This episode ran our first season, but writers and rejection will always be an issue. Rejection can be a painful part of the job. But, when we learn to accept and manage rejection we can use it as a motivational tool to keep writing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning romance writer Susan Carlisle dictates 1500 to 2000 a day on her phone to quickly get the first draft out. Then she spends most of her time in revisions and editing. That process helps her publish multiple books a year.

What does it take to write compelling romance novels? Carlisle says there are some common tropes, and she wants to leave readers with a feel-good ending, but the "trope is the umbrella of the story, but that's not the part that makes a story work," Carlisle says. Readers must be invested in the characters, intrigued by the setting, and propelled forward by everything that happens along the way.

Listen for more on Carlisle's writing process and why she says she's in the "feel-good" business.

Go to https://susancarlisle.com for more on Carlisle and her books.

Join the Simply Write community, https://simplywrite.substack.com, for more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a writer requires more than putting words on a page. It's a whole mindset. You have to believe you can do it and then give yourself permission to go after it and write consistently. I remember the first moment I called myself a write without any other qualifiers. It was awkward, embarrassing and life-changing.

In this episode, I'll explain why the declaration was so important and why I think calling yourself a writer is essential to becoming one.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Book coach and author Caroline Donahue explains how we can manage our fears and even use it to build excitement and energy around our writing process. In this enlightening interview the author of three books including her newest, Writing through Fear: A Story Arcana Guide, Donahue says we can make fear an ally in our writing.

For more on Caroline Donahue and her work go to https://www.carolinedonahue.com.

And join our Simply Write community on Substack for plenty more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life at https://simplywrite.substack.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What pressures is your character facing? What does she want and why does she want it? What kind of risks will she face and what obstacles will she encounter as she strives tor her ultimate goal.

In other words, what are the stakes?

In this episode, we define the stakes of both nonfiction and fiction stories and explain why they matter. Then we cover some things to consider when ratcheting up the risk/reward scenarios for your main.

To get in touch with Polly and learn more about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lorna Hollifield starts "every single day of my life with a bath in the morning" and doesn't bother to make her bed, but she is self-aware and has used her strengths to forge a thriving career as an author, columnist and now managing editor of Charleston Women Magazine.

One of the tips she gives to writers who want to make a career out of freelancing is to study the style and tone of the magazine, its articles, and headlines, and then give them a clean and polished draft that would fit in the pages.

Her books Tobacco Sun and The Ocean At Night can be purchased wherever books are sold. You can find more about Lorna and her books here: https://lorna-hollifield.com/my-books/

And join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com and sign up for our Paid Subscriber Perks Program to access tip sheets, craft reports, full essays, writing assignments, and feedback on your work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freelancing does have its perks, but paid time off is not one of them. Knowing how to manage your to-do list when life's unexpected (toothache) and planned moments (vacation) take you away from the work, is the key to managing stress and getting the work done In today's episode I'll share two of my strategies for staying on track and avoiding the pressure and overwhelm even when you are pressed for time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Wyatt has published young adult novels, nonfiction books, and magazine articles, and now she is working on a series of romance books for those who have lived a little longer, she says. Her writing process has changed and evolved over the years too. But how does she keep writing books across the genres?

The key, Wyatt says, is to keep showing up.

This inspiring conversation will make you want to keep showing up too.

Find Leslie J. Wyatt at https://lesliejwyatt.com/books

And, join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The brash and bright days of summer can make it hard for me to focus, but with micro-goals, a daily practice, and reframing the notion of writing work, I am able to get the writing done and enjoy the summer fun. These ideas might help you stay on track too.

Join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com and become a Simply Paid Subscriber Perks member to receive writing assignments, personal feedback, craft tip sheets and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Librarian Joel Shoemaker is the author of "Bacon Grief," and the award-winning "Silas on Sundays," an LGBTQIA+ affirming faith picture book featuring a gender, non-conforming character.

In this far-reaching and fun discussion, Joel talks about writing the stories he cares about for readers who don't always see themselves represented in books, the importance of knowing your audience, writing about faith, relationships, and gender norms, and how he embraces the "fun" side of marketing to connect with his readers.

Find more about Joel and his work at https://itsjoelshoemaker.com

Join our Simply Write community where, under the blue logo, we talk about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life at https://substack.com/@pollycampbell. Under the yellow logo, you'll find Simply Said, a Substack and podcast about living well, doing good, and being happy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices