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.
Episodes
284 episodes
#220. How to Build an Author Platform (Even if You're an Introvert) with Shelby Leigh
Learn how to build a focused, authentic author platform to connect with readers early, grow your visibility, and create lasting momentum for your book launch.In this episode, I’m joined by Shelby Leigh, bestselling author of four ...
#219. How To Build Story Tension by Sharing More (Not Less) with Daniel David Wallace
Discover why clarity (not secrecy) is the key to keeping your readers engaged, curious, and emotionally invested in your story.Writers often think suspense means withholding information, but what if the opposite were true?I...
#218. How to Find & Work With Beta Readers to Improve Your Manuscript
Learn how to work with beta readers in a grounded, calm way so feedback feels useful, not overwhelming.You're nearing the finish line of your first draft, or maybe you've just crossed it. Either way, the question is the same… what...
#217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash
Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror.In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and autho...
#216. Story Structure: The 5 Scenes Every Story Needs (With Kristina Stanley)
Learn the five key plot points that turn struggling manuscripts into finished novels—and exactly where they need to appear in your story structure.Have you ever felt like your story just isn't clicking, no matter how much effort y...
#215. How to Write a Prologue Readers Won’t Skip (& When to Start at Chapter One Instead)
Should you include a prologue or skip it? Here's how to make the right choice for your novel.Prologues are one of the most debated topics in fiction. Some literary agents warn against them, some readers skip them alt...
#214. Subverting the Mainstream Lens: Writing Stories That Stay True to Your People (With Tiffany Grimes)
Learn how to write authentic, diverse characters without over-explaining or fearing criticism.Writing diverse characters can feel intimidating. You want to include different voices in your story, but worry about misrepresen...
#213. 5 Expert Tips To Edit Your Messy First Draft Without The Overwhelm
Five book coaches reveal the editing secrets that turn messy first drafts into ready-to-publish manuscripts.Finishing a first draft is an incredible milestone, but what comes next can feel overwhelming. If you're staring at...
#212. 5 Ways Writers Can Use AI to Help With Book Marketing
You’ve poured your heart into writing your book, but now you’re staring down the next challenge: how do you actually get it into readers’ hands? Marketing your book can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the r...
#211. How to Write Romantasy Power Couples Readers Obsess Over With Jenna Moreci
Want to write a Romantasy that readers obsess over? Here’s how to deliver the tropes, intimacy, and magic readers crave.Romantasy is everywhere right now, and for good reason—it’s the perfect mix of swoony romance, epic fantasy...
#210. 5 Tips For Writing A Multiple POV Novel Without Confusing Your Readers
Discover the five essential strategies for mastering multiple-POV novels without confusing your readers.Have you ever wondered if you could write a multi-POV story like The Girl on the Train? Or how about The Six of Crow...
#209. How to Revise Your Novel Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Mind) With Alice Sudlow
Discover the counterintuitive first draft editing approach that transforms messy manuscripts into page-turning novels readers love.Most fiction writers struggle with novel revision because they jump straight into editing...
#208. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 6)
Real writers share how they broke free from endless rewrites and abandoned drafts to finally finish their novels in just 90 days—using the exact framework that can unlock your story too.In this episode, I’m sharing real, inspiring...
#207. What Agents & Readers Want: How to Write a Story That Works
Have you ever sat down to write a novel and thought, “Where do I even begin?” Or maybe you’ve started writing, but something feels... off. The story isn’t coming together the way you imagined, and you’re not sure why.You’re not a...
#206. Student Spotlight: How Gina Elizabeth Went From Stuck to Publishing Two Books in Just One Year
After years of getting stuck at chapter six, Gina Elizabeth finally discovered the missing piece that helped her finish writing not just one novel, but two books in a single year.Today I'm chatting with Gina Elizabeth, indie fanta...
Bonus: Plotting for Pantsers: How 3 Writers Found Freedom in Story Structure
The myth that plotting kills creativity is keeping countless discovery writers stuck in an endless cycle of abandoned manuscripts—but what if structure could actually set your creativity free?If you're a pantser convinced that out...
#205. How Story Structure Can Free Your Creativity and Help You Finish Your Novel
The myth of "writing free" is keeping talented writers stuck on Chapter One. Here's why story structure actually enhances creativity—and how to use it to finally finish your novel.You've been told that outlining kills creativity. ...
#204. Student Spotlight: Why Overlearning Is Holding You Back: Neroli Lacey’s Journey to Publishing Success
After years of collecting every writing craft book imaginable and studying with renowned editors, Neroli Lacey discovered that too much knowledge was actually keeping her stuck—until she learned to implement instead of accumulate....
Bonus: How 3 Perfectionists Finally Broke Free & Finished Their First Drafts
What if perfectionism is the real reason you haven't finished your novel—not lack of talent or time?"I need to get this right before I move on" keeps aspiring authors stuck forever. But here's what I've discovered... Perfection...
#203. Why Writing Advice Is Keeping You Stuck (And What to Do Instead)
All those writing articles you've bookmarked? They might be the exact reason you can't finish your novel. Here's what's really happening—and the simple shift that changes everything.You know that browser folder labeled "Writing Ad...
#202. Student Spotlight: How Kara Kentley Turned a Messy Draft Into a Published Romance (and How You Can Too)
After years of rewriting the same sagging middle and juggling two confusing timelines, Kara Kentley discovered the romance structure secrets that transformed her messy draft into a published novel that sells daily.Today I'm chatti...
Bonus: Making Time To Write: How 3 Busy Writers Finished Their First Drafts
What if the reason you haven't written your novel has nothing to do with how many hours are in your day?"I don't have time to write" might be the most common excuse that stops aspiring authors before they even start. But here’s wh...
#201. The Time Myth: Why ‘Finding Time to Write’ Actually Makes It Harder
Feel stuck "finding time" to write your novel? You might be solving the wrong problem. Here's what's really going on—and what to do instead.Why does finding time to write feel impossible sometimes? We blame our busy schedules (and yes, t...
Bonus: From Stuck to Breakthrough: How 3 Writers Found Their Path Forward
What if the reason you're stuck on your novel isn't about talent or creativity, but simply a missing piece of the puzzle that could change everything?Every writer knows that soul-crushing feeling of being completely stuck. Not jus...
#200. Why Most Writers Give Up (And How to Finally Finish Your Novel)
Ever wonder why 97% of aspiring authors never finish their books? The answer might surprise you.If you've been dreaming about writing a novel but find yourself starting and stopping, getting stuck in the middle, or just staring at...