Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

Join writers Tiara Ito, Jennifer Wagner, and Sheila Holmes as they share their transformative journeys from being stuck to finally starting their novels. Tiara reveals how a structured outline helped her overcome perfectionism. Jennifer discusses her breakthrough with a scene-by-scene roadmap, enabling her to draft a full manuscript in just 90 days. Meanwhile, Sheila, blending her medical knowledge with fiction, explains how genre-based planning clarified her writing process. Discover how a clear framework can break down barriers and ignite creativity!

Discover how clarity can transform your writing process. Fast drafting isn't about rushing but having a solid understanding of your story's foundations. Learn why common advice can lead to frustration and how a little prep work can save you time in rewriting. Hear inspiring stories of writers who overcame anxiety and achieved significant progress by focusing on essential elements like genre and character. With the right roadmap, you can draft confidently and create compelling narratives without sacrificing quality.

Uncover the hidden fears behind feeling 'not ready' to write your novel. Discover how endless research can trap you in preparation mode, preventing action. Learn that clarity emerges only through drafting, not planning. Embrace the idea of starting imperfectly and use low-pressure writing experiments to build confidence. Hear inspiring stories of writers who overcame perfectionism and finished their novels. Equip yourself with diagnostic questions to differentiate between needing more prep and just avoiding decisions.

This episode dives into the mindset traps that keep writers stuck. Discover why your thoughts might be sabotaging your progress rather than your skills. Learn to embrace the concept of progress over perfection to push past those pesky opening chapters. Shift from endless analysis to taking action and gain confidence in your writing. Finally, uncover the value of layering your storytelling to reduce overwhelm. It’s all about making your novel feel manageable and freeing yourself from the pressure of perfection!

Join Karyn Fischer, a seasoned book coach and former literary agent, Alice Sudlow, a developmental editor specializing in story refinement, and Julie Artz, an author and line-editing expert, as they share invaluable tips for polishing prose. They delve into using dynamic verbs to invigorate writing, maintaining clarity, flow, and purpose in scenes, and strategically varying sentence lengths to enhance emotion. Plus, discover practical tools like reading aloud and tracking junk words to elevate your editing game and make every line count!

Join bestselling poet Shelby Leigh, who has sold over 60,000 copies of her poetry, as she shares her journey from anonymous writer to marketing guru. She discusses the importance of building an authentic author platform and when to start—ideally months before your launch. Shelby introduces her "Show, Sell, Story Tell" framework to connect with readers and offers essential tips on email lists and website setups. Learn to avoid common pitfalls and embrace your unique marketing style, even if you're an introvert!

Join Daniel David Wallace, author and writing teacher, as he unpacks the art of building story tension through clarity rather than secrecy. He argues that too much mystery can confuse readers, while providing key details fosters trust and engagement. Learn from examples in 'The Hunger Games' about effective foreshadowing, why being 'too obvious' can enhance suspense, and how to skillfully navigate multiple POVs. Daniel emphasizes treating readers like friends by sharing information generously, ensuring every twist hits home.

Learn how to work with beta readers in a grounded, calm way so feedback feels useful, not overwhelming.You're nearing the finish line of your first draft, or maybe you've just crossed it. Either way, the question is the same… what happens next? Should you send it to friends? Hire an editor? Bury it in a drawer? Everyone keeps mentioning “beta readers,” but what does that actually mean? And how do you find the right ones without losing your mind or your confidence?In this episode, I’m breaking down the entire beta-reader process so you can take your book from first draft to ready-to-share with total clarity (and zero panic).You’ll hear me talk about things like:[01:45] What beta readers actually do (and what they don't), so you approach this next step with the right intentions to avoid disappointment. [02:55] The "blind spot” problem every author faces after finishing a draft, and how beta readers give you a fresh perspective when you're too close to your story. [05:15] Where to find reliable, genre-savvy beta readers that don’t ghost you and deliver quality feedback instead of vague opinions.[09:25] How to set clear expectations before beta readers start so you get useful, specific notes instead of confusing contradictions.[14:45] What to do after the feedback arrives: how to sort through conflicting opinions, decide what to keep, and turn it all into a calm, actionable revision plan.Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment, but inviting beta readers in can feel like a whole new level of vulnerability. This episode will help you take that next step with composure so you can share your story, stay true to your vision, and come out the other side with a stronger manuscript and a clearer sense of direction.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:The Spun Yarn for beta readersTake the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.Ready to map out your complete editing journey from first draft to published novel? Get your step-by-step editing roadmap → here. ⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →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.

Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror.In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at night.With over 25 years of experience writing and teaching horror (including films like V/H/S/2 and Lovely Molly), Jamie shares how to craft terrifying tales using Blake Snyder’s iconic Save the Cat! framework. We talk about how structure, theme, and moral depth make stories truly scary and how to balance dread, scares, and gross-outs for maximum impact.Whether you’re writing a slow-burn psychological thriller or a relentless survival horror, this episode will show you how to use the Save the Cat! framework to make every scream count.[03:45] What makes a novel truly horror and how to tell if your story actually fits this genre (before you waste time writing the wrong one).[05:58] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.[18:24] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.[24:11] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped. [32:53] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.[36:32] The difference between dread, scares, and gross outs, and why dread flags (red flags that signal unease) are the true engine of horror.If you’ve ever wondered how to write horror that lingers long after the last page, this conversation with Jamie Nash is your masterclass in scarecraft.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Jamie Nash Website Save the Cat! Writes HorrorSave the Cat! website⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →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.

Learn the five key plot points that turn struggling manuscripts into finished novels—and exactly where they need to appear in your story structure.Have you ever felt like your story just isn't clicking, no matter how much effort you've put into it? Maybe you've polished your prose, developed your characters, and built an intriguing world—but something still feels off.In this episode, I sat down with Kristina Stanley—award-winning author, fiction editor, and founder of Fictionary—to uncover the structural secrets that transform good stories into unforgettable ones.Here's what we discussed:[03:15] Why your beautifully written novel might feel "stuck" despite compelling characters—and the structural secret that transforms wandering manuscripts into page-turners[05:45] The five essential scenes that form every successful novel's backbone, including the exact percentages where they should appear in your manuscript[23:45] Why the midpoint is where most novels soar or lose their way—and how to create the shift that keeps readers hooked through Act Two[30:30] Plot Point 2's dual purpose that most writers miss: combining your darkest moment with the crucial information needed for the climax[34:30] How to craft climaxes that satisfy readers by answering your story's central question (not just adding exciting action scenes)Plus, Kristina shares her "story test" for evaluating your manuscript and explains why fixing structure before polishing prose will save you months of revision time.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Fictionary.coGrab Fictionary’s course, An Insider's View of Story Editing, for FREE here (a $39 value)⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →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.