Samantha Skal, Director of ThrillerFest and expert in mystery and suspense, dives deep into crafting unforgettable plot twists. She emphasizes the importance of 'playing fair' with readers and starting with the villain to create surprising yet inevitable twists. Discover how personal character baggage can cleverly misdirect while still keeping the narrative logical. Samantha also discusses the strategic use of red herrings and character depth as essential tools for enhancing suspense and reader engagement. Get ready to transform your storytelling skills!

Embarking on your first novel can be quite the adventure! Discover why many new writers give up and how to overcome it. Learn the importance of identifying your protagonist's inner struggles to create gripping narratives. Uncover a straightforward story structure to navigate the tricky middle sections of your manuscript. Find out effective writing routines tailored for busy schedules, plus a psychological trick that can turn your dreams of authorship into reality. Embrace the journey and transform your ideas into completed novels!

Curious about writing books in more than one genre? Angela Haas shares a behind-the-scenes look at writing science fiction and romantic comedy!In today’s episode, we’re going behind the scenes of Angela Haas’s journey to hear how she self-published not one but two books in the last six months—one’s that’s a really fun space opera and the other that’s a romantic comedy. You’ll hear about her experience working with book editors, how she approaches the writing process as a die-hard pantser, and what made her choose self-publishing for all three of her books.In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:[06:50] What happened when Angela submitted her outline for feedback in an online writing course (it wasn’t mine!) and got negative feedback from the instructor who called her space opera story “spoofy”[13:45] How understanding this one writing technique (spoiler alert: it’s “show, don’t tell") helped improve the quality of Angela’s manuscripts, and what exactly made this tricky concept finally make sense[15:05] What made Angela (a die-hard pantser) finally embrace outlining—and what her unique approach to outlining looks like (spoiler alert: it’s flexible and creative, something all pantsers would love!)[17:45] What happened when Angela hired an editor who started re-writing passages from her story (and why this almost made her give up on writing altogether)[20:10] Why Angela decided to self-publish both of her books—including what she learned from researching traditional publishing and indie publishing and the factors that made her choose self-publishingIf you’re an aspiring author who dreams of self-publishing a novel to have more control over the creative process, you’re going to love this episode!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Angela Haas’s WebsiteAngela Haas on InstagramAngela Haas’s BooksThe Author Next Door Show⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Struggling to weave together dual timelines in your novel? Discover essential elements that make these narratives work. Learn the crucial distinction between true dual timelines and flashbacks. Explore proven methods to arrange chapters and create meaningful connections between timelines. Keep readers hooked, regardless of which timeline they’re following, and tackle the common pitfalls of dual storytelling. Get ready to craft a captivating story that resonates with your audience!

Curious about what it’s like to make the switch from writing for TV to writing books? Or maybe you want to learn writing tips from a screenwriter with decades of experience?Either way, you’re going to love this episode with Michael Jamin. Michael is a TV writer turned author who just published his collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra, in 2023. Since then, his book has won a Reedsy Discovery Editor’s Choice Award and has been named one of Vulture’s “Best Comedy Books of 2024.”Michael’s many credits include writing for King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Out of Practice, Brickleberry, and Tacoma FD. And in this episode, he’s sharing what it was like making the switch from writing for TV to writing his first book.In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:[03:53] What it was like making the switch from writing for TV to writing his debut memoir—including how Michael’s background in TV both helped and hindered his memoir-writing[12:13] The two main reasons Michael’s book died on submission—despite having an agent who loved his book (spoiler alert: it came down to not having a platform and his manuscript lacking a throughline)[14:52] Why Michael decided to self-publish, plus what he learned while researching the differences between traditional and indie publishing[18:08] How Michael built his audience on Instagram to almost 200k followers by being authentic and sharing his knowledge[24:17] Michael's two cents on writing comedy, including some of the most common mistakes writers make when trying to write comedyEven if you can’t relate to Michael’s TV background, you’ll still get a ton of value from this episode. He knows what it’s like to struggle through your first book—and he’s a great example of what happens if you don’t give up!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:A Paper Orchestra by Michael JaminMichael Jamin’s Website & InstagramHow my self-published book became one of Vulture's "Best Comedy Books of 2024"What The Hell Is Michael Jamin Talking About?Unwritten by Michael Jamin⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Discover the secrets of blending fantasy and romance in your writing! Learn about the key differences between Romantasy subgenres and how they influence your story's direction. Explore strategies for worldbuilding that keep readers enchanted. Dive into character relationships and thematic nuances that enhance emotional depth. Whether you're drafting or refining a story, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of the genre and create captivating narratives that resonate with fans!

In this discussion, developmental editor Abigail K. Perry brings her fresh perspective as she analyzes the compelling opening chapter of 'House of Earth and Blood' by Sarah J. Maas. They explore how the chapter hooks readers, the balance of world-building and character dynamics, and why the opening needs both action and intrigue. Abigail shares insights on writing for a target audience and the challenges of steep narrative learning curves, making this an engaging listen for anyone interested in crafting captivating fantasy tales.

In this engaging discussion, Margaret Mantor, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver, shares her journey to becoming an Amazon bestseller with her debut novel, Air And Ashes. She reveals how strategic marketing tactics, not just social media, propelled her success. Margaret talks about the importance of giving away books for free, utilizing BookBub promotions, and embracing feedback from beta readers and editors. She also reflects on her decision to self-publish and shares valuable insights for aspiring authors looking to navigate the industry.

Sandra Postma, a certified book coach with over 20 years of experience managing chronic illness, shares her insights on writing through health challenges. She discusses how chronic illness can enhance storytelling, making connections with readers more profound. Sandra highlights practical strategies for creating a personalized writing routine that honors your body. Listeners learn about the concepts of 'clean pain' versus 'dirty pain' and the importance of self-compassion while pursuing creative goals, encouraging writers to embrace their unique journeys.

Abigail K. Perry, a developmental editor and host of Lit Match, joins the discussion to dissect the captivating first chapter of Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander.' They explore how Gabaldon sets up relationship tension and critical story peaks. Key topics include the importance of foreshadowing and detailed character development in historical fiction. The conversation also covers the emotional complexities of Claire's love triangle, highlighting how to convey natural relationship dynamics and maintain reader engagement through nuanced character choices.