Episodios

  • 324. Janis Thomas: Character is the Secret to Compelling Story
    Jun 2 2025
    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
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    35 m
  • 323. The Write Goal: Get What You Want From Your Writing
    May 26 2025
    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
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    38 m
  • 322. Novelist: Ellen Meister on Enjoying the Challenge
    May 19 2025
    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
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    39 m
  • 321. Ease Friction, Have Fun Writing Again
    May 12 2025
    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
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    30 m
  • 320. Ann Garvin: "You Just Have to Keep Going"
    May 5 2025
    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 into how her writing process has evolved throughout her career. If you’re working on a novel—or just love a good story—this is a must-listen! Find Ann and her books at anngarvin.com. For more on writing and the 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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    39 m
  • 319. Writing With Spring Energy
    Mar 31 2025
    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 them! For more on the 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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    29 m
  • 318. Jane Friedman: The Work of a Writer-Entrepreneur
    Mar 24 2025
    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 that writers don’t need to approach social media like a Fortune 500 company to succeed. Instead, she shares practical strategies for choosing the right marketing channels to build a reader funnel and attract the right audience to your work. Friedman also explains why authors should evaluate each project independently to determine the best publishing route. “Nothing is static,” she says. What worked for one book may not be the best fit for the next. She encourages writers to consider all publishing options with an open mind rather than limiting themselves to a single view of publishing. For more wisdom from Jane Friedman, visit janefriedman.com. And for more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, check out Simply Write. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • 317. The Agile Writer: Pivot Toward Possibilities
    Mar 17 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
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