful. What do you value about writing and what do you want to write next? What have you accomplished, which goals are no longer important? Now is the time to reflect on our work, our goals, and what we want to do with our writing in the months and years ah...
Mark as Played
December 2, 2024 • 29 mins
Award-winning author Carol Hoenig, works on all sides of publishing. She's owned a bookstore, worked at another, and handles publicity and events for other authors. In this episode this publishing professional talks about her writing process--yes, her characters speak to her--why she goes all in to marketing her own books, and the one thing she does at the end of her writing session that makes it easier to begin again the next day....
Mark as Played
November 25, 2024 • 34 mins
Sure gratitude is good for our health, lowering our blood pressure, easing our stress, and improving our moods, but did you know it can also enhance creativity? A regular gratitude practice will not only leave you feeling better but it will also help you be more open to new experiences, expansive in your thoughts, and more optimistic about writing. And that will help you keep going on the tough days.
For more on how gratitude helps...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.