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!
Got writer's block and convinced it's because you lack talent? Think again! And I have the solution that'll change the way you approach your writingā¦
If you're struggling to finish your novel, I want you to know that your lack of progress has nothing to do with your capabilities or the quality of your ideas. In fact, it boils down to an imbalance of three essential thingsāor pillars of novel creation, if you will.
In this week's episode, I'm sharing what these three things are so you can overcome writing roadblocks and finish your novel in 2025.
These three things helped Jenny finish her draft in 6 months (after being stuck for 12 years) and gave Laura the confidence to move past self-doubt and finish her 83,000-word fantasy story.
Hereās what I talk about:Ā
[03:43] Your secret roadmap to avoid the endless planning loop where you waste months (or even years) trying to make everything perfect.
[10:01] The most overlooked part of successfully writing a first draft, which many people ignore, and how to leverage it when self-doubt kicks in.
[15:36] The technical piece of the writing puzzle and why even beautiful prose won't help if the other two pieces aren't in place.
And so much moreā¦
If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress on your story, grab your headphones, turn the volume up, and press play. This could be the writing breakthrough you've been waiting for.
š Links mentioned in this episode:
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
See how Notes to Novelā¢ helped these five writers go from a blank page to a story that works (without the overwhelm).
With Notes to Novelā¢ (season 6) right around the corner, I'm bringing you something incredibly special today. I'm chatting with five amazing writers from season 5 about their experience inside the course.
And let me tell you, they're in the trenches right now, actively working on their novels. Some have finished their outlines, while others are deep in the drafting phase, and one has already completed her manuscript!
This is what we talk about:Ā
[02:55] How Katherine finished the ācleanest draftā sheās ever written (at 72k words) in only 3 monthsāand then went on to edit that same draft in just 8 weeks
[09:47] How the Notes to Novel framework helped Kay stay focused on what *really* mattered in her story (and avoid chasing every new shiny object idea that popped into her head)
[15:27] What happened when I suggested one of my students, Danyel, eliminate one of her two point-of-view characters during one of our live Q&A calls
[21:35] How Harlow used her genreās key scenes to create an outline (and why this made outlining much more approachable)
[27:47] And finally, how Madi wrote her first draft in 6 months (despite being a super busy mom of four)āplus her thoughts on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the group coaching aspect
So, if youāre feeling stuck, flustered, or unsure about your writing process, these 5 Notes to Novel students show you what's possible when you have the right tools and support. Enjoy the episode!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Feel stuck writing your novel? These 5 time management strategies will squash all productivity blocks to get your story finishedāfinally (and fast).
Why does finding the time to write feel so hard sometimes? We often blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking around that stops your writing progress. And it has a way of making you feel like you're failing at this whole writing thing. Which is so not true.
In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on this sneaky (and very hidden) productivity block that keeps tripping you up. Plus, I'm sharing 5 powerful time management strategies to squash this writing bottleneck so you can finish your novel in 2025.
Youāll hear me talk about things like:
[03:35] The hidden truth about "not enough time" that's actually blocking your writing progress (and how to fix it).
[06:04] A simple āchunking methodā that reduces writing overwhelm and turns your sessions into productive, dopamine-fueled wins.
[10:45] The editing habit that's stealing your momentum, and most writers don't see it coming.
[22:28] A fun way to outsmart your brain into showing up for your writing (hello, guilt-free rewards!)
[26:26] An energy-mapping trick that leverages your best creative flow state to get more writing done in less time.
And so much moreā¦
You've got a story inside you that deserves to be told, and 2025 is your year to hold that finished novel in your hands. Whether it's your debut or your next book in a growing seriesāyour writing journey is too important to let productivity barriers hold you back. You've got this, and I'm here to help.
Enjoy this episode, and make sure to grab your free time management guide in the links section below to start implementing these strategies today.
š Links mentioned in this episode:
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
The best writing advice sticks with us because it changes our thinking about our craft. In this special year-end episode, I'm counting down the top 10 most powerful tips from Fiction Writing Made Easy in 2024āfrom crafting sizzling character chemistry and developing compelling antagonists to building immersive story worlds and mastering your character's backstory.Ā
Plus, learn how to overcome writer's block and tap into the power of the writing community to fuel your creative success. Let's celebrate the juicy nuggets that helped writers (like you) level up their storytelling this year.
In the episode, youāll hear me talk about things like:
And that's just a taste of our special year-end top 10 tip countdown. I'm so excited to share these writing tips with youāthey're genuinely some of my favorites from this year!Ā
So, cozy up with your favorite writing snacks, and let's celebrate the best writing advice of 2024 together.
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good.Ā
It's one thing to pour your heart into writing a first draft. However, facing revisions and sharing your story with others can feel raw, uncomfortable, and downright scary.
Not to worry. Every writer struggles with this novel writing phase, and that's why I've brought together four brilliant book coaches and editors to share their mindset wisdom to make the first draft revision process less scary and more exciting.Ā
Here's what we talk about:
[02:48] Why you should absolutely love your "hot mess" first draftāit's exactly what it needs to be right now.
[08:01] The right (and wrong) people to ask for first draft feedback and how to prepare yourself emotionally for their response.
[12:40] A practical approach to handling hard-to-hear feedback so that it feels less personal and more purposeful.
[19:05] A unique 3-step revision process that transforms how you think about your first draft to turn it into a āmust-readā success.Ā
[22:59] Why comparing your revision journey to other writers only holds you backāand what to focus on instead.
Tune into this episode to discover how to shift your mindset from revision fear to revision readiness. You'll walk away with practical strategies that make revisions less overwhelming, feedback less personal, and the entire process more purposeful.
And this is precisely what you need to turn your first draft into a story readers love.
š Links mentioned in this episode:
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Want a sneak peek into my life as a developmental editor and book coach? Listen in and find out what I do in my work week to help authors transform their story ideas into fully realized novels.
I'll walk you through what I'm learning, how I support fiction writers in finishing their novels, and my exciting plans for 2025. Plus, I'll share all the behind-the-scenes moments that make my book coach life so rewarding.
So, pour yourself a coffee (or matcha tea) and join me as I share:
[02:40] How the recording of my first audiobook is currently going and what Iām doing to keep my voice intact with all the talking.
[07:25] Why I pull out 12 blank calendar pages every December and how this simple planning ritual shapes my entire year ahead.
[10:15] What I learned working with two writersāa romance author and a sci-fi authorāwho started roughly at the same time but took completely different paths to reach the line editing phase simultaneously.
[22:42] Inside my final Notes To Novel coaching call and how these amazing writers have gained the confidence to take their ideas, turn them into outlines, and start writing noteworthy novels.Ā
[27:10] The fascinating results from my annual listener survey shaping my 2025 content (Hint: you're in great company if you're still working on your debut novel or yet to start.)
Thanks for coming along on this journey with me! I love sharing little glimpses into my world with you.
Whether you're still simmering your first story idea or deep in revisions, I hope this behind-the-scenes peek gives you a real sense of my life as a developmental editor and book coach.
See you next week!
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Need help with tone and mood in your novel writing? Maybe your scenes aren't hitting the right emotional notes, or your story atmosphere feels off. Today, we're breaking down four practical ways to master these tricky writing elements to keep your readers hooked.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Isobelle Lans, a UK-based author, editor, and writing coach who runs Inspired Creative Co. With years of experience helping writers develop their storytelling skills, Isobelle knows exactly how to break down tricky writing elements (like tone and mood) that often feel nebulous or hard to grasp.
Tune into this episode to hear us talk about the four essential techniques for mastering tone and mood in your writing. We talk about specific word choices that create the perfect atmosphere, the power of internal monologue, how setting plays a massive role, and sentence structure that strengthens your story's emotional impact.
In the episode, youāll hear us talk about things like:
If you're ready to nail tone and mood in your writing, this episode is packed with practical techniques you can start using right away to keep your readers emotionally invested from start to finish.
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Whether you want complete creative freedom, better royalties, or a faster speed to marketāget the clarity you need to choose the right publishing path for your novel.
Your novel is (or nearly) complete; now it's time to choose your publishing path. Whether you're drawn to big traditional publishing with major bookstore distribution, love the creative control of self-publishing, want bigger royalties with hybrid publishing, or are interested in the boutique experience of publishing through a small press, this episode will help you get clear on the perfect publishing path for you and your story.
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Nicole Meier, an author turned developmental editor and book coach who brings a unique perspective to the publishing conversation. With four published novels under her beltāreleased through both traditional and hybrid publishersāNicole knows firsthand what it takes to navigate the publishing world and make the choices that best serve you.
This is what we talk aboutā¦
[04:27] How to get clear on the publishing path that suits your values and needs instead of following what everyone thinks you should do.Ā
[10:28] A complete pro and con breakdown of traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and small press publishing to help you make the right choice.
[17:01] The big publishing mistake most authors make without even realizing it and how to ensure it doesn't happen to you.
[28:46] What life after publishing looks like and why Nicole's first book became her readers' absolute favorite.
[32:31] A sneak peek reveal of Nicoleās brand new project that's going to make the fiction publishing journey so much easier for writers.Ā
[33:26] Why building your author platform and book marketing matters more than ever when pitching agents and getting exposure.
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!Ā
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
Finally, finish your book with effective writing strategies designed to work in harmony with your neurodivergent mind.
Does sitting down to write your book feel impossible on some days, while on other days, you can write for hours on end? Maybe you feel guilty whenever someone says, "Real writers write every day" or "Just stick to a routine,"ābut here's the thingāyour neurodivergent brain may not work that way. And that's totally okay.
In this episode, I've brought together four amazing writing coaches and book editors who either specialize in working with neurodivergent authors and ADHD writers or are neurodivergent themselves. And theyāre here to share their best writing tips for finishing your book.Ā
Even if you're not neurodivergent, you'll want to tune in because these writing strategies are pure gold.
Hereās what we talk about:
[02:55] How to tap into your natural neurodivergent energy cycles (from intense hyperfocus to foggy days) so that these energy cycles become your writing superpower.
[09:16] Why there's nothing wrong with your neurodivergent writing process just because itās different from the standard writing advice (or what others say you should do.)
[16:08] What to do when writing suddenly feels impossible because your brain sees it as a demand instead of a choice.
[22:06] Discover the magic of having an accountability partner in your corner who understands your unique writing process and celebrates progress on your terms.
[27:57] Why breaking your writing time into small, manageable chunks can help you finally finish your book without the overwhelm.
Tune into this episode to discover how to write your book in a way that honors your neurodivergent mind, celebrates your unique creative rhythms, and turns writing rules into gentle guidelines that actually work for your brain.
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
If youāre serious about becoming a published author, determining your novelās genre is one of the most important things youāll have to do. But sometimes thatās easier said than done, especially if your book toes the line between Womenās Fiction and Romance.
In this episode, Iām going to walk you through the difference between Womenās Fiction and Romance so you can write the best book possible and snag the attention of both agents and readers alike. You'll learn things like:
If youāve ever struggled to understand the difference between Womenās Fiction and Romance, this is an episode you wonāt want to miss!
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
āWhen should I start marketing my book?ā This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, āDo I need to build an email list?ā And āWhat are some effective ways to market my book?ā
My guest, Lacy Lieffers of Black Fox Marketing, is here to answer all of these questions (and more) in this podcast episode! Tune into this episode to hear us talk about why marketing matters from day one, how to think about book marketing throughout the entire writing, editing, and publishing process, and so much more.
Weāll also cover things like:
I LOVED this conversation with Lacy because sheās so knowledgeable and passionate about book marketingāand no wonder, with over 16 years of experience helping authors build their personal brands and market their books! If youāve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about book marketing, youāre going to love this episode!
ā Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ā 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 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 your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!
š Links mentioned in this episode:
My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!
š Looking for a transcript? If youāre listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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