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.
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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 w
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
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
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 Simpl
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
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 hel
