

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

Feb 13, 2024 • 43min
#129: Overcoming The Fear Of Marketing With Alexa Bigwarfe
Expert in marketing books and helping writers overcome the fear of marketing, Alexa Bigwarfe shares tips on where to market books, how to tackle marketing fears, when to start marketing, transitioning from non-fiction to fiction writing, marketing strategies for book series, and details about the Women In Publishing Summit.

Feb 6, 2024 • 18min
#128: What Are Obligatory Scenes And Conventions?
Learn about the importance of obligatory scenes and conventions in storytelling. Discover how to find these elements for your story's genre and how to handle them in subplots. Understand the significance of comp titles and creating a list of obligatory scenes.

Jan 30, 2024 • 1h
#127: First Chapter Analysis: The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
Literature enthusiast Abigail K. Perry and host dissect Mitch Albom's novel 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven' in this episode. They discuss how the story starts with the ending, the unique voice of the novel, the structure of the scene, and the importance of engaging readers in the first chapter.

10 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 41min
#126: Save The Cat! Troubleshooting Common Plot Problems With Jessica Brody
“Every time you write something hard, it changes you as a writer, and it makes you a better writer.” - Jessica BrodyToday I'm sharing a conversation with Jessica Brody where we talk about some of the most common mistakes writers make when outlining, writing, and editing their books using the “Save the Cat” method.Read the blog post here!Here's a preview of what's included:[02:30] Jessica introduces herself and shares her experience writing fiction using the Save The Cat! plotting method.[04:00] Savannah asks Jessica about marrying the external plot of a story to the protagonist's internal arc. Savannah sees a lot of writers focus solely on the external plot events and not enough on character growth and development. Jessica shares her thoughts on how to make sure you're balancing both plot and character as you write.[11:45] Savannah asks Jessica to talk about two important multi-scene beats—the Fun and Games beat and the Bad Guys Close In beat. Jessica shares her thoughts on breaking these longer beats down into smaller, more manageable chunks.[18:00] Savannah asks Jessica about being too rigid with the Save The Cat! structure. Specifically, what happens if your beats don't line up with the percentages recommended? Jessica shares her thoughts.[21:50] Jessica talks about how she had a hard time with the All Is Lost beat and the Dark Night Of The Soul beat until she figured out a very important distinction.[30:40] Jessica talks about some things to consider in terms of your first 25-50 pages when it comes time to query agents.Links mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Jessica Brody on her website or connect with her on InstagramCheck out Jessica's craft books to go deeper into the STC! method—Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a YA NovelJoin Jessica's membership, The Writing Mastery Academy, and get $20 off your annual membership using code 'FWME'Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

4 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 26min
#125: Novel Writing Pitfalls: Don't Make These 5 Mistakes
Explore the most common mistakes made in novel writing, including prioritizing prose over story, self-doubt, and following every writing method. Emphasize the importance of cohesion and selecting preferred writing approaches. Break down the writing process, seek guidance, and take action to avoid pitfalls.

Jan 9, 2024 • 29min
#124: Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 3)
Guest Morgan Schrock and other students from the Notes to Novels Season 3 program share insights on improving their writing process and overcoming challenges. Topics include the importance of detailed outlining, understanding story structure, and the impact of structured scenes on writing success.

Jan 2, 2024 • 19min
#123: How To Overcome The 5 Types Of Imposter Syndrome
Learn how to overcome imposter syndrome in writing by taking immediate action, reframing negative thoughts, and seeking help when needed. Discover the detrimental effects of overworking, unrealistic expectations, and the fear of asking for assistance. Find out how continuous learning and practice can help combat feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt in creating a flawless novel.

Dec 26, 2023 • 42min
#122: Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2023
Savannah Gilbo shares tips on brainstorming subplots and writing quality fiction. Embracing imperfection in writing is highlighted as a key to growth. The podcast also explores character development, protagonist agency, and empowering the limitless mind in storytelling.

Dec 19, 2023 • 23min
#121: 5 Takeaways From Coaching Writers in 2023
Coaching expert Savannah Gilbo shares key takeaways from coaching writers in 2023, emphasizing the value of writer communities, preparing thoroughly before querying, and the rise of self-publishing. She also discusses overcoming perfectionism in writing and offers guidance on starting a story in a different place to enhance creativity and progress.

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 11min
#120: First Chapter Analysis: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Join literary enthusiast and analyst, Abigail K. Perry, as she dissects the captivating world of 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros. They explore the high stakes, family conflict, and rich narrative of this fantastical tale. The episode delves into the balance of action, fantasy, and romance, along with the protagonist's inner struggles and the war-torn world's secrets. Discussions range from scene structure to character dynamics, offering insights into crafting narrative tension and character development.