From Engineer to Novelist: Alan Orloff on Writing with Discipline and Passion

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