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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:

#78: Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2022 Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I'm doing a little countdown of some of the best and most listened-to clips from the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast in 2022. Here's a preview of what you'll hear in the episode:

[01:40] Tip #10: Test out your idea by writing a 1-2 sentence summary of your entire story, focusing on the main story thread.

[04:15] Tip #9: Create a scene-by-scene roadmap for your entire story (and then pressure-test it!) before you start writing.

[07:10] Tip #8: Write (and edit) your story in scenes, not chapters! This will help you stay on track and produce a well-paced story.

[10:40] Tip #7: Not everything that happens in a story needs to be dramatized in a full-blown scene. Sometimes, you can summarize!

[13:05] Tip #6: Establish your character’s mental and emotional state at the very beginning of each one of your scenes.

[16:45] Tip #5: When you finish writing a first draft, the very first thing you should do is take a break!

[19:50] Tip #4: Make sure something meaningful happens in your opening pages if you want to catch the reader’s attention!

[22:35] Tip #3: If you want to hook an agent’s attention with your query letter, don’t be vague when summarizing your story–be specific!

[25:15] Tip #2: If you want to get a traditional publishing deal, consider self-publishing (first) to gain experience and grow your audience.

[26:55] Tip #1: Don’t assume a traditional publisher will provide significant marketing help if you get a book deal.

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! 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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#77: 5 Takeaways from Coaching Writers in 2022 Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of the key takeaways I learned from coaching writers in 2022. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:30] Takeaway #1: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Plus, the story of how two different writers tried something new—and had surprisingly good results.

[05:10] Takeaway #2: Writing interiority is hard for almost every writer. And in my opinion, it’s not talked about enough. This is something every writer should study more!

[08:10] Takeaway #3: Sometimes fast drafting is the key to success. Plus, how one writer moved through planning and outlining her story quickly, despite the discomfort.

[11:35] Takeaway #4: Don’t be so precious about the beginning of your first draft. Plus, a tip for what to do if you feel stuck on your opening scenes or pages.

[14:05] Takeaway #5: Trust the process! The ‘a-ha’ moments always come. How one writer was finally able to see the big picture of her story—but how it took getting all the way to ‘The End’ to do so.

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 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

#76: Student Spotlight: The Power of Outlining (and How He Finished a First Draft in 3 Months) With James Beswick Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I’m sitting down with James Beswick to talk through his incredibly inspiring story of how he finished his first draft in three months. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[03:30] An introduction to James Beswick and how he decided to write a book
[05:30] How James carved out writing time in his calendar, while working a full time job
[06:30] What James’s Notes to Novel experience was like—and why he decided to enroll in the course in the first place
[08:25] How James initially wanted to write a screenplay, but then decided to write a novel instead (Plus, our thoughts on writing a novel vs. writing a screenplay)
[11:00] How your genre framework removes the terror and overwhelm from the writing process (and pulls back the curtain on how to actually write a novel)
[13:30] A quick description of James’s story
[14:45] What is was like for James to create an outline—and the three things that helped him outline his story the most
[16:30] The secret to avoiding writing problematic scenes where nothing happens
[18:45] My feedback on James’s outline (the 3 main issues he had + what worked)
[21:45] James’s big a-ha moment re: writing the perfect first draft (and the mindset shift that got him through writing a messy first draft)
[24:30] Why James decided to get outside feedback from an editor once he had a finished draft (and what this process was like)
[27:00] Our thoughts on the hardest section of the story to write
[29:00] What it was like for James to get feedback on his first draft—and what some of the biggest issues were in terms of plot and character
[36:00] An update on how the second draft is going for James (and how he’s using his outline to help him navigate the revision process)
[46:00] Final words of wisdom and advice from James
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:

Follow James Beswick on Twitter!
Interested in the Notes to Novel course? Click here to get on the waitlist. Doors will re-open in early January, and you'll be the first to know!

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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#75: Crime Genre Conventions Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I’m covering the conventions of the crime genre. This includes the character roles, settings, and events that need to be present in a crime story in order for it to work and satisfy fans of the genre. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:30] Crime stories are all about the quest to either solve or commit a crime. So, these stories start with a crime, build with an investigation (or a completion of the crime), and end with identifying and bringing the criminal to justice (or not).

[05:15] 1. There’s a crime with at least one victim that launches the investigation.

[06:15] 2. The protagonist is intelligent and determined to solve the crime.

[08:15] 3. There’s an equally smart or crafty antagonist who seems to be a step ahead of the protagonist the whole time.

[09:15] 4. There is a closed circle of suspects, each with a credible motive and a reasonable opportunity to commit the crime.

[10:30] 5. There’s a MacGuffin (or a very specific thing the antagonist wants).

[11:30] 6. A sidekick character who acts as a sounding board for the protagonist.

[12:25] 7. There are clues and red herrings that help (or hurt) the investigation.

[13:40] 8. There’s a ticking clock by which the protagonist must solve the crime.

[14:37] 9. There’s a speech in praise of the antagonist that shows their brilliance.

[15:48] 10. There’s at least one shapeshifter character.

[16:42] 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:

Episode Freebie: Crime Genre Cheat Sheet
The 6 Key Scenes Every Crime Story Needs (article)
What are Obligatory Scenes and Conventions? (article)
Understanding Genre: How to Write Better Stories (article)

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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#74: When Should You Write in Scene vs. Summary? Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I’m covering the difference between writing in scene versus writing in summary. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:45] Scenes are concrete moments that unfold in real time. Readers “watch” the characters move across the setting, interact with other characters or the setting, and speak as if everything’s taking place in the real world, in real time.

[02:55] Summaries happen over a condensed period of time (days, months, years, etc.). They convey ideas, concepts, and information rather than create specific experiences that a character (and readers) are “living through” in that moment.

[04:20] An example from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

[07:30] An example from Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (trigger warning: a dead body)

[10:55] Top 3 guidelines for when you should write in scene

[12:20] Top three guidelines for when you should write in summary

[16:15] Do not get hung up on this when writing your first draft! Your main job when writing a first draft is to get to THE END–worry about scene vs. summary later.

[16:45] 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:

Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene (article)
How to Write Better Scenes (workshop)

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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#73: The 4 Phases of Editing: How to Revise Your Novel Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, we’re going to talk about how to edit your messy first draft without slipping into overwhelm. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:50] The very first thing you should do when you finish a first draft

[04:15] A quick overview of the four editing phases, and how breaking your edits down into these phases will help you reduce overwhelm.

[05:45] Phase 1: The “Story Level” edit

[09:25] Phase 2: The “Scene Level edit”

[13:35] How your editing plan might change depending on your publishing goals

[14:30] Phase 3: The “Page Level edit”

[16:20] Phase 4: The “Sentence Level edit”

[19:35] My answer to writers who ask me, “Can I do these phases out of order?” (spoiler alert: my answer is almost always no)

[20:00] FAQ: Is there a way to go through all four phases faster?

[20:45] 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 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

#72: The 6 Scenes Every Morality Story Needs Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I’m covering the key scenes that every morality story needs. I’ve also included examples of how they show up in the movie Flight. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:45] Morality stories center around a protagonist with a moral compass that’s about to change, for better or for worse. They’re either seeking redemption from past mistakes or they want to silence their inner conscience so they can keep doing selfish things.

[03:00] Readers choose these types of stories because they want to see what another person will do when given the choice to act selfishly or altruistically. Will they make the “right” choice? Or the “wrong” one?

[05:15] Key Scene #1: The protagonist faces an opportunity or challenge to be selfless

[06:05] Key Scene #2: The protagonist commits to doing nothing about the greater need (and may even move in the opposite direction)

[07:30] Key Scene #3: The protagonist learns what the antagonist wants and why, and the greater external need is starting to become uncomfortable

[08:40] Key Scene #4: The protagonist reaches an all-is-lost moment where it seems like their selfish ways will no longer work

[09:35] Key Scene #5: The protagonist either sacrifices something in service of an individual, or they decide once and for all to maintain their selfish way of being

[11:00] Key Scene #6: The protagonist is either rewarded with forgiveness, or they’re punished for sticking to their selfish ways

[12:15] 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 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

#71: Student Spotlight: How She Wrote a Novel in 6 Months (and Landed an Agent 10 Months Later) with Stefanie Medrek Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I’m sitting down with Stefanie Medrek to talk through her incredibly inspiring story of how she went from having an idea for a story to landing an agent. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[05:00] The exact moment Stefanie had the idea for her story—and how she just knew it wouldn’t let her go until she put pen to paper

[08:00] A quick description of Stefanie’s story

[09:35] Stefanie’s initial reaction to my advice to throw out all 40,000 of the words she had written, and what happened when she did

[12:00] A few of the key takeaways Stefanie learned from re-writing her first draft

[15:00] What the editing process was like (and how long it took)

[17:35] How and when Stefanie knew she was ready to start querying

[19:00] Stefanie’s reaction to getting a heart on her #PitMad pitch (IYKYK)

[22:30] The moment Stefanie almost gave up on writing… and then got a call from her (now) agent an hour later

[25:00] How having a fleshed out outline helped Stefanie avoid spiraling into overwhelm

[27:00] What happened when Stefanie got the offer of representation

[28:00] What it was like to get feedback (and suggested changes) from her agent

[30:00] A quick look into what writing book two looks like

[34:00] Stefanie’s thoughts on 1:1 coaching vs. the Notes to Novel course

[38:00] Final words of wisdom and advice from Stefanie

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:

Stefanie Medrek’s website
Follow Stefanie on Instagram
The doors to my Notes to Novel course are closing for the rest of 2022 very soon! If you want my proven roadmap for writing a first draft that works, click here to enroll so that you can get started today!
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

#70: Status Genre Conventions Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the status genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Devil Wears Prada. Here's a preview of what's included:

[01:45] Status stories center around the protagonist’s inner need for respect that manifests as a specific desire to achieve or accomplish something in the external world.

[02:55] Readers of status stories want to feel hopeful that the protagonist will succeed. They want to read about someone who works hard to improve their situation–and they want to feel a sense of triumph when that person succeeds.

[05:15] 1- The protagonist wants to gain respect, but what they need is self-esteem.

[06:05] 2- The antagonist opposes the protagonist and threatens their position.

[07:00] 3- There is a clear (and specific) definition of what it means to be successful.

[08:15] 4- The setting is public; people will witness the protagonist's success or failure.

[09:10] 5- At least one social problem or moral challenge for the protagonist to face.

[10:05] 6- At least one foil character who demonstrates a different path to success.

[10:40] 7- At least one mentor figure who guides the protagonist, for better or for worse.

[11:35] 8- At least one shapeshifter character who hinders the protagonist’s progress.

[12:15] 9- The protagonist must overcome an inner obstacle related to success.

[13:25] 10- The ending of a status story is usually bittersweet.

[14:30] 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:

Episode Freebie: Status Genre Conventions PDF Cheat Sheet
Conventions vs. tropes: What's the difference? (podcast and article)

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

#69: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the seventh book in the Harry Potter series.
Here’s a preview of what we talk about:

[07:45] A very quick summary of the first chapter

[11:40] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings

[43:30] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid

[54:00] 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:

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.
Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
Ep. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
Ep. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
Ep. 64 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
Ep. 66 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Ep. 69 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
Click here to join our book club! Book Notes is a virtual book club for writers who want to read good books and then deconstruct them to figure out how and why they work. First up: UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover!

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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