

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

26 snips
Oct 6, 2020 • 20min
#26: The Inciting Incident: How to Get Your Story Into Motion
Crafting a great inciting incident sets the story in motion and creates conflict between protagonist and antagonist. Different types of inciting incidents are explored with genre-specific examples like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. Learn how to engage readers with impactful story beginnings.

Oct 1, 2020 • 38min
Bonus: Conquering the Writing Blues Summit Interview with Dr. Susan Hickman
Dr. Susan Hickman discusses the role of developmental editors and book coaches, the debate between plotting and pantsing, and the importance of staying motivated in writing. She also addresses common writer struggles, offers advice on overcoming perfectionism, and highlights the value of different writing styles. A must-listen for aspiring authors looking for guidance and inspiration!

23 snips
Sep 29, 2020 • 23min
#25: Worldview Genre Conventions
Explore the conventions of the worldview genre in storytelling, focusing on characters' internal growth and transformation. Learn about mentorship, social challenges, and the impact of accepting support in narratives. Dive into key conventions for developing protagonists, emphasizing the importance of emotional arcs and personal growth in stories.

Sep 15, 2020 • 26min
#24: 10 Steps to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo
Learn how to prepare for NaNoWriMo by choosing a story idea, developing characters, setting, and outline. Get tips on structuring your story into acts, finding accountability partners, and approaching the event with confidence.

Sep 8, 2020 • 16min
#23: The 6 Scenes Every Romance Novel Needs
Learn about the 6 key scenes every romance novel must have, from initial meeting to breakup and proof of love. Discover how these scenes create emotional impact and drive the story forward, using examples from classic novels like Pride and Prejudice. Get insights on crafting a captivating romance narrative that resonates with readers across different sub-genres.

20 snips
Sep 1, 2020 • 19min
#22: How to Evaluate the Conflict in Your Draft
Learn how to evaluate the conflict in your draft with a structured five-step process. Explore the importance of progressive complications and identifying what obstacles your characters face. Dive into analyzing a scene from Harry Potter to understand the impact of conflict on the overall story.

27 snips
Aug 25, 2020 • 17min
#21: Progressive Complications: How to Write Better Conflict in Your Novel
The podcast discusses how progressive complications can create more challenging conflicts for characters in a novel, leading to increased tension and character development. Each complication must relate to the character's goal, escalate in difficulty, and require more effort. Crafting unique and complex complications helps maintain reader interest and keeps the story fresh.

15 snips
Aug 12, 2020 • 16min
#20: 5 Strategies for Getting Unstuck While Writing
Learn how to beat writer's block by analyzing story elements and genre conventions. Find out how to create flexible outlines and evaluate narrative drive for a cohesive story. Get practical tips for enhancing your storytelling process and captivating readers in the first five pages.

17 snips
Aug 4, 2020 • 18min
#19: Thriller Genre Conventions
Exploring thriller genre conventions with key elements like master villains, victims, and true clues. Delving into the dynamic characters and narrative structures of thrillers, including the importance of a final confrontation. Crafting essential thriller conventions for engaging storytelling with tips on antagonist power, McGuffins, and setting deadlines.

25 snips
Jul 21, 2020 • 13min
#18: 5 Mistakes Writers Make in Their Opening Pages
Learn about the importance of captivating readers in the first few pages. Find out common mistakes writers make like lack of context, delayed protagonist introduction, and action without purpose. Discover a workshop on hooking readers early and supporting the show by subscribing


