Episodes

  • 351. Quirks and Character Building

    351. Quirks and Character Building
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode, we explore how to build character on the page without overexplaining. Objects serve as emotional anchors. Character quirks and behavior under pressure expose character motivation, and character can be revealed through actions, habits, and choices. We talk about it all in this episode. For more about the writing craft and crafting a writer's life, join our Simply Write community at simplywrite.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • 350. Tarot Reader and Astrologist Theresa Reed Talks Writing for Metaphysical Markets

    350. Tarot Reader and Astrologist Theresa Reed Talks Writing for Metaphysical Markets
    Feb 12 2026
    This episode of Simply Write features Theresa, a seasoned tarot reader and author with more than 30 years of experience, in a grounded conversation about metaphysical writing and creative practice. Theresa shares how she uses tarot and astrology as tools for personal insight and creative development, including how these practices inform her writing process. We talk about making complex metaphysical ideas accessible to readers, using tarot for character development, and understanding market dynamics within the metaphysical space. Whether you write within this genre or are simply curious about alternative creative tools, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective and practical ideas. In the What's in the Desk segment, Theresa also mentions her Bots by artist Gary Hirsch. 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
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    32 mins
  • 349. Troubleshooting Tips When the Work Drags

    349. Troubleshooting Tips When the Work Drags
    Feb 2 2026
    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
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    31 mins
  • 348. Writing Historical Fiction with Carol Strickland

    348. Writing Historical Fiction with Carol Strickland
    Jan 26 2026
    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
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    24 mins
  • 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
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    33 mins
  • 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
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    29 mins
  • 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
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    31 mins
  • 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
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    30 mins