Épisodes

  • 347. Another Tool for Writers: Intuition

    347. Another Tool for Writers: Intuition
    Jan 19 2026
    Intuition isn’t guesswork. Research shows it’s the fast, unconscious integration of the skills you’ve already built, and it happens more easily when we stop overthinking. In this episode, Polly talks about how to access our writer's intuition and how to use it to find flow and make our writing sessions for satisfying and productive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    33 min
  • 346. Build Platform Without Burning Out with Emily Florence

    346. Build Platform Without Burning Out with Emily Florence
    Jan 12 2026
    Polly digs into what it takes for writers to build a platform today—why it matters, how to start, and how to keep going without burning out, with author and book publicity consultant Emily Florence. Emily explained her approach to sustainable writing and work practice, and how to take consistent, small steps to grow a career. Instead of taking on all social media, writers can focus on a few platforms as a way to genuinely connect with readers now and for future projects. Polly and Emily also discussed local PR, podcast outreach, and practical DIY strategies authors can use at any stage. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    29 min
  • 345. Be a Better, Happier Writer This Year

    345. Be a Better, Happier Writer This Year
    Jan 6 2026
    To start the New Year, we break down the habits, craft techniques, and mindset shifts Polly uses to elevate her writing and also create a more satisfying writing process. We explore how to read like a writer, build consistent routines, strengthen clarity and style, develop voice, and the importance of revision. And why it's important to find calm in discomfort. Want to have a better, more producitve writing year? Start by behaving like a writer. Today we'll talk about what that means. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join simplywrite.substack.com. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Here are Simply Write show notes under 100 words, tightened for clarity and flow, with your required link included. Simply Write | Episode 345 — Be a Better Writer in 2026 To get better at writing, show up consistently. Read widely, write regularly, study how stories work, and revise with intention. Build habits that support creativity, seek feedback, and practice reading like a writer so you can learn from every page. Embrace discomfort, stay curious, and commit to the work—even on days you don’t feel like it. Plus, in What’s in the Desk, Polly shares insights from Seth Godin’s The Practice. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    31 min
  • 344. Engineering Your Memoir with Wendy Dale

    344. Engineering Your Memoir with Wendy Dale
    Nov 24 2025
    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 writers avoid common mistakes while still leaving room for creativity. In this chat, Wendy breaks down her system of scenes and transitions and explains how understanding how they work can help us craft a stronger draft. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • 343. The #1 Tip I Offer New Writers, and I Remind Myself Too

    343. The #1 Tip I Offer New Writers, and I Remind Myself Too
    Nov 17 2025
    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 the way. The words will come if you keep showing up. In this episode, Polly covers some ways to make that easier. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    31 min
  • 342. Author Matty Dalrymple and Creative Control for Indie Authors

    342. Author Matty Dalrymple and Creative Control for Indie Authors
    Nov 10 2025
    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 publishers are adapting indie strategies. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    40 min
  • 341. How Do You Know When the Piece is Done?

    341. How Do You Know When the Piece is Done?
    Nov 3 2025
    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 Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • 340. Alma Katsu: The Making and Marketing of Thriller and Horror Books

    340. Alma Katsu: The Making and Marketing of Thriller and Horror Books
    Oct 27 2025
    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. They also discuss what it takes to sustain a long writing career, how to stay curious, and why consistency—not perfection—is what keeps writers improving and publishing. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join the Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    37 min