The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán
Episodes
138. Your success plan
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you operating as though you won’t reach your goals? If so, here’s how to flip the script on that—and succeed. Camille shares:How to spot a f...
137. Three ways to meet a tight deadline
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re fast drafting, editing on a crunch, or rushing to meet a production schedule, there are perks to speed—but there are also crucial s...
136. How to keep writing when life feels hard (rerun)
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re struggling right now and it’s impacting your writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Camille shares: The time she missed a major d...
135. How to compare yourself
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Comparison is inevitable. But it can also make you feel lousy—and even hold you back from your goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares:How she r...
134. How to pitch your work without feeling like a sell-out (rerun)
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pitching your novel and building an author brand doesn’t have to feel salesy or slimy. Whether you’re querying your first book or are looking for ...
133. How to take yourself seriously as a novelist
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is your fiction a true priority—or are you putting it on the back burner while you put out other people’s fires? The answer can make all the diffe...
132. How to reenergize your fiction career
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to begin your year as a novelist with a renewed sense of motivation and possibility? This episode’s for you. Camille shares: The surprising r...
131. How to make the most of this (or any) season
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some periods of life are busier than others. That doesn’t have to mean giving up your fiction goals. In this episode, Camille shares:A simple way to...
130. How to avoid the “gratitude trap”
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gratitude is wonderful—but too many writers mistakenly believe it’s at odds with ambition. In this episode, Camille shares:The single biggest myth...
129. How to be wrong about what’s possible for you
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you worry—or even believe—you can’t reach your writing goals? This episode may just change your mind. In it, Camille shares: Why we have tho...
128. How to stop thinking you’re too late
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like you should’ve started earlier or should be farther along in your fiction career? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why success won’...
127. How to feel confident about your novel
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not sure if your story has what it takes? In this episode, Camille shares:How she moved past doubts about her next bookThe truth about what makes a no...
126. How to protect your creativity
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fiction requires flow—which is why it’s so important to shield yourself from unsolicited criticism and other creativity-crushers. In this episode,...
125. Bonus episode: Plan to Publish webinar replay
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, you can find more time for fiction this fall. In this episode, Camille shares three ways to prioritize your publishing career (even if your life&...
124. How to make money from your fiction
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t want to be a starving artist? You’re in luck. In today’s episode, Camille shares how novelists actually become profitable—and how you ...
123. How to make your own lane
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Worried you’re writing the “wrong” kind of novel—or that you’ll have to market in a way you don’t want to in order to succeed? In this epi...
122. How to create a second chance (rerun)
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your last book didn’t sell well—or at all!—and you’re worried your publishing career is over, this episode’s for you. In it, Camille shar...
121. How to let yourself succeed
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Putting distance between yourself and success is ridiculous—right? Think again. In this episode, Camille shares:The real reason you may push your go...
120. How to prioritize writing (when life isn't cooperating)
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to find time and mental space to write and market your work? You’re hardly alone. In this episode, Camille shares: Why relying on willpo...
119. How to deal with feeling unsupported
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not getting the support you seek from your nearest and dearest—or your agent or professional network? This episode’s for you. Camille shares: Why ...
118. How to plan the next six months of your fiction career
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You still have time to make 2025 your best writing and publishing year yet. In this episode, Camille shares: Her hits and misses from the first half ...
117. How to create a long-term vision for your fiction career
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Research shows that focusing on the long-term ups your odds of success now and later. In this episode, Camille shares: Why writers often resist thinki...
116. How to slow down for success
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching your writing goals doesn’t require rushing. In fact, slowing down is often the best way to achieve success. In today’s episode, Camille s...
115. How to take credit
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alice Walker wrote, “Being proud of yourself is not arrogant; it is a sign of self-respect.” In today’s episode, Camille shares:How to take pri...
114. How to use quick wins to motivate yourself (and reach your goals)
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, publishing is a long game—but staying in it and succeeding requires short-term wins. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A common misconcepti...
113. How to feel less guilty about writing.
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does spending time (and maybe even money) on your fiction fill you with guilt? In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising upside of guilt—...
112. How to find your publishing path
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to your fiction career, the willingness to pivot as needed is a competitive advantage. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we’r...
111. How to pause without losing momentum.
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can’t spell breakthrough without “break”—yet so many writers push through when they should be doing the opposite. In this episode, Camille...
110. How to stop thinking you’re too late
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like you should’ve started earlier or should be farther along in your fiction career? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why success won’...
109. How to avoid a next-book slump
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re worried about whether your next novel will flop, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares:The real reason writers tend to fixate o...
108. How I sold my novel
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Camille shares what she learned in the process of selling her eleventh novel at the end of 2024. She shares: Why timing reall...
107. How to follow through
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know what you need to do to succeed as a novelist—so why aren’t you doing it? In this episode, Camille shares: A self-assessment to get to ...
106. How to plan to succeed in 2025
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of wishing for the best, yet feeling like you don’t actually have control over your writing career? In today’s episode, Camille shares three...
105. How to finish faster
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trying to finish a draft, edit, or another project before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve? In this episode, Camille shares: Why getting specifi...
104. How to go all in—without going broke or abandoning the rest of your life
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Decided to keep writing? Fully committing can skyrocket your odds of reaching your publishing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: Common misconc...
103. How to quit
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To quote Annie Duke, author of the book Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, “Contrary to popular belief, winners quit a lot. That’s how...
Bonus episode: How to choose comps
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re not sure how to select stellar comps—or want to make sure you’ve nailed yours—Camille is sharing the audio replay of her recent webi...
101. How to be a Career Novelist (and change your mind about marketing your novel)
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Career Novelist Podcast! After 100 episodes of You Should Write a Book, Camille is (very slightly) shifting the focus of the podcast. ...
100. How to write your future
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the 100th episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast, Camille shares: How a quote from James Clear prompted her to rethink her business. ...
99. How to choose your next project
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re between books—or are simply thinking about what you’ll write after you’re done with your current draft—this episode is for you. Ca...
98. How to find the right help for your writing career
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you need help with craft, marketing, or your mindset, support can be transformative for your author career. In this episode, Camille shares: ...
97. How to use jealousy to your advantage
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, envy can feel lousy—but it also contains crucial information that can help your author career. In this episode, Camille shares: The surpris...
96. How to deal with not-enoughness
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Overwhelm can be caused by feeling like there’s too much to do—but it can also be the direct result of feeling like you’re not enough or haven’...
95. How to deal with overwhelm
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like there’s too much to do and it’s making it hard to write? In this episode, Camille shares: The cognitive cost of overwhelm—and what n...
94. How to enjoy success (when you secretly feel lousy)
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You did it—you accomplished your goal. So…why aren’t you happy? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we often feel deflated instead of e...
93. How to invest in your author career (when you're not making money yet)
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Money stops many writers from pursuing their dreams—but it doesn’t have to. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The real investment required ...
92. How to know if your work’s any good
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, taste is subjective—but there are ways to tell if you’re ready to share your book with others. In this episode, Camille discusses: Why you ...
91. How to go pro (rerun)
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fiftieth, showing up a professional will help you reach your goals faster—and help your success...
90. How to set better deadlines
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deadlines can help you get the job done—but they sometimes backfire, too. In this episode, Camille discusses: The research-backed benefits of se...
89. How to get (and give) blurbs
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Blurbs—that is, endorsement quotes from other authors—are still a standard publishing practice. In this episode, Camille covers: Why blurbs pr...
88. How to reach your goals in the second half of 2024
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are still six months to reach your big writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: Her strategy for doing a mid-year assessment. How ...
87. How to stop stalling (and get back to writing)
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you procrastinate when you should be working on your book? In today’s episode, Camille shares: When procrastination’s actually a good thing...
86. How (and why!) to find a writing community
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Neil Gaiman said, “Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me.” In today’s ...
85. How to make your own luck
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Camille follows up with author Darci St. John—who was featured in episode 18—about: How self-publishing her debut led to a two-book deal with ...
84. How to be uncomfortable
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost everything you want is on the other side of discomfort. In this episode, Camille talks about: Why getting it right requires your work to “f...
83. How to say no
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching your writing goals is going to require you to say no—sometimes even to opportunities you might want to say yes to. Why saying no can fe...
82. How to make writing (and your career) easier
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No, writing doesn’t have to feel so hard all the time. In this episode, Camille shares: The one question that reduced the workload on her latest r...
81. How to create a second chance
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If your last book didn’t sell well and you’re worried your publishing career is over, this episode’s for you. In it, Camille shares: The myt...
80. How to take a break
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rest is essential for your brain and body—and yes, for writing a good book. In this episode, Camille talks about: The reason you probably feel res...
79. How to tell a better story (about yourself)
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably got some not-so-great stories about yourself—and they may be standing between you and success. In t...
78. How to get rejected
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To succeed as a writer, you have to be willing to get rejected—a lot. In this episode, Camille discusses: Simple ways to normalize “no” Why...
77. How to get unstuck—and get back to writing
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever gotten stalled while working on your story, this episode’s for you. Camille shares: Why it’s so easy to interpret uncertainty...
76. How to stop fearing success
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who on earth would be afraid of success? The truth is, almost everyone. But that fear doesn’t have to stand between you and your writing goals. In t...
75. How to move past the fear of failure
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may always be a little afraid of failing—but there’s a lot you can do to prevent that fear from holding you back. In today’s episode, Camill...
74. How to decide if and when to abandon your manuscript
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not sure if your current story or draft is publishable? Camille shares a framework for deciding whether to do more work—or move on to the next proje...
73. How to use disappointment to your advantage
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling disappointed? That’s not a problem. In fact, you can harness that emotion to succeed. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Common misco...
72. How to set boundaries
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Boundaries aren’t just about safeguarding your writing time; they’re also essential for protecting your mental health and creativity. In this epis...
71. How to play the long game
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re feeling frustrated that you haven’t reached your publishing goals yet or that your hard work hasn’t paid off, this episode is for you....
70. How to find time to write
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A busy schedule doesn’t have to stand between you and getting your book done. In this episode, Camille discusses: Why there will never be the “...
69. How to feel self-confident
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Though they’re often used interchangeably, self-confidence isn’t the same thing as confidence—and it may just be the secret to reaching your w...
68. How to get over imposter syndrome
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most writers will experience imposter syndrome—but feeling like you don’t deserve your success can sabotage your career. In this episode, Camille ...
67. How to put the wind back in your sails
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re feeling defeated by the publishing industry or thinking of giving up on your writing dreams, listen to this episode first. In it, Camille ...
66. How to make a change
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to make 2024 the year you reach your big writing goals? You can—but doing so will probably involve some degree of change. In this episode, Ca...
65. How to succeed as an author
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Camille shares eight things she’s learned from her clients this year, including: Why it’s never too late to go for your b...
64. How to write a book in an hour a day
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest reasons people don’t finish (or even begin) writing a book is because they believe they don’t have time. But even if you have a...
63. How to be your own benefactor
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Too many authors avoid talking—or even thinking—about money. But being able to pay your bills ups the odds of reaching your publishing goals. In t...
62. How to choose yourself (rerun and update)
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Note: Because it’s a holiday week in the United States, this week’s episode is a rerun, with an exciting update. Tune in next week for a new epis...
61. How to care less
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Worrying about what other people think often paralyzes writers and prevents us from creating our best work. In this episode, Camille shares how to mov...
60. How to find flow
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Working in a flow state doesn’t just feel good—it can increase productivity by a whopping 500%. In today’s episode, Camille talks about: The...
59. How to sell yourself—without selling out
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pitching your projects and building an author brand doesn’t have to feel slimy or unaligned. Whether you’re querying your first book or are lookin...
58. How to keep going when life feels hard
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re struggling right now and it’s impacting your writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Camille shares: The time she missed a maj...
57. How to be visible
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being afraid to be visible can keep you from following through, sharing your work, and reaching your big goals as an author. In today’s episode, Cam...
56. How to love writing
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, writing can be hard sometimes. But you can and should enjoy it more often. In this episode, Camille shares: Why feeling good while you write—...
55. How to finish strong
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Want to end 2023 on a high note? In this episode, Camille discusses how to go all in on what’s most important to you in Q4. She shares: What you...
54. How to get your hopes up
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille shares the keynote speech she gave at the Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s 10th Anniversary Conference in Chicago. She discusses: ...
53. How to pitch your novel
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, there are a million ways to market your work (only a slight exaggeration). But arguably the most important step that any novelist should take is ...
52. How to deal with naysayers and negative people
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when a friend, partner, or even fellow writer doesn’t believe you can reach your big goals? In this episode, Camille discusses: H...
51. How to believe you can reach your writing goals
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, belief is important—but what you do every day may be even more important. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The fascinating relationshi...
50. How to focus
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille talks about deciding to make more space for her writing this summer. She discusses: Why we overcommit (it’s not just about guilt)—and ...
49. How to find your throughline
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille speaks with Katie Rose Guest Pryal, an award-winning author and speaker on mental health and neurodiversity. Among other things, they discuss...
48. How to avoid a disastrous debut
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to a new report from The Bookseller, more than half of authors say publishing their debut negatively impacted their mental health—and ju...
47. How to write a first draft
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille coaches Saleema, a writer who's confident drafting flash fiction and short stories, but feels less certain about writing her first novel. ...
46. How to collaborate for a better book
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille chats with Jodi Warshaw, who was until 2021 a founding editor of Lake Union Publishing (and Camille’s longtime editor), and is now an indepe...
45. How to trust your gut
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille coaches Kelly Farmer, a traditionally published novelist who’s trying to tell the difference between her intuition and old stories she has a...
44. How to find what works (and cut what doesn’t)
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille coaches R.J. Fox, an author and screenwriter who needs to cut his current draft in half. They cover: How to prove whether an idea is work...
43. How to stop overthinking and start writing
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille coaches Julie Chavez, a memoirist who’s making the leap to writing fiction. They cover: Why our love of books can get in the way of actual...
42. How to go from aspiring to author
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille interviews Kyunghee Kim, an author who just published her first children’s book. They cover: Why staying flexible can be the secret to ...
41. How to go pro
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fiftieth, showing up a professional will help you reach your goals faster—and make your success...
40. How to feel confident talking about your book
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille talks to Suzy England, an author who wants to feel more prepared when speaking to book clubs and other groups. They cover: Four simple top...
39. How to find the writing process that works for you
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Camille talks to Kelly, an author who is reassessing the way she writes after receiving helpful feedback from her literary agent. We cover: Using co...