Fiction Writing Made Easy

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 2024—from crafting sizzling character chemistry and developing compelling antagonists to building immersive story worlds and mastering your character's backstory. 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, you’ll hear me talk about things like: point of view fundamentalsnarrative perspectivechemistry and romantic tensionFourth Wingstory antagonistHarry PotterVoldemort's clear goalswriter's blockstory world #1 New York Times bestsellerA Court of Thorns and Rosesstory arcsseries developmentSave the Cat! story structureAnd that's just a taste of our special year-end top 10 tip countdown. I'm so excited to share these writing tips with you—they're genuinely some of my favorites from this year! So, cozy up with your favorite writing snacks, and let's celebrate the best writing advice of 2024 together. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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 👉 Click here to get access to the FREE limited-episode podcast series "Write Your Book In 2025." Learn the 3 things you need to write your book in 2025, how to silence your inner critic so you can write confidently, practical strategies for finding time to write (even when life's busy), and my clear roadmap from idea to finished draft. 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.

Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good. 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. Here's what we talk about: [02:48] Why you should absolutely love your "hot mess" first draft—it'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 ‘must-read’ success. [22:59] Why comparing your revision journey to other writers only holds you back—and 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. 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: websiteInstagramwebsiteInstagramwebsitewebsiteInstagram⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 👉 Click here to get access to the FREE limited-episode podcast series "Write Your Book In 2025." Learn the 3 things you need to write your book in 2025, how to silence your inner critic so you can write confidently, practical strategies for finding time to write (even when life's busy), and my clear roadmap from idea to finished draft. 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.

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 I’m 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 writers—a romance author and a sci-fi author—who 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. [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! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Get on the waitlist for updates on The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets here!Ep. 164 - Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie MedrekEp. 166 - Student Spotlight: How Jennifer Lauer Sold 5,000+ Copies of Her Debut Novel in 18 Months (Without a Massive Social Media Following)Just Food For DogsSupport 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.

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, you’ll 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. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Free Download: 10 Ways New Writers Can Enhance Their StorytellingIsobelle Lans at Inspired Creative CoIsobelle Lans on InstagramSupport 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.

Whether you want complete creative freedom, better royalties, or a faster speed to market—get 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 belt—released through both traditional and hybrid publishers—Nicole knows firsthand what it takes to navigate the publishing world and make the choices that best serve you. This is what we talk about… [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. [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 Nicole’s brand new project that's going to make the fiction publishing journey so much easier for writers. [33:26] Why building your author platform and book marketing matters more than ever when pitching agents and getting exposure. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: WebsiteInstagramSteps To StoryBookWorks.coSupport 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.

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,"—but here's the thing—your 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 they’re here to share their best writing tips for finishing your book. Even if you're not neurodivergent, you'll want to tune in because these writing strategies are pure gold. Here’s 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 it’s 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. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Alyssa Pfingst’s WebsiteWebsiteInstagramWebsiteInstagramWebsiteInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

If you’re serious about becoming a published author, determining your novel’s genre is one of the most important things you’ll have to do. But sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if your book toes the line between Women’s Fiction and Romance. In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the difference between Women’s 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: Five different ways to talk about the genre of your storythe difference between Women’s Fiction and RomanceThe key characteristics of a Romance novelromance genre tropestraits of a Women’s Fiction novelcharacter-drivenIf you’ve ever struggled to understand the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Download the Women’s Fiction vs. Romance Cheat SheetEp. 2 - Genre: The Key To Writing A Story That WorksEp. 23 - The 6 Key Scenes Every Romance NeedsEp. 38 - Romance Genre ConventionsEp. 46 - The 6 Scenes Every Worldview Novel NeedsEp. 25 - Worldview Genre ConventionsEp. 84 - The 6 Scenes Every Status Story NeedsEp. 70 - Status Genre ConventionsBook Club Replay: Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

“When should I start marketing my book?” This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, “Do I need to build an email list?” And “What are some effective ways to market my book?” 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. We’ll also cover things like: book marketing efforts earlyoverwhelmed by book marketinggrowing your social media versus growing your email listwork with book influencersbuild your author brandcreating buzz around your book I LOVED this conversation with Lacy because she’s so knowledgeable and passionate about book marketing—and no wonder, with over 16 years of experience helping authors build their personal brands and market their books! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about book marketing, you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Black Fox MarketingLacy Lieffers on InstagramGrab Lacy’s Book Launch Playbook here!Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Selling 5,000+ copies of a debut novel in 18 months (without a massive social media following) might seem out of reach to most aspiring authors. But, in fact, it’s not. And our incredible podcast guest, Jennifer Lauer, is here to show you how it's done. When we last spoke, Jennifer was on the brink of launching her debut sci-fi novel, The Girl in the Zoo. Fast-forward to today, and she's sold over 5,000 copies, launched a successful fiction podcast, and released a new paranormal mystery novella series. In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like: book launch setbacksAmazonCOVID diagnosisNetGalleyAmazon reviewsGoodreads reviewsharsh feedbackBookBub features#1 on multiple Amazon listsminimal social media presencemindsetThe Strange Chronicles,overcome writer's block novellamarketing plansseries launchinfluencer boxesWhether you're gearing up to launch your first novel or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can use today. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Ep. 85 - Student Spotlight: How She Overcame Her Fear of the Blank Page (and Indie Published Her Novel) with Jennifer LauerWebsiteInstagramStart Somewhere by Jennifer LauerInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

It’s no secret that one of the biggest roadblocks to getting traditionally published is the dreaded literary agent rejection. But to find the right literary agent for you and your story, you have to go through the process of querying a handful of agents—which means you should expect to get a handful of rejections before finding your perfect match. In this episode, I’m sharing the three most common literary agent rejection scenarios and, more importantly, what you can do in each scenario to take the next steps and keep moving forward with your querying journey. Tune into this episode to hear things like: form rejection letterrequests your full manuscriptWhat literary agents are looking for in your opening pages“Revise & Resubmit” request5 signs you should stop queryingIf you’ve ever wondered how to interpret the rejection letters you’re receiving (or how to take action on the rejection letters you’re receiving), you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Ep. 58 - 10 Querying Mistakes (& How To Avoid Them)Ep. 142 - How To Write A Query Letter That WorksFirst 5 Pages Workshop: How To Hook Readers In Your First 5 PagesInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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 what happens when you ditch your agent and decide to self-publish instead? This episode is a must-listen if you're curious about the ins and outs of self-publishing and how it can possibly safeguard your creative control. In this episode, Stefanie Medrek is back on the podcast—and boy, has her story changed! The last time we chatted, she had just landed an agent and was about to go out on submission. But now she's releasing her debut romantic suspense novel as a self-published author. So what happened? Tune in to hear why Stefanie parted ways with her agent, how she navigated the world of self-publishing, and what it's like to prepare for a self-published book launch (happening this week). In the episode, you’ll hear things like: If you've ever felt unsure about which publishing path to take, or if you're just curious about what goes on behind a self-published book launch, you'll LOVE this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Into the Fire by Stefanie MedrekStefanie’s WebsiteStefanie on InstagramEp. 71 - Student Spotlight: How She Wrote a Novel in 6 Months (and Landed an AgentInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

You finished your book and now you’re looking for a cover designer, but where do you start? Where can you find a good book cover designer? And how much should you expect to pay them for a quality book cover? These are all questions my guest, Zoe Norvell, will answer in this week’s brand-new podcast episode! Zoe is the mastermind behind INeedABookCover.com and INeedABookInterior.com—and she’s been designing book covers professionally since 2011 (both for big publishers and self-published authors alike). Tune into this episode to hear us talk about things like: finding and working with a book cover designerbook cover inspirationbook cover designershow much to budget for your book cover fill-in-the-blank templatenotIf you’ve ever wanted a clear answer to some of the most important book cover design questions, you’re going to love this episdoe with Zoe Norvell. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Grab the free email template hereINeedABookCover.comINeedABookInterior.comZoe Norvell on InstagramInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

One of the questions I get asked by a lot of aspiring authors is, “What books should I read to learn how to start writing a novel?” I get asked this question so often that I decided to turn my answer into a podcast episode! Tune in to this episode to hear my take on the 5 best writing books that have had the biggest impact on me and the authors I work with. I’ll share what the books are, why I like them, and what kind of writer they’d be best for. In other words, you’ll hear me talk about: dig deep into your character’s backstoryhow to write a well-structured sceneplotting a novelbreaks down an entire storya story’s midpointIf you’re looking for another craft book to add to your TBR pile (that can also make you a better writer), you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Savannah Gilbo on InstagramStory Genius by Lisa CronThe Story Grid by Shawn CoyneSave the Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica BrodyWrite Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott BellThe Story Grid Masterwork Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by Savannah GilboInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Have you ever Googled things like “how many words should be in a novel?” Or “how many scenes should a novel have?” If so, you’ve probably gotten answers like “80,000 words.” Or “somewherre between 40 and 60 scenes.” Easy enough, in theory…But if you’re like most of the writers I’ve worked with, you’ve probably also had trouble sticking to these guidelines because there’s just so much stuff that needs to go into a novel, right? Well, in this episode, I’m going to help clear up some of the confusion and overwhelm that many writers face when it comes to outlining, writing, and revising. And to do that, I’m going to share everything I know about scene beats. Tune into this episode to hear things like: The difference between scenes and beatsThrone Of Glass by Sarah J. Maaswhen to worry about the beats with each of your scenesif something should be a beat or a scene If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed creating your outline or trying to fit an entire story into a certain number of words or scenes, you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Ep. 153 - Scene Analysis: Chapter 5 "Diagon Alley" From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneThrone of Glass by Sarah J. MaasClick here to grab a copy of my book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneEp. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

How do you know if you’re actually getting better at writing? In this episode, my guest, Tim Grahl, the CEO of Story Grid and the author of multiple books, both fiction and non-fiction, shares his answer to this question. Tim believes that his new book, The Shithead, is the best book he’s ever written—and I happen to agree with him! So, how did he get here? What did he do to become a better writer? And more importantly, what can YOU learn from Tim’s story to become a better writer yourself? Tune into this episode to hear things like: The Shithead, blended real life with fiction from brainstorming to finished draft in about six months the secret to writing the best book he’s ever written launching and marketing this bookthe If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a better writer—and what you can do to practice your craft in a meaningful way—then you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Free Download: 3-Point Scene Writing ChecklistStory Grid’s YouTube ChannelStory Grid’s WebsiteTim’s Book The ShitheadInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Want a peek behind the scenes into my work week? 👀 In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing what I do as a developmental editor and book coach. I’ll talk through the projects I’m working on, what I’m excited (or not excited) about, what’s coming up in the next few weeks, what I learn from the writers I work with, and basically anything else that happens during the week! Tune into the episode to hear me talk about things like: How I use a paper plannergrouping common activitiesfinish their developmental edits not getting everything on my to-do list donecritiquing the opening pages of five different science fiction novelsThanks for coming on this journey with me, and I hope you enjoy this peek behind the scenes! See you next week! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Ep. 94 - How to Reveal Your Character's Inner Life on the PageEp. 102 - 3 Common Interiority Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)Planner Pad on AmazonInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Would you believe me if I said social media could make you a better writer? If you’re shaking your head NO, you’ll want to check out this episode. My guest, Lara Ferrari, is an Instagram marketing specialist who has helped hundreds of writers grow engaged communities of readers online (and have FUN while doing it). In this episode, she’s sharing how you can use social media to increase your creativity and motivation, get reader input and feedback, do market research, and find the accountability and support you need to become a better writer. In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like: social media marketing for authorsfind your target audiencenegative perception of social mediapromote their booksmental healthsocial media can increase your creativity practical examplesactionable market research using social mediareader input and feedbackcommunity, accountability, and supportmaintain your boundarieswriting your bookIf you’ve ever felt unsure about social media, or if social media consistently feels like something that’s just too hard to tackle, you’re going to LOVE this episode with Lara! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Lara Ferrari’s InstagramGrab Lara’s Instagram Glow Up Guide here!Interested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—and I learned soooo much about book marketing. Tune into this episode to hear the ten surprising lessons I learned from my first book launch, including things like: asking for Amazon reviewsbook launch processmy marketing planworking with ARC Readers and influencersanAmazon bestseller and the #1 New Releasebook launchcelebrate afterpublishing a bookIf you want a peek behind the scenes to hear what worked, what didn’t work, what I’m glad I did, and what I’d do differently next time, you’re going to love this episode! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Ep. #107 - List Building Essentials For AuthorsGrab a copy of my new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Guide To Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (and then claim your bonuses) here!Leave a review for my book on AmazonInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

Do you ever wish you could see a behind-the-scenes look at how other people write? In this episode, you’ll get to hear directly from five of my Notes to Novel students as they share how they brainstormed, outlined, and wrote their books inside the Notes to Novel course. I asked each of them to share the biggest thing that helped them get to “The End” of their drafts, and that’s exactly what they’re sharing with you today. In the episode, you’ll hear things like: fast draftingfinish a 114,000-word draft in only 88 days embrace scene structurea framework to develop his ideasan improvement in her writingdefeated her inner criticTrust me when I say that you will find these writers’ stories so inspirational! I had so much fun putting together this episode and can’t wait to share their insights with you! ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: websiteInstagramInstagramInstagramwebsiteInstagramInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.

As someone who’s worked with hundreds of authors, I see people making the same mistakes over and over and over again. Mistakes that are easily avoidable once you know they’re mistakes. In this episode, I’m sharing some of these mistakes. Specifically, the 10 things that will NOT make you a better writer—and oh boy is it a juicy episode! In it, you’ll hear me talk about: more “ready” to writehow to find the right writing groupwriting and revising at the same timepopular writing methodsinvesting in your craftSo, tune in and let me help you avoid making some of the most common mistakes writers make—and let’s make this the year you finish (or publish!) your book. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← 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! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Notes to NovelThe Spun YarnInterested in becoming a book coach? Click here to watch Author Accelerator's free video for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful book coaching business! 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.