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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:

#39: The #1 Reason Why So Many Novels Go Unfinished Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, we’re going to talk about why so many novels go unfinished, and what to do so that you can start finishing every project that you start. Here's a preview of what's included:
[03:20] The #1 reason why so many novels are never finished is because most writers expect to produce a first draft that’s perfect, or at least, really good -- and then, when it’s not perfect or really good, they give up on writing their story altogether.
[04:35] Trying to be a perfect writer (or even a good writer), trying to write a perfect draft (or even write a good draft), is an impossible task. It's like expecting to go through life without making any mistakes.
[05:35] Even if you outline your story in advance, or follow one of the popular plotting methods like Save the Cat or the Hero’s Journey, there’s a process of discovery that needs to happen with every story you write.
[06:45] Too many people think or hope that they can write a perfect first draft. And even worse, they believe if they don’t then that somehow means they aren’t good writers. So they expect perfection, and then the moment they hit any kind of snag, they give up because they feel disappointed in themselves and their story.
[07:45] You need to shift your mindset and allow for things to be a bit messy -- remember, they’re supposed to be. If you go into the drafting process knowing that you’re just figuring things out and that whatever you come up with WILL require revisions, it’s going to be so much easier for you to succeed.
[08:25] A lot of the writers I work with try to do too many things at once. They try to write and revise at the same time. They try to discover the story and perfect the story simultaneously. Don't do this!
[09:15] You have to get to know your story first. You have to get it all down on paper and then worry about cleaning things up later. You can do this with an outline but you still need to allow your first draft to be about getting the story down first before you go back to revise.
[10:35] It’s probably not going to feel easy at first. But every day that you can practice these mindset shifts, they’ll be more ingrained in your mind and you won’t have to think about them so much. They’ll just be a part of you and a part of how you approach the writing process.
[11:25] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If 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 in 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:

5 Questions to Ask Before Writing a First Draft (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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#38: Romance Genre Conventions Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the romance genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie Twilight. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:30] What makes the romance genre unique? In romance novels, everything centers around two characters falling in love despite the odds, and despite the risks.
[01:55] Readers choose romance novels because they want to feel all the excitement of falling in love without taking any of the emotional risks. And like all genre fiction, you have to deliver the emotional experience readers are looking for in order for your story to work.
[02:30] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[04:00] #1 - There is a love triangle between two or more characters.
[05:55] #2 - There are characters who are for the relationship, and those who are against the relationship (aka "helpers" and "harmers").
[07:05] #3 - The protagonist is pursuing a specific goal that drives the story forward (usually, it has nothing to do with romance).
[08:40] #4 - There's a clear sense of masculine and feminine sensibilities (or differences in how each character approaches love).
[09:45] #5 - There's external conflict that occurs outside the protagonist (usually related to whatever goal he or she is chasing).
[11:00] #6 - There's internal conflict that occurs inside of the protagonist (like a character flaw, a fear, an outdated worldview, etc.).
[12:20] #7 - There's at least one secret.
[13:25] #8 - The couple shares intimacy rituals.
[14:25] #9 - There's an internal change in at least one of your main characters. In other words, they overcome whatever's been holding them back from true love.
[16:30] #10 - A happily ever after (HEA) ending.
[18:25] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If 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 in 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: Romance Genre Conventions PDF Cheat Sheet
Romance Obligatory Scenes: The 6 Scenes Every Romance Novel Needs (article)
Romance Genre Conventions: The 10 Things Every Romance Novel Needs (article)
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!

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#37: 5 Questions to Ask Before Writing a First Draft Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through five questions to ask before you start writing a first draft. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:25] The purpose of a first draft is to tell yourself the story. The purpose of a first draft is NOT to be perfect or to have everything 100% figured out.
[01:50] By doing some of the important work or heavy lifting upfront, you CAN write a stronger, more efficient first draft that feels more like a second or third draft. But to do that, you need to know the answer to five really important questions.
[03:15] Question #1: Who is this story about? Who is your protagonist?
[04:40] Question #2: What's the main genre of this story?
[06:10] Question #3: What point are you trying to make with this story?
[07:20] Question #4: Where and when does this story take place?
[08:40] Question #5: What happens in the story's plot?
[10:30] 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 in 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: 5 Questions to Ask Before Writing a First Draft (PDF)
How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story (podcast and article)
5 Questions to Help You Flesh Out Your Characters (podcast and article)
3 Ways to Uncover the Theme of Your Story (podcast and article)
How to Figure Out the Big Picture Shape of Your Story (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!

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#36: What is a Book Coach? Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to cover all the different ways a book coach can help you finish your draft and become a stronger writer. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:15] A book coach is someone who guides a writer through the entire book writing process from start to finish while giving editorial feedback, accountability, and support along the way.
[04:20] Generally speaking, you can work with a book coach any time -- that’s kind of the beauty of book coaches… they’ll dive in and meet you where you’re at. Plus, a few different scenarios in which a book coach can help you.
[06:30] Tip #1: Ask yourself what you're looking for in a coach. What kind of coaching style works best for you? Do you want to meet on the phone or communicate via email only?
[07:05] Tip #2: Decide whether expertise or experience in your genre is necessary. Make sure that the coach you're thinking about working with doesn't dislike your genre!
[07:45] Tip #3: Read their website thoroughly. Do they have any certifications or special skills that might be relevant to your story? Do they read widely in your genre? Do they have testimonials from writers they've previously worked with?
[08:35] Tip #4: See if you can get them on the phone. Just like in real life, you will probably know pretty quickly if you jive with this person or not. Trust your instincts!
[09:25] Tip #5: Ask them if they think they're the right coach for you! Many coaches will be honest about this and if they're not the best fit, they can recommend you to someone else who might be a more perfect fit for you and your story.
[10:30] 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 in 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:

Do you want to work with a book coach on your story? Click here to learn more about my one-on-one book coaching services.

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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#35: 3 Reasons Why You're Not Writing Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to cover three roadblocks that might be keeping you from writing. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:45] So much of writing or editing a book has to do with managing your mind. And there’s no getting out of having to manage your mind either -- you can understand story structure, you can study all the books and take all the courses on character creation or worldbuilding or whatever, but until you understand that what you think about is going to create the emotion that either drives the action or inaction, you’re never going to take action.
[02:45] Reason #1: You're stuck doing a bunch of busywork. What does this look like? Filling out character questionnaires, spending way too much time worldbuilding, taking all the courses, reading all the books, doing all the "things" -- except writing.
[05:05] Reason #2: You're giving yourself too much time to get things done. What does this look like? You're putting in the time to “work on your novel”, what you actually produce doesn’t line up with the many hours you’ve been working.
[08:45] Reason #3: You're avoiding failure or feelings of discomfort. What does this look like? Not taking chances. Not putting yourself out there. Not finishing a draft.
[12:00] 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 in 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:

The #1 Myth That Holds Writers Back (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

#34: How to Plan Your Writing Projects for the New Year Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through how to plan out your writing projects for the new year. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:25] Creating a strategic plan is something most writers don't think about doing but it’s the kind of thing that can actually help you achieve the big goals you have like writing a novel, or submitting a short story to publishers, or whatever it is that you're hoping to do.
[02:55] Step #1: Review the last 12 months so that you can make a realistic plan for the future. What worked? What didn't work?
[05:40] Step #2: Brainstorm all the big things you want to do and then choose the 3-5 main projects you want to focus on.
[08:00] Step #3: Consider your non-negotiables. What do you need to make time for? What do you never want to do again?
[09:50] Step #4: Start mapping out how you're going to accomplish your 3-5 main goals. What are the steps? How can you break this down so that it's a more specific, actionable goal?
[14:25] Step #5: Get everything on your calendar and then do a gut check. Does your plan feel overwhelming? Or exciting?
[18:30] 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 in 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: The Writing Project Planner Workbook (PDF)
Need help with your story? Click here to check out my book coaching and editing services.

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

#33: 5 Takeaways From Coaching Writers in 2020 Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, I'm sharing some of the lessons I learned from coaching writers this year. My hope is that these lessons will help you to keep moving forward with your work in the most efficient way possible. Here's a quick preview:
[01:20] Lesson #1: It’s totally possible to write the first draft of a full-length novel in 90 days IF you do the hard work to outline and pressure test your story upfront.
[04:25] Lesson #2: It’s okay to start with the plot of your story, or the external stuff that happens, AS LONG AS you have some idea of your character’s internal arc.
[07:25] Lesson #3: If you learn how to write a scene that works, it will be MUCH easier to write a first draft that works. Plus, your writing will improve a lot, too!
[10:25] Lesson #4: It’s okay if your first draft (or even your second draft) isn’t perfect. No matter how much work you do upfront, you will NEVER have everything figured out before you start writing.
[13:05] Lesson #5: Your second draft is where the magic happens! Focus on getting the first draft done so that you can benefit from all the 'a-ha' moments and new ideas that come from getting to know your story more.
[15:15] 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 in 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:

5 Questions to Help You Craft Compelling Characters (article)
How to Write Scenes That Work via Story Grid (article)
First 5 Pages Workshop: Learn the 5 key elements to include in your first five pages so that you can hook and hold the reader's attention.

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

#32: How to Start Editing Your NaNowriMo Draft Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through what to do with your messy first draft now that NaNoWriMo is over. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:20] Everything we cover in today's episode can be used whether you participated in NaNoWriMo or not. All that matters is that you have a finished draft.
[02:30] Step #1: Take a break from your draft so that you can get some distance and give your imagination time to regenerate.
[03:30] Step #2: Read your draft to familiarize yourself with what you wrote and to see all of the story pieces that you have to work with. Don't make any changes yet!
[04:10] Step #3: Read your draft, again, with your editor's hat on. Focus on the big-picture elements of the story (genre, characters, structure, theme, point of view, etc.) and take notes on things you want to fix, add, delete, or change. Don’t make any changes yet, just take notes.
[09:10] Step #4: Make a plan for exactly HOW you’re going to tackle your revisions. When would you like to be done? How much time will you set aside each day/week/month to work on your revisions?
[10:20] Step #5: Get an outsider's perspective once you've done as much as you can on your own. Enlist the help of beta readers, a developmental editor, or even a book coach.
[11:30] When should you work with a professional editor or book coach? If you're just starting, or if your draft is a big mess, a book coach can help you start over from the ground up. If you have a finished draft, a developmental editor can help you figure out your next steps.
[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 in 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: The NaNoWriMo Editing Checklist (PDF)
How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story (podcast and article)
3 Ways to Figure Out the Theme of Your Story (podcast and article)
5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters (podcast and article)
How to Choose the Best POV for Your Story (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

#31: The 6 Scenes Every Thriller Novel Needs Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every thriller novel needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:18] Thrillers combine all the criminality and suspense of a good detective novel with the danger and life and death stakes from the action or horror genre. Usually, these stories center around a protagonist who's focused on stopping a future crime from happening.
[01:40] Readers choose thriller novels because they want to experience the thrill of trying to outsmart and stop the villain before he or she commits more crimes -- all from the comfort of their own homes. And like all genre fiction, you have to deliver the emotional experience readers are looking for in order for your story to work.
[02:15] 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.
[03:55] Key scene #1: A scene where a crime is discovered.
[04:45] Key scene #2: A scene where the stakes become personal for the protagonist and they commit to stopping the antagonist.
[05:55] Key scene #3: A scene where the protagonist learns what the antagonist wants and why. This scene helps to shift the protagonist from being reactive to proactive and helps them recommit to stopping the antagonist.
[06:55] Key scene #4: A scene where the protagonist learns or does something that sets them up to be the antagonist’s final victim.
[7:55] Key scene #5: A scene where the protagonist is at the mercy of the antagonist.
[8:45] Key scene #6: A scene where readers learn whether justice prevailed or not.
[9:45] 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 in 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: Thriller Genre Key Scenes PDF Cheat Sheet
Thriller Obligatory Scenes: The 6 Scenes Every Thriller Novel Needs (article)
Thriller Genre Conventions: The 10 Things Every Thriller Novel Needs (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

#30: 4 Reasons Why You Need a Target Word Count Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode, we’re going to talk through four reasons why you should have a target word count for your story. Here's a preview of what's included:
[01:50] Generally speaking, a novel is defined as any story over 40,000 words. But, the average novel is usually somewhere around 80,000-100,000 words.
[02:05] Technically there’s no maximum length for a novel, but there are guidelines you can follow to determine whether your story is the appropriate length, or too long. These guidelines are determined by the genre and the target age range you’re writing for so, it’s always a good idea to know what your genre is and what age range you’re writing for before you land on a target word count.
[03:15] Reason #1: Having a target word count can help you make a realistic writing schedule. You can break your target word count into smaller pieces and then estimate the time it will take to finish those pieces.
[05:15] Reason #2: Having a target word count can help you outline your story. You can break down your target word count into the number of words within each act, the approximate number of scenes within each act, and more.
[07:05] Reason #3: Having a target word count will help you edit your work. And that's because you can use your target word count to figure out approximately how many words you'll need to cut or add. From there, you can make a more realistic plan for editing your draft.
[08:15] Reason #4: Having a target word count will help you when it comes time to publish. If you're planning to traditionally publish, being within your genre's average word count could be the difference between your manuscript being read or not. If you're going the self-publishing route, you'll want to keep story length in mind so that you can budget properly and meet reader's expectations.
[10:00] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If 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 in 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: Average Novel Length by Genre and Age Range PDF Cheat Sheet
How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story (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

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