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.
The myth that plotting kills creativity is keeping countless discovery writers stuck in an endless cycle of abandoned manuscripts—but what if structure could actually set your creativity free?
If you're a pantser convinced that outlining will ruin your creative process, or you've been discovery writing through multiple unfinished manuscripts, this episode will change how you think about story structure.
You'll hear fro...
The myth of "writing free" is keeping talented writers stuck on Chapter One. Here's why story structure actually enhances creativity—and how to use it to finally finish your novel.
You've been told that outlining kills creativity. That real writers don't need structure. That planning your novel will turn it into a formulaic mess. But what if everything you believe about story structure is wrong?
In this episo...
After years of collecting every writing craft book imaginable and studying with renowned editors, Neroli Lacey discovered that too much knowledge was actually keeping her stuck—until she learned to implement instead of accumulate.
Today I'm chatting with Neroli Lacey, author of The Perfumer's Secret (a Pulitzer Prize Finalist, International Book Awards Winner, and National Indie Excellence Award Winner), about how focusing...
What if perfectionism is the real reason you haven't finished your novel—not lack of talent or time?
"I need to get this right before I move on" keeps aspiring authors stuck forever. But here's what I've discovered... Perfectionism isn't about having high standards. It's about fear. Fear of judgment, failure, or not being "good enough."
In this episode, you'll hear from three reformed...
All those writing articles you've bookmarked? They might be the exact reason you can't finish your novel. Here's what's really happening—and the simple shift that changes everything.
You know that browser folder labeled "Writing Advice"? The one with 147 articles about plot structure and 83 posts on character development? Yeah, that one. What if I told you it's actually keeping you stuck?
In this ep...
After years of rewriting the same sagging middle and juggling two confusing timelines, Kara Kentley discovered the romance structure secrets that transformed her messy draft into a published novel that sells daily.
Today I'm chatting with Kara Kentley, contemporary romance author of Another Summer and a Notes to Novel graduate, about how learning genre expectations finally helped her finish the book she'd been struggling w...
What if the reason you haven't written your novel has nothing to do with how many hours are in your day?
"I don't have time to write" might be the most common excuse that stops aspiring authors before they even start. But here’s what I’ve learned after working with hundreds of writers… It’s not about how much time you have that matters. It’s about what you do with your limited time that counts.
In this episode, yo...
Feel stuck "finding time" to write your novel? You might be solving the wrong problem. Here's what's really going on—and what to do instead.
Why does finding time to write feel impossible sometimes? We blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking beneath the surface that stops your writing progress dead in its tracks. And it has a way of making you...
What if the reason you're stuck on your novel isn't about talent or creativity, but simply a missing piece of the puzzle that could change everything?
Every writer knows that soul-crushing feeling of being completely stuck. Not just procrastinating or battling writer's block, but that specific paralysis where you love your story idea, want to write, but have absolutely no idea how to move forward.
In this episode, you...
Ever wonder why 97% of aspiring authors never finish their books? The answer might surprise you.
If you've been dreaming about writing a novel but find yourself starting and stopping, getting stuck in the middle, or just staring at a blank page wondering where to even begin, you're not alone.
Here's what I've noticed after working with hundreds of writers: the ones who actually finish their novels aren't more...
Master character development with these five must-read books that transform static characters from boring to brilliant.
You've created characters with compelling backstories, but somehow, they still feel... flat. They move through your plot but don't feel like real people.
Here's the thing: character development is what makes readers fall in love with your story, not just read it. But it's also one of the trickies...
Learn how to handle book reviews without letting them crush your confidence or derail your writing dreams.
Receiving your first book review can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Whether it's a glowing five-star love letter or a brutal one-star takedown, reader reviews can send even the most confident authors into an emotional tailspin.
I recently sat down with book coaches Emily Golden and Rachel May of Golden M...
Master the art of creating irresistible, page-turning curiosity without confusing or frustrating your readers.
Have you ever written what you thought was a brilliantly mysterious scene, only to have readers say they were completely lost? Or maybe you've struggled with knowing how much information to reveal and when?
Here's what most writers don't realize: there's a fine line between being mysterious and being vagu...
Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels.
Are multiple point-of-view characters right for your story?
Will they create the kind of depth that keeps readers hooked, or will they just leave you with a tangled mess of voices that never quite click together?
Writing a multi-POV novel is one of the most challenging approaches to storytelling. When do...
Master the fundamental building block of fiction writing with this one exercise that's helped writers break through years of stalled progress in just weeks.
Ever wonder why some writers seem to improve rapidly while others stay stuck for years, despite writing every single day? 🤔
The difference isn't talent or luck—it's deliberate practice.
Most aspiring novelists think that accumulating word count is the path to impro...
Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, you're not alone.
Most first-time authors don't realize just how many decisions the self-publishing process involves. From choosing file formats and pricing st...
Learn how dictation is your secret weapon for capturing story ideas, supporting overall health, and writing up to 3,000 words per hour.
Are you curious about how dictation can improve your health and mobility, enhance your natural storytelling flow, and revolutionize your time management—even if you've tried and failed at it before? Well, then, you'll love this episode with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.
Sarah is an author who&apo...
Discover the five most common big-picture mistakes writers make in their first drafts—and learn exactly what you can do to fix them.
Congratulations, you finished your first draft! …But now what? If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you dive into editing your messy first draft, you're so not alone.
As a developmental editor, I've reviewed hundreds of first drafts, and I've noticed that most new writers strug...
Discover the five ways to talk about your story’s genre so you can write, edit, and publish your novel with clarity and confidence.
Ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, excited about your story idea but utterly confused about how to describe its genre? 😩
This kind of uncertainty isn't just frustrating. It can have serious consequences for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.
Here’s what you need to know: ...
Congratulations! You've finished writing your first draft—an achievement that puts you ahead of countless aspiring writers who never make it past the dreaming stage.
But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "What next?"
Maybe you've tried jumping straight into revisions only to find yourself overwhelmed, confused, or just plain stuck. Or maybe you’re just avoiding it altogether.
If your exciteme...
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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