Simply Write w/ Polly Campbell

Debut author Kevin C. Morris talks about the real-life inspiration behind Untamed Coast, blending research with fiction, pacing, publishing, and launching a first book. Morris also explains why he didn't worry about genre while he was writing, but what he wanted to offer the readers. For more on the writing craft and crafting a writer’s life join us at simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emotional intelligence can help writers keep going, handle setbacks, stay motivated, and create characters and stories that connect with readers. Today, we explore four key skills: self-awareness, intrinsic motivation, emotional resilience, and empathy. For more on writing craft and crafting a writer’s life, join Simply Write: simplywrite.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Simply Write w/Polly we continue our coverage of the elements of a nonfiction book proposal and discuss manuscript specifications and the role of the table of contents. Then the focus shifts to troubleshooting. Polly breaks down how to diagnose what’s really going on when the process feels like a slog and the work dull and slow. Here, we look at mindset, planning, and focus as a way to ease blocks and improve pacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polly talks with Carol Strickland, art historian, professor, and author, about her shift from nonfiction to historical fiction and what drew her to write about remarkable women. Carol shared the inspiration behind her novel Sparks Fly Up: The Lost Story of Margaret Fuller, which explores the life and work of the influential 19th-century American writer and feminist, and how passion, rigorous research, and imaginative storytelling shape Carol's work. They discussed the writing process, revision, character development, and the challenge of balancing fact with narrative drive. 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

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