

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
Savannah Gilbo
Fiction Writing Made Easy is your go-to podcast for practical, no-fluff tips on how to write, edit, and publish a novel—from first draft to finished book. Hosted by developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, this show breaks down the fiction writing process into clear, actionable steps so you can finally make progress on your manuscript.Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to sharpen your skills, each episode offers insights on novel writing, story structure, character development, world-building, editing, and publishing. Savannah also shares mindset tips, writing routines, and revision strategies to help you stay motivated and finish your novel with confidence.If you're asking these questions, you're in the right place:How do I write a novel without experience?What’s the best way to structure a story that works?How do I develop strong characters and build immersive worlds?How do I edit or revise my first draft?When is my book ready to publish?What are my self-publishing and traditional publishing options?New episodes drop weekly to help you write a novel you're proud of—and get it into readers’ hands.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2023 • 46min
#119: Student Spotlight: How Fern Bernstein Wrote A Dual Timeline Novel Based On The Edies of Grey Gardens
Author Fern Bernstein discusses her debut novel Staunch: The Edie's of Grey Gardens, inspired by the enigmatic lives of the Edies. She shares insights on crafting dual timelines, working with beta readers, and the emotional journey of releasing a book. The episode highlights the importance of feedback, resilience in writing, and the significance of connecting with writing coaches and editors.

11 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 12min
#118: How To Find The Major Dramatic Question Of Your Story
Discover the importance of the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ) in storytelling, and how it engages readers. Explore how genre determines the MDQ, and see examples from 'Yellow Face'. Learn how the MDQ guides writing, editing, and publishing, and how it can be used in book covers, social media posts, and teaser email copy.

Nov 21, 2023 • 59min
#117: Exploring the World of Beta and Sensitivity Reading with Julie Taylor from The Spun Yarn
Julie Taylor, COO of The Spun Yarn, discusses creating perfect matches between authors and beta readers, the difference from working with editors, the beta-readers-questioning-method, and making changes based on feedback. They explore the significance of providing authors with constructive feedback, balancing praise with improvement suggestions, and enhancing manuscripts through detailed feedback on structure, dialogue, characters, and cohesion.

Nov 14, 2023 • 56min
#116: First Chapter Analysis: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Hosts analyze the first chapter of 'Anxious People' by Fredrik Backman with a focus on character motivations and turning points. They discuss the unique genre-blending elements in the book and the challenge of categorizing it. Emphasis is placed on internal change in characters and the importance of unconventional storytelling techniques for reader engagement.

Nov 7, 2023 • 47min
#115: Student Spotlight: How Anne Mortensen Went From Inspiration to Publication (& Indie Published Her Novels)
Anne Mortensen, a student turned indie author, shares her journey from inspiration to publication. Topics include finding inspiration, character development, dealing with feedback, and the challenges of self-publishing. The podcast delves into her writing process, outlining techniques, and the importance of seeking support and collaboration in the world of fiction writing.

10 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 18min
#114: 3 Common Dialogue Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)
Explore the art of dialogue in storytelling with tips on attributions and clarity. Learn why rhetorical questions can hinder emotional impact. Avoid pitfalls of backstory and information overload in dialogue for engaging storytelling.

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 25min
#113: First Chapter Analysis: The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Abigail K. Perry and the podcast host analyze the first chapter of 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman. They delve into the emotional struggles, magical elements, and storytelling techniques used in the chapter. The discussion includes a macro and micro analysis, highlighting the importance of engaging readers and creating a sense of mystery and adventure.

Oct 17, 2023 • 13min
#112: 5 Questions Your Reader Shouldn't Have To Ask
Learn about the 5 questions that readers shouldn't have to ask in a story, including the importance of clarifying the characters, setting, and point of a scene, as well as the significance of providing context, clarity, and goals in character interactions. Discover how to engage readers by eliminating their questions and ensuring their understanding of the character's story goal and motivations.

Oct 3, 2023 • 33min
#111: Student Spotlight: From Messy First Draft to Publishing His Debut Novel With Edward J. Cembal
Debut novelist Edward J. Cembal discusses his journey from messy first draft to publishing his novel, 'The Monsters in Our Shadows.' He shares insights on working with a book coach, editor, and beta readers. Edward delves into putting personal struggles into his protagonist and accidentally finding his novel in Hollywood. The podcast explores themes of depression, world-building feedback, letting go, imposter syndrome, and encouraging persistence in writing.

Sep 26, 2023 • 11min
#110: Is A Writing Course Really Worth it For Beginners?
Explore the benefits of writing courses for beginners, including hands-on experience, community support, and mentorship. Learn how to select the right program that resonates with your goals and instincts. Discover the value of taking action on learnings and investing in a course for practical application.