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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:

#172. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (December 2024) Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Want a sneak peek into my life as a developmental editor and book coach? Listen in and find out what I do in my work week to help authors transform their story ideas into fully realized novels.

I'll walk you through what I'm learning, how I support fiction writers in finishing their novels, and my exciting plans for 2025. Plus, I'll share all the behind-the-scenes moments that make my book coach life so rewarding.

So, pour yourself a coffee (or matcha tea) and join me as I share:

[02:40] How the recording of my first audiobook is currently going and what I’m doing to keep my voice intact with all the talking.

[07:25] Why I pull out 12 blank calendar pages every December and how this simple planning ritual shapes my entire year ahead.

[10:15] What I learned working with two writers—a romance author and a sci-fi author—who started roughly at the same time but took completely different paths to reach the line editing phase simultaneously.

[22:42] Inside my final Notes To Novel coaching call and how these amazing writers have gained the confidence to take their ideas, turn them into outlines, and start writing noteworthy novels.

[27:10] The fascinating results from my annual listener survey shaping my 2025 content (Hint: you're in great company if you're still working on your debut novel or yet to start.)

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me! I love sharing little glimpses into my world with you.

Whether you're still simmering your first story idea or deep in revisions, I hope this behind-the-scenes peek gives you a real sense of my life as a developmental editor and book coach.

See you next week!

⭐ 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!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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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#171. How To Utilize Tone & Mood In Your Writing With Isobelle Lans Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Need help with tone and mood in your novel writing? Maybe your scenes aren't hitting the right emotional notes, or your story atmosphere feels off. Today, we're breaking down four practical ways to master these tricky writing elements to keep your readers hooked.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Isobelle Lans, a UK-based author, editor, and writing coach who runs Inspired Creative Co. With years of experience helping writers develop their storytelling skills, Isobelle knows exactly how to break down tricky writing elements (like tone and mood) that often feel nebulous or hard to grasp.
Tune into this episode to hear us talk about the four essential techniques for mastering tone and mood in your writing. We talk about specific word choices that create the perfect atmosphere, the power of internal monologue, how setting plays a massive role, and sentence structure that strengthens your story's emotional impact.
In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:

[02:21] The difference between tone and mood—Isobelle clears up the confusion between these two essential writing elements (and why understanding the difference will improve your storytelling).
[03:40] Why do tone and mood matter for your novel genre? We share what happened when one romance writer got it wrong—and how you can get it right in your own novel.
[05:01] Four brilliant ways to create a powerful, emotionally-driven atmosphere in your story. We dig into these hands-on techniques to help your readers feel precisely what you want them to feel.
[13:00] When should you focus on tone and mood during the writing process? Isobelle explains whether this is a first draft problem or something to focus on in revisions.
[17:09] The biggest tone and mood pitfalls Isobelle sees as an editor and writing coach. Plus, her straightforward advice to ensure your story delivers the emotional punch you're aiming for.

If you're ready to nail tone and mood in your writing, this episode is packed with practical techniques you can start using right away to keep your readers emotionally invested from start to finish.
⭐ 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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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#170. How To Pick Your Publishing Path With Nicole Meier Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Whether you want complete creative freedom, better royalties, or a faster speed to market—get the clarity you need to choose the right publishing path for your novel.
Your novel is (or nearly) complete; now it's time to choose your publishing path. Whether you're drawn to big traditional publishing with major bookstore distribution, love the creative control of self-publishing, want bigger royalties with hybrid publishing, or are interested in the boutique experience of publishing through a small press, this episode will help you get clear on the perfect publishing path for you and your story.

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Nicole Meier, an author turned developmental editor and book coach who brings a unique perspective to the publishing conversation. With four published novels under her belt—released through both traditional and hybrid publishers—Nicole knows firsthand what it takes to navigate the publishing world and make the choices that best serve you.
This is what we talk about…
[04:27] How to get clear on the publishing path that suits your values and needs instead of following what everyone thinks you should do.

[10:28] A complete pro and con breakdown of traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and small press publishing to help you make the right choice.

[17:01] The big publishing mistake most authors make without even realizing it and how to ensure it doesn't happen to you.

[28:46] What life after publishing looks like and why Nicole's first book became her readers' absolute favorite.

[32:31] A sneak peek reveal of Nicole’s brand new project that's going to make the fiction publishing journey so much easier for writers.

[33:26] Why building your author platform and book marketing matters more than ever when pitching agents and getting exposure.
⭐ 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!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Nicole Meier’s Website & Instagram
Nicole’s Podcast Steps To Story
BookWorks.co

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

#169. 5 Tips To Help Neurodivergent Writers Finish Their Books Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Finally, finish your book with effective writing strategies designed to work in harmony with your neurodivergent mind.

Does sitting down to write your book feel impossible on some days, while on other days, you can write for hours on end? Maybe you feel guilty whenever someone says, "Real writers write every day" or "Just stick to a routine,"—but here's the thing—your neurodivergent brain may not work that way. And that's totally okay.

In this episode, I've brought together four amazing writing coaches and book editors who either specialize in working with neurodivergent authors and ADHD writers or are neurodivergent themselves. And they’re here to share their best writing tips for finishing your book.

Even if you're not neurodivergent, you'll want to tune in because these writing strategies are pure gold.

Here’s what we talk about:
[02:55] How to tap into your natural neurodivergent energy cycles (from intense hyperfocus to foggy days) so that these energy cycles become your writing superpower.
[09:16] Why there's nothing wrong with your neurodivergent writing process just because it’s different from the standard writing advice (or what others say you should do.)
[16:08] What to do when writing suddenly feels impossible because your brain sees it as a demand instead of a choice.
[22:06] Discover the magic of having an accountability partner in your corner who understands your unique writing process and celebrates progress on your terms.
[27:57] Why breaking your writing time into small, manageable chunks can help you finally finish your book without the overwhelm.
Tune into this episode to discover how to write your book in a way that honors your neurodivergent mind, celebrates your unique creative rhythms, and turns writing rules into gentle guidelines that actually work for your brain.
⭐ 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Alyssa Pfingst’s Website
Dani Abernathy’s Website & Instagram
Georgina Green’s Website & Instagram
Kerry Savage’s Website & Instagram

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

#168. Women's Fiction vs. Romance: What's The Difference? Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

If you’re serious about becoming a published author, determining your novel’s genre is one of the most important things you’ll have to do. But sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if your book toes the line between Women’s Fiction and Romance.

In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance so you can write the best book possible and snag the attention of both agents and readers alike. You'll learn things like:

[02:12] Five different ways to talk about the genre of your story (and why it’s so important to know where your book fits in the market)
[04:18] How to tell the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance—and why this difference really boils down to just one thing
[07:53] The key characteristics of a Romance novel—including my thoughts on romance genre tropes and creating sizzling character chemistry
[11:52] The defining traits of a Women’s Fiction novel (and how to develop your story’s plot when these stories tend to be so character-driven)
[19:13] Episode recap and final thoughts

If you’ve ever struggled to understand the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

⭐ 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!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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

#167. Why Marketing Matters From Day One With Lacy Lieffers Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

“When should I start marketing my book?” This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, “Do I need to build an email list?” And “What are some effective ways to market my book?”
My guest, Lacy Lieffers of Black Fox Marketing, is here to answer all of these questions (and more) in this podcast episode! Tune into this episode to hear us talk about why marketing matters from day one, how to think about book marketing throughout the entire writing, editing, and publishing process, and so much more.
We’ll also cover things like:

[04:59] Why it’s important to start your book marketing efforts early—and how integrating marketing into your writing process from day one can set you up for long-term success
[05:33] What to do if you feel overwhelmed by book marketing (and how to avoid spinning your wheels, wasting a bunch of time and money)
[10:28] Lacy shares her thoughts on the age-old debate of growing your social media versus growing your email list and tells you exactly where to spend your time and energy to make the most impact
[11:08] How to flip the script on what it means to work with book influencers (spoiler alert: stop making everything all about you!)
[25:22] How to build your author brand in a way that resonates with readers and sets you (and your books) apart in a crowded market
[33:52] A few of Lacy’s favorite tactics for creating buzz around your book (and later, driving sales during your book launch)

I LOVED this conversation with Lacy because she’s so knowledgeable and passionate about book marketing—and no wonder, with over 16 years of experience helping authors build their personal brands and market their books! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about book marketing, you’re going to love 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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

#166. Student Spotlight: How Jennifer Sold 5,000+ Copies of Her Debut Novel in 18 Months (Without a Big Social Media Following) Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Selling 5,000+ copies of a debut novel in 18 months (without a massive social media following) might seem out of reach to most aspiring authors. But, in fact, it’s not. And our incredible podcast guest, Jennifer Lauer, is here to show you how it's done.
When we last spoke, Jennifer was on the brink of launching her debut sci-fi novel, The Girl in the Zoo. Fast-forward to today, and she's sold over 5,000 copies, launched a successful fiction podcast, and released a new paranormal mystery novella series.
In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:

[05:01] Jennifer's honest breakdown of book launch setbacks, including how she handled unexpected Amazon delays and a COVID diagnosis
[07:49] How Jennifer leveraged NetGalley to rack up over 200 Amazon reviews and 250 Goodreads reviews—and why she says it was worth braving the potential for harsh feedback
[10:57] Jennifer's persistence in securing BookBub features for international and US markets that drove her novel to #1 on multiple Amazon lists
[21:48] How Jennifer sold just over 5,000 copies in 18 months with minimal social media presence (plus, the importance of releasing your work, even if it's imperfect, and how this mindset contributed to her success)
[28:03] How Jennifer's fiction podcast, The Strange Chronicles, helped her overcome writer's block and draft her latest novella in one summer
[38:24] The marketing plans for Jennifer's new series launch, including which strategies she's keeping, which she's ditching, and why influencer boxes might not be worth the hype

Whether you're gearing up to launch your first novel or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can use today.
⭐ 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!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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

#165. How To Interpret Agent Rejections (& What To Do Next) Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

It’s no secret that one of the biggest roadblocks to getting traditionally published is the dreaded literary agent rejection.
But to find the right literary agent for you and your story, you have to go through the process of querying a handful of agents—which means you should expect to get a handful of rejections before finding your perfect match.
In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common literary agent rejection scenarios and, more importantly, what you can do in each scenario to take the next steps and keep moving forward with your querying journey.
Tune into this episode to hear things like:

[02:04] What it means to get a form rejection letter from a literary agent (and why this does NOT mean you should give up on your publishing goals)
[05:21] The next steps to take if an agent requests your full manuscript (or some sample pages) but then still doesn’t offer you representation
[05:46] What literary agents are looking for in your opening pages—and how to determine if you might be missing any of the elements they’re looking for
[10:42] What it means to get a “Revise & Resubmit” request from a literary agent (and more importantly, what NOT to do if you get one)
[12:38] 5 signs you should stop querying—including my answer to the commonly asked question, “How long should I query agents before giving up?”

If you’ve ever wondered how to interpret the rejection letters you’re receiving (or how to take action on the rejection letters you’re receiving), you’re going to love 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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

#164. Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie Medrek Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Ever wonder what happens when you ditch your agent and decide to self-publish instead? This episode is a must-listen if you're curious about the ins and outs of self-publishing and how it can possibly safeguard your creative control.

In this episode, Stefanie Medrek is back on the podcast—and boy, has her story changed! The last time we chatted, she had just landed an agent and was about to go out on submission. But now she's releasing her debut romantic suspense novel as a self-published author. So what happened?

Tune in to hear why Stefanie parted ways with her agent, how she navigated the world of self-publishing, and what it's like to prepare for a self-published book launch (happening this week).

In the episode, you’ll hear things like:

[07:39] A recap of Stefanie's journey since our last chat: from landing an agent to trusting her gut instinct and choosing self-publishing over traditional publishing for creative control.
[16:00] The nitty-gritty production details involved in preparing a book for self-publishing (including the cover design mistake that led to a complete do-over)
[24:02] The unexpected challenges (and absolute joys) of self-publishing, how she's learning to roll with the punches, and manage delays.
[26:43] How Stefanie tackled book marketing, including working with a fantastic PR firm and creating special edition ARCs (advanced reader copies), and her super-savvy strategies to reach readers and build buzz for her book launch.
[33:00] The importance of building an author email list and a smart reader magnet to connect with your audience (and why this matters for your book launch).
[37:35] The heartwarming story of Stefanie's dad, a successful self-published author, his influence on her publishing journey, and how they celebrate each other's milestones.

If you've ever felt unsure about which publishing path to take, or if you're just curious about what goes on behind a self-published book launch, you'll LOVE 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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

#163. How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer With Zoe Norvell Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

You finished your book and now you’re looking for a cover designer, but where do you start? Where can you find a good book cover designer? And how much should you expect to pay them for a quality book cover?
These are all questions my guest, Zoe Norvell, will answer in this week’s brand-new podcast episode! Zoe is the mastermind behind INeedABookCover.com and INeedABookInterior.com—and she’s been designing book covers professionally since 2011 (both for big publishers and self-published authors alike).
Tune into this episode to hear us talk about things like:

[06:33] The very first step soon-to-be-published authors need to take when it comes to finding and working with a book cover designer
[08:14] Why searching on Amazon for book cover inspiration isn’t a good idea—and what Zoe recommends doing instead (spoiler alert: you’ll love it!)
[13:19] The difference between book cover designers and graphic designers, and Zoe’s thoughts on hiring designers from sites like Fiverr
[25:30] Tips for what to consider when hiring a book cover designer, including things like how much to budget for your book cover
[31:13] A fill-in-the-blank template to use when you reach out to your dream book cover designer (plus Zoe’s insights on what not to say in your email)

If you’ve ever wanted a clear answer to some of the most important book cover design questions, you’re going to love this episdoe with Zoe Norvell.
⭐ 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!
🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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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