Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

If you want to publish your work and build a sustainable writing career, you need to develop not only your writing skills but also your entrepreneurial savvy to thrive in today’s creator economy. That’s the advice of Jane Friedman—publishing expert, sought-after speaker, and author of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition.

In this special show, Friedman discusses the concept of platform and lived platform, emphasizing that writers don’t need to approach social media like a Fortune 500 company to succeed. Instead, she shares practical strategies for choosing the right marketing channels to build a reader funnel and attract the right audience to your work.

Friedman also explains why authors should evaluate each project independently to determine the best publishing route.

“Nothing is static,” she says. What worked for one book may not be the best fit for the next. She encourages writers to consider all publishing options with an open mind rather than limiting themselves to a single view of publishing.

For more wisdom from Jane Friedman, visit janefriedman.com.

And for more on the writing craft and crafting a writing life, check out Simply Write.

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Writers who stay flexible and open to change see more opportunities and create work that resonates. In this episode, we dive into writer agility—why it matters, how to train yourself to notice trends, and ways to adapt your writing to an ever-changing world.

Join the Simply Write community for more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life. Subscribe at SimplyWrite.Substack.com.

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In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author, poet, and educator Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, PhD to explore the intersection of storytelling, writing, and personal growth. Writing, says Sharp McKetta is an act of discovery, and can help us understand our world and our lives, but just like the changing seasons, our writing and our processes change too. When we pay attention to those shifts, we can grow and find the flow and meaning in our work.

For more from teacher, author, storyteller, Elisabeth Sharp McKetta go to https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/

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

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Episode Show Notes: The Power of Consistent Effort in Writing

Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about committing to steady practice. Research shows that consistency not only enhances creativity but also strengthens self-efficacy, the belief in your ability to succeed. In this episode, we explore how showing up regularly to write sharpens your craft and builds the confidence needed to push past self-doubt.

And, I'll share the unexpected ways that alone helped shape my writing career and offer some ways to keep going when the last thing you feel like is writing.

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

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USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Strawser shares insights on navigating multiple timelines and POVs, something she does in her newest book Catch You Later, and how she uses a synopsis to structure her stories while still leaving room for creative surprises throughout the writing process. Strawser who is also a writer, editor-at-large for Writer's Digest, and a mom talks about the role of time management in shaping her writing career and why writing sometimes requires sacrifices.

This is a far-reaching interview that gives you a clear look into how a full-time author gets the work done. Find Jessica Strawser, and more about her books and other work, at https://jessicastrawser.com.

For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join us at Simply Write w/Polly Campbell at https://simplywrite.substack.com.

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It's an idea that changed my writing and helped me improve and publish more. What is it? Growth mindset. As writers we regularly face rejection and can be steeped in self-doubt. With a growth mindset, though, we see those rejections and setbacks as nothing more than information we can use to become better. Rejection, critical feedback, and mistakes are not character flaws, they are opportunities to learn and improve. And when we adopt a growth mindset we are more likely to persist --which is huge if you want to publish. With a growth mindset, we don't have to beat ourselves up over a disappointment or setback that leaves us free to be more creative, more relaxed, and more likely to keep on toward our goals. Listen in to learn more about why I think a growth mindset is essential to a writing life and how I use it in mine.

For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join us at Simply Write w/Polly Campbell at https://simplywrite.substack.com.

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Agent and author Jessica Berg shares how building a strong relationship with your agent is like dating—communication is key. Plus, we explore using curiosity to tackle blank-page fears and keep your creative momentum. From spaghetti drafts to editing marathons balanced by cat videos, discover tips to keep writing and find the agent that can help you elevate your writing career.

For more on Jessica Berg go to https://rosecliffliterary.com. Rosecliff is open to submissions.

And to learn more about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join our Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com

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Writing can feel vulnerable no matter your experience level, or what you are working on. Sitting down to a blank page, a new chapter or scene or developing story draft can feel scary. But curiosity is the antidote. In this episode, we offer actionable advice to help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Discover how curiosity can break down barriers, spark your imagination, and keep your writing flowing.

For more ideas on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join the Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com

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Schedule a block of four or five hours when you go all in on the priority for the day, says USA Today Bestselling author Russell Nohelty and host of The Author Stack, among other pubs, on Substack. Whether that's marketing, writing, or even thinking about the next project, you need to focus your attention on the task of the day.

Extraordinarily prolific and committed to helping other writers get their work into the world, Nohelty talks about writing 18 books in one year, how he is becoming a faster and better writer, and why you won't find his books on retail shelves--at least for now, during this far-reaching and fascinating conversation.

Find Russell Nohelty on Substack here https://substack.com/@russellnohelty

For more on the writer's craft and crafting a writer's life join the Simply Write w/Polly Substack at https://simplywrite.substack.com

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Incubation is an essential part of the creative process. But, it's one of the more difficult aspects of writing for Polly and something she's working to improve. In today's episode, Polly will explain what incubation is, how it's an important part of writing and development, and how we can all learn to embrace the process and utilize it to write better. Polly will also explain the subtle shift she made to her morning routine and how it's making a big difference in her day. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer's life join the Simply Write community at https://simplywrite.substack.com

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