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.

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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.

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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 observations became the backbone of his writing. Polly and Glyn dive into the importance of small details, the tension that keeps readers turning pages, and the craft of choosing what to include and what to let go.

How do you find the thread that ties your memories together? And how do you strike the balance between truth and storytelling? This episode offers insight, inspiration, and permission to slow down and write with intention.

For more on Glyn Vincent and his book Crossing, go to https://www.glynvincent.com/

Join our Simply Write community and get in touch with Polly at Simply Write w/Polly on Substack: https://simplywrite.substack.com

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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 instead.

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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 the upcoming Writer's Digest Annual Conference. Go to https://writersdigestconference.com/

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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.

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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 the need for their book.

If you are thinking about writing a nonfiction book, start here.

Find Jennifer Dorsey and her book, From Pitch to Print: The Non-Fiction Writer’s 10-Step Plan to Getting Published at https://drjendorsey.com

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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.

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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

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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

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