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

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!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!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!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.

Should you include a prologue or skip it? Here's how to make the right choice for your novel.Prologues are one of the most debated topics in fiction. Some literary agents warn against them, some readers skip them altogether, and yet many of the most beloved bestselling novels begin with one. The real question is this: Does your story need a prologue, or will Chapter One carry the weight on its own?In this episode, I'm breaking down when a prologue truly adds value, when it works against you, and how to write a prologue that pulls readers in instead of pushing them away. If you've been second-guessing whether your book needs a prologue, this conversation will provide a clear way forward and the confidence to know you're making the right decision for your story.Here’s what you’ll hear inside the episode:[02:05] Why most prologues fall flat and the single question that tells you if yours is worth keeping.[03:30] The five types of prologues that actually work (with bestselling examples you’ve probably read and loved) and how to know which one, if any, your book actually needs.[08:40] Why Brandon Sanderson’s prologue in The Way of Kings is a masterclass in hooking readers and setting the stage for an epic story[11:45] The three key ingredients every strong prologue requires if you want readers to become immersed from the first page and keep turning the pages.[14:50] Actionable tips to help you create intrigue, build tension, and leave readers desperate to turn the page into Chapter One.By the end of this episode, you won't be stuck second-guessing your beginning anymore. You'll know whether your novel needs a prologue or if Chapter One is the stronger start (and you’ll understand why). That way, instead of circling back to rework your first pages again and again, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your story is starting exactly where it’s meant to.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journeyGrab my free Novel Writing Roadmap, a simple, step-by-step plan to help you trust your story, remove the guesswork, and actually finish your first draft.⭐ 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!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.

Join Tiffany Grimes, an MFA-trained editor and founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial, as she explores authentic representation in writing. She shares her journey of recognizing her limitations with certain narratives, such as her experience writing about a Vietnamese character. Tiffany highlights the difference between writing 'about' versus 'to' a community and emphasizes the importance of emotional truth over mere research. She encourages writers to embrace stereotypes in early drafts and trust their readers while maintaining creative integrity.

Five book coaches reveal the editing secrets that turn messy first drafts into ready-to-publish manuscripts.Finishing a first draft is an incredible milestone, but what comes next can feel overwhelming. If you're staring at your messy pages and wondering how to even begin editing, you're not alone. The good news is that there is a way to move forward without spiraling into revision confusion or self-doubt.In this episode, I've invited five fiction writing coaches to share their best tips for tackling your messy first draft. These strategies will help you gain clarity, cut through the overwhelm, and make real progress toward a publishing-ready manuscript.Here's what you'll learn:[02:05] A clever mindset trick that exposes what's really on your pages and why changing your font is editing gold.[07:30] Why putting your finished first draft away for a little while is the secret to finding your story's true purpose.[16:45] How two simple "If Only" statements reveal exactly what's missing from your protagonist's journey and plot structure.[12:35] The "one element at a time" editing method that stops you from drowning in overwhelming revisions and actually makes progress.[22:30] Why your climactic scene holds all the revision answers and how to mine it for the characters, skills, and growth your story needs.Tune in to learn how to edit your messy first draft with confidence, simplicity, and ease so you can finally move closer to the finished book you've been dreaming about.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Monica Cox’s WebsiteErin Halden’s WebsiteNita Collins’s Website Elyse Seal’s WebsiteAyesha Ali’s Website Ready to edit your novel? Grab my FREE DIY Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your Novel that’ll help you turn your messy first draft into a publish-ready manuscript without the overwhelm and wasted effort.⭐ 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!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.

You’ve poured your heart into writing your book, but now you’re staring down the next challenge: how do you actually get it into readers’ hands? Marketing your book can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tools—like AI—you can turn it into a streamlined, even fun, part of your creative process.In this episode, I’m breaking down five beginner-friendly ways AI can help you market your book and connect with readers, all while keeping your voice authentic and your time focused on writing.Tune in to learn:[03:30] How to use AI to craft an author website that feels personal, professional, and uniquely YOU—even if tech isn’t your thing.[05:40] The exact prompts to create a welcome email sequence that turns casual subscribers into loyal fans.[08:40] How AI can help you brainstorm and batch-create social media content that connects with readers (without the overwhelm).[10:55] A step-by-step process for using AI to write a book description that hooks readers and drives sales.[13:00] How to leverage AI to draft personalized podcast pitches that get you booked on shows your readers already love.Whether you’re just starting to write or gearing up to publish, these AI strategies will help you market your book with ease and confidence. Tune in now and start using AI to connect with readers today!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Get 5 free AI prompts to simplify your book marketing and connect with readers faster—download now!Ep. 106 - 5 Steps to Building Your Author PlatformEp. 107 - Email List Building Essentials For Authors⭐ 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!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.