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    Arts

    Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

    Have you ever had a story idea you love—a vivid world, compelling characters, big themes—but every time you sit down to write, something just… isn’t working?

    If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

    Welcome to Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple.

    In each episode, I tackle one specific problem standing between you and a cohesive, compelling book—whether that’s character arc, plot structure, backstory, worldbuilding, magic systems, genre clarity, revision, or the publishing path. Some episodes are focused teaching sessions where I break down craft and process step by step, and others feature in-depth conversations with industry experts—authors, editors, agents, and publishing professionals—who share real-world insight into what actually works.

    No vague advice. No craft mysticism. Just concrete, actionable strategies you can apply immediately (often with free companion workbooks linked right in the show notes).

    This podcast is here to help you stop spinning your wheels and start making confident, intentional story choices—so your novel feels grounded, emotionally powerful, and readable all the way through.

    I’m your host, Heather Davis—Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, developmental editor, host of the WorldShift Writing Summit, podcaster, and fellow speculative fiction writer. I’ve spent over a decade helping writers untangle messy drafts, fix stories that almost work, and build novels from the ground up in a way that’s sustainable and actually makes sense.

    And let’s be honest: writing a good novel—the kind readers want to finish, recommend, and come back to—is hard. This podcast doesn’t promise shortcuts or overnight success. Instead, it embraces the real, messy, challenging work of storytelling—and gives you the tools to do it well.

    If you’ve ever found yourself typing questions like these into Google, this show is for you:

    • What is show don’t tell?
    • What’s the difference between scenes and chapters?
    • How do I use Save the Cat to structure my novel without it feeling formulaic?
    • How do I include backstory without info-dumping?
    • Why isn’t my magic system working in my story?
    • How do I revise a novel without getting overwhelmed?
    • How do I write character driven stories? 
    • How do I develop my author Voice?
    • How do I write fantasy, romantasy, dystopian, science fiction, magical realism, paranormal, horror, or other speculative genres?
    • How do I develop my protagonist?
    • What is interiority?
    • How do I determine the these and Point of my novel? 
    • How do I create a character arc for my protagonist? 
    • etc. 

    So if you’re ready to write a novel you’re proud of—one that holds together, makes readers think, and earns their trust—go ahead and follow or subscribe. It’s the easiest way to support the show and make sure you don’t miss what’s coming next.

    Next steps:
    If you want to go deeper, get on my email list so you don’t miss my free and paid classes, workshops, and free writing sprints:
    👉 https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO

    Have a question or want to reach out directly? You can email me anytime at heather@manyworldswriting.com

    Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and remember: the world needs your stories right now. Don’t give up on your novel—or yourself.

    Advertise
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    5 Essential Questions You MUST Answer When Writing Your Opening Scene | Episode 25 Aug 08, 2024
    Show notes

    The opening scene of your novel is arguably the most crucial part of your book. If it doesn’t capture readers' curiosity and imagination, they won’t keep reading. No wonder the opening scene is notoriously hard to write!
    But don’t worry—I’m here to help simplify and clarify the progress!
    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • 5 Essential Questions you MUST answer when writing your opening scene
    • Whether backstory and context are essential or just a recipe for info dumping
    • Why character flaws and problems are key to an engaging opening scene
    • And so much more...


    Sign up for my FREE Mini Course:
    ✨4 Secrets To Crafting a Powerful Character Arc for Your Protagonist✨


    👉resources.manyworldswriting.com/5XyYsI

    Join Momentum Writing Sprints! ✍️🏃🏽‍♀️😎Come write with us for FREE every Saturday from 11 am to 12 pm ET!

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    9 Tricks to Overcome Writer's Block and Keep Your Writing on Track | Episode 24 Aug 01, 2024
    Show notes

    Writer's block is one of the most challenging hurdles an author can encounter. It has the power to derail brilliant stories and thwart dreams of becoming a published author. But fear not—there are effective strategies to combat this creativity killer and keep your writing journey on course.


    In this episode, we'll delve into practical, actionable steps to limit and conquer writer’s block. Whether you're struggling to get started, stuck in the middle of a project, or facing a blank page, I've got you covered.


    In this episode you’ll learn:

    • The 9 powerful tricks that can help you overcome writer’s block and maintain your creative flow
    • The most foundational layer of your novel that might be missing, and how addressing it can reignite your inspiration
    • The common issues that cause writer’s block and how to tackle them head-on
    • And so much more…


    Finding the Point of your novel:

    Click HERE for Episode 1

    Click HERE for the FREE Episode 1 workbook


    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    4 Steps to Writing a Flawed Protagonist Who Readers Love | Episode 23 Jul 25, 2024
    Show notes

     Most writers understand that creating a character with no flaws is a huge turnoff to readers because it’s hard to feel connected to someone who is perfect and does everything right.
    But how do you give your protagonist flaws that feel real and authentic instead of superficially layered on?
    Worry no more! In this episode, we'll dive deep into exactly how to uncover and develop your protagonist's flaws so readers will be hooked.
    In this episode you’ll learn:

    1. The 4 steps to writing a flawed protagonist
    2. The 3 foundational elements that must be in place before you uncover your protagonist's flaws
    3. How character arc is pivotal to authentic flaws
    4. And so much more…


    Click HERE for Episode 1
    Click HERE for the FREE Episode 1 workbook

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    Quick Tip: 6 Steps to Establish a Writing Habit So You Can Finish Your Novel | Episode 22 Jul 18, 2024
    Show notes

    The biggest obstacles writers face are overcoming procrastination and avoiding the dreaded writer’s block. In fact, these obstacles are what stand between them and finishing their novel. But what many writers don’t realize is that the key to conquering these obstacles is developing a consistent writing habit that will keep their creative juices flowing.

    So, how can a writer actually create a writing habit that will help them through the highs and lows of writing and revise a novel that captivates readers?


    Well, get ready to learn exactly the steps to take to make a productive writing habit a reality this year!


    In this episode you’ll learn:


    1. The 6 steps that you need to take to establish your own writing habit
    2. Why writing every day is key to long term success
    3. The number 1 key to sticking to your writing routine
    4. And so much more…


    🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟

    Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth-oriented mentorship program? Join a group where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from character arcs and plot development to building your author platform. You'll receive extensive 1:1 feedback in a supportive community.

    Sign up for a free mentorship chat now and discover if this program is the right fit for you! Book your mentorship chat here


    Who should sign up for a free chat?


    Any writer who:


    👉 Wants to write a powerful novel

    👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion

    👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability

    👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill

    👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place

    👉 Is looking for the right mentor to guide their journey

    👉 Is ready to get serious about writing their novel now

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    The Timeline for Crafting a Solid Debut Novel: Writing Tips for Your First Book! | Episode 21 Jul 10, 2024
    Show notes

    Writing a speculative fiction novel that resonates with readers is tough work. Many writers feel they're doing something wrong when it takes time to create a draft that feels solid and ready to stand on its own two shaky legs.
    In fact, one of the very first questions most writers ask me before we start working together is some version of: "How long will it take for me to finish my novel?"
    If you're one of those writers, great! I'm going to answer all of your questions by walking you through the process as it typically unfolds with the writers I work with!
    In this episode you’ll learn:

    • The general timeline for writing a debut novel--especially if you’re looking to write an emotionally powerful one.
    • How many drafts it typically takes to write a solid manuscript.
    • What happens at each phase of the drafting.
    • And so much more…


    🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟
    Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth-oriented mentorship program? Join a group where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from character arcs and plot development to building your author platform. You'll receive extensive 1:1 feedback in a supportive community.
    Sign up for a free mentorship chat now and discover if this program is the right fit for you!
    Book your mentorship chat here:
    https://heatherdavisbookcoachingservices.as.me/Mentorship
    Who should sign up for a free chat?
    Any writer who:
    👉 Wants to write a powerful novel
    👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion
    👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability
    👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill
    👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place
    👉 Is looking for the right mentor to guide their journey
    👉 Is ready to get serious about writing their novel now

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care: Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20 Jun 20, 2024
    Show notes

    Many writers want to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their novels, but they’re afraid of getting it wrong and doing more harm than good. If you’re one of those writers, this podcast episode is for you! My friend and colleague, Sam Cameron, explains exactly how every writer can feel empowered to write more inclusive stories.

    🌟Take Sam Cameron’s quiz and find out if your manuscript is LGBTQ+ inclusive🌟

    https://truantpen.com/lgbtq

    In this episode you’ll learn:


    1. The 4 steps you should take to ensure your LGBTQ+ characters are represented in a way that supports and uplifts the community
    2. Whether the advice "write what you know" is really the best policy
    3. The 3 most harmful tropes to avoid
    4. Novels that you can "study" to see LGBTQ+ characters represented well
    5. And so much more…


    🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟
    Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth oriented mentorship program where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from the character arc and plot all the way through building your author platform? A group where you'll get lots of 1:1 feedback?
    Sign up for a mentorship chat now and let's find out if the program is right for you!
    https://heatherdavisbookcoachingservices.as.me/Mentorship
    Who should sign up for a free chat?
    Any writer who:
    👉 Wants to write a powerful novel
    👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion
    👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability
    👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill
    👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place
    👉 Wants to find the right mentor to guide their journey
    👉 Wants to get down to business writing their novel now


    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    The Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict Chain: How to Write with Narrative Drive | Episode 19 Jun 13, 2024
    Show notes

    →Sign up for my free workshop Create a Dynamic Character Arc For Your Protagonist. This workshop, which includes live coaching, will help you develop the foundation elements of your novel and bridge the gap between plot and character arc! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/workshop

    You might have heard of Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict, but do you know how to use them to create narrative drive in your novel?
    In this episode you’ll learn:


    1. The Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict Chain, and how to use it to create narrative drive
    2. Why your protagonist must have a clear, concrete, and tangible goal from page one
    3. High versus low stakes novels and how to make either interesting to readers
    4. The 5 questions to ask yourself to create narrative drive
    5. Why you need a ticking clock
    6. And so much more…

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    Exploring The Benefits and Dangers of AI Use in Writing | Episode 18 May 09, 2024
    Show notes

    Snag my FREE workbook: resources.manyworldswriting.com/AI

    Everyone in the writing world is talking about AI, but should you really buy into the buzz?

    In this episode I’m going to explore what it’s okay to use AI for in your writing and what I believe you should never use AI for.

    In this episode you’ll learn:

    1. 3 tasks it’s okay to use AI for.
    2. 3 tasks you should NEVER outsource to AI
    3. 2 main benefits of using AI in your writing
    4. 5 dangers of letting AI have too big a hand in your work
    5. And so much more…


    Don’t forget to give my Author Accelerator book coaching friends a quick hello! These ladies are brilliant!


    Ivy Dally https://www.bookboundcoaching.com/


    Katie Wall https://www.craftbetterbooks.com/

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    8 Essential Hacks for Writing and Self-Editing Your Manuscript to Perfection | Episode 17 May 02, 2024
    Show notes

    Snag my FREE workbook: resources.manyworldswriting.com/edit


    Almost every writer wants to get better at self-editing their work. But how? And which techniques improve your work the most dramatically?


    In this episode I’m going to talk about the self-editing hacks that will help you rapidly improve your work as you write and edit.


    In this episode you’ll learn:


    1. The 8 self-editing hacks that can rapidly improve your prose.
    2. How to use paragraphing for style, emphasis, and pacing.
    3. Tips on developing your writing Voice.
    4. And so much more…

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


    Unlock the 7 Subtle Truths About Writing (That Will Make Your Story Better) | Episode 16 Apr 24, 2024
    Show notes

    Snag my FREE workbook: https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/truth
    Ever wondered why your favorite novels feel so authentic and cohesive? It’s not about all the surface level editing you’ve been driving yourself crazy with. Instead, it’s about the deeper stuff. The bones of the narrative.
    In this episode I’m going to talk about the subtle parts of writing a great novel so that you’re focusing your energy in the right places as you write and revise.
    In this episode you’ll learn:
    The truth about what a story really is and what it’s not.
    How transformation is at the very core of impactful narratives.
    The basics of character arc development
    And so much more…

    🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

    🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻


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