Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

Polly is working on a nonfiction proposal, and beginning this week, she'll explain her process and the role the Overview plays in the proposal.

Then tune in every two weeks as Polly shares another key element of the proposal she's working on and how you can create your own to sell a nonfiction book.

In the craft half of the podcast, we talk about scene building. What scenes are, what they must do, and how to build them.

For more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, join our Simply Write community at: https://simplywrite.substack.com

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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.

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How do you hook a reader from the very first line? Whether you’re writing an essay, article, or book, the opening does more than start the piece—it’s the invitation that convinces your reader to come along. In this episode of Simply Write, we talk about what a strong opening should do and how to craft one that makes readers lean in.

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On this episode of Simply Write, Polly talks with children’s author and retired teacher Terri Lilga about her creative journey from the classroom to the bookshelf. Terri shares how her years teaching second grade and working in gifted education shaped her approach to storytelling, character, and problem-solving in her books.

Her latest release, There’s a Hubbard in My Cupboard, follows her debut Santa’s Simon, and both highlight her love of playful language, rhyme, and imaginative problem-solving. Terri also offers a candid look at the realities of publishing and marketing children’s books, the rewards of engaging with young readers, and the importance of making literature accessible to all.

If you’ve ever wondered how everyday experiences can spark story ideas—or what it takes to bring a children’s book to life—this conversation is full of encouragement and insight.

For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com.

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Hello Writers, had some technical issues with ad placement and sound quality last week, which a listener alerted me to. Thank You. I've cleaned that up and reissued this show for easier listening. Hope you enjoy and tune in next week for another new author Interview.

In this episode of Simply Write, we’re talking pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants) and plotting (planning before you write)—two different methods of writing.

Plotting gives you structure, helps avoid plot holes, and keeps you on track, especially with complex stories. Pantsing, on the other hand, fuels creativity, surprise, and discovery as you follow the story wherever it leads.

Most writers like me, land somewhere in between, blending structure with spontaneity.

Whether you outline, free-write, or mix the two, the best method is the one that keeps you writing—and enjoying the process.

For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at ⁠simplywrite.substack.com⁠.

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In this episode of Simply Write, we’re talking pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants) and plotting (planning before you write)—two different methods of writing.

Plotting gives you structure, helps avoid plot holes, and keeps you on track, especially with complex stories. Pantsing, on the other hand, fuels creativity, surprise, and discovery as you follow the story wherever it leads.

Most writers like me, land somewhere in between, blending structure with spontaneity.

Whether you outline, free-write, or mix the two, the best method is the one that keeps you writing—and enjoying the process.

For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com.

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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.

For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com.

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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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