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    Arts

    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

    Advertise

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

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    #107: Email List Building Essentials For Authors Sep 05, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 steps to help you get started with list building. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [1:45] Having an email list is one of the best ways to build relationships with your readers over time. It’s what helps keep you top of mind the next time readers are looking for a new book to read, or a book to share with their friends and family.
    [3:15] Step 1: Define your target audience of readers. These are the people who will buy your book, leave you positive reviews, and recommend it to all their friends. It’s who all your marketing efforts need to speak to!
    [5:35] Step 2: Start generating leads for your list by offering a freebie (or lead magnet) in exchange for email addresses. You could offer things like sample chapters, book club questions, free ebooks, character interviews, and more.
    [9:30] Step 3: Develop your content strategy so that you can stay in communication with your subscribers and build that “know, like, and trust” factor before you write and sell your next book. Don’t overcomplicate this step!
    [12:25] Final thoughts and episode recap.

    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Ep. 106 - 5 Steps to Building Your Author Platform

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #106: 5 Steps to Building Your Author Platform Aug 29, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps to building an author platform. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [00:59] Your author platform is the foundation for all your future book marketing efforts. You can start building it no matter where you’re at in the writing process!

    [02:07] Step 1: Define your target audience of readers

    [03:15] Step 2: Design your unique author brand

    [06:10] Step 3: Create your author website

    [07:49] Step 4: Setup your email list

    [09:51] Step 5: Develop your communication strategy

    [15:42] Final thoughts and episode recap.

    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Ep. 4 - How to Identify Your Story’s Ideal Reader

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #105: First Chapter Analysis: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Aug 22, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, Abigail K. Perry and I take a deep dive into the first chapter of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Here’s a preview of what we talk about:

    [03:17] A very quick summary of the first two chapters

    [06:30] Our analysis of the scene/s within the first two chapters using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid

    [25:11] Final thoughts and episode recap

    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Want to join our book club? Click here to learn more!
    • Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

    FREE TRAINING: 5 Secrets to Help You Start and Finish Your Novel. Register here for instant access to the free video training!

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #104: 10 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue Aug 15, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 10 tips for writing stronger, more impactful dialogue in your novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [02:00] Tip #1: Make sure your dialogue serves a purpose in the overarching story.
    [03:00] Tip #2: Think of your dialogue as action vs. exposition (or active vs. passive).
    [06:09] Tip #3: Get clear on each character’s goal and motivation within a scene.
    [07:43] Tip #4: Make sure your dialogue is ripe with conflict and tension.
    [10:02] Tip #5: Check that your dialogue sounds right for your genre and tone.
    [11:15] Tip #6: Ensure each character has a unique and rich vocabulary.
    [13:13] Tip #7: Curate your dialogue to show readers only what they need to see.
    [14:30] Tip #8: Keep your dialogue short and to the point.
    [16:16] Tip #9: Aim to have your dialogue do more than one thing—and include subtext.
    [18:19] Tip #10: Use dialogue to help you control your story’s pacing.
    [20:17] Final thoughts and episode recap.
    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Ep. 92 - The 5 Functions of Dialogue in Your Story

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #103: Morality Genre Conventions Aug 08, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m covering the conventions of the morality genre using the movie A Man Called Otto as an example. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [05:09] The protagonist starts the story at their worst (with a "wrong" moral compass)

    [06:40] The antagonist pressures the protagonist to face their bad behavior/wrongdoing

    [07:54] The protagonist is haunted by their past mistakes or selfish behavior

    [09:09] A character who represents the consequences of the protagonist’s wrongdoing

    [10:20] At least one mentor figure who helps the protagonist see right from wrong

    [11:13] External conflict that pits the protagonist's goals against the needs of others

    [12:53] A foil character who positively or negatively demonstrates different behavior

    [14:24] The protagonist gets help from unexpected sources

    [15:23] The setting must offer the protagonist opportunities to be selfish or altruistic

    [16:49] The end of the story is often bittersweet

    [18:04] Final thoughts and episode recap.
    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Ep. 72 - The 6 Key Scenes Every Morality Story Needs
    • Episode Freebie: Morality Genre Cheat Sheet

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #102: 3 Common Interiority Mistakes (and How to Fix Them) Aug 01, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing the 3 most common interiority mistakes I see writers make, as well as how to fix them. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [03:20] Mistake 1: The “too passive” protagonist. Your protagonist should always crave agency, even if they can't physically take action.

    [06:17] Mistake 2: The protagonist whose always present. Real people think about the past and future while making decisions. Your characters should too!

    [09:12] Mistake 3: The protagonist knows what the author knows. It's important to separate the character's knowledge from the author's so the reader can properly immerse themselves in the story.

    [13:00] Final thoughts and episode recap.

    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Ep. 7 - 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters
    • Ep. 82 - Show, Don't Tell: What This Advice Really Means
    • Ep. 94 - How to Reveal Your Character’s Inner Life on the Page

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #101: First Chapter Analysis: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Jul 25, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, Abigail K. Perry and I take a deep dive into the first chapter of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Here’s a preview of what we talk about:

    [05:38] A very quick summary of the first chapter

    [13:37] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings


    [43:08] A micro analysis of the scene within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid


    [52:50] Final thoughts and episode recap

    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Want to join our book club? Click here to learn more!
    • Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

    FREE TRAINING: 5 Secrets to Help You Start and Finish Your Novel. Register here for instant access to the free video training!

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #100: A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (July 2023) Jul 18, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes with me throughout my entire week, and I’m going to share what I’m working on, what big projects I’m focused on right now, and basically, anything that happens during the week.

    I'm always curious as to how people set up their day and what they're working on, and how they choose what they're going to actually work on that week. So, I thought you might be curious to know what I do all day as an editor and book coach—what I focus on and how I navigate through many, many, many action items. So, that’s what this episode is all about. I hope you enjoy this peek behind the scenes!
    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Click here to register for my FREE training all about the 5 Secrets to Help You Start and Finish Your Novel!
    • Ep. 85 - Student Spotlight: How She Overcame Her Fear of the Blank Page (and Indie Published Her Novel) with Jennifer Lauer
    • Ep. 91 - Student Spotlight: How She Went From First Draft to Landing Her Dream Agent with Jamie Varon
    • Want to join our book club? Click here to learn more!

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #99: 5 Mindset Tips to Help You Unlock Your Writing Potential Jul 11, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing a round-up of mindset tips from some of my peers! Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [02:00] Rachel May of Golden May Editing shares a mindset tip about taking the pressure off of your writing practice by letting it be easy. You can learn more about Rachel, Golden May Editing, and her Story Magic podcast here!

    [04:43] Georgina Green shares a mindset tip about using better language to talk to yourself about writing. She suggests operating from a growth mindset vs. a fixed one. You can learn more about George and her Calliope Writer’s Group here!

    [08:55] Kenny MacKay shares a mindset tip about not letting your self-doubt and limiting beliefs get the best of you. He suggests facing them head-on so that you can start making progress. Learn more about Kenny and his Author Your Dream podcast here!

    [12:00] Dani Abernathy shares a mindset tip that will help you infuse more of YOU in your writing so that you can make a bigger impact. Learn more about Dani here!

    [16:10] Brooke Adams Law shares six ways to develop your persistence muscle so that you can stick with it and finish your book. Learn more about Brooke here!

    [20:40] Final thoughts and episode recap


    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to learn more about Author Accelerator's Book Coach Certification program and to claim your $300 worth of bonuses before the offer expires on July 15th!
    • FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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


    #98: How to Add Subplots to Your Novel Jul 04, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to add subplots to your novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [1:50] Subplots are secondary storylines that receive less emphasis (and page time) than the main plot. The main purpose of any subplot in a novel is to enhance the main theme and conflict of the story.

    [2:45] Subplots have three primary relationships to your main plot. They can contradict or complement your theme and/or complicate the central conflict of your story.

    [06:05] Subplots typically come into play at the start of the second act (or at the start of the middle section of your story). However, subplots can also start and develop right alongside your primary plotline in act one (or in the begging section of your story).

    [09:00] Examples from Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

    [11:20] Final thoughts and episode recap


    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 go in and 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 what your favorite part of the episode was, 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:

    • Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to learn more about Author Accelerator's Book Coach Certification program and to claim your $300 worth of bonuses before July 15th!

    FREE RESOURCE: Need help getting started with your story? This workbook will help you flesh out the foundational elements of your story so you can start writing with confidence and ease. Get your free copy here →

    Send us Fan Mail

    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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