Bonus: Ask Savannah (Listener Q&A)
In today's extra special bonus episode, I'm going to answer some questions from my listeners! Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: [01:15] Ame says, “Would you be able to talk more about the coming of age genre, specifically how to develop a good plot and the aim of the book?” [02:50] Emme says, “I have a really compelling story idea, characters, and full outline that I'm really excited about, but I'm not confident in my writing and abilities to bring it to life. Wha...
2 Feb 202312min
#83: What Kind Of Editor Do You Need For Your Book?
In today's episode, we’re going to talk through the different types of editors you might need to work with to get your book ready to publish. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:40] A developmental editor is someone who is concerned with the overall content and structure of your manuscript, and whether or not your story “works.” They focus on things like character development, story structure, plot, genre, theme, and point of view. [05:32] A line editor is someone who focuses on th...
31 Jan 202314min
#82: Show, Don't Tell: What This Advice Really Means
In today’s episode, I’m sharing what the advice to “show, don’t tell” really means (and spoiler alert: it’s probably not what you think!). We’ll also talk about how to reveal your character’s emotions on the page, too. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [01:20] In general, the advice to “show, don’t tell” means that a writer should relate information to readers through sensory details and actions rather than exposition. [03:39] But there’s more to it than that. To me, “show, don’t tel...
24 Jan 202314min
#81: First Chapter Analysis: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we talk through this popular contemporary romance. Here’s a preview of what we talk about: [03:30] A very quick summary of the first chapter [05:30] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings [28:15] A micro analysis of the scene within the chapter using the "5 C...
18 Jan 202359min
#80: Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned From Writing a First Draft
In today’s episode, I asked five of my Notes to Novel students to share their biggest lessons learned while working through their first drafts. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [02:00] Kelsey Evans on how understanding her genre’s framework made the biggest difference in her ability to finally finish her first draft [06:35] Stefanie Medrek and her favorite advice for battling writer’s block [11:00] Angela Haas on the popular writing advice to “show, don’t tell” [16:00] Bree Co...
10 Jan 202333min
#79: 3 Things to Focus on if You’re a Brand New Writer
In today’s episode, I’m going to share the three things to focus on if you’re a brand new writer—or if I was coaching someone who was brand new to writing. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [02:17] Getting your mindset right is super important! Don’t expect to write the perfect first draft. Instead, consider your first draft the “discovery draft” and have fun with it! [04:50] Figure out your story’s content genre so that you have a roadmap to follow. Your content genre can tell you a...
3 Jan 202313min
#78: Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2022
In this episode, I'm doing a little countdown of some of the best and most listened-to clips from the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast in 2022. Here's a preview of what you'll hear in the episode: [01:40] Tip #10: Test out your idea by writing a 1-2 sentence summary of your entire story, focusing on the main story thread. [04:15] Tip #9: Create a scene-by-scene roadmap for your entire story (and then pressure-test it!) before you start writing. [07:10] Tip #8: Write (and edit) your story in ...
27 Des 202230min
#77: 5 Takeaways from Coaching Writers in 2022
In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of the key takeaways I learned from coaching writers in 2022. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [01:30] Takeaway #1: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Plus, the story of how two different writers tried something new—and had surprisingly good results. [05:10] Takeaway #2: Writing interiority is hard for almost every writer. And in my opinion, it’s not talked about enough. This is something every writer should study more! [08:10] Takeaway #3: Somet...
20 Des 202218min
