

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

20 snips
Sep 1, 2020 • 18min
#22: How to Evaluate the Conflict in Your Draft
Learn how to evaluate the conflict in your draft with a structured five-step process. Explore the importance of progressive complications and identifying what obstacles your characters face. Dive into analyzing a scene from Harry Potter to understand the impact of conflict on the overall story.

27 snips
Aug 25, 2020 • 16min
#21: Progressive Complications: How to Write Better Conflict in Your Novel
The podcast discusses how progressive complications can create more challenging conflicts for characters in a novel, leading to increased tension and character development. Each complication must relate to the character's goal, escalate in difficulty, and require more effort. Crafting unique and complex complications helps maintain reader interest and keeps the story fresh.

15 snips
Aug 12, 2020 • 15min
#20: 5 Strategies for Getting Unstuck While Writing
Learn how to beat writer's block by analyzing story elements and genre conventions. Find out how to create flexible outlines and evaluate narrative drive for a cohesive story. Get practical tips for enhancing your storytelling process and captivating readers in the first five pages.

17 snips
Aug 4, 2020 • 17min
#19: Thriller Genre Conventions
Exploring thriller genre conventions with key elements like master villains, victims, and true clues. Delving into the dynamic characters and narrative structures of thrillers, including the importance of a final confrontation. Crafting essential thriller conventions for engaging storytelling with tips on antagonist power, McGuffins, and setting deadlines.

25 snips
Jul 21, 2020 • 12min
#18: 5 Mistakes Writers Make in Their Opening Pages
Learn about the importance of captivating readers in the first few pages. Find out common mistakes writers make like lack of context, delayed protagonist introduction, and action without purpose. Discover a workshop on hooking readers early and supporting the show by subscribing

8 snips
Jul 14, 2020 • 17min
#17: The 6 Scenes Every Horror Novel Needs
Exploring the key scenes every horror novel needs, from life and death stakes to facing monsters. Discover how obligatory scenes drive the protagonist's journey and evoke emotions. Learn about crucial moments like the monster's attack and the protagonist's reflection for a thrilling narrative.

Jul 7, 2020 • 19min
#16: Conventions vs. Tropes: What's the Difference?
Exploring the difference between genre conventions and tropes in storytelling. Understand why genre conventions are crucial for reader satisfaction while tropes offer creative flexibility. Avoid common mistakes of ignoring conventions and including tropes without purpose. Find the balance between meeting expectations and adding a unique twist to your story.

16 snips
Jun 23, 2020 • 16min
#15: How to Figure Out the Shape of Your Story
Learn how different genres pose specific story questions, with examples from action, romance, and mystery genres. Explore the significance of global inciting incidents and climaxes in shaping the narrative. Discover how to craft a structural roadmap for your story by defining the central story question and genre.

15 snips
Jun 16, 2020 • 15min
#14: How to Handle Character Backstory in Your Novel
Learn how to handle character backstory in your novel effectively by only including relevant information triggered by the present moment, avoiding info-dumping, and showing how the backstory impacts the character. Discover the importance of weaving character histories in a way that engages readers without overwhelming them, using practical tips and a Harry Potter example to illustrate impact.

15 snips
Jun 9, 2020 • 13min
#13: 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (and How to Fix it)
An exploration of 5 narrative drive killers in storytelling, such as excessive backstory, lack of cause and effect, false mystery, cheap surprises, and coincidences. Tips on how to fix mistakes, including asking 10 key questions to enhance narrative flow. Practical worksheets provided for writers to improve their storytelling skills.