Discover why “I’m not ready yet” is a fear-driven mindset and learn how to take small, confident steps that move your novel forward.

So many writers get trapped in the feeling that they need more time, more research, or more clarity before they can truly start their first draft. And on the surface, that sounds reasonable. But most of the time, “I’m not ready yet” is a sign that you're scared to make the wrong choice, afraid to write something imperfect, or petrified you won't live up to your idea.

In today’s episode, I want to help you understand what's really underneath the “I’m not ready” feeling, how to recognize when planning has quietly turned into procrastination, and how small, low-pressure experiments can help you build momentum right now. My goal is to help you shift out of waiting mode and into action so your story can finally start taking shape.

This is what I talk about:

[02:30] The hidden fear driving “I'm not ready yet” and why it shows up for even the most motivated writers.

[03:15] How research becomes a safety blanket, and the mindset shift that moves you from learner to creator.

[04:45] The real reason clarity doesn’t arrive before you start writing and how drafting gives you the answers you’re looking for.

[07:45] Simple “safe to fail” experiments that lower the stakes and help you build confidence on the page

[09:35] How to tell whether you actually need more foundation work or you're using prep to avoid making decisions.

You don't need to feel ready to start writing your novel. You just need permission to begin, and that confidence can come from you today. Tune in and take the very first step toward finishing your first draft.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Get on the Notes to Novel waitlist!
• Take The Author Success Blueprint Quiz 
• 5 Writing Roadblocks Keeping You Stuck & How to Break Through

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

Discover the mindset shifts to break out of analysis paralysis, choose progress over perfection, and build your novel layer by layer until it's complete.

Feeling stuck writing your novel? You're not alone. Most writers think they're struggling because they don't have enough time, talent, or discipline. But more often than not, the real issue is actually mindset. In fact, it's the root cause of stuckness: rewriting the same chapters, second-guessing every decision, or trying to fix everything at once.

In this episode, I’m sharing three mindset shifts that'll ease the pressure you're putting on yourself, help you get clarity on your draft, and write forward instead of sideways.

You will hear me talk about things like:

[03:15] Why getting stuck on the first few chapters is more about how you're thinking than how you're writing, and what to pay attention to instead.

[06:45] How preparing, planning, and researching can quietly stall your first draft, and the moment you know it's time to switch into writing mode.

[12:05] The reason drafting feels overwhelming when you try to fix everything at once, and the reframe that makes finishing your story feel doable.

If you've been feeling pressure to get everything right before you can move forward, these shifts will help you see your draft in a much clearer and more manageable way. 

Your story doesn’t need perfection to grow; it's allowed to be messy while you figure things out.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Get on the Notes to Novel waitlist!
• Take The Author Success Blueprint Quiz 
• 5 Writing Roadblocks Keeping You Stuck & How to Break Through

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

Discover five practical line editing strategies that sharpen your prose, strengthen emotional clarity, and make each sentence more purposeful on the page.

Line editing can feel intimidating, especially if you're not sure where to begin or how to make meaningful improvements at the sentence level. And if you've ever tried refining lines before your scenes are clear and working, you know how frustrating the process can be.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by three brilliant book coaches and editors: Karyn Fischer, Alice Sudlow, and Julie Artz, who work with writers every day to help them strengthen their line-level craft. Along with their best tips, I’m also sharing two of my own favorite strategies so you can approach line editing without feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start.

Here's what we talk about: 

[03:00] Learn how dynamic verbs instantly energize your prose and why swapping out static wording is one of the fastest line editing wins.

[07:14] See how a simple clarity–flow–refinement order keeps your line edits focused and prevents the overwhelm that stops many writers in revision.

[11:40] Learn why understanding the true purpose of your scenes helps you make clearer sentence-level decisions.

[15:41] Explore how short, long, and mixed-length sentences shape pacing, emotion, and rhythm so your prose feels intentional instead of flat or repetitive.

[19:28] Five practical line editing tools, from reading aloud to spotting junk words, that help you tighten and strengthen your manuscript.

Whether you're revising a first draft or doing late-stage editing, these five tips will help you make intentional, powerful choices on every page.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Karyn Fischer Website
• Alice Sudlow Website
• Julie Artz Website

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 poetry books (with over 60,000 copies sold!) and the founder of Marketing by Shelby, where she's helped more than 8,000 authors and creatives learn how to market their books with ease.

Shelby and I talk about how to start building your author platform before your book launches, what to post when you don't have a book out yet, and how to market in a way that fits your personality (even if you’re introverted or allergic to salesy marketing).

Here’s what we cover:

[02:15] How Shelby went from anonymous poet to book marketing educator, and what helped her embrace book promotion as an introvert who once dreaded it.

[05:25] What an author platform actually includes (it’s more than social media!) and how early (or late) you should build one that works.

[12:30] The 3-Part “Show, Sell, Story Tell” content framework for sharing your work online without feeling pushy or performative.

[18:15] The most common author-platform mistakes writers make and the mindset shifts that turn confusing marketing into genuine reader connection.

[20:40] How to set up your first email list, plan a low-stress book launch, and keep growing your readership long after release week.

Whether you're preparing to publish or just starting your first draft, you'll discover simple, sustainable ways to market your book and connect with readers who'll love it.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Marketing By Shelby Website
• Grab Shelby’s Free List Growth Starter Kit

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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?

In this episode, I'm joined by Daniel David Wallace, author, writing teacher, and founder of the annual Escape the Plot Forest Summit, to discuss why holding back details can leave readers confused or disconnected rather than curious.

Daniel explains how sharing the right information at the right time builds trust, deepens emotion, and makes every twist hit exactly the way you intended. 

Here’s what we cover:

[02:25] Why trying to keep readers guessing for too long kills tension, and what actually makes a mystery feel exciting instead of confusing.

[06:35] How the fear of being ‘too obvious’ causes writers to hide key details, and why showing your hand sooner can keep readers even more engaged.

[10:00] What The Hunger Games can teach us about foreshadowing in fiction through the famous berry scene.

[18:00] What it really means to treat your reader like a friend, and how building trust keeps people invested in your story from start to finish.

[20:00] Where writers go wrong with multi-POV—and why including more POVs isn't always the way to make your story clear to readers

If you've ever worried that giving too much away will ruin your story, this episode will change how you think about suspense, clarity, and reader trust.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Daniel David Wallace Website 
• The Character First Story Free Writing course

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 happens next? Should you send it to friends? Hire an editor? Bury it in a drawer? Everyone keeps mentioning “beta readers,” but what does that actually mean? And how do you find the right ones without losing your mind or your confidence?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the entire beta-reader process so you can take your book from first draft to ready-to-share with total clarity (and zero panic).

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

[01:45] What beta readers actually do (and what they don't), so you approach this next step with the right intentions to avoid disappointment. 

[02:55] The "blind spot” problem every author faces after finishing a draft, and how beta readers give you a fresh perspective when you're too close to your story. 

[05:15] Where to find reliable, genre-savvy beta readers that don’t ghost you and deliver quality feedback instead of vague opinions.

[09:25] How to set clear expectations before beta readers start so you get useful, specific notes instead of confusing contradictions.

[14:45] What to do after the feedback arrives: how to sort through conflicting opinions, decide what to keep, and turn it all into a calm, actionable revision plan.

Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment, but inviting beta readers in can feel like a whole new level of vulnerability. This episode will help you take that next step with composure so you can share your story, stay true to your vision, and come out the other side with a stronger manuscript and a clearer sense of direction.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Spun Yarn for beta readers
• Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.
• Ready to map out your complete editing journey from first draft to published novel? Get your step-by-step editing roadmap → here. 

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at night.

With over 25 years of experience writing and teaching horror (including films like V/H/S/2 and Lovely Molly), Jamie shares how to craft terrifying tales using Blake Snyder’s iconic Save the Cat! framework. We talk about how structure, theme, and moral depth make stories truly scary and how to balance dread, scares, and gross-outs for maximum impact.

Whether you’re writing a slow-burn psychological thriller or a relentless survival horror, this episode will show you how to use the Save the Cat! framework to make every scream count.

[03:45] What makes a novel truly horror and how to tell if your story actually fits this genre (before you waste time writing the wrong one).

[05:58] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.

[18:24] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.

[24:11] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped. 

[32:53] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.

[36:32] The difference between dread, scares, and gross outs, and why dread flags (red flags that signal unease) are the true engine of horror.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write horror that lingers long after the last page, this conversation with Jamie Nash is your masterclass in scarecraft.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Jamie Nash Website 
• Save the Cat! Writes Horror
• Save the Cat! website

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 you've put into it? Maybe you've polished your prose, developed your characters, and built an intriguing world—but something still feels off.

In this episode, I sat down with Kristina Stanley—award-winning author, fiction editor, and founder of Fictionary—to uncover the structural secrets that transform good stories into unforgettable ones.

Here's what we discussed:

• [03:15] Why your beautifully written novel might feel "stuck" despite compelling characters—and the structural secret that transforms wandering manuscripts into page-turners
• [05:45] The five essential scenes that form every successful novel's backbone, including the exact percentages where they should appear in your manuscript
• [23:45] Why the midpoint is where most novels soar or lose their way—and how to create the shift that keeps readers hooked through Act Two
• [30:30] Plot Point 2's dual purpose that most writers miss: combining your darkest moment with the crucial information needed for the climax
• [34:30] How to craft climaxes that satisfy readers by answering your story's central question (not just adding exciting action scenes)

Plus, Kristina shares her "story test" for evaluating your manuscript and explains why fixing structure before polishing prose will save you months of revision time.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Fictionary.co
• Grab Fictionary’s course, An Insider's View of Story Editing, for FREE here (a $39 value)

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 altogether, and yet many of the most beloved bestselling novels begin with one. The real question is this: Does your story need a prologue, or will Chapter One carry the weight on its own?

In this episode, I'm breaking down when a prologue truly adds value, when it works against you, and how to write a prologue that pulls readers in instead of pushing them away. If you've been second-guessing whether your book needs a prologue, this conversation will provide a clear way forward and the confidence to know you're making the right decision for your story.

Here’s what you’ll hear inside the episode:

[02:05] Why most prologues fall flat and the single question that tells you if yours is worth keeping.

[03:30] The five types of prologues that actually work (with bestselling examples you’ve probably read and loved) and how to know which one, if any, your book actually needs.

[08:40] Why Brandon Sanderson’s prologue in The Way of Kings is a masterclass in hooking readers and setting the stage for an epic story

[11:45] The three key ingredients every strong prologue requires if you want readers to become immersed from the first page and keep turning the pages.

[14:50] Actionable tips to help you create intrigue, build tension, and leave readers desperate to turn the page into Chapter One.

By the end of this episode, you won't be stuck second-guessing your beginning anymore. You'll know whether your novel needs a prologue or if Chapter One is the stronger start (and you’ll understand why). That way, instead of circling back to rework your first pages again and again, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your story is starting exactly where it’s meant to.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey
• Grab my free Novel Writing Roadmap, a simple, step-by-step plan to help you trust your story, remove the guesswork, and actually finish your first draft.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 misrepresenting them. This leads many writers to either avoid diversity altogether or fall into the trap of over-explaining everything for a mainstream gaze, thereby diluting the power of their story.

In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Grimes, founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial and an MFA-trained editor who specializes in amplifying marginalized voices. After recognizing areas for growth in her own feedback, Tiffany has spent years helping writers shed performative expectations and write with radical honesty.

Here's what we cover:

[05:40] Tiffany's vulnerable experience writing about a Vietnamese character and learning she wasn't the right person to tell that story.

[10:06] The core framework that separates writing "about" a community versus writing "to" your community from the inside.

[18:48] Why you should give yourself permission to write the stereotype first in early drafts.

[20:24] How Jesinia (a deaf character in the Fourth Wing) shows why trusting your audience creates better representation.

[21:20] The protection question that helps you identify when you're diluting your story for mainstream audiences.

[26:53] Understanding emotional clarity and how readers' experience goes deeper than just character representation.

Whether you're writing characters from your own experience or exploring different perspectives, this conversation offers compassionate guidance for creating authentic, powerful stories that honor both your characters and your readers.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Tiffany Grimes Website
• Free Workbook: Breaking Mindset Barriers and Setting Intentional Goals

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.

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 your messy pages and wondering how to even begin editing, you're not alone. The good news is that there is a way to move forward without spiraling into revision confusion or self-doubt.

In this episode, I've invited five fiction writing coaches to share their best tips for tackling your messy first draft. These strategies will help you gain clarity, cut through the overwhelm, and make real progress toward a publishing-ready manuscript.

Here's what you'll learn:

[02:05] A clever mindset trick that exposes what's really on your pages and why changing your font is editing gold.

[07:30] Why putting your finished first draft away for a little while is the secret to finding your story's true purpose.

[16:45] How two simple "If Only" statements reveal exactly what's missing from your protagonist's journey and plot structure.

[12:35] The "one element at a time" editing method that stops you from drowning in overwhelming revisions and actually makes progress.

[22:30] Why your climactic scene holds all the revision answers and how to mine it for the characters, skills, and growth your story needs.

Tune in to learn how to edit your messy first draft with confidence, simplicity, and ease so you can finally move closer to the finished book you've been dreaming about.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Monica Cox’s Website
• Erin Halden’s Website
• Nita Collins’s Website 
• Elyse Seal’s Website
• Ayesha Ali’s Website 
• Ready to edit your novel? Grab my FREE DIY Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your Novel that’ll help you turn your messy first draft into a publish-ready manuscript without the overwhelm and wasted effort.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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.