

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

Nov 1, 2022 • 17min
#70: Status Genre Conventions
Explore the conventions of the status genre in fiction writing, focusing on protagonist's inner drive for respect and external success. Learn about key elements like antagonist threats, mentors, and moral challenges. Discover how 'The Devil Wears Prada' exemplifies these conventions in a bittersweet narrative.

Oct 26, 2022 • 1h 10min
#69: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the seventh book in the Harry Potter series.Here’s a preview of what we talk about:[07:45] A very quick summary of the first chapter[11:40] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings[43:30] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[54:00] 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: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.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of AzkabanEp. 64 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of FireEp. 66 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Order of the PhoenixEp. 69 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Half Blood PrinceClick here to join our book club! Book Notes is a virtual book club for writers who want to read good books and then deconstruct them to figure out how and why they work. First up: UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover!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.

Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 3min
#68: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the sixth book in the Harry Potter series–here’s a preview of what we talk about:[05:45] A very quick summary of the first chapter[07:15] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings[13:45] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[57:25] 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: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.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of AzkabanEp. 64 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of FireEp. 66 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Order of the PhoenixWorkshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured ScenesSupport 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.

Oct 11, 2022 • 18min
#67: The Pros And Cons Of Independent Publishing
Exploring the pros and cons of indie publishing, including creative freedom and marketing challenges. Benefits like higher earnings and global market access discussed. Challenges of recognition, distribution, and awards in indie publishing highlighted. Recommendations for authors to consider hybrid publishing and seek feedback from industry peers.

Oct 4, 2022 • 18min
#66: The Pros And Cons Of Traditional Publishing
Explore the pros and cons of traditional publishing, including benefits like validation and industry support, as well as drawbacks such as slow processes and lower royalty rates. Learn about the challenges faced by mid-tier and emerging writers in the traditional publishing industry. Discover the importance of engaging content and seeking advice from industry professionals when deciding on a publishing path.

Sep 20, 2022 • 1h 3min
#65: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix with Abigail Perry
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the fifth book in the Harry Potter series![03:40] A very quick summary of the first chapter[06:25] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings[25:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[57:00] 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: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.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of AzkabanEp. 64 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of FireWorkshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured ScenesSupport 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.

Sep 6, 2022 • 60min
#64: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire with Abigail Perry
Join the host and developmental editor Abigail Perry as they analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. They discuss the transition to darker themes, scene structure, value changes, and pivotal moments in the chapter. The analysis delves into character motivations, conflicts, and the shift from life to death, creating a captivating exploration of J.K. Rowling's writing style.

5 snips
Aug 23, 2022 • 21min
#63: Don't Start a Scene Without These 3 Things
In this episode, I'm sharing the three contextual elements you'll want to include at the beginning of each one of your scenes. We'll also look at how these three elements show up in the opening of a scene from the novel An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Here's a preview of the key points:[03:10] Key element #1: Where and when is this scene taking place?[04:35] Key element #2: What is your POV character's mental and emotional state?[08:55] Key element #3: What is your POV character's goal and motivation?[17:35] Final thoughts and episode recapSubscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast, and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneBook: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa TahirSupport 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.

22 snips
Aug 11, 2022 • 16min
#62: The 6 Key Scenes Every Crime Novel Needs
Crime stories are all about solving or committing a crime. Readers love following clues and seeing justice prevail. The key scenes in crime novels include the discovery of a crime, personal commitment to solving the case, understanding the antagonist's motives, and reaching a moment of despair. These essential scenes make up a successful crime story.

Jul 19, 2022 • 49min
#61: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban with Abigail Perry
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the third book in the Harry Potter series:[03:00] A very quick summary of the first chapter[04:50] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings [21:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[40:00] Final thoughts and episode recapFollow & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneWorkshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured ScenesSupport 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.