Fiction Writing Made Easy is your go-to creative writing podcast for practical, no-fluff tips on how to write, edit, and publish a novel—from first draft to finished book. Hosted by developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, this show breaks down the fiction writing process into clear, actionable steps so you can finally make progress on your manuscript and write a novel you’re proud of. Whether you’re a first-time author, an aspiring novelist, or a seasoned writer looking to strengthen your craft, each episode will help you understand what makes a story work at the deepest level—so you can stop second-guessing your ideas and start building a stronger novel from the inside out. You’ll learn how to develop your premise, structure your plot, create compelling characters, write stronger scenes, world-build without infodumping, revise your draft, and navigate your publishing options with more clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered things like... How do I write a novel if I’ve never done this before? What’s the best way to structure a story that works? How do I develop strong characters readers will care about? How do I build an immersive world without info-dumping? How do I write scenes that move the story forward? How do I edit my first draft? How do I know when my book is ready to publish? Should I pursue self-publishing or traditional publishing? …you’re in the right place. New episodes drop weekly to help you simplify the novel-writing process, strengthen your storytelling skills, and get your book into readers’ hands. — Popular Episode Topics Include: Fiction Writing Tips, Story Structure, Plotting a Novel, Character Development, Writing Stronger Scenes, World Building, Novel Revision, Story Development, How to Outline a Novel, Character Arcs, Genre Fiction, Editing a Novel, Fiction Writing Mistakes to Avoid, Revision Strategies, Writing Advice
What this show covers
story structurewriting craftwriting processrevisionwriter's blockfirst draftsoutliningfirst draftcozy fictioncharacter growthstory atmospheregenre conventionsfirst chaptersscene structureEmily Henry
What listeners will find here
What cozy fiction really needs beyond vibes, charm, and low stakes
Cozy fiction is the focus here, with a breakdown of 10 traits that create the warm, hopeful reading experience fans expect. The episode looks at atmosphere, everyday scenes, character growth, and conflict that feels meaningful without tipping into dread.
The first-draft traps that slow novelists down most
First-draft mistakes are the focus as Savannah Gilbo and Jessica Brody compare their separate lists of the issues writers run into most. The episode looks at what genuinely needs attention while drafting, what can wait for revision, and how to keep moving toward The End.
Why Book Lovers proves a quiet first chapter can still be irresistible
Emily Henry’s Book Lovers opens with two sisters walking through New York and talking, yet the chapter still feels full of momentum. This episode breaks down the scene structure, conflict, and character work that make a low-key opening compelling for writers in any genre.
Three stuck writers, one process that helped them move again
This bonus episode looks at what happens after you’ve consumed tons of writing advice but still don’t know what to work on next. Through three writers’ stories, it focuses on finding a clear process for diagnosing what a specific novel needs and moving forward with confidence.
10 ways to make enemies-to-lovers romance actually earn the payoff
Enemies-to-lovers romance only works when readers believe both the conflict and the eventual love story. This episode breaks down 10 tips for building that progression, from structuring the romance arc to using forced proximity, tension, and character change in a convincing way.
Episodes
#248. From Meet-Cute to HEA: How to Connect the Key Scenes of Your Romance Novel
19 May 2026 · 47 min
#246. Story Mapping: How to Map Your Novel With Sticky Notes (With Danyel Nicole)
5 May 2026 · 22 min
Bonus: From Overwhelmed to Outlining: How 3 Writers Finally Started Their Novels
18 Dec 2025 · 17 min
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