TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    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:
    #97: First Chapter Analysis: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Jun 27, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the first chapter of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Join me and fellow developmental editor Abigail K. Perry as we talk through the first chapter of this popular fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what we talk about:

    [08:20] A very quick summary of the first chapter

    [21:00] A micro-analysis of the first chapter to see how many scenes are present within the opening chapter—as well as how and why the scenes work

    [34:00] Our thoughts on how the opening chapter gives readers plenty of clues re: what this story is going to be about (and how it plays on the global stakes)

    [47:00] 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:

    • Doors to my Notes to Novel course are officially OPEN! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:59 PST!
    • 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 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


    #96: 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers Jun 20, 2023
    Show notes

    In this episode, I’m sharing my top 5 worldbuilding tips for science fiction and fantasy writers, with examples from popular novels. Here's a preview of what's included in the episode:
    [02:39] Tip #1—Go narrow and deep in your worldbuilding, not wide and shallow. Pick 2-3 worldbuilding categories to focus on, and only flesh out whatever's relevant to your plot and/or characters.
    [05:43] Tip #2—Determine what kind of magic or technology will exist in your story world. Will your magic/tech be used to create and solve problems (hard magic/tech)? Or will it be a bit more nebulous (soft magic/tech)?
    [09:20] Tip #3—Avoid generalizations when it comes to the people or creatures who populate your story world. Real people have their own unique worldviews, beliefs, fears, and dreams. So should your population!
    [11:21] Tip #4—Your story world needs its own internal logic—for every cause, there’s an effect; for every action, there’s a reaction. Whatever you change in your world, consider the ramifications to build your internal logic.
    [12:33] Tip #5—Use your target audience’s age range to help inform your story’s learning curve. In general, middle-grade stories will have a more shallow learning curve whereas adult stories will have a steeper one.
    [14:56] 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:

    • Doors to my Notes to Novel course are officially OPEN! Click here to learn more and enroll before this enrollment period closes on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:59 PST!
    • Ep. 95 - How to Start Writing Your Sci-Fi or Fantasy Novel

    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


    #95: How to Start Writing Your Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel Jun 13, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top five tips to help you get started with your science fiction or fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [00:00] Step 1: Decide what kind of fantasy or science fiction story you’re writing. Find both the commercial genre and content genre of your story.
    [00:00] Step 2: Determine what your protagonist wants and needs. Look to your content genre for guidance, and then make your answer specific to your story idea
    [00:00] Step 3: Figure out what kind of conflict your protagonist will face as they pursue their goal. Consider both the external and internal conflict.
    [00:00] Step 4: Flesh out your story world. Where and when does your story take place? Focus on a few areas to go deep in—and don’t worry about figuring everything out!
    [00:00] Step 5: Summarize the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Write a 1-2 sentence logline and a 2-3 paragraph synopsis that focuses on the primary storyline
    [00:00] 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. 2 - How to Choose the Right Genre For Your Story
    • Ep. 7 - 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters
    • Ep. 14 - How to Handle Character Backstory in Your Novel
    • Want to get on the waitlist for my Notes to Novel course? Click here to sign up—doors are opening up again very soon and there will be an early bird discount, but only if you’re on the waitlist!

    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 →

    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


    #94: How to Reveal Your Character’s Inner Life on the Page Jun 08, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about writing interiority—aka how to reveal your character’s inner life on the page. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [03:20] What is interiority? Interiority is on-the-page access to a protagonist’s psyche as they process information in an interesting way.

    [06:15] What is the primary purpose of interiority? Interiority helps readers connect with your characters by exposing their inner life (plus so much more!).

    [08:20] An example of what interiority looks like from a real-life published novel (and two questions to help you determine if a passage is interiority or not).

    [11:00] 10 questions to help you ground yourself in your point of view character’s perspective (and write better interiority in your scenes)

    [14:20] 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:

    • Ep. 82 - Show, Don't Tell: What This Advice Really Means
    • Ep. 7 - 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters

    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 →

    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


    #93: First Chapter Analysis: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn May 30, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Legendborn by Tracey Deonn. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we talk through the first chapter of this popular YA fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what we talk about:

    [03:25] A very quick summary of the first chapter

    [05:00] A microanalysis of the two scenes within the first chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid

    [18:25] Our thoughts on prologues

    [20:00] 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:

    • 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 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


    #92: The 5 Functions of Dialogue in Your Story May 23, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, we’re going to look at the five functions of dialogue in your story. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

    [03:50] Function #1: Dialogue can help you advance the plot

    [05:50] Function #2: Dialogue can help you reveal character

    [08:30] Function #3: Dialogue can help you establish context

    [12:40] Function #4: Dialogue can help you set the tone and mood

    [15:45] Function #5: Dialogue can help you reveal or hint at your theme

    [17:40] Key points 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!

    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


    #91: Student Spotlight: How She Went From First Draft to Landing Her Dream Agent with Jamie Varon May 09, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jamie Varon to talk through her incredibly inspiring story of how she went from writing the first draft of her novel to landing her dream agent. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [04:15] A quick introduction to Jamie Varon (including a timeline of her writing, editing, and publishing journey) as well as a summary of her novel, Main Character Energy
    [17:45] Jamie describes what it’s like working with her agent—including what it’s like receiving feedback and collaborating with her on changes to the manuscript
    [30:00] Jamie talks about what it was like to hear some really tough feedback from her literary agent—and how this feedback led Jamie to seek representation elsewhere. Spoiler alert: she ended up landing her dream agent shortly after!
    [59:30] What it’s like working with a screenwriter to turn her memoir/self-help book, Radically Content, into a movie (plus, our final thoughts on writing)
    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:

    • Jamie Varon’s website
    • Jamie Varon on Instagram
    • Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon (out September 2023)
    • Radically Content by Jamie Varon
    • Radically Content (The Journal) by Jamie Varon
    • Root Literary Agency


    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


    #90: How to Choose the Best Point of View for Your Story Apr 04, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through how to choose the best point of view and tense for your story. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [01:35] Point of view is the lens through which your story is told. It’s whose eyes the reader will experience your story through.
    [01:56] In first person point of view, your protagonist is the narrator. They’re telling the story in their own words, from their own perspective, and filtering things through their own worldview and biases.
    [04:50] In second person point of view, the writer makes the reader the protagonist in the story, speaking directly to “you” as the story unfolds.
    [06:03] In third person omniscient point of view, the story is told from a god-like, all knowing perspective, by a narrator who doesn’t have a role in the story.
    [09:20] In third person limited point of view, the story is told from a distance following the perspective of one POV character per scene. It’s similar to first person POV, but told from a bit more of a distance.
    [13:30] If you’re writing from multiple perspectives, make sure they’re connected in some way. They can be in a relationship together, have their fates tied together, or face a common form of conflict.
    [16:39] Key points 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:

    • FREE WORKBOOK: Grab my brand-new, multi-page Story Starter Kit that will walk you through five key questions to answer before you start writing.


    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


    #89: Student Spotlight: How She Used Short Stories to Hone Her Craft (and Publish Her Debut Novel) with Pauline Yates Mar 21, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's episode, I’m sitting down with Pauline Yates to talk through how she used short stories to hone her craft and publish her debut novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [03:05] An introduction to Pauline Yates and her story, Memories Don’t Lie.
    [03:55] How she used short stories to hone her craft and practice submitting her work to publishers (and spoiler alert: she’s now published many of her short stories!)
    [13:45] Pauline’s take on what it was like to work with me (and how there was one little thing I kept harping on—if you know me, you know it was scene structure)
    [18:40] How she develops her characters and “spends time” with them until she knows exactly what they’d do and how they’d behave in any given scenario
    [24:55] The aspect of writing Pauline struggles with the most—and spoiler alert: it’s worldbuilding—plus, what’s she learned about worldbuilding during revisions
    [37:25] A behind-the-scenes look at her experience querying over 30 agents before finally finding her dream publisher in her own (Australian) backyard
    [50:25] Final words of wisdom and advice from Pauline
    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." 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:

    • Visit Pauline’s website here
    • Pauline’s debut novel, Memories Don’t Lie on Amazon
    • Read Pauline’s short story, The Secret Keepers, in this edition of Metaphosis Magazine
    • Check out other books published by Black Hare Press
    • Want to learn more about my Notes to Novel course? Click here to sign up for my FREE TRAINING: The 5 Little-Known Mistakes Most Writers Make (& What to Do Instead)

    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


    #88: Perfectionism vs. Procrastination: What's REALLY Going On? Mar 14, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m talking about how perfectionism is really just another form of procrastination. I also share some words of wisdom to help you get back on track and moving forward with your writing again. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
    [02:20] My two cents on how perfectionism and procrastination are linked and what to do if you find yourself stuck in a neverending loop of procrastination
    [05:25] A recent story about how I did an imperfect presentation (and got called out on it)—and how this relates back to your own writing journey
    [09:40] A mindset shift that will help you say goodbye to perfectionism and procrastination once and for all—trust me, you’re going to love this!
    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." 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!

    • Grab your FREE Story Starter Kit here!
    • Seth Godin’s video


    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


    Previous 1 17 18 19 20 21 29 Next

    Related Podcasts

    Fresh Air

    1

    Fresh Air Arts
    Twenty Thousand Hertz

    2

    Twenty Thousand Hertz Arts
    The Black Tapes

    3

    The Black Tapes Arts
    Snap Judgment

    4

    Snap Judgment Arts
    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin

    5

    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin Arts
    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc.

    6

    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc. Arts
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights