

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

35 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 26min
#149. 5 Questions To Write Better Antagonists
Antagonists are essential to storytelling, serving as more than just villains. Discover five key questions to develop compelling, motivational, and genre-appropriate antagonists. Learn how their goals and stakes shape the narrative, preventing that dreaded sagging middle. Uncover the thematic significance of your antagonist, which enhances the overall impact of your story. This insightful discussion equips writers with the tools to create memorable conflicts and enrich character dynamics.

Jun 25, 2024 • 44min
#148. How To Use Universal Fantasy To Write Better Books (& Sell More Copies) With Theodora Taylor
Joining the conversation is Theodora Taylor, author of '7 Figure Fiction' and expert in using Universal Fantasy to craft engaging stories. She shares her journey discovering this concept through a Facebook ads class, which boosted her book sales. Theodora delves into how Universal Fantasies connect readers to beloved tales like 'Cinderella' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' and explains their role in making characters relatable and narratives richer. She also offers tips for writing compelling back cover copy that resonates with audiences.

Jun 18, 2024 • 31min
#147. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (June 2024)
Dive into a week of creativity as a developmental editor shares their exciting projects! Discover the balance between work and mental health while navigating a busy schedule filled with live videos. Get insights on marketing plans for an upcoming book release, along with inspiring client success stories. Experience the thrill of launching a new book and engaging with an ARC team. Plus, enjoy personal anecdotes that highlight the joy of storytelling and community support. It's a captivating peek behind the curtain of the writing world!

Jun 11, 2024 • 37min
#146. 6 Ways Mindfulness Can Make You A Happier & More Productive Writer With April Dávila
In this lively discussion, April Dávila, an award-winning author and writing coach, shares how mindfulness transformed her writing journey. She reveals how a simple daily meditation practice helped her overcome writer's block and achieve literary success. April emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions to create authentic characters and offers a unique editing tip that goes beyond just stepping away from drafts. She also discusses the role of community in overcoming challenges and encourages writers to embrace self-compassion for a healthier creative process.

40 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 20min
#145. How To Develop Your Character's Backstory
Uncover how a character's past shapes their present identity and actions. Delve into the significance of wounding events and inner obstacles that create meaningful conflicts. Discover essential elements for crafting compelling backstories, including emotional wounds and current behavior. Explore practical exercises to develop rich character histories. Plus, gain insights through a detailed character analysis from a popular book. Elevate your storytelling by understanding the depth behind your characters!

May 28, 2024 • 43min
#144. Student Spotlight: How She Landed A Book Deal With Her Dream Publisher (With Savannah Carlisle)
Savannah Carlisle, a romance novelist and sports business reporter, shares her inspiring journey from writing a heartwarming debut novel, 'The Library of Second Chances,' to landing a deal with her dream publisher. She reveals how she drew inspiration from real-life experiences and 'You’ve Got Mail.' Discover her candid take on breaking up with her agent and the valuable lessons learned from a developmental editor. Savannah also discusses the importance of mentorship and why she chose traditional publishing over self-publishing.

May 21, 2024 • 39min
#143. How To Pitch Podcasts With Michelle Glogovac
In this discussion, Michelle Glogovac, a podcast publicist and author, shares her expertise on maximizing exposure for authors through podcast appearances. She introduces the concept of a podcast book tour and its benefits. Michelle dives into effective pitching strategies, even for those without a finished book, and emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling. She encourages authors to repurpose content from their interviews for better ROI and highlights the value in sharing unique experiences to engage audiences.

May 14, 2024 • 20min
#142. How To Write A Query Letter That Get Requests
Savannah Gilbo, a writer and expert in query letters, shares tips on writing a compelling query letter that grabs agents' attention. Topics include the importance of query letters, how to write one effectively, troubleshooting if it's not working, and final thoughts. Learn the key components needed to craft an engaging query letter for literary agents and editors.

May 7, 2024 • 52min
#141. How To Create Believable Monsters With Randy Ellefson
Author Randy Ellefson discusses how to create believable monsters, types of monsters, common motivations, and the impact of exploring diverse genres. The conversation covers monster origins, symbolic representations, and the role of monsters in driving conflicts in fiction writing.

Apr 30, 2024 • 56min
#140. First Chapter Analysis: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Join as literary analyst Abigail K. Perry discusses how Suzanne Collins masterfully sets up themes of resistance and survival in the opening chapter of 'Mockingjay'. Analyzing macro and micro elements, the discussion explores the protagonist Katniss Everdeen's internal conflict as she grapples with the pressure to become the Mockingjay. The episode highlights the balance between engaging the audience from the start and delivering intricate details effectively.