

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

Mar 9, 2021 • 16min
#41: The 6 Scenes Every Action Novel Needs
Exploring key scenes in action novels, including life-threatening attacks, protagonist decisions, antagonist motives, and strategy failures. The podcast emphasizes the importance of crafting scenes that engage readers and drive the plot towards moments of sacrifice and rebellion, inspiring listeners to become heroes in their own narratives.

11 snips
Feb 23, 2021 • 18min
#40: How to Write a Well-Structured Scene
Learn how to craft well-structured scenes in fiction writing by defining character goals and utilizing the five commandments of storytelling. Explore key elements such as inciting incidents, turning points, and character decisions, with a detailed analysis of a scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

10 snips
Feb 16, 2021 • 14min
#39: The #1 Reason Why So Many Novels Go Unfinished
Discover why many novels go unfinished due to writers expecting a perfect first draft. Learn to embrace imperfections in writing and prioritize completion over perfection. Strategies include avoiding constant editing, focusing on story development, and becoming a more efficient writer.

Feb 9, 2021 • 21min
#38: Romance Genre Conventions
Discover the unique elements of the romance genre and how they manifest in stories like Twilight. Explore love triangles, conflicting characters, and internal/external conflicts. Dive into the secrets, intimacy rituals, and character development that make romance novels captivating. Uncover the key conventions that drive the romance genre and keep readers hooked till the end.

16 snips
Jan 26, 2021 • 13min
#37: 5 Questions to Ask Before Writing a First Draft
Discover key questions to ask before starting your first draft, such as defining your protagonist and genre, determining the story's point, setting, and plot. Learn how to craft a stronger, more efficient first draft by doing the heavy lifting upfront.

Jan 19, 2021 • 12min
#36: What is a Book Coach?
Learn about the benefits of working with a book coach and how they can guide you through the writing process. Discover tips for choosing the right coach based on your needs and preferences. Find out how to assess a coach's experience, website, and personality to ensure they are the right fit for your project.

9 snips
Jan 12, 2021 • 14min
#35: 3 Reasons Why You're Not Writing
This podcast discusses 3 reasons why writers struggle with writing: too much busywork, giving themselves too much time, and avoiding failure. It emphasizes the importance of managing mindset, setting deadlines, embracing imperfection, and overcoming fear to make progress in writing.

Jan 5, 2021 • 21min
#34: How to Plan Your Writing Projects for the New Year
Learn how to strategically plan your writing projects for the new year with practical tips on setting achievable goals, reflecting on past experiences, and breaking down big projects into actionable steps. Discover the importance of scheduling, prioritizing non-negotiables, and balancing excitement with overwhelm in your writing journey.

Dec 15, 2020 • 17min
#33: 5 Takeaways From Coaching Writers in 2020
Learn how to write a novel in 90 days by outlining and pressure testing your story. Focus on character arcs, scene structure, and the magic of the second draft. Embrace imperfections, finish your first draft, and unlock new ideas for your story.

Dec 1, 2020 • 17min
#32: How to Start Editing Your NaNowriMo Draft
Learn how to effectively edit your messy first draft from NaNoWriMo with tips on taking breaks, reading your draft with an editor's perspective, creating a revision plan, and getting feedback from beta readers or editors. Explore the essential steps and strategies for refining your manuscript and crafting engaging stories through character development, plot structure, and thematic resonance.