

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

30 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 20min
#154. Coaching Call: Critiquing Jac Sahlin's Query And First Five Pages
In this engaging conversation, Jac Sahlin, co-host of the Book Talk for BookTok podcast and an aspiring romance novelist, seeks guidance on her query letter and manuscript. She learns about the critical importance of genre identity, especially the nuanced differences between women’s fiction and romance. Jac experiences pivotal moments in defining her story’s genre and receives valuable feedback on her crafting process. The discussion also highlights the emotional journey of querying and the impact of effective storytelling.

Aug 6, 2024 • 47min
#153. Scene Analysis: Chapter 5 "Diagon Alley" From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
This week, author Abigail K. Perry joins to unpack the intricate scene structure of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She shares fascinating insights on analyzing scenes from multiple perspectives—reader, character, and author. Discover how to evaluate the effectiveness of your scenes and the significance of seemingly small moments. The discussion emphasizes the importance of value shifts in storytelling and showcases how Harry’s emotional journey defines his character while navigating the magical world.

Aug 1, 2024 • 38min
#152. Three Act Structure Breakdown: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Join Abigail K. Perry, a story structure expert, as she delves into the captivating plot of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Discover how Rowling masterfully builds life-and-death stakes suitable for middle-grade readers. Explore the significance of Harry’s beginning journey from the Dursleys to Hogwarts, and how critical moments shape his character arc. Learn about the power of narrative perspective and the impact of Harry’s all-time low on his development. This analysis uncovers the secrets behind engaging storytelling.

Jul 30, 2024 • 17min
Bonus: The Global Story Structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
In this discussion with Abigail K. Perry, an expert in storytelling techniques, listeners dive into the fascinating plot structure of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.' They explore how Rowling masterfully intertwines Harry’s internal growth with external events. Key topics include the action genre framework, the significance of the inciting incident, and the climactic moments that drive the narrative. They also touch on universal themes, offering insights on enhancing storytelling for a middle-grade audience.

16 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 27min
Bonus: How To Write Scenes Like Rowling (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry as they discuss studying Harry Potter with Tim Grahl. They delve into J.K. Rowling's scene layering and stake-raising techniques, exploring crafting scenes in books, scene stakes evolution, and analyzing Diagon Alley scenes with valuable insights on character development and plot progression.

Jul 23, 2024 • 20min
#151. How Rowling Built A World Ripe For Life Or Death Conflicts (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry as they delve into J.K. Rowling's world-building secrets in Harry Potter. Discover how Rowling crafted a rich story world with life or death conflicts, intricate details, and hidden plot clues. Learn valuable insights on building your own compelling narrative.

10 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 11min
Bonus: How Rowling Used Plot Catalysts to Keep Readers Engaged (A Sneak Peek From My Book!)
Discover how plot catalysts like speeches praising the villain, deadlines, and action sequences increase conflict and stakes in 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'. Hear how Rowling used these catalysts to keep readers engaged in this sneak peek from the new book.

11 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 33min
#150. How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry discuss J.K. Rowling's character development in Harry Potter. They delve into character dynamics, narrative impact, and the role of mentorship. The discussion highlights creating a diverse cast to enrich storytelling and the influence of character backstories on decision-making.

Jul 11, 2024 • 26min
Bonus: What Made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone A Best Seller? (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Abigail K. Perry, editor and co-author of a deep analysis guide on Harry Potter, and Tim Grahl, CEO of StoryGrid, as they dissect what made 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' a global bestseller. They share insights on the emotional themes of grief and personal growth, humorous anecdotes from their discovery of the series, and discuss the book's relatable characters and immersive world. Their conversation emphasizes the value of storytelling techniques and collaboration for aspiring writers.

Jul 9, 2024 • 14min
[SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT] My Book Is Available For Pre-Order!
Dive into the fascinating breakdown of the first Harry Potter book! Discover what makes stories so lovable and how they’re structured. Learn about a new writing companion guide that’s perfect for aspiring writers. Enjoy juicy details on fantastic pre-order bonuses that come with the book. Plus, get behind-the-scenes insights on the significance of pre-orders and how they can help deconstruct the entire Harry Potter series. Don't miss out on this treasure trove of writing wisdom!