#78: Down The Best Tips From FWME In 2022 Artwork

Fiction Writing Made Easy

How do I write a book? How do I create compelling characters that readers will love? How do I build a believable world for my story? What does it even mean to write a story that works? Do you have any writing tips? These are just some of the big questions that developmental editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo, digs into on the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast. Each week, Savannah shares actionable tools, tips, and strategies that will help you write, edit, and publish your book. So, whether you're brand new to writing, or a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you!

All Episodes

Fiction Writing Made Easy

#78: Down The Best Tips From FWME In 2022

December 27, 2022 • Savannah Gilbo • Episode 78

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:

Looking for a trusted beta reader for your manuscript? Click here and use code PODCAST15 to get 15% off The Spun Yarn's beta reading service fo the month of October!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

People on this episode

Savannah Gilbo

Host