

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

Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
#164. Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie Medrek
Stefanie Medrek, author of the romantic suspense novel "Into the Fire," shares her bold decision to leave her agent and embrace self-publishing. She discusses the thrill and challenges of maintaining creative control, detailing her journey through the publishing landscape. Stefanie reveals production hiccups, including a cover design redo, and explains how she tackled book marketing with a PR firm. With insights into building reader buzz and navigating unexpected delays, her story is both inspiring and informative for aspiring authors.

Oct 15, 2024 • 46min
#163. How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer With Zoe Norvell
Zoe Norvell, a seasoned book cover designer and the creative force behind INeedABookCover.com, shares her insights on selecting the right designer for your book. She emphasizes why hunting for inspiration on Amazon might not be ideal and suggests more effective alternatives. Zoe differentiates between book cover specialists and general graphic designers, offering valuable tips for authors on budgeting and hiring. Plus, she provides an email template for reaching out to designers, ensuring your communication is clear and professional.

Oct 8, 2024 • 22min
#162. Book Recs: 5 Books Every Aspiring Writer Needs To Read
Discover five essential books that can transform your writing journey. Dive into character creation with insights that unlock your characters' backstories. Explore the critical elements of structure and genre that can make your scenes shine. Unpack plotting through detailed breakdowns from popular stories. Learn the importance of a well-crafted midpoint which can elevate your narrative. These recommendations are perfect for both novice and experienced writers looking to refine their craft!

18 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 19min
#161. Scene Beats: What They Are & Why They Matter
Discover the nuances of scene beats and their critical role in storytelling. Learn the difference between scenes and beats, and how they enhance narrative rhythm and emotional depth. Dive into a captivating analysis of 'Throne of Glass' and see strategic pacing in action. Uncover tips for identifying when to focus on beats during revisions, ensuring flexibility in your writing process. This insightful discussion will help you navigate the complexities of outlining and crafting compelling stories.

15 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 44min
#160. How Tim Grahl Wrote His Best Book Yet In 6 Months
Tim Grahl, CEO of StoryGrid and seasoned author, dives into the secrets behind his latest novel, The Shithead. He shares how blending real-life experiences with fiction fueled his creativity. Tim explains his agile writing process, finishing the book in just six months through effective planning. He highlights the importance of crafting compelling scenes and discusses innovative marketing strategies for launching his work. Discover valuable tips and insights that can transform your own writing journey!

Sep 17, 2024 • 22min
#159. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (September 2024)
Get an insider’s look at the day-to-day life of a developmental editor and book coach! Discover how a paper planner helps manage busy schedules and conserve energy for an introvert. Hear about the projects in progress, from thrilling developmental edits to navigating line editing phases. Learn key takeaways from critiquing science fiction openings, and embrace the importance of grace on low-energy days. Join the journey of a week filled with challenges, excitement, and valuable insights!

8 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 41min
#158. How To Strengthen Your Writing with the Power of Social Media With Lara Ferrari
Lara Ferrari, an Instagram marketing specialist for authors, helps writers build vibrant online communities. In this discussion, she reveals how social media can supercharge your creativity and motivation. Lara shares surprising ways to use these platforms for market research and to gather reader feedback. She emphasizes the need for community support and accountability in the writing process. Plus, discover how to leverage social media intentionally, enhancing your writing journey while fostering connections with potential readers.

Sep 3, 2024 • 18min
#157. 10 Surprising Lessons From My First Book Launch
Discover ten surprising lessons learned from a first book launch, including the awkwardness of asking for Amazon reviews and how crucial marketing strategies made a difference. Dive into behind-the-scenes insights about balancing social media with engaging ARC readers and influencers. Uncover the emotional challenges faced, especially dealing with disappointments from others. Plus, learn why celebrating milestones is essential, no matter how low-key the celebration may be!

Aug 27, 2024 • 26min
#156. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 4)
Get inspired by writers who conquered their fears and finished their novels. One author reveals how fast drafting helped her complete a 114,000-word manuscript in just 88 days. Another shares a mindset shift that transformed his approach to outlining, allowing creativity to flow. Learn how a critique group boosted a writer's skill in scene structure, and hear how one person defeated age-related doubts to complete her first draft. Their stories show that with the right strategies and support, anyone can reach "The End"!

Aug 20, 2024 • 32min
#155. 10 Things That Will NOT Make You A Better Writer
Discover the ten common misconceptions that prevent writers from improving, including the fallacy of waiting until you feel 'ready' to write. Learn why many writing groups can hinder rather than help your progress and the pitfalls of revising while drafting. Unpack the drawbacks of popular writing methods for beginners and understand the importance of investing time and resources wisely in your writing journey. This insightful discussion will empower you to avoid mistakes and enhance your path to becoming a better writer.