

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

8 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
#158. How To Strengthen Your Writing with the Power of Social Media With Lara Ferrari
Lara Ferrari, an Instagram marketing specialist for authors, helps writers build vibrant online communities. In this discussion, she reveals how social media can supercharge your creativity and motivation. Lara shares surprising ways to use these platforms for market research and to gather reader feedback. She emphasizes the need for community support and accountability in the writing process. Plus, discover how to leverage social media intentionally, enhancing your writing journey while fostering connections with potential readers.

Sep 3, 2024 • 19min
#157. 10 Surprising Lessons From My First Book Launch
Discover ten surprising lessons learned from a first book launch, including the awkwardness of asking for Amazon reviews and how crucial marketing strategies made a difference. Dive into behind-the-scenes insights about balancing social media with engaging ARC readers and influencers. Uncover the emotional challenges faced, especially dealing with disappointments from others. Plus, learn why celebrating milestones is essential, no matter how low-key the celebration may be!

Aug 27, 2024 • 27min
#156. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 4)
Get inspired by writers who conquered their fears and finished their novels. One author reveals how fast drafting helped her complete a 114,000-word manuscript in just 88 days. Another shares a mindset shift that transformed his approach to outlining, allowing creativity to flow. Learn how a critique group boosted a writer's skill in scene structure, and hear how one person defeated age-related doubts to complete her first draft. Their stories show that with the right strategies and support, anyone can reach "The End"!

Aug 20, 2024 • 34min
#155. 10 Things That Will NOT Make You A Better Writer
Discover the ten common misconceptions that prevent writers from improving, including the fallacy of waiting until you feel 'ready' to write. Learn why many writing groups can hinder rather than help your progress and the pitfalls of revising while drafting. Unpack the drawbacks of popular writing methods for beginners and understand the importance of investing time and resources wisely in your writing journey. This insightful discussion will empower you to avoid mistakes and enhance your path to becoming a better writer.

30 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 22min
#154. Coaching Call: Critiquing Jac Sahlin's Query And First Five Pages
In this engaging conversation, Jac Sahlin, co-host of the Book Talk for BookTok podcast and an aspiring romance novelist, seeks guidance on her query letter and manuscript. She learns about the critical importance of genre identity, especially the nuanced differences between women’s fiction and romance. Jac experiences pivotal moments in defining her story’s genre and receives valuable feedback on her crafting process. The discussion also highlights the emotional journey of querying and the impact of effective storytelling.

Aug 6, 2024 • 49min
#153. Scene Analysis: Chapter 5 "Diagon Alley" From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
This week, author Abigail K. Perry joins to unpack the intricate scene structure of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She shares fascinating insights on analyzing scenes from multiple perspectives—reader, character, and author. Discover how to evaluate the effectiveness of your scenes and the significance of seemingly small moments. The discussion emphasizes the importance of value shifts in storytelling and showcases how Harry’s emotional journey defines his character while navigating the magical world.

Aug 1, 2024 • 40min
#152. Three Act Structure Breakdown: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Join Abigail K. Perry, a story structure expert, as she delves into the captivating plot of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Discover how Rowling masterfully builds life-and-death stakes suitable for middle-grade readers. Explore the significance of Harry’s beginning journey from the Dursleys to Hogwarts, and how critical moments shape his character arc. Learn about the power of narrative perspective and the impact of Harry’s all-time low on his development. This analysis uncovers the secrets behind engaging storytelling.

Jul 30, 2024 • 18min
Bonus: The Global Story Structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
In this discussion with Abigail K. Perry, an expert in storytelling techniques, listeners dive into the fascinating plot structure of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.' They explore how Rowling masterfully intertwines Harry’s internal growth with external events. Key topics include the action genre framework, the significance of the inciting incident, and the climactic moments that drive the narrative. They also touch on universal themes, offering insights on enhancing storytelling for a middle-grade audience.

16 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 29min
Bonus: How To Write Scenes Like Rowling (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry as they discuss studying Harry Potter with Tim Grahl. They delve into J.K. Rowling's scene layering and stake-raising techniques, exploring crafting scenes in books, scene stakes evolution, and analyzing Diagon Alley scenes with valuable insights on character development and plot progression.

Jul 23, 2024 • 21min
#151. How Rowling Built A World Ripe For Life Or Death Conflicts (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry as they delve into J.K. Rowling's world-building secrets in Harry Potter. Discover how Rowling crafted a rich story world with life or death conflicts, intricate details, and hidden plot clues. Learn valuable insights on building your own compelling narrative.


