

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

Nov 19, 2024 • 26min
#168. Women's Fiction vs. Romance: What's The Difference?
Dive into the nuances of genre classification with a focus on Women's Fiction and Romance. Discover how these categories shape characters and plots, enhancing your storytelling. Learn key differences through examples like 'Lessons in Chemistry' and 'The Duke and I.' Explore essential traits of Romance, including sizzling chemistry and tropes, contrasted with the character-driven nature of Women's Fiction. This discussion will help you navigate the literary landscape and tailor your writing to meet reader expectations.

Nov 12, 2024 • 44min
#167. Why Marketing Matters From Day One With Lacy Lieffers
In this engaging discussion, marketing coach Lacy Lieffers, an expert in helping authors build personal brands, shares invaluable insights on how to effectively market books from day one. She emphasizes the importance of integrating marketing into the writing process and offers strategies for overcoming overwhelm. Lacy compares the value of growing social media versus email lists, advocates for authentic connections with book influencers, and suggests tactics for generating buzz during book launches. This is a must-listen for authors aiming for market success!

Nov 5, 2024 • 47min
#166. Student Spotlight: How Jennifer Sold 5,000+ Copies of Her Debut Novel in 18 Months (Without a Big Social Media Following)
Jennifer Lauer, an accomplished author and fiction podcaster, shares her inspiring journey of selling over 5,000 copies of her debut novel in just 18 months. She candidly discusses setbacks like Amazon delays and a COVID diagnosis while highlighting how she leveraged NetGalley for reviews. Jennifer’s persistence with BookBub features skyrocketed her novel's sales. She also reveals how her podcast, The Strange Chronicles, helped her conquer writer's block. Finally, Jennifer offers insights into her marketing strategies for upcoming projects.

Oct 29, 2024 • 18min
#165. How To Interpret Agent Rejections (& What To Do Next)
Rejection letters from literary agents can be a tough pill to swallow, but they’re often just part of the journey. The podcast delves into what different rejection types mean, like form rejections and requests for revisions. Listeners learn the crucial elements that agents look for in opening pages and the importance of resilience. It also covers actionable steps for when an agent requests a full manuscript but doesn't offer representation. Plus, it highlights key signs that might indicate it's time to pause querying. Perfect for writers facing the ups and downs of publishing!

Oct 22, 2024 • 45min
#164. Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie Medrek
Stefanie Medrek, author of the romantic suspense novel "Into the Fire," shares her bold decision to leave her agent and embrace self-publishing. She discusses the thrill and challenges of maintaining creative control, detailing her journey through the publishing landscape. Stefanie reveals production hiccups, including a cover design redo, and explains how she tackled book marketing with a PR firm. With insights into building reader buzz and navigating unexpected delays, her story is both inspiring and informative for aspiring authors.

Oct 15, 2024 • 48min
#163. How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer With Zoe Norvell
Zoe Norvell, a seasoned book cover designer and the creative force behind INeedABookCover.com, shares her insights on selecting the right designer for your book. She emphasizes why hunting for inspiration on Amazon might not be ideal and suggests more effective alternatives. Zoe differentiates between book cover specialists and general graphic designers, offering valuable tips for authors on budgeting and hiring. Plus, she provides an email template for reaching out to designers, ensuring your communication is clear and professional.

Oct 8, 2024 • 23min
#162. Book Recs: 5 Books Every Aspiring Writer Needs To Read
Discover five essential books that can transform your writing journey. Dive into character creation with insights that unlock your characters' backstories. Explore the critical elements of structure and genre that can make your scenes shine. Unpack plotting through detailed breakdowns from popular stories. Learn the importance of a well-crafted midpoint which can elevate your narrative. These recommendations are perfect for both novice and experienced writers looking to refine their craft!

18 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 20min
#161. Scene Beats: What They Are & Why They Matter
Discover the nuances of scene beats and their critical role in storytelling. Learn the difference between scenes and beats, and how they enhance narrative rhythm and emotional depth. Dive into a captivating analysis of 'Throne of Glass' and see strategic pacing in action. Uncover tips for identifying when to focus on beats during revisions, ensuring flexibility in your writing process. This insightful discussion will help you navigate the complexities of outlining and crafting compelling stories.

15 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 46min
#160. How Tim Grahl Wrote His Best Book Yet In 6 Months
Tim Grahl, CEO of StoryGrid and seasoned author, dives into the secrets behind his latest novel, The Shithead. He shares how blending real-life experiences with fiction fueled his creativity. Tim explains his agile writing process, finishing the book in just six months through effective planning. He highlights the importance of crafting compelling scenes and discusses innovative marketing strategies for launching his work. Discover valuable tips and insights that can transform your own writing journey!

Sep 17, 2024 • 22min
#159. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (September 2024)
Get an insider’s look at the day-to-day life of a developmental editor and book coach! Discover how a paper planner helps manage busy schedules and conserve energy for an introvert. Hear about the projects in progress, from thrilling developmental edits to navigating line editing phases. Learn key takeaways from critiquing science fiction openings, and embrace the importance of grace on low-energy days. Join the journey of a week filled with challenges, excitement, and valuable insights!


