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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:
    #68: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Oct 18, 2022
    Show notes

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

    [05:45] A very quick summary of the first chapter

    [07:15] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings

    [13:45] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid

    [57:25] 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:

    • 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
    • Workshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes


    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


    #67: The Pros And Cons Of Independent Publishing Oct 11, 2022
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through the pros and cons of indie publishing. Here’s a preview of what you’ll hear in the episode:

    [01:30] Indie publishing is the pure do-it-yourself publishing path. It's where you, the author, take on ALL the roles of and basically become the publisher of your own book.

    [02:30] The pros of indie publishing

    [08:20] The cons of indie publishing

    [13:20] 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:

    • Episode Freebie: How to Pick Your Publishing Path Worksheet
    • Ep. 66 - The Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing
    • The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)
    • ALLi’s resource that’s all about choosing a self-publishing service that’s written by authors and full of unbiased advice.
    • Indie Publishing Resources: IngramSpark and Createspace
    • Jane Friedman’s downloadable publishing chart that gives a wider look at the different publishing options available.
    • Writer Beware has a lot of information about scams against authors and companies to watch out for.
    • Preditors and Editors, which is a watchdog site for authors with listings of which publishers are recommended and which are scams.

    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


    #66: The Pros And Cons Of Traditional Publishing Oct 04, 2022
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through the pros and cons of traditional publishing. Here’s a preview of what you’ll hear in the episode:

    [01:35] Traditional publishing refers to the established system of submitting a finished manuscript to agents with the goal of getting a book deal with one of the Big Five publishers.

    [03:00] The pros of traditional publishing

    [08:45] The cons of traditional publishing

    [15:20] 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:

    • Episode Freebie: How to Pick Your Publishing Path Worksheet
    • Indie Publishing Resources: IngramSpark and Createspace
    • Jane Friedman’s downloadable publishing chart that gives a wider look at the different publishing options available.
    • Writer Beware has a lot of information about scams against authors and companies to watch out for.
    • Preditors and Editors, which is a watchdog site for authors with listings of which publishers are recommended and which are scams.

    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


    #65: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix with Abigail Perry Sep 20, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the fifth book in the Harry Potter series!

    [03:40] A very quick summary of the first chapter

    [06:25] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings

    [25:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid

    [57:00] 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
    • Workshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes

    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


    #64: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire with Abigail Perry Sep 06, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the fourth book in the Harry Potter series:

    [03:05] A very quick summary of the first chapter
    [05:50] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings
    [20:30] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid
    [38:50] Final thoughts and episode recap

    Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast, and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    1. Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.
    2. Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
    3. Ep. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
    4. Ep. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
    5. Workshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes


    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


    #63: Don't Start a Scene Without These 3 Things Aug 23, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, I'm sharing the three contextual elements you'll want to include at the beginning of each one of your scenes. We'll also look at how these three elements show up in the opening of a scene from the novel An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Here's a preview of the key points:

    [03:10] Key element #1: Where and when is this scene taking place?
    [04:35] Key element #2: What is your POV character's mental and emotional state?
    [08:55] Key element #3: What is your POV character's goal and motivation?
    [17:35] Final thoughts and episode recap

    Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast, and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene
    • Book: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    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


    #62: The 6 Key Scenes Every Crime Novel Needs Aug 11, 2022
    Show notes

    In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every crime story needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included:
    [01:15] 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).
    [02:15] Readers choose crime fiction because they want to follow the trail of clues, make meaning of those clues, and figure out the puzzle right alongside the protagonist. They want to see the wrongs righted, and they want to see justice prevail.
    [03:05] Obligatory scenes are the key events, decisions, and discoveries that move a protagonist along their journey from point A to point B. They help us writers craft a story that works AND a story that will deliver a specific emotional experience.
    [04:35] Key scene #1: The protagonist discovers a crime that’s indicative of a master antagonist.
    [05:55] Key scene #2: The stakes become personal to the protagonist, and they commit to figuring out what’s going on so they can bring the antagonist to justice.
    [07:10] Key scene #3: The protagonist learns more about what the antagonist wants and why. This raises the stakes, and the clock starts ticking.
    [08:40] Key scene #4: The protagonist reaches an all-is-lost moment where they realize they’ve come to the wrong conclusion or they’ve been pursuing the wrong person.
    [10:05] Key scene #5: The protagonist exposes the true criminal in the big climactic moment and unravels all the antagonist’s motives and plans.
    [11:40] Key scene #6: The protagonist brings the antagonist to justice (or not).
    [12:55] Key points and episode recap.
    Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast, and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • Episode Freebie: Crime Genre Key Scenes PDF Cheat Sheet

    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


    #61: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban with Abigail Perry Jul 19, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the third book in the Harry Potter series:
    [03:00] A very quick summary of the first chapter
    [04:50] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings
    [21:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid
    [40:00] Final thoughts and episode recap
    Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
    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 (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her 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. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene
    • Workshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes

    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


    #60: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets with Abigail Perry Jul 14, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the second book in the Harry Potter series:
    [03:30] A very quick summary of the first chapter
    [05:30] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings
    [25:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid
    [46:00] Final thoughts and episode recap
    Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
    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 (www.abigailkperry.com), or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.
    • Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone
    • Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene
    • Workshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes

    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


    #59: First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone with Abigail Perry May 25, 2022
    Show notes

    In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the first book in the Harry Potter series:
    [04:30] A very quick summary of the first chapter
    [07:00] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings
    [38:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid
    [60:00] Final thoughts and episode recap
    Follow & Review in Apple Podcasts

    Are you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!

    If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
    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 (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.
    • Ep. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
    • Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene
    • Workshop: How to Hook Readers in Your First 5 Pages

    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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