

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 24, 2023 • 1h 27min
#113: First Chapter Analysis: The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Abigail K. Perry and the podcast host analyze the first chapter of 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman. They delve into the emotional struggles, magical elements, and storytelling techniques used in the chapter. The discussion includes a macro and micro analysis, highlighting the importance of engaging readers and creating a sense of mystery and adventure.

Oct 17, 2023 • 14min
#112: 5 Questions Your Reader Shouldn't Have To Ask
Learn about the 5 questions that readers shouldn't have to ask in a story, including the importance of clarifying the characters, setting, and point of a scene, as well as the significance of providing context, clarity, and goals in character interactions. Discover how to engage readers by eliminating their questions and ensuring their understanding of the character's story goal and motivations.

Oct 3, 2023 • 35min
#111: Student Spotlight: From Messy First Draft to Publishing His Debut Novel With Edward J. Cembal
Debut novelist Edward J. Cembal discusses his journey from messy first draft to publishing his novel, 'The Monsters in Our Shadows.' He shares insights on working with a book coach, editor, and beta readers. Edward delves into putting personal struggles into his protagonist and accidentally finding his novel in Hollywood. The podcast explores themes of depression, world-building feedback, letting go, imposter syndrome, and encouraging persistence in writing.

Sep 26, 2023 • 12min
#110: Is A Writing Course Really Worth it For Beginners?
Explore the benefits of writing courses for beginners, including hands-on experience, community support, and mentorship. Learn how to select the right program that resonates with your goals and instincts. Discover the value of taking action on learnings and investing in a course for practical application.

Sep 20, 2023 • 14min
#109: 5 Common Scene Issues (And How to Fix Them)
Learn about 5 common scene issues in fiction writing, including lack of structure, POV character without agency, crowded scenes, not enough interiority, and inconsistent POV. Get tips on how to fix these issues and improve your storytelling skills.

Sep 14, 2023 • 15min
#108: Why Your Capacity For Zero is Crucial As A Writer
Explore the importance of starting from scratch in writing and embracing a 'capacity for zero'. Learn how to overcome setbacks, embrace uncertainty, and grow as a writer. Discover the power of a resilient mindset and the significance of learning from mistakes in the writing journey.

Sep 5, 2023 • 16min
#107: Email List Building Essentials For Authors
Learn the importance of email list building for authors, including defining your target audience, creating lead magnets, and developing a content strategy. Discover essential steps to engage readers and build a loyal subscriber base for future book sales.

Aug 29, 2023 • 20min
#106: 5 Steps to Building Your Author Platform
Building an author platform is crucial for writers and can be done at any stage of the writing process. The 5 steps discussed include defining your target audience, designing your author brand, creating your author website, setting up your email list, and developing your communication strategy. Focusing on one social media channel and building an email list are emphasized as important for authors. Steps 3-5 cover creating your author website, setting up your email list, and developing a communication strategy.

Aug 22, 2023 • 27min
#105: First Chapter Analysis: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
In this podcast, the hosts analyze the first chapter of 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus using the '5 Commandments of Storytelling' from The Story Grid. They discuss the effectiveness of the opening scene, value shift in character development, decision-making, and the turning point in the story. They also explore the importance of meaningful change, scene structure, and eliminating unnecessary dialogue.

22 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 23min
#104: 10 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue
This podcast provides 10 tips for writing better dialogue, emphasizing the importance of purpose, conflict, and tension in dialogues. It discusses curating dialogue, creating unique character vocabularies, and using subtext. The podcast also explores the role of dialogue in controlling pacing and offers strategies for crafting engaging dialogue.


