Romantasy and Fantasy authors! Tune in to learn how the opening pages of House of Earth and Blood hooks readers and pulls them into the rest of the story.Join me and Abigail K. Perry for a deep dive into the opening chapter of the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, to find out how and why it works. We analyze this first chapter from both a macro and micro perspective to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader, how the author introduces us to the story world, and to figure out why we care so much about these fictional characters.In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about:[03:08] A quick summary of the first chapter of House of Earth and Blood, including our thoughts on why the author started the story here[05:05] A big-picture analysis of the first chapter to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader (this part’s really fun because Abigail has NOT read the books, so tune in and hear what she picked up on!)[25:50] What it means to write a story with a steep learning curve—and why understanding your target audience makes a big difference when it comes to creating a fictional world for your story[38:50] A deep-dive into the scene structure within the opening chapter (spoiler alert: the scene continues into chapter two—tune in to hear how we landed here)[47:26] Why it’s so important to have “on the surface” excitement and action when planting clues and setting things up in your opening chaptersWhether you’re writing fantasy, romantasy, or any kind of story that requires world-building, this episode will change how you look at your opening chapter. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic peek at how Sarah J. Maas wrote another bestselling fantasy series (so you can do the same when writing your own novel).🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 96 - 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy WritersCheck out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.⭐ 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.

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.

Struggling with writer's block? Discover that talent isn't the issue—it's an imbalance of three essential pillars! Learn the secret roadmap to escape endless planning loops and avoid wasting time on perfection. Uncover the most overlooked aspect of drafting your novel, crucial for overcoming self-doubt. Plus, understand why even elegant prose won't save your story if key elements are missing. This is the breakthrough every writer has been waiting for!

See how Notes to Novel™ helped these five writers go from a blank page to a story that works (without the overwhelm).With Notes to Novel™ (season 6) right around the corner, I'm bringing you something incredibly special today. I'm chatting with five amazing writers from season 5 about their experience inside the course.And let me tell you, they're in the trenches right now, actively working on their novels. Some have finished their outlines, while others are deep in the drafting phase, and one has already completed her manuscript!This is what we talk about: [02:55] How Katherine finished the “cleanest draft” she’s ever written (at 72k words) in only 3 months—and then went on to edit that same draft in just 8 weeks[09:47] How the Notes to Novel framework helped Kay stay focused on what *really* mattered in her story (and avoid chasing every new shiny object idea that popped into her head)[15:27] What happened when I suggested one of my students, Danyel, eliminate one of her two point-of-view characters during one of our live Q&A calls[21:35] How Harlow used her genre’s key scenes to create an outline (and why this made outlining much more approachable)[27:47] And finally, how Madi wrote her first draft in 6 months (despite being a super busy mom of four)—plus her thoughts on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the group coaching aspectSo, if you’re feeling stuck, flustered, or unsure about your writing process, these 5 Notes to Novel students show you what's possible when you have the right tools and support. Enjoy the episode!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Get on the Notes to Novel™ waitlist Katherine Varley’s website and ThreadsKay Aprea’s InstagramDanyel Nicole’s website and InstagramHarlow Black’s InstagramMadison Unruh’s Instagram⭐ 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.

Feeling stuck on your novel? Uncover the sneaky productivity block that's making you feel like a failure. Discover a chunking method to tackle overwhelm and transform your writing sessions. Beware the editing habit that derails your momentum. Learn how to reward yourself guilt-free to make writing a fun endeavor. Plus, tap into an energy-mapping trick to optimize your creative flow and get more done in less time. 2025 could be the year your novel comes to life!

Discover the top writing tips that can transform your storytelling. Learn how to create sizzling character chemistry and unforgettable antagonists. Uncover strategies to break free from writer's block and harness the power of the writing community. Delve into how to master narrative perspective and construct immersive worlds. Explore the dynamics of character relationships and the importance of feedback for growth in your writing journey. These insights will help elevate your craft to new heights!

Feeling anxious about revising your first draft? You're not alone! Discover why embracing the chaos of a 'hot mess' draft is key to the process. Learn how to choose the right feedback partners and manage emotional responses to critiques. A unique 3-step revision process will help shift your perspective, plus tips for focusing on your individual journey instead of comparing yourself to others. With practical strategies, turn revision fear into excitement and make your story a must-read!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a developmental editor and book coach. Discover the challenges and triumphs of recording an audiobook while maintaining vocal health. Learn about the unique paths two aspiring authors—one in romance, the other in sci-fi—took in their writing journeys. Delve into insights from coaching sessions that help writers gain confidence and turn ideas into outlines. Plus, hear about the interesting results from an annual listener survey shaping future content!