Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
Do you have a story you can't stop thinking about? Maybe it's still just an idea. Maybe it's half a draft you haven't opened in months, or a finished manuscript that doesn't quite work yet. Wherever you are, it can be hard to know what your story needs next.
Fiction Writing Made Easy is a podcast for aspiring fiction authors who want clear, practical guidance on what to do next with their novels. Hosted by developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, the show breaks down complicated writing concepts into simple, actionable lessons. Savannah explains why storytelling techniques work, how the different elements of a story fit together, and what that means for your own writing—often using examples from familiar books and movies.
Topics include developing your story idea, outlining a novel, creating characters readers care about, writing scenes that move your story forward, and figuring out what to fix when your draft isn't working. You'll also find genre deep dives on romance, fantasy, thrillers, and horror, mindset tips for difficult writing days, and advice on querying agents and self-publishing.
You'll also hear from editors and industry experts, as well as writers Savannah has taught who share how they finished—and often published—their books. With hundreds of episodes and over 3.8 million downloads, there's plenty to explore wherever you are with your book.
Hit follow for new episodes every week—and take the next step toward a novel you're proud of.
Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
Latest Episodes
#267. Ask Savannah: How Do I Fix a Plot Hole in My Story? (Plus Balancing Writing With Life & Hiding Plot Twists)
How do you fix a plot hole in your novel? What if your beta readers figure out your big plot twist too early? And how are you supposed to find time to write when life keeps getting in the way?In today's episode, I'm doing somethin...
#266. How to Get Back Into Writing Your Novel After a Long Break
If you’ve stepped away from your novel for a few weeks, or even a few months, getting back into writing can feel a lot harder than it should.Maybe you open your draft, scroll through a few pages, and wonder where you were even goi...
#265. What Is Cozy Fiction? 10 Characteristics Cozy Writers Need to Know
Learn what makes cozy fiction work—and how to balance warmth, tension, character growth, and community to create the hopeful reading experience cozy readers expect.You know the feeling a cozy book gives you—warm, safe, like a worl...
#264. First Draft Mistakes: Jessica Brody & Savannah Gilbo Compare Notes
What are the most common first-draft mistakes writers make—and which ones actually need your attention while you’re drafting?In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Brody, author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Pag...
#263. How Emily Henry Hooks Readers in Chapter One of Book Lovers
Your first chapter needs to hook the reader—but that doesn’t mean you need a huge plot twist, dramatic action, or a flashy meet-cute on page one.The first chapter of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers is mostly two sisters walking...