#5: 3 Ways to Figure Out the Theme of Your Story
In today's episode, I'll walk you through three different ways to figure out the theme of your story. Here's a preview of what we'll cover: [00:50] What is a story's theme? And why do you need one?[01:30] How identifying your story's theme upfront can help you write a stronger draft.[02:40] 3 different questions to help you uncover the theme of your story.[03:00] Question 1: What do you have to say about life? What do you care about?[05:00] Question 2: How will your protagonist change from th...
31 Maalis 202014min
Bonus: Ask Savannah (Listener Q&A)
In today's extra special bonus episode, I'm going to answer some questions from you guys! Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:30] Joe Larkin asks, "Do you have a general rule of thumb for how long a scene should be?" [02:45] Margo Geary asks, "Your job sounds really awesome! How do you become an editor or book coach?" [04:45] Julia Pentrose asks, "I get why info-dumping isn't a good idea, but how do you get your character's backstory or worldbuilding details in...
24 Maalis 202016min
#4: How to Identify Your Story's Ideal Reader
In this episode, we're going to talk about your story's ideal reader -- or the one person who is going to love your book just as much as you do. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:00] What is an ideal reader? And why does your ideal reader matter?[02:20] How understanding your ideal reader can help you write with purpose and edit with focus.[03:15] How understanding your ideal reader can help you when it comes time to pitch agents and market your book.[04:45] M...
24 Maalis 202018min
#1: The #1 Myth That Holds Writers Back
In this episode, we're going to talk about the biggest myth that holds writers back and what to do about it if you're falling prey to this myth. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:00] How do you know if you're falling prey to this myth? Here are 3 scenarios that might signal to you that you need to address the belief at the root of this myth. Which scenario best describes your writing practice?[03:00] The #1 myth that holds writers back (it's probably not what ...
17 Maalis 202016min
#2: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story
In this episode, we're going to talk about genre -- specifically how to choose the primary (or global) genre for your story. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:30] What's the difference between commercial genres and content genres (aka the reader's genre and the writer's genre)? And why you should care about BOTH.[05:00] What's the difference between plot-driven stories and character-driven stories? And what are the 12 content genres?[07:00] A special note for ...
17 Maalis 202023min
#3: How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next
In this episode, we're going to talk about how to choose between multiple story ideas, or how to decide which story idea to write next. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:20] Two reasons why taking the time to flesh out your story ideas before you start writing a single word will save you time, energy, and frustration.[02:15] 5 questions to help you decide between two or more story ideas.[03:15] An example from a real-life writer who was torn between a "for fun...
17 Maalis 202013min
Introducing the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast!
Weekly writing tips from a developmental editor and book coach. My name is Savannah Gilbo and I'm a fiction editor and book coach. Every day, I help people, just like you, write, edit, and publish their books. I started this podcast because I want to prove that writing a novel doesn't have to be scary and overwhelming. Every week, I'll bring you a brand new episode with simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. So, whether you're bra...
10 Maalis 20202min
