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
16 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 23min
#240. 10 Writing Mistakes That Make Readers Put Down Your Novel
Common big-picture mistakes that make readers stop reading are unpacked in short, punchy chunks. Learn why stories often start too early, send mixed genre signals, or lack a clear narrative question. Hear why protagonists need concrete goals, stakes must feel urgent, and antagonists require real intentions. Find out what stalls middles and when subplots are doing more harm than good.
18 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 50min
#239. Student Spotlight: How J.J. Henley Finished Her First Draft in 8 Months (With Two Kids and In 15 Minutes at a Time)
J.J. Henley (Jackie Heninger) is a mom, former teacher, Bookstagrammer turned debut romantic suspense author. She talks about finishing a first draft in 8 months by writing in 15-minute pockets. She explains how beta reading changed her mindset, why a scene-by-scene outline made stolen-moment writing possible, and how she navigated major life setbacks while completing her book.
36 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 33min
#238. How to Market Your Book in a Way That Actually Feels Good (With Beth Barany)
Beth Barany, award-winning sci-fi and fantasy novelist and creativity coach, explains heart-centered book marketing that aligns with your values. She talks about choosing tactics that match your emotional strengths. Learn how to uncover core writing values, use tropes to invite the right readers, experiment with playful platforms like Reddit, and build authentic, collaborative connections.
7 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 17min
#237. 3 Signs Your Novel Doesn't Need a Prologue (& What To Do Instead)
A clear guide to deciding if a prologue helps or hurts your novel. Learn three red flags: info-dump backstory, flash-forward spoilers that drain tension, and prologues that hide a weak opening. Practical tests and simple fixes show when to delete or rework the start so your story grabs readers from page one.
20 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 27min
#236. The Truth About AI and Creative Writing with Ana Del Valle
Ana Del Valle, award-winning novelist and technologist who founded the AI Creative Writing Academy, breaks down AI for fiction writers. She explains AI Assist versus AI Generation. They tackle idea-theft fears, copyright and legal rows. Practical uses covered include story bibles, plotting help, and how publishing already uses AI behind the scenes.
24 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 23min
#235. Scene Structure Made Easy: The 5 Essential Elements Every Scene Needs
Clear breakdown of the five core elements that make scenes push a story forward. Discussion of why a single POV and a specific goal matter. Contrast between true conflict and mere obstacles, plus the role of an antagonist with its own agenda. How turning points and costly decisions create momentum. The importance of consequences and interiority to link scenes and deepen emotion.
31 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 28min
#234. How to Build A Sustainable Writing Practice With Dr. Bailey Lang
Dr. Bailey Lang, a book coach and writing-studies scholar, teaches the Eight Habits of Mind to help writers build joyful, sustainable practices. She breaks down habits like openness, persistence, flexibility, and metacognition. Short experiments, tracking one habit at a time, and reframing responsibility as devotion are highlighted as practical ways to keep writing without burning out.
12 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 15min
#233. 5 Secrets to Writing Dialogue That Sounds Natural
Learn five craft secrets for sharper, more purposeful dialogue. Find out which realistic-sounding habits drain tension and what readers actually want on the page. Discover how to ground talk with action so scenes feel alive. Test whether characters have distinct voices and use subtext to keep readers leaning in.
21 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 18min
#232. 5 Tips For Crafting Morally Gray Characters Readers Love
Listen to a breakdown of five craft techniques for creating morally gray characters who stick with readers. Learn how to build a personal worldview that justifies choices, craft lose‑lose dilemmas that reveal priorities, and let questionable actions carry real consequences. Discover ways to keep readers invested without softening complexity, and why tidy redemption often undermines nuance.
7 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 29min
#231. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 7) - Part 2
Join Maggie Rose, a high-fantasy writer from Tasmania, Insa Duvas, a women's fiction author, and debut romantic-fantasy writer Emily S. as they share transformative insights from their experience in the Notes to Novel program. Maggie overcame self-doubt to outline a compelling fantasy story. Insa quickly wrote 15,000 words by clarifying her genre and intensifying conflict. Emily conquered her drafting paralysis by sharpening antagonist roles. Their stories illustrate how strategic outlining can ignite creativity and boost confidence for any writer.
