

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

Sep 5, 2023 • 15min
#107: Email List Building Essentials For Authors
Learn the importance of email list building for authors, including defining your target audience, creating lead magnets, and developing a content strategy. Discover essential steps to engage readers and build a loyal subscriber base for future book sales.

Aug 29, 2023 • 19min
#106: 5 Steps to Building Your Author Platform
Building an author platform is crucial for writers and can be done at any stage of the writing process. The 5 steps discussed include defining your target audience, designing your author brand, creating your author website, setting up your email list, and developing your communication strategy. Focusing on one social media channel and building an email list are emphasized as important for authors. Steps 3-5 cover creating your author website, setting up your email list, and developing a communication strategy.

Aug 22, 2023 • 25min
#105: First Chapter Analysis: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
In this podcast, the hosts analyze the first chapter of 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus using the '5 Commandments of Storytelling' from The Story Grid. They discuss the effectiveness of the opening scene, value shift in character development, decision-making, and the turning point in the story. They also explore the importance of meaningful change, scene structure, and eliminating unnecessary dialogue.

22 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 23min
#104: 10 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue
This podcast provides 10 tips for writing better dialogue, emphasizing the importance of purpose, conflict, and tension in dialogues. It discusses curating dialogue, creating unique character vocabularies, and using subtext. The podcast also explores the role of dialogue in controlling pacing and offers strategies for crafting engaging dialogue.

Aug 8, 2023 • 21min
#103: Morality Genre Conventions
The podcast delves into the morality genre conventions using the movie A Man Called Otto as an example. Topics include protagonist's transformation, facing past mistakes, mentor figures, unexpected help, and bittersweet endings. It explores character development, key scenes, and genre expectations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a moral focus amidst external conflicts for compelling storytelling.

Aug 1, 2023 • 14min
#102: 3 Common Interiority Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Learn about common interiority mistakes in fiction writing, such as passive protagonists, always present characters, and characters knowing what the author knows. Understand how to fix these issues to create more compelling and realistic characters in your stories.

Jul 25, 2023 • 55min
#101: First Chapter Analysis: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
In today’s episode, Abigail K. Perry and I take a deep dive into the first chapter of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Here’s a preview of what we talk about:[05:38] A very quick summary of the first chapter[13:37] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings[43:08] A micro analysis of the scene within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[52:50] Final thoughts and episode recapRate + 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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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!Links mentioned in this episode:Want to join our book club? Click here to learn more!Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.FREE TRAINING: 5 Secrets to Help You Start and Finish Your Novel. Register here for instant access to the free video training!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.

Jul 18, 2023 • 39min
#100: A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (July 2023)
Take a peek behind the scenes with the host's week filled with editing, book coaching, and navigating through various projects. Explore topics like embracing imperfections in writing, creating meaningful conflict in stories, and balancing work with self-care. Dive into discussions on feelings of guilt and self-doubt in success and creativity.

33 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 22min
#99: 5 Mindset Tips to Help You Unlock Your Writing Potential
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a round-up of mindset tips from some of my peers! Here’s a preview of what’s included: [02:00] Rachel May of Golden May Editing shares a mindset tip about taking the pressure off of your writing practice by letting it be easy. You can learn more about Rachel, Golden May Editing, and her Story Magic podcast here![04:43] Georgina Green shares a mindset tip about using better language to talk to yourself about writing. She suggests operating from a growth mindset vs. a fixed one. You can learn more about George and her Calliope Writer’s Group here![08:55] Kenny MacKay shares a mindset tip about not letting your self-doubt and limiting beliefs get the best of you. He suggests facing them head-on so that you can start making progress. Learn more about Kenny and his Author Your Dream podcast here![12:00] Dani Abernathy shares a mindset tip that will help you infuse more of YOU in your writing so that you can make a bigger impact. Learn more about Dani here![16:10] Brooke Adams Law shares six ways to develop your persistence muscle so that you can stick with it and finish your book. Learn more about Brooke here![20:40] Final thoughts and episode recapRate + 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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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!Links mentioned in this episode:Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to learn more about Author Accelerator's Book Coach Certification program and to claim your $300 worth of bonuses before the offer expires on July 15th!FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →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.

5 snips
Jul 4, 2023 • 13min
#98: How to Add Subplots to Your Novel
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to add subplots to your novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [1:50] Subplots are secondary storylines that receive less emphasis (and page time) than the main plot. The main purpose of any subplot in a novel is to enhance the main theme and conflict of the story.[2:45] Subplots have three primary relationships to your main plot. They can contradict or complement your theme and/or complicate the central conflict of your story.[06:05] Subplots typically come into play at the start of the second act (or at the start of the middle section of your story). However, subplots can also start and develop right alongside your primary plotline in act one (or in the begging section of your story).[09:00] Examples from Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone[11:20] Final thoughts and episode recapRate + 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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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!Links mentioned in this episode:Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to learn more about Author Accelerator's Book Coach Certification program and to claim your $300 worth of bonuses before July 15th!FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →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.


