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Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice

Fiction Writing Made Easy is your go-to creative writing 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 and write a novel you’re proud of.

Whether you’re a first-time author, an aspiring novelist, or a seasoned writer looking to strengthen your craft, each episode will help you understand what makes a story work at the deepest level—so you can stop second-guessing your ideas and start building a stronger novel from the inside out.

You’ll learn how to develop your premise, structure your plot, create compelling characters, write stronger scenes, world-build without infodumping, revise your draft, and navigate your publishing options with more clarity and confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered things like…

How do I write a novel if I’ve never done this before?

What’s the best way to structure a story that works?

How do I develop strong characters readers will care about?

How do I build an immersive world without info-dumping?

How do I write scenes that move the story forward?

How do I edit my first draft?

How do I know when my book is ready to publish?

Should I pursue self-publishing or traditional publishing?

…you’re in the right place.

New episodes drop weekly to help you simplify the novel-writing process, strengthen your storytelling skills, and get your book into readers’ hands.

—

Popular Episode Topics Include: Fiction Writing Tips, Story Structure, Plotting a Novel, Character Development, Writing Stronger Scenes, World Building, Novel Revision, Story Development, How to Outline a Novel, Character Arcs, Genre Fiction, Editing a Novel, Fiction Writing Mistakes to Avoid, Revision Strategies, Writing Advice

Copyright: © 2025 Savannah Gilbo, Inc. | Fiction Writing Made Easy

Latest Episodes:

#182. Writing Romantasy: How to Balance Fantasy Elements and Romance in Your Novel Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Calling all Romantasy (and Fantasy) authors! Tune in to learn how to write a Romantasy novel that perfectly blends fantasy elements with romance.

Whether you're drafting your first Romantasy novel or refining your approach to an existing manuscript, this episode will help you deliver exactly what readers are looking for in this booming genre.

Tune in for a deep dive into the Romantasy genre and learn things like:

[01:35] Key differences between books like Fourth Wing, Radiance, and The Name of The Wind, and why only two of these would be marketed as Romantasy, despite having many similar elements

[05:24] What the Romantasy genre spectrum looks like—and why knowing where your story fits on this spectrum changes everything about how you write it

[10:55] How to navigate the thematic differences between “Fantasy Romance” (focused on love's power) versus “Romantic Fantasy” (centered on survival)

[18:22] How to craft character relationships that resonate differently depending on your subgenre—and why this matters more than you think

[22:15] Worldbuilding strategies specific to each end of the Romantasy spectrum that will keep readers immersed in your story and coming back for more

If you’ve ever wondered why some Romantasy novels feel like epic adventures with a dash of romance while others are more like swoon-worthy love stories with magical elements, this episode will help clear out some of that confusion.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

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#181. First Chapter Analysis: House Of Earth And Blood by Sarah J. Maas Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Romantasy and Fantasy authors! Tune in to learn how the opening pages of House of Earth and Blood hooks readers and pulls them into the rest of the story.

Join me and Abigail K. Perry for a deep dive into the opening chapter of the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, to find out how and why it works.

We analyze this first chapter from both a macro and micro perspective to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader, how the author introduces us to the story world, and to figure out why we care so much about these fictional characters.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about:

[03:08] A quick summary of the first chapter of House of Earth and Blood, including our thoughts on why the author started the story here
[05:05] A big-picture analysis of the first chapter to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader (this part’s really fun because Abigail has NOT read the books, so tune in and hear what she picked up on!)
[25:50] What it means to write a story with a steep learning curve—and why understanding your target audience makes a big difference when it comes to creating a fictional world for your story
[38:50] A deep-dive into the scene structure within the opening chapter (spoiler alert: the scene continues into chapter two—tune in to hear how we landed here)
[47:26] Why it’s so important to have “on the surface” excitement and action when planting clues and setting things up in your opening chapters

Whether you’re writing fantasy, romantasy, or any kind of story that requires world-building, this episode will change how you look at your opening chapter. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic peek at how Sarah J. Maas wrote another bestselling fantasy series (so you can do the same when writing your own novel).

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 96 - 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers
Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

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#180. Student Spotlight: How Her Debut Novel Became An Amazon Bestseller With Margaret Mantor Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Discover how a debut author turned her first novel into an Amazon #1 bestseller using strategic marketing tactics instead of relying on social media.

Meet Margaret Mantor, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver whose novel Air And Ashes hit Amazon's bestseller list one month after launch. Tune in to hear us talk about why giving away books for free can lead to more sales, how to use BookBub promotions and newsletter features to skyrocket your Amazon rankings, and why using social media to promote your book doesn’t always work.

Episode Highlights

[03:45] Meet Margaret, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver

[05:03] Celebrating becoming an Amazon bestseller one month after launch

[05:51] How Margaret's high school story idea became an Amazon bestseller

[07:24] Working with a developmental editor and handling feedback

[13:35] The revision process: Beta readers, line editors, and proofreaders

[18:26] Why Margaret chose self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

[20:33] Book marketing strategies that actually worked without social media

[26:55] Key lessons learned and best advice for aspiring authors

[34:35] Looking ahead to book 2 and how it’s already better

If you’re an aspiring fiction author who wants to successfully self-publish your book (without using social media to market it), this episode is for you!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#179. Writing When You Have A Chronic Illness With Sandra Postma Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Chronic illness teaches you about pain, loss, and resilience. Find out why this can make you a better storyteller.

Writing a novel can feel impossible when managing a chronic illness. Symptoms, brain fog, and advice that doesn't fit your life can make you wonder if you'll ever finish your story. But your experience with chronic illness also gives you a rare edge that empowers you to connect with readers on a much deeper level.

That's why I'm so excited to introduce you to Sandra Postma. She's a certified book coach who works with writers facing chronic illnesses. Sandra brings such warmth and kindness to this conversation, shaped by her own 20-year journey with chronic illness and writing.

In this episode, Sandra and I talk about turning your chronic illness into your secret weapon for storytelling, finding writing strategies that honor your body, and giving yourself permission to write in a way that works for you.

Here’s what we cover:

[04:55] The top three challenges writers with chronic illnesses face and why traditional writing advice doesn't always work.

[14:28] How to create a writing routine that’s right for you and your body, even if it breaks a few common rules.

[16:13] Why your chronic illness can be the key to connecting with your readers on a raw, emotional level.

[27:30] Understanding the difference between ‘clean pain’ and ‘dirty pain’ and how this writing mindset shift supports you when things get tough.

[33:01] Why it’s okay for your writing journey to take as long as it needs—and how to make peace with your pace.

Whether you're starting your first draft or deep into your novel, this conversation will help you find your own path to storytelling—one that pays tribute to your creativity and well-being.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Sandra’s Website & Instagram
Free Guide: How To Write When You Have A Chronic Illness

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#178. First Chapter Analysis: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Romance, historical fiction & fantasy writers—tune in to learn how the opening pages of Outlander hook readers into the story.

In this listener-voted episode, I team up with developmental editor and book coach Abigail K. Perry to analyze the opening chapter of Diana Gabaldon's genre-defying masterpiece, Outlander, on a macro and micro level.

And truth be told, this might be one of our most challenging chapter analyses yet, but you'll learn exactly what makes these opening pages super engaging so you can apply it to your own writing.

Here’s what we cover:

[07:13] An Outlander chapter summary that reveals how Gabaldon masterfully sets up relationship tension and an interesting open loop that becomes hugely important later.

[13:05] A chapter one macro analysis using the seven questions from Paula Munier’s book, The Writer’s Guide To Beginnings, to break down what makes this opening so spot-on (from genre to character to stakes).
[39:50] How Gabaldon built Outlander's plot around three major story peaks to keep readers glued to the page. (I found this gem on her website and had to share it with you.)

[43:01] A microanalysis of the two scenes within the first chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from Shawn Coyn's book, The Story Grid—to learn how to make your quiet moments as compelling as the action-packed ones.

[56:33] A discussion on how to write tricky relationship moments and emotional turning points in a way that feels natural and not forced.

Whether you're writing historical fantasy, time travel romance, historical romance, or any genre-bending story, you'll get a fantastic overview of how Diana Gabaldon crafted an opening chapter that launched a global phenomenon (so you can do the same for your own novel).

Tune in now.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#177. 3 Things You Need To Write Your Novel In 2025 Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Got writer's block and convinced it's because you lack talent? Think again! And I have the solution that'll change the way you approach your writing…

If you're struggling to finish your novel, I want you to know that your lack of progress has nothing to do with your capabilities or the quality of your ideas. In fact, it boils down to an imbalance of three essential things—or pillars of novel creation, if you will.

In this week's episode, I'm sharing what these three things are so you can overcome writing roadblocks and finish your novel in 2025.

These three things helped Jenny finish her draft in 6 months (after being stuck for 12 years) and gave Laura the confidence to move past self-doubt and finish her 83,000-word fantasy story.

Here’s what I talk about:

[03:43] Your secret roadmap to avoid the endless planning loop where you waste months (or even years) trying to make everything perfect.

[10:01] The most overlooked part of successfully writing a first draft, which many people ignore, and how to leverage it when self-doubt kicks in.

[15:36] The technical piece of the writing puzzle and why even beautiful prose won't help if the other two pieces aren't in place.

And so much more…

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress on your story, grab your headphones, turn the volume up, and press play. This could be the writing breakthrough you've been waiting for.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#176. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 5) Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

See how Notes to Novel™ helped these five writers go from a blank page to a story that works (without the overwhelm).

With Notes to Novel™ (season 6) right around the corner, I'm bringing you something incredibly special today. I'm chatting with five amazing writers from season 5 about their experience inside the course.

And let me tell you, they're in the trenches right now, actively working on their novels. Some have finished their outlines, while others are deep in the drafting phase, and one has already completed her manuscript!

This is what we talk about:

[02:55] How Katherine finished the “cleanest draft” she’s ever written (at 72k words) in only 3 months—and then went on to edit that same draft in just 8 weeks

[09:47] How the Notes to Novel framework helped Kay stay focused on what *really* mattered in her story (and avoid chasing every new shiny object idea that popped into her head)

[15:27] What happened when I suggested one of my students, Danyel, eliminate one of her two point-of-view characters during one of our live Q&A calls

[21:35] How Harlow used her genre’s key scenes to create an outline (and why this made outlining much more approachable)

[27:47] And finally, how Madi wrote her first draft in 6 months (despite being a super busy mom of four)—plus her thoughts on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the group coaching aspect

So, if you’re feeling stuck, flustered, or unsure about your writing process, these 5 Notes to Novel students show you what's possible when you have the right tools and support. Enjoy the episode!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Get on the Notes to Novel™ waitlist
Katherine Varley’s website and Threads
Kay Aprea’s Instagram
Danyel Nicole’s website and Instagram
Harlow Black’s Instagram
Madison Unruh’s Instagram

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#175. 5 Easy Time Management Strategies To Write Your Novel Faster Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Feel stuck writing your novel? These 5 time management strategies will squash all productivity blocks to get your story finished—finally (and fast).

Why does finding the time to write feel so hard sometimes? We often blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking around that stops your writing progress. And it has a way of making you feel like you're failing at this whole writing thing. Which is so not true.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on this sneaky (and very hidden) productivity block that keeps tripping you up. Plus, I'm sharing 5 powerful time management strategies to squash this writing bottleneck so you can finish your novel in 2025.

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

[03:35] The hidden truth about "not enough time" that's actually blocking your writing progress (and how to fix it).

[06:04] A simple ‘chunking method’ that reduces writing overwhelm and turns your sessions into productive, dopamine-fueled wins.

[10:45] The editing habit that's stealing your momentum, and most writers don't see it coming.

[22:28] A fun way to outsmart your brain into showing up for your writing (hello, guilt-free rewards!)

[26:26] An energy-mapping trick that leverages your best creative flow state to get more writing done in less time.

And so much more…

You've got a story inside you that deserves to be told, and 2025 is your year to hold that finished novel in your hands. Whether it's your debut or your next book in a growing series—your writing journey is too important to let productivity barriers hold you back. You've got this, and I'm here to help.

Enjoy this episode, and make sure to grab your free time management guide in the links section below to start implementing these strategies today.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#174. Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2024 Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

The best writing advice sticks with us because it changes our thinking about our craft. In this special year-end episode, I'm counting down the top 10 most powerful tips from Fiction Writing Made Easy in 2024—from crafting sizzling character chemistry and developing compelling antagonists to building immersive story worlds and mastering your character's backstory.

Plus, learn how to overcome writer's block and tap into the power of the writing community to fuel your creative success. Let's celebrate the juicy nuggets that helped writers (like you) level up their storytelling this year.

In the episode, you’ll hear me talk about things like:

[01:42] Mastering point of view fundamentals with Gabriela Pereira's "sphere of knowledge" technique—perfect for writers second-guessing their narrative perspective.
[06:58] Learn how to create unforgettable ‘on-the-page’ chemistry and romantic tension with our in-depth analysis of the #1 New York Times bestseller Fourth Wing. Plus, I talk about the 3 sizzling ingredients that make readers fall head over heels in love with your characters.
[08:54] Transform your story antagonist from flat to fascinating using the Harry Potter series as our guide. See how Voldemort's clear goals and plans create organic, gripping conflict that drives the entire story.
[12:34] Break free from writer's block forever with April Davila's mindset-shifting strategy. Learn why this common creative obstacle might not be what you think—and how to overcome it.
[18:36] Learn how to craft a story world that grows with your series, featuring examples from the #1 New York Times bestseller A Court of Thorns and Roses. Discover how your story world can evolve to create deeper story arcs and richer series development.
[26:48] I'm so excited to share tip #1 with you. My chat with Save the Cat!expert Jessica Brody was your absolute favorite episode of 2024—and once you hear this perspective on story structure, you'll understand why. Trust me, this tip is a total game-changer.

And that's just a taste of our special year-end top 10 tip countdown. I'm so excited to share these writing tips with you—they're genuinely some of my favorites from this year!

So, cozy up with your favorite writing snacks, and let's celebrate the best writing advice of 2024 together.

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

🔗 Click here to view the episode page with all the links

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

#173. 5 Mindset Tips For Revising Your First Draft Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good.

It's one thing to pour your heart into writing a first draft. However, facing revisions and sharing your story with others can feel raw, uncomfortable, and downright scary.

Not to worry. Every writer struggles with this novel writing phase, and that's why I've brought together four brilliant book coaches and editors to share their mindset wisdom to make the first draft revision process less scary and more exciting.

Here's what we talk about:

[02:48] Why you should absolutely love your "hot mess" first draft—it's exactly what it needs to be right now.

[08:01] The right (and wrong) people to ask for first draft feedback and how to prepare yourself emotionally for their response.

[12:40] A practical approach to handling hard-to-hear feedback so that it feels less personal and more purposeful.

[19:05] A unique 3-step revision process that transforms how you think about your first draft to turn it into a ‘must-read’ success.

[22:59] Why comparing your revision journey to other writers only holds you back—and what to focus on instead.

Tune into this episode to discover how to shift your mindset from revision fear to revision readiness. You'll walk away with practical strategies that make revisions less overwhelming, feedback less personal, and the entire process more purposeful.

And this is precisely what you need to turn your first draft into a story readers love.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Stacy Frazer’s website and Instagram
Michelle Regenold’s website and Instagram
Leslie Horn’s website and YouTube
Caryn DeVincenti’s website and Instagram

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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